what does the assignment song mean

The 'I Understood The Assignment' TikTok Audio Explained

A social media trend has reached peak popularity whenever brands start participating in it; by the time junior creatives and social media interns finish pitching and explaining a trend for approval, it's probably already been seen on every platform. So, with that in mind, it should be easy to backtrack the timeline of a trend to learn more about it when a brand joins in on the fun. One glaring exception is the Duolingo Owl — that's one up-to-date bird.

McDonalds' "I understood the assignment" era on Twitter began in the second half of 2021. So did  Starbucks '. With a calculation based on conjecture, the trend can be traced back to the beginning of 2021. We looked to Know Your Meme for confirmation, and it turns out we were right. This is what high school teachers meant when they said that we'd use math after graduating.

This particular phrase has garnered extreme attention across all social media platforms. On TikTok , videos submitted under the "I understood the assignment" hashtag have received more than 600 million views; an excess of 30,000 posts wear it on Instagram . But what does it mean? And why is there an entire song dedicated to it? Read on to learn more.

The 'I understood the assignment' trend has been used by celebrities

How was the "I understood the assignment" trend created? In March 2021, a Twitter user @thering26 posted stills of Uma Thurman in numerous acting roles. "Uma Thurman will always understand the assignment," the accompanying text read. Soon, the phrase and meme format spread across Twitter like wildfire; it is used to describe someone who knows how to get the job done (via Know Your Meme ). The meme format is particularly popular for talking about actors who can pull off very different roles with top-notch acting.

A few months later, artist Tay Money put a new spin on the trend. She released a song that claimed she understood " The Assignment ." The artist herself used a part of the song that said "I understood the assignment" on TikTok. This led to a trend of people posting accomplishments and stories that proved that they knew what was expected of them and went above and beyond (via Know Your Meme ). 

Even celebrities hopped on the trend. Taylor Swift used it to promote "All Too Well" (via YouTube ) and basically immortalized the phrase. There are currently around 250 million views on the "the assignment" hashtag on TikTok . It also led to the creation of another relatable sound that remixes Tay Money's song with Reese Witherspoon in "Legally Blonde" saying, " Actually, I wasn't aware that we had an assignment ." And that's how one meme took over the internet. 

What Does Understood The Assignment Mean? – Meaning, Uses and More

What Does Understood The Assignment Mean?

The slang phrase understood the assignment is used to praise someone who goes above and beyond or consistently performs well. It can be applied in various situations, such as complimenting someone’s work, outfit, or performance. The phrase gained popularity in 2021, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. The origins of “understood the assignment” are unclear, but it became more widely known after American rapper Tay Money released a song titled “The Assignment” in October 2021. The phrase went viral on Twitter, with users using it to pay tribute to their favorite actors and actresses who excel in their roles. Here are some examples of how to use the phrase “understood the assignment”:

• “Your presentation was amazing! You really understood the assignment.”
• “That outfit is fire! You totally understood the assignment.”
• “I told my son to clean his room, and he really understood the assignment. It’s spotless!”
• “That new employee really understood the assignment. She’s already making a big impact on the team.”
• “I’m not sure if I understood the assignment for this project. Can you give me some more guidance?”

The phrase “understood the assignment” is a fun and playful way to praise someone for their exceptional work or effort. It can be used sincerely or sarcastically, depending on the context.

What Does Understood The Assignment Mean From a Girl?

When a girl uses the phrase “understood the assignment,” she typically means the same thing as everyone else. It is a way to praise someone for going above and beyond or consistently performing well. Girls use it in various situations, such as complimenting someone’s work, outfit, or performance.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Specific meaning from a girl : Girls use the phrase “understood the assignment” to acknowledge and praise someone’s exceptional work or effort.
• How girls use it : Girls may use the phrase in conversations with their friends, colleagues, or online communities to show appreciation for someone’s achievements.
• How to reply : If someone says “understood the assignment” to you, you can reply with a simple “thank you” or express your gratitude for their recognition.

Girls use the phrase similarly to everyone else. It is a lighthearted and positive way to acknowledge someone’s accomplishments. So, if a girl says “understood the assignment” to you, take it as a compliment and feel proud of your achievements!

• Girl A: I just finished my final project for school!
• Girl B: Nice job! You totally understood the assignment !
• Girl: I saw your artwork on Instagram. It’s amazing!
• Artist: Thank you so much! I’m glad you think I understood the assignment .
• Girl A: Check out this outfit I put together for the party tonight.
• Girl B: Wow, you look stunning! You definitely understood the assignment .
• Girl: I just aced my math test!
• Friend: That’s awesome! You really understood the assignment .
• Girl A: I finally finished writing my novel.
• Girl B: That’s incredible! You truly understood the assignment and brought your story to life.

What Does Understood The Assignment Mean From a Guy?

When a guy uses the phrase “understood the assignment,” it can have similar meanings as when a girl uses it. However, there may be some slight differences in how guys use and interpret the slang. Here’s what you need to know:

Complimenting appearance or performance : Like girls, guys may use “understood the assignment” to compliment someone’s appearance or performance. They might use it to acknowledge someone’s stylish outfit, impressive skills, or exceptional work.

