What Is a “Holy Airball”?
An “airball” originates from basketball terminology, describing a shot that completely misses the basket, rim, and backboard. The phrase “holy airball” amplifies this failure into a cultural catchphrase, similar to exclamations like “holy cow!” It signifies an epic miscalculation—typically when someone underestimates another person’s achievements, identity, or background .
On TikTok, the term evolved into a three-part meme format:
- Statement: A claim about oneself (e.g., “I told him my family owns a business”).
- Assumption: A mundane misinterpretation (e.g., “Oh, like a local shop?”).
- Reveal: Proof of the truth, labeled “Holy Airball” (e.g., a photo at Abercrombie & Fitch headquarters for the Abercrombie heir) .
The Origin Story: From Gymnasium to Global Trend
The phrase first gained attention in August 2024 on Reddit, where users mocked failed romantic advances with basketball imagery . However, its viral roots trace back to a high school girls’ basketball game in late 2024. After a player missed a shot spectacularly, students ironically screamed, “HOOOOLY AIRBALLLLL!”—a clip later repurposed for online humor .
By May 2025, TikTokers adopted the format with Jeezy’s 2005 hit “Soul Survivor” as the soundtrack. Early creators like @vqpanther (showcasing a Prius as a luxury car) and @foresttheweenie (a dachshund winning racing medals) amassed millions of views, cementing the trend .
Why “Soul Survivor” Became the Anthem
Jeezy and Akon’s “Soul Survivor” (2005) dominates Holy Airball videos for two reasons:
- Its lyrics (“I’m a soul survivor”) echo the trend’s theme of defying expectations.
- The song’s dramatic beat drop perfectly times the “reveal” moment .
Ironically, Akon’s daughter Alianna Thiam used the song in her viral video:
“Told him my dad was in the music industry… He said, ‘Oh, like a manager?’”
Her reveal showed Akon, prompting comments like, “Trend over, you win” .
How the Trend Works: Anatomy of a Viral Meme
Popular Holy Airball templates include:
- Humble Brags: “Told her I sleep in” → “Yeah, I wake at 11” → Snapchat memories of sleeping past 3 PM .
- Career Flexes: “I’m into law” → “You watch Suits?” → Footage of arguing in court .
- Nepo Baby Revelations: Celeb offspring like Ava Phillipe (Reese Witherspoon’s daughter) and Francesca Scorsese (Martin Scorsese’s daughter) exposed their lineages .
Table: Holy Airball Meme Structure
| Step | Content Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Statement | “I started acting young” | Sets up expectation |
| Assumption | “Like, as a kid?” | Underestimates the truth |
| Reveal | Baby photo on a film set (Drew Barrymore) | Shows grandeur; labels #holyairball |
Why Nepo Babies Hijacked the Trend
While anyone can participate, nepotism babies dominated the spotlight by flaunting generational wealth:
- Shayla Forbes-Luong revealed her family founded Forbes magazine.
- “McDonald” accounts teased connections to the fast-food empire (though unverified) .
Critics like TikToker Jay Belcher called out the absurdity:
“These are not regular people! […] That’s why I don’t compare my life” .
Yet the trend’s flexibility allowed non-elites to join. Olympian Suni Lee and gymnast Katelyn Ohashi highlighted athletic prowess, while others showcased niche hobbies like competitive dog racing .
How to Make Your Own Holy Airball Video
Follow this blueprint:
- Pick a misconception: Choose a trait people underestimate (e.g., your job, hobby, or background).
- Use “Soul Survivor”: Download the sound from TikTok’s library.
- Edit in three clips:
- Text overlay stating your fact.
- Text of the incorrect assumption.
- Visual proof (photos/videos) with #holyairball or #holyfuckingairball .
Pro Tip: For humor, exaggerate the gap between assumption and reality (e.g., “I have a horse” → “A thoroughbred?” → A shaggy pony) .
Why This Trend Resonates
Holy Airball taps into two universal impulses:
- The Joy of Subversion: Correcting misconceptions satisfies a primal need for recognition.
- Flex Culture: Social media rewards vulnerability and spectacle—this trend merges both .
It also democratizes clapbacks. As Her Campus notes:
“If you feel underestimated, now you can make your video and call it a slam dunk” .
The Future of Holy Airball
While the trend peaked in May 2025, its longevity depends on:
- Celebrity engagement (e.g., Drew Barrymore’s 1.7M-view video ).
- Creative spins: Some parody it (e.g., pretending to be a “Miu Miu heir” ).
Table: Notable Holy Airball Moments
| Creator | Content | Views |
|---|---|---|
| Olivia Minor | “My room gets messy” → “I don’t make my bed” → Chaotic bedroom | 12M |
| Hadley | Law interest → “Watch Suits?” → Courtroom work | 9M |
| Alianna Thiam | “Dad’s in music” → “A manager?” → With Akon | 2.8M |
Final Thoughts: More Than a Meme
Holy Airball transcends viral fluff. It reflects how Gen Z uses sports metaphors and irony to navigate identity in a judgmental world. Whether bragging or joking, participants reclaim narratives—proving that sometimes, missing the mark can be the ultimate win .
“Don’t underestimate me” isn’t just a punchline; it’s the trend’s soul .