Firecracker Motifs In United States (Traditional) Cheerleading Cheers

Bugs Bunny Bugs Bunny RA RA RA

meatwadgunit, Jun 19, 2010
-snip-
Notice that the two fans weren't energized until they began to repeat Bugs Bunny's cheer. 

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases the Bugs Bunny cheerleader film clip and presents information about and examples of the firecracker motif (recurring idea, theme) in some United States (traditional)* cheerleading cheers.

*The word "traditional" refers to "mainstream" cheerleader cheers as opposed to "stomp & shake" cheerleader cheers.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, and educational purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the composers of these cheers, and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the producers and the publisher of this embedded cartoon clip.

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THE HISTORY AND PURPOSES OF THE FIRECRACKER MOTIF IN CHEERS


These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for references purposes only.

SOURCE #1
from AI Overview [These entries are the result of my May 27 & 28, 2026 online queries about early United States cheers.]
"In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, American cheerleading was an all-male activity focused entirely on organizing the crowd. These early "yell leaders" relied on rhythmic, locomotive-style chants to build stadium energy, eventually evolving into the structured sideline cheers used today.

The Birth of Organized Cheers -The first known organized cheer was documented at Princeton University in 1884. This style of chanting set the foundation for the "Locomotive" chant, which became incredibly popular across American universities

The Princeton Cheer (1884)
"Ray, Ray, Ray!
Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!
Sis, Sis, Sis!
Boom, Boom, Boom!
Aaaaah!
Princeton, Princeton, Princeton!"

The Locomotive Cheer (Late 1800s)
"Rah! Rah! Rah!
Tiger!
S-s-s-t!
Boom!
A-h-h-h!"

The Minnesota Varsity Cheer (1898)
"Rah, Rah, Rah!
Ski-u-mah!
Hoo-Rah!
Hoo-Rah!
Varsity! Varsity!Varsity,
Minn-e-So-Tah!"

Early Women's Cheers (1920s–1940s)
As women joined the ranks and cheerleading expanded into high schools and collegiate athletics, cheers incorporated rhyming couplets, spelling, and spelling-out letters to keep fans directly engaged with the game.

The Rowdy Cheer
"R-O-W-D-I-E
That's the way we spell rowdy!

Rowdy, rowdy, let's get rowdy!"

The Knock 'Em Down Chant
"Knock 'em down,
Roll 'em around,
Come on (Team Name),
Knock 'em to the ground!"…

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SOURCE #2
From https://www.facebook.com/CheerDaily/posts/throwing-it-back-to-1884where-it-all-beganthe-first-ever-documented-cheer-was-sh/886830590231939/
"Cheer Daily

December 1, 2024

Throwing it back to 1884—where it all began!

The first-ever documented cheer was shouted at Princeton University, igniting the energy of the crowd with these unforgettable words:

Ray, Ray, Ray!

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!

Sis, Sis, Sis!

Boom, Boom, Boom!

Aaaaah! Princeton, Princeton, Princeton!

This chant laid the foundation for the cheerleading traditions we know and love today!”…

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SOURCE #3
From AI Overview [This write-up is the result of my query about the famous Bugs Bunny cheer.] 
"The famous cheer is:"Bricka-bracka, firecracker, sis-boom-bah! Bugs Bunny, Bugs Bunny, rah, rah, rah!"

This phrase was popularized by the United States Naval Academy's iconic nautical siren cheer. It became a major pop-culture staple when Bugs Bunny led a crowd in the cheer during the classic 1943 Merrie Melodies cartoon Super-Rabbit.

The History of the Cheer

The cheer itself is an evolution of the traditional American "skyrocket yell.”

"Sis-Boom-Bah”
Originally an onomatopoeia for a launching skyrocket (a hissing fuse, an explosion, and the crowd's "ah"), this chant dates back to at least 1869 when it was shouted at the first intercollegiate football game between Rutgers and Princeton.

The Cartoon: In the 1943 short Super-Rabbit, Bugs Bunny gains superpowers, dons a Marine uniform, and inspires this enthusiastic stadium chant from his fans."...

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SOURCE #4
AI Overview [This is a result of my May 28, 2026 query about "firecracker cheers".]
"Firecracker cheerleading cheers are high-energy, crowd-pleasing chants that use fun sound effects and rhythmic motions. They are perfect for pumping up the crowd, building spirit, or showing off your team's explosive energy.

The Classic "Firecracker" Cheer
This is one of the most popular and traditional cheerleading cheers.

Words:
Firecracker, firecracker,
boom, boom, boom!
Firecracker, firecracker,
boom, boom, boom!
The boys have the muscles
The coaches have the brains
And the girls have the spirit to win the game!

(Repeat first two lines)"USA" Firecracker Chant

"USA" Firecracker Chant
A great play on words that works perfectly for school and all-star squads.

Words:
Open up the barn door,
kick out the hay,
We are the (Team Name / or) girls from the USA!
Turn on the radio,
and what do ya hear?
Elvis Presley doin a cheer!
Firecracker, firecracker, boom, boom, boom!
Firecracker, firecracker, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
-snip-

-snip-
The last line is often given as "The girls have the sexy legs". The pee wee (very young) community cheerleaders in that video chanted "The girls have the pretty legs" instead of "The girls have the sexy legs". 

I've also come across online examples of this cheer with the words "The girls have the spirit and we won the game".  

Instead of the words "firecracker firecracker/ boom boom boom" some examples of this cheer use the words "firecracker, firecracker/siss boom bah."

**
Combinations of the two featured cheers are widely found online. Here's one example:

"Open up the barn door, kick out the hay,

We are the girls form the USA!

Turn on the radio, and what do ya hear?

Elvis Presley doin a cheer,

Firecracker, Firecracker, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Firecracker, Firecracker, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Boys got the muscles, coaches got the brains,

Cheerleaders have the sexy legs and we win the game!"
-@nancygraham4379, 2024 [comment], https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLV29xnLpD8 . published by Randy Ferrell, Oct 9, 2011

[Video summary] "Chenoa and the rest of the Indian Springs Optimist Cowboys Cheerleaders showing their spirit!"

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Examples Of "Bobo Ski Otten Wotten" Rhymes (Or Similar Titles) With Decade & City/State Demographics

Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision - May 28, 2026

This pancocojams post presents a compilation of examples of the children's recreational rhyme "Bobo Ski Otten Wotten" that include the decade and geographic location (city/state in the United States) that the commenter remembers chanting or hearing that example. 

The earliest date that I've come across thus far for an example of "Bobo Ski Otten Wotten" (or similar titles) is the 1940s.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, and recreational purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all these contributors of these examples.
-snip-
To be clear, I still believe that the source of the "otten totten" words in examples of "Bobo Ski Watten Totten" (and similar titles) is the Black American song entitled "Who Dare" that was published in 1845.

Here's an excerpt of that song that includes the "otten totten" words. (Those words serve as the song's chorus)
From https://www.google.com/books
"The Popular National Songster And Lucy Neal And Dan Tucker's Delight: Containing A Choice Collection Of The Most Admired, Patriotic