Acknowledging achievements : Guys may also use “understood the assignment” to recognize someone’s achievements or efforts. Whether it’s in sports, academics, or any other area, they use it to show appreciation for someone who has gone above and beyond.

Flirting or expressing interest : In some cases, guys may use “understood the assignment” as a flirty hint or a way to express their interest in someone. It can be a playful way of showing admiration and attraction.

Different tone or delivery : While the overall meaning is similar, guys may have a different tone or delivery when using “understood the assignment.” They might use it in a more casual or laid-back manner compared to girls.

If a guy says “understood the assignment” to you, here are a few things to consider:

Context of the conversation : Pay attention to the context in which he used the phrase. Was it in response to something specific you did or said? Understanding the context can give you clues about his intentions.

Your relationship with him : Consider your relationship with this guy. Are you friends, dating, or just acquaintances? The meaning behind his use of “understood the assignment” can vary depending on your relationship dynamics.

Body language and tone : Take note of his body language and tone of voice when he says it. Does he seem serious, playful, or flirtatious? These non-verbal cues can provide additional context to help you understand his intentions.

Of course, it’s important to remember that not every guy will use “understood the assignment” in the same way. Some may use it casually without any specific meaning, while others may use it as a genuine compliment or flirtation. If you’re unsure about his intentions, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or simply take it as a positive acknowledgment of your achievements.

• Guy 1: Dude, did you see that new video game trailer? It looks insane!
• Guy 2: Yeah, the graphics are next level. The developers really understood the assignment .
• Guy 1: Check out this painting I just finished. What do you think?
• Guy 2: Wow, man! You really understood the assignment . It’s so detailed and vibrant.
• Guy 1: I aced my math test today!
• Guy 2: Nice job, dude! You definitely understood the assignment . Math can be tough, but you nailed it.
• Guy 1: I just finished renovating my apartment. Take a look!
• Guy 2: Whoa, it looks amazing! You totally understood the assignment . The design is on point.
• Guy: I saw your dance performance last night. You killed it!
• Girl: Thanks! I practiced so hard. I’m glad it paid off.
• Guy: It definitely did. You absolutely understood the assignment on that stage!

What Does Understood The Assignment Mean Sexually?

No, “understood the assignment” does not have a sexual or NSFW meaning. It is a slang phrase used to praise someone who goes above and beyond or consistently performs well in various situations.

Origin of Understood The Assignment

The origins of the phrase “understood the assignment” are unclear. It gained popularity in 2021, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. It is possible that the phrase originated from the common understanding of assignments in school or the workplace, where individuals who excel or consistently perform well are said to have understood the assignment. However, it is also possible that the phrase emerged organically as a catchy and expressive way to praise someone’s exceptional work or effort. Without further information, it is difficult to determine if it is a derived word or a popular typo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slangs similar to understood the assignment.

The slang phrase “understood the assignment” is similar to the words “outdated,” “trying too hard,” “conformist,” “on trend,” “generic,” and “out of touch” because they all describe someone or something that is not keeping up with trends, not standing out, or lacking originality or uniqueness. These terms are used to criticize or describe someone or something that is not meeting expectations or societal norms.

Is Understood The Assignment A Bad Word?

No, “understood the assignment” is not a bad word or vulgar word. It is a phrase used to praise someone who goes above and beyond to do a good job or who is always on point. It gained popularity in 2021 and is often used on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter to remark about fantastic and on point things.

Is Understood The Assignment a Typo or Misspelling?

The term “dyat” could be a misspelling or typo, as it is not a recognized word and may have been mistyped due to its similarity to the word “dat” or “diet.”

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TikTok explores what it truly means to 'understand the assignment'

You've probably seen the phrase "understood the assignment" used to death on social media. Here's why everyone is saying it. The slang term is a popular way to praise someone who is going above and beyond to do a good job. According to Urban Dictionary, "understood the assignment" means, "a phrase used when someone is giving it 110% ... Whether it’s what they’re doing, what they’re wearing, someone who is really on top of their s***" . In the Twitter trend, users pay tribute to their favorite actors and actresses who've been able to pull off a slew of eclectic roles. TikTok tends to go along with Urban Dictionary's definition, rather than focusing on celebrities

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Understood The Assignment

What does Understood The Assignment mean?

Nailed the task perfectly

When someone ‘Understood The Assignment’ , it means they have outdone themselves, performing an extraordinary feat. It’s like saying a person has nailed it with their outstanding work, such as creating an impressive outfit that makes them stand out in a crowd.

This slang phrase was made famous by the song “The Assignment” by the American rapper, Tay Money. One of the lines from the song is, “ Tay, you killed this. I understood the assignment “.

The term is a playful take on how high-achieving students or employees grasp tasks at school or work and deliver excellent results. It took off on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter in late 2021, where people used it to comment on anything that was amazing or spot on.

For instance, if a golfer completely outplays his competition, making them look like beginners, a fan could say, “ LeBron James understood the assignment “. Similarly, if an artist releases an album with eye-catching cover art, a fan could tweet, “ The latest Ariana Grande album cover understood the assignment “.

Example for using ‘Understood The Assignment’ in a conversation

Hey, did you see the new Spider-Man movie?

Yes! It was so good! Tom Holland really understood the assignment 👏

I know, right? He nailed the action scenes and the emotional moments!

Absolutely! The whole cast and crew really understood the assignment and made an incredible film 🎥🔥

Related Slang Words You Might Be Interested In

On this page, we explain what Understood The Assignment means. We also show you how to use it with some examples. It’s a small part of the big world of slang, and now you know a bit more about it.

If you find any inaccuracy in the meaning/explanation, please do not hesitate to let us know . Let's make the web better for everyone - one slang at a time. 🙂

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Do You Know What All The Top Gen Z Phrases For 2022 Mean?

Senior Trends Reporter, HuffPost UK

Everyone knows Gen Z are the ones currently deciding what’s in and what’s out.

But do you know what the top phrases they used in 2022 actually mean?

Using Google trends data, Preply – a language learning app – identified the top slang terms used in the last year which had people quickly hunting the internet to learn what they actually meant.

Here’s a breakdown of all the definitions, starting with the most-Googled:

1. Understood the assignment

Think of it as the 2022 edition of the phrase “killing it” – it means when someone put in additional effort and went above and beyond a brief, basically.

It went particularly viral back in 2021 when fans of various actors compared all the different roles they had played, alongside the caption, “they understood the assignment” – a tweet format which continued throughout 2022.

listen, jenna ortega is so good in wednesday and the scene where she dances is perfect proof that she understood the assignment pic.twitter.com/MIMjXrdsgR — Nora Dominick (@noradominick) November 26, 2022

Ooh, probably not the one you want to be associated with.

Pronounced ‘chew-gee’, it means someone behind on trends, out of fashion, and who is a bit cringey. So if you’re still trying to use the word “random” to describe something quirky, you’re probably a bit cheugy in Gen Z’s eyes.

Sorry, we don’t make the rules.

Bussin’ is an adjective for something absolutely amazing, and usually related to food. Like this TikToker, who described Ikea meatballs as “bussin bussin”.

Presumably it stems from “bust a move” but we’re not too sure about the exact origins of this one.

@ashyizzle Those meatballs were bussin bussin ✨ #mukbang #ikea ♬ Famous piano songs for comedy and cooking programs - moshimo sound design

4. Caught in 4k

This is somewhere between “caught in the act”, “caught in the trap” and “caught red-handed”, it usually refers to catching someone out – but with digital evidence.

That can be video proof, a voice recording, a text screenshot or a photo, it all counts.

Think of it like the 2022 edition of “we have the receipts”, except “4k” means the proof against someone is particularly high quality.

On social media, users often attached a camera emoji to really hammer home how it means someone (or their scandal) has been exposed.

5. Sending me

When something is hilarious online, LOL is no longer enough.

So Gen Z invented “sending me” to express how something is so hilarious, they are incapable of carrying on as normal.

Perhaps it originates from “sending me insane”, but either way it has a similar hysterical sentiment to “I’m literally screaming” and “I can’t deal”. So it’s a new way of laughing, but online.

6. Ate that

This is seriously high praise. Despite it sounding like the opposite, “ate that” means someone is doing such an amazing job. We know, it sounds like they consumed the task whole – but maybe that’s a good thing?

7. Main character

This one is somewhat easier to understand.

If you embody main character energy, then you are the central figure in every situation.

TikTok has made this one very popular. Think of that person who everyone looks at when you walk into a room like you’re in a movie – if you’re a main character, you’re this person now.

And it doesn’t matter how you attract that attention either, as this baptised baby proves:

He's got that main character energy pic.twitter.com/eNClGDLPHr — made me smile (@mademe__smile) December 27, 2022

8. Snatched

This is the ultimate compliment about your appearance.

It began with New York City drag culture back in the 1990s, but has resurfaced to mean anyone who is quite simply, very attractive, perfect and amazing.

It’s like an upgrade of “on point”, you look like perfection.

Confusingly, it was also used to describe a particular waist shape for hourglass figures as well – so you would have a “snatched waist” – but appears to have been extended to apply to appearances as a whole.

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Understood the Assignment

“Understood the assignment" is a phrase that is used to acknowledge someone who has done an exceptional job or exceeded expectations. 

What does "Understood the Assignment" mean on social media?

The phrase has become popular on social media and in popular culture and is often used to praise someone who is giving it their all whether that’s with their achievements, what they’re wearing or what they’re doing more generally. 

For example, if someone shows up to the party in a great outfit in this context, saying they “Understood the assignment” means that the person is at the top of their game and pulled up in a great look. 

The phrase can also be used sarcastically to criticize someone who has failed to meet expectations or has done a poor job. Overall, "Understood the assignment" is a phrase that is used to acknowledge someone's efforts or accomplishments and has become a popular way to express praise or criticism in slang.

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Understood The Assignment

Did an amazing job.

When somebody understood the assignment, they did something incredible and gave it their all. For example, when a person designs a fabulous outfit and looks stunning, they understood the assignment.

Origin of Understood the Assignment

The slang phrase "understood the assignment" was popularized in 2021 by American rapper Tay Money's song "The Assignment." For example, lyrics from her song are, "Tay, you killed this. I understood the assignment."

The phrase plays off how excellent students or employees understand assignments in school or the workplace really well and subsequently produce stellar work. In the fall of 2021, the phrase grew in popularity on social sites, like TikTok and Twitter, as people used it to remark about fantastic and on point things.

For example, a fan may say, "Tiger Woods understood the assignment," when the golfer beats the rest of the field so badly that he makes them look like amateurs. Or, a musician may have stunning album art, and someone may share it on Twitter, saying, "The new Cardi B album cover understood the assignment."

Related Slang

Understood the assignment definition by slang.net.

This page explains what the slang term "Understood the assignment" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

We are constantly updating our database with new slang terms, acronyms, and abbreviations. If you would like to suggest a term or an update to an existing one, please let us know !

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Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department Lyrics Hint at How She Really Moved on From Joe Alwyn to Matty Healy

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Last year just got a lot more clear. Taylor Swift’s “Tortured Poets Department” lyrics seemingly hint at how she moved from Joe Alwyn to Matty Healy, and now we don’t know what to think.

“ The Tortured Poets Department ” is the title track and second song from Swift’s 11th album of the same name, which Swift announced during her speech for the Best Pop Vocal Album award at the 66th annual Grammy Awards. “This is my 13th Grammy, which is my lucky number. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that. I want to say thank you to the members of the Recording Academy for voting this way, but I know that the way that the Recording Academy voted is a direct reflection of the passion of the fans,” Swift said. “So I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I have been keeping from you for the last two years, which is that my brand-new album comes out April 19. It’s called The Tortured Poets Department .”

The album was set for release on April 19, 2024, however, it leaked a day earlier, which is when fans start dissecting and discussing Swift’s lyrics from her 16 songs — especially “The Tortured Poets Department.” Read on for what we know about the meaning behind Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyrics and who they’re about.

Who are Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyrics about?

Fans are divided about whether Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyrics are about her ex-boyfriend, Joe Alwyn , who she dated from 2016 to 2023, or her short-lived romance with Matty Healy, who she dated in April 2023 after her breakup with Alwyn.

Some fans believe that “The Tortured Poets Department” and album’s title is a reference to Alwyn’s WhatsApp group chat titled “The Tortured Man Club” with Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott, which he revealed in an interview with Variety in 2022. “It’s the Tortured Man Club, I think. It’s me, you — and Andrew Scott started the group,” Alwyn said in a conversation with Mescal.

Mescal added of Scott, “He’s just on it every day. He’s just on it by himself.” Alwyn continued, “Just messaging himself good mornings. We were both in the Sally Rooney universe and crossed over with Lenny Abrahamson. We were so lucky to have that experience.”

However, there are other fans who believe the lyrics are about Healy, who first met Swift in 2014, a decade before their rumored romance. “We met each other, we exchanged numbers in the same way that a lot of people in this kind of world do, and we spoke occasionally,” Healy told Australia 2Day FM Radio Show in 2015 about his friendship with Taylor. “She’s the biggest pop star in the world and I’m in Australia. There’s no relationship or anything happening. It’s just funny how people really, really buy into that.”

Swift and Healy dating rumors briefly swirled in 2016. They reignited in April 2023 after Healy was seen attending Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Nashville, Tennessee. They were also photographed holding hands in New York City in May 2023. News broke that Swift and Healy had broken up in June 2023. “Taylor and Matt are no longer romantically involved,” a source told Us Weekly at the time. “They had fun together, but it was never serious.”

Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyrics meaning

So what is the meaning behind Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” lyrics? Read on for each lyric decoded.

You left your typewriter at my apartment Straight from the tortured poets department I think some things I’ll never say Like, “Who uses typewriters anyway?” But you’re in self sabotage mode Throwing spikes down on the road But I’ve seen this episode And still loved the show Who else decodes you?

• While some fans believe that “the tortured poets department” lyric is a reference to Alwyn’s WhatsApp group chat titled “The Tortured Man Club,” others believe there are clear references to Healy in “The Tortured Poets Department.” In an interview with GQ in 2019, Healy revealed that he still uses typewriters and loves them. “I really like typewriters as well. I don’t have one with me because that is impractical, but the thing with typewriters and writing with pen to paper, there’s an element of commitment that goes with the ceremony with it. It therefore forces you to concentrate a bit better,” he said. He went on to talk about the importance of his notebook. “It’s important to have a book. It’s mainly stories that I write about my dreams of being in love with other popstars,” he said.
• Unlike Alwyn, who’s an actor, Swift and Healy are both songwriters and essentially poets in their own right. While poetry is also a theme in Swift’s relationship with Alwyn — namely, in her Folklore song, “The Lakes,” in which she sings “take me to the lakes, where all the poets went to die” — this lyric more accurately represents Healy as it describes writer who self-sabotages their own work.

And who’s going to hold you Like me? And who’s going to love you, if not me? I laughed in your face and said, “You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith” This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel We’re modern idiots Who’s going to hold you like me? Nobody. No fucking body. Nobody.

• Patti Smith is an American singer and poet, while Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer, who had a reputation as a “roistering, drunken and doomed poet,” according to The Welsh Academy Encyclopedia of Wales. While Thomas could be a reference to either Alwyn or Healy, given that they’re both from the United Kingdom like Thomas, the description of Thomas more accurately represents Healy’s reputation.
• That said, Swift and Alwyn were seen leaving the Moxy Chelsea hotel in August 2022 after an MTV VMAs afterparty. The now-infamous video shows Alwyn leading Swift by hand while running from the hotel to their car. After Swift and Alwyn’s breakup, many accused Alwyn of trying to hide Swift by rushing her to the car, so there’s speculation that the lyric about Swift’s relationship not being the Chelsea Hotel could be a reference to that video.

You smoked then ate seven bars of chocolate We declared Charli Puth should be a bigger artist I scratch your head you fall asleep Like a tattooed golden retriever But you awaken with dread Counting nails in your head But I’ve left this one Where you come undone I chose this cyclone with you

• Both Alwyn and Healy have been photographed smoking, however, Healy is known for chocolate in his band The 1975’s 2013 “Chocolate,” which is used as a euphemism for cannabis. Though it’s not an indicator of Healy’s opinion of him, Puth did cover The 1975’s song “Somebody Else” for BBC Radio 1 in 2017. Healy also has several visible tattoos across his entire body, while Alwyn does not.

And who’s going to hold you like me? And who’s going to love you like me? I laughed in your face and said, “You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith” This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel We’re modern idiots Who’s going to hold you like me? Nobody. No fucking body. Nobody.

• Because of Healy’s reputation and his list of controversies , Swift received a lot of criticism when news broke of her relationship with Healy. The chorus of “The Tortured Poets Department” speaks to how only Swift and the subject of the song understand their love, which could be a representation of her and Healy’s relationship.

Sometimes I wonder if you’re going to screw this up with me But you tell Lucy you’d kill yourself if I ever leave And I had said that to Jack about you So I felt seen Every we know understands why it’s meant to be ‘Cause we’re crazy.

• The most popular theory is that “Lucy” is Lucy Dacus, a member of the band Boygenius, while “Jack” is Jack Antonoff, Swift’s frequent collaborator. Both Alwyn and Healy have relationships with Boygenius. Alwyn is best friends with actor Paul Mescal, who was engaged to Boygenius member Phoebe Bridgers before splitting in 2023. Mescal is also a part of Alwyn’s “The Tortured Man Club” WhatsApp group chat, while Bridgers also opened for Swift’s The Eras Tour. Healy also used to be close friends with Boygenius, however, Healy seemed to confirm that they had a falling out in September 2023. “I told Lucy Dacus that ‘Boygenius’ had inspired me and George to start a new band called ‘Girlretard’. I don’t really hear from her that often,” Healy tweeted as a joke. Dacus responded, “you don’t hear from me at all.”

So tell me, who else is going to love me? At dinner you take my ring off my middle finger And put it on the one people put wedding rings on And that’s the closest I’ve come to my heart exploding.

• Rumors swirled that Swift and Alwyn were secretly engaged for years. Alwyn responded to the rumors in an interview with The Wall Street Journal in 2022, in which he denied the claims. “If I had a pound for every time I think I’ve been told I’ve been engaged, then I’d have a lot of pound coins,” Alwyn said. “I mean, the truth is, if the answer was yes, I wouldn’t say, and if the answer was no, I wouldn’t say.” He continued, “We live in a culture that people expect so much to be given. So that if you’re not posting all the time about what you’re doing, how you’re spending a day, or how you made a breakfast, does that make you a recluse?”

Who’s going to hold you? ….Me. Who’s going to know you? …Me. And you’re not Dylan Thomas I’m not Patti Smith This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel We’re two idiots

Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you? Who’s going to hold you?

You left your typewriter at my apartment Straight from the tortured poets department Who else decodes you like me?

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MLB Trade Rumors

Twins Designate Matt Bowman For Assignment

By Darragh McDonald | April 30, 2024 at 2:00pm CDT

The Twins announced that right-hander Jhoan Duran has been reinstated from the injured list, as had been reported on earlier this week. In a corresponding move, right-hander Matt Bowman has been designated for assignment.

Bowman, 33 next month, signed a minor league deal with the Twins in the offseason. He was added to the 40-man roster just over two weeks ago, after throwing six scoreless frames in Triple-A, and has since pitched 7 2/3 innings over five appearances in the majors.

He only allowed two earned runs in that time, which is why his earned run average looks nice right now at 2.35. However, the underlying metrics have been less impressive. He has six strikeouts and four walks, leading to respective rates of 19.4% and 12.9% thus far. His 57.9% ground ball rate is strong but he wasn’t going to maintain a .056 batting average on balls in play nor a 90.9% strand rate. That’s why his 5.64 FIP and 4.38 SIERA are much higher than his ERA in this small sample.

Since Bowman is out of options, the Twins had to remove him from the 40-man roster entirely in order to open an active roster spot for Duran. They will now have one week to trade Bowman or pass him through waivers. If the latter scenario were to come to pass, he has over three years of service time, giving him the right to reject an outright assignment and elect free agency instead. However, he doesn’t have five years of service, meaning he would have to forfeit the remainder of this $925K salary to return to the open market.

Elbow injuries, including Tommy John surgery, prevented Bowman from pitching in official game action from 2020 to 2022. He was able to return to the mound last year, tossing 58 2/3 innings for the Triple-A club of the Yankees with a 3.99 ERA. He struck out 22.6% of batters faced in that time while giving out walks at an 11.7% rate and getting grounders at an 51.9% clip. He also tossed four innings for the Yanks in the majors but was outrighted after the season, which allowed him to sign with the Twins.

12 Comments

4 hours ago

What’s his assignment?

Free to a good home. Kidding on that of course, but lots being left out with regards to this guy last few days on this site. Something has been going on behind the scenes regarding him.

Team doesn’t just DFA a cheaply controlled, 26yo closer, who happens to dominate 2y straight, sit 100+mph, coming back from injury (now) or not who still has an option year.

no.. there has to be at least 1 serious wart with this guy. Twins fans might know, some hardcore fans of theirs.

Was wondering the same thing.. makes no sense to DFA this guy.

2 hours ago

Who, Bowman? Are people reading this way different than I am?

Matt Bowman is a 4A reliever ever since Mike Matheny destroyed his arm from 2016-2017. He had bad peripheral numbers that were prime for regression

I watched the guy this year. Great break on his stuff. I think it just comes down to this – our bullpen is stacked. Justin Topa is due to finish rehab soon too.

3 hours ago

Sure they do, it’s the entire point of the 40 man roster. The Twins used him to cover a short term need brought on when several of their MLB-ready relievers went on the DL at the same time. Instead of bringing up someone who was not ready they added a throw-away guy who they could try to pass back through waivers rather than risk losing someone younger they care about, like Festa for example.

Also, Bowman is not the guy you’re describing, which is why he was freely available last winter. He could definitely be an improvement for a lot of bad bullpens, so I expect he’ll be grabbed (Hello Chicago!) but better him than one of the youngsters they don’t want to start the clock on.

You do realize they are DFA-ing Bowman, not Duran, right?

I feel like Duran coming back is the bigger news for the headline.

I believe that’s called “Burying the lede.”

Man poor Matt Bomer………oh wait

45 seconds ago

Yankees have their Tonkin replacement.

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It Looks Like Travis Kelce Made It Into Taylor Swift’s New Album, So Here’s What She Seemingly Had To Say About Their Relationship

While reckoning with her past, it seems Taylor didn’t forget about her current beau.

BuzzFeed Staff

By the look of things, Taylor Swift's Tortured Poets Department draws a lot of inspiration from her past heartbreaks . But, fortunately for Travis Kelce , it seems she still dedicated a few tracks to her present.

In the unlikely event you need catching up, Taylor’s highly anticipated 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department , dropped at midnight, inevitably sending Swifties into a frenzy of excitement.

And just as listeners were processing the 16-track record, Taylor did what she does best and dropped in at 2 a.m. with a surprise — gifting fans with yet another 15 songs, which merged with the first installment to create The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology .

So, with 31 brand-new tracks to get their teeth into, Swifties have been deep in lyrical analysis since the moment the clock struck 12. And by now, many have speculated that a lot of the songs may have been inspired by Taylor’s fleeting — and rather controversial — romance with Matty Healy , as well as a few nods to her previous ex, Joe Alwyn .

For a reminder, Joe and Taylor dated for six years before breaking up in April 2023 . It was only a month after her split from Joe that Taylor was seen with  Matty — whom she was previously rumored to have dated in 2014 . 

After sparking widespread controversy in her fanbase, Taylor's brief relationship with The 1975 frontman ended in June, with a source telling Entertainment Tonight at the time: “They are both extremely busy and realized they're not really compatible with each other.”

Going into last night's album release, hopes were high that Taylor may have sought inspiration from her current relationship with Travis Kelce — and luckily for Tayvis fans, it seems she delivered.

From what we know, Travis and Taylor first started seeing each other privately around August — a month after the NFL star gushed about trying to shoot his shot with her while attending the Eras Tour over the summer.

They confirmed their relationship in September when Taylor attended one of his football games with the Kansas City Chiefs — and the rest is history.

But, before we get into it, we must first acknowledge that lyrical interpretation is subjective. Therefore, this analysis is rooted in speculation based solely on the history of Travis and Taylor’s relationship.

In the first batch of songs, a track titled “ The Alchemy ” quickly stood out to listeners as potentially Travis-inspired due to its slew of sports references — namely, the mention of touchdowns.

“So when I touch down / Call the amateurs and cut 'em from the team,” Taylor sings in the chorus. “Ditch the clowns, get the crown / Baby, I'm the one to be / 'Cause the sign on your heart / Said it's still reserved for me.”

In scientific terms, alchemy is concerned with mixing chemicals to create gold, and if there’s one thing we know about Taylor, she loves using golden themes to describe her happiest relationships. So, with that in mind, the story of this song seems to be about the transformative magic of a budding romance — presumably with Travis.

For example, in the first verse, Taylor appears to call back to the start of the relationship, noting that such a strong connection is rare.

“This happens once every few lifetimes / These chemicals hit me like white wine,” the opening lines go.

Later in the first verse, she also sings about seeking out her lover by circling them “on a map,” which some fans think could be a subtle reference to claims that Taylor put Travis “on the map” by boosting his fame and popularity when they started dating.

In the post-chorus, Taylor throws out more sporting references, singing about “blokes” who “warm the benches,” and being on a “winning streak.”

Since “bloke” is a slang term for “man” commonly used in the UK, it’s possible that the blokes in question are her British exes, Matty and Joe, with Taylor poking fun at how her past lovers have been sidelined.

Meanwhile, the “winning streak” line could be a nod to the Chiefs’ immense success during the football season, becoming Super Bowl champions for a second consecutive year.

But perhaps most notably, the bridge paints a vivid picture of a familiar sporting scene as Taylor sings: “Shirts off, and your friends lift you up, over their heads / Beer stickin' to the floor, cheers chanted 'cause they said / ‘There was no chance trying to be the greatest in the league’ / Where's the trophy? He just comes, running over to me.”

As most will remember, the last line, in particular, seems to draw parallels to the viral moment that Taylor and Travis embraced on the football field when the Chiefs won the AFC Championship game in January, securing their spot in the Super Bowl.

Despite all this, not everyone agrees that Travis was this song’s sole muse. In fact, numerous fans have theorized that “The Alchemy” could be about Matty.

For starters, in the post-chorus Taylor uses wordplay centering on heroin, singing: “He jokes that ‘It's heroin, but this time with an E.’” For context, Matty has talked openly about using heroin earlier in his life, so some have interpreted this as a reference to his past addiction struggles .

On top of this, a recurring theme in the song is past lovers and comebacks, with Taylor indicating multiple times that she’s “coming back” to the relationship. This would align with the fact that she and Matty were romantically linked nearly a decade before their public fling in 2023.

And while “The Alchemy” left fans a little divided, listeners seem to have no dispute that “ So High School ” from the second batch of songs might be inspired by Taylor’s all-American love story with Travis.

From the outset, it’s noteworthy that Taylor and Travis’s relationship has drawn high-school comparisons since it first began — the superstar and her popular football player boyfriend, reminiscent of a senior year power couple.

And with that, “So High School” automatically seems to play into that perception of their sweet romance as Taylor depicts the nostalgia of teenage first love — dropping shoutouts to everything from American Pie to Grand Theft Auto , much to the amusement of her fans.

“And in a blink of a crinkling eye / I'm sinking, our fingers entwined,” the chorus goes. “Cheeks pink in the twinkling lights / Tell me 'bout the first time you saw me.”

“I'll drink what you think and I'm high / From smoking your jokes all damn night,” she sings, leaning into the giddiness of young love. “The brink of a wrinkle in time / Bittersweet 16 suddenly.”

Away from the general high-school themes, Taylor also appears to include some nods to specific moments between her and Travis that fans pored over in the early months of their romance.

In the intro, for example, she sings about finding her lover in a crowd (something she and Travis are pretty used to, what with football games and concerts), as well as someone opening the car door for her (Swifties memorably lost it over Travis escorting Taylor from her car during a trip to NYC in October).

The first verse also includes the line: " Are you gonna marry, kiss, or kill me? ," which has been interpreted by many as a callback to a 2016 interview in which Travis played a game of "Kill, Marry, Kiss" — choosing to kiss Taylor.

And finally, the bridge appears to echo Travis’s public pursuit of her last summer, with Taylor signing: “You knew what you wanted, and, boy, you got her.”

So, while The Tortured Poets Department appears to dedicate a lot of time to the past, it looks like Taylor wants fans to know she’s doing pretty damn well in the present, too.

Travis has not publicly discussed The Tortured Poets Department since its release, but we’ll let you know as soon as he does. In the meantime, you can read more of our Taylor coverage here .

Topics in this article.

• Taylor Swift
• Travis Kelce
• Matty Healy

What is a fortnight? Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' vocabulary explained

Taylor Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department” on Friday , introducing a new era of artistry for the global superstar. You might need a thesaurus on standby while listening.

Her long-anticipated eleventh album, excluding her “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings, is her most recent release since Midnights, which came out in Oct. 2022.

Swift is infamous for dropping “Easter eggs,” or clues that tell a larger story about her or an album’s concept. This record is no exception.

The album features Swift’s classic poppy and lyrical style, but introduces a host of new vocabulary words, urging listeners to sprint to Google to decode the songs’ meanings.

Music: Taylor Swift's 'Tortured Poets' is hauntingly brilliant, even the 15 surprise songs

What is a fortnight?

The intro track on “The Tortured Poets Department” is titled “Fortnight” and features rapper Post Malone.

Swift sings, “And for a fortnight, there we were, forever running.” A fortnight refers to a period of two weeks. The term’s usage peaked in the 1860s.

When will the “Fortnight” music video be released?

Swift announced “Fortnight” will get a music video in an Instagram post on Friday. The video will be available at 5 p.m. Arizona time on Friday.

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‘The Alchemy’ lyrics meaning: Is the Taylor Swift song about Travis Kelce?

We have a play call from Taylor Swift: “Call the amateurs and cut them from the team!”

The second-to-last song on “ The Tortured Poets Department ,” “The Alchemy,” is one of the only pure love songs on an album that skews melancholy.

This is a story of a love that “happens once every few lifetimes,” Swift’s narrator sings. Alchemy refers to the quest in ancient and Medieval times to find a philosopher’s stone, which would make it possible to turn any substance, like lead, into gold.

Revisit our live coverage of the release of “The Tortured Poets Department.”

More ‘Tortured Poets’ lyrics analysis

• Taylor Swift’s ‘thanK you aIMee’ and ‘Cassandra’ lyrics: Are the songs about Kim Kardashian?
• ‘Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus’ lyrics: What does this Taylor Swift song mean — and who are these people?
• ‘So Long, London’ lyrics meaning: Taylor Swift's song, decoded
• ‘So High School’ lyrics: What does the Taylor Swift song mean?
• Fans connect Taylor Swift’s song ‘imgonnagetyouback’ to Olivia Rodrigo’s single ‘Get Him Back!’
• Who is Clara Bow and why did Taylor Swift name a song after her on 'Tortured Poets Department'?
• Which ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ songs could be about Matty Healy?
• 'Fortnight' lyrics meaning: What is the Taylor Swift song about?
• Taylor Swift’s ‘Robin’ lyrics: What does the song mean?
• Read the two special poems in Target’s edition of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

In the context of relationships, like this song, alchemy could suggest the meeting of two people to form something wholly new, though something inexplicable (like, cough, love ).

Beyond medieval magic, what’s especially notable is that “The Alchemy” is replete with football imagery.

Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kel ce — to whom she has been linked since her first Chiefs game appearance in September 2023 — was not expected to be the focus of the album.

But “The Alchemy” seemingly equates love to football and “winning streaks.” (Kelce’s Chiefs are certainly on one of those, having won the Super Bowl two years in a row.)

“There was no chance / Trying to be the greatest in the league,” Swift sings.

The chorus’ conceit is about being champions and comebacks: “When I touchdown call the amateurs and cut ‘em from the team / Ditch the clowns, get the crown baby / I’m the one to beat.”

The bridge is a lyrical description of victory, ending with, “Where’s the trophy? / He just comes running over to me / Touchdown!”

One can’t help but remember Swift and Kelce embracing after his Super Bowl and playoffs wins.

She also mentions crowns in “The Alchemy,” as she’s done frequently in the past. In “Long Live,” she sings, “You traded your baseball cap for a crown.” Here, she’s trading a helmet.

Football has also appeared in the imagery of her music videos, often in the context of high school football players.

In “Fifteen” (2008) she sings: “But in your life, you’ll do things greater than dating the boy on the football team.” The lyrics suggest dreaming bigger than nabbing the popular guy.

Then, her on-screen crush in the “You Belong With Me” (2008) music video is a football player. Meanwhile, she’s on the other side of the social spectrum and “on the bleachers” in a marching band uniform.

In “Mean” (2010) she imagines watching football as a passé activity, fit for her nemesis: “I can see you years from now in a bar / talking over a football game / With that same big mouth opinion / but nobody is listening.”

By the time “Stay Stay Stay” came out in 2012, Swift was dating the football player: “That’s when you came in wearing a football helmet / And said, “OK, let’s talk.”

Read on for the lyrics for “The Alchemy.”

Read the lyrics to ‘The Alchemy’

This happens once every few lifetimes

These chemicals hit me like a white wine

What if I told you I’m back?

The hospital was a drag, worst sleep that I ever had

I circled you on a map

I haven’t come around in so long

But I’m coming back so strong

So when I touch down call the amateurs and cut ‘em from the team

Ditch the clowns, get the crown baby

I’m the one to beat

‘Cause the sign on your heart said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight the alchemy?

Hey you, what if I told you we’re cool?

That child’s play back in school is forgiven under my rule

But I’m making a comeback to where I belong

Cause the sign on your heart said it’s still reserved for me

These blokes warm the benches

We’ve been on a winning streak

He jokes that “It’s heroin, but this time with an ‘E’”

Shirts off and your friends lift you up over their heads

Beer sticking to the floor, cheers chanted cause they said

There was no chance

Trying to be the greatest in the league

Where’s the trophy?

He just comes running over to me

Call the amateurs and cut ‘em from the team

He jokes that “It’s heroin, but this time with an ‘E’”

Elena Nicolaou is a senior entertainment editor at Today.com, where she covers the latest in TV, pop culture, movies and all things streaming. Previously, she covered culture at Refinery29 and Oprah Daily. Her superpower is matching people up with the perfect book, which she does on her podcast, Blind Date With a Book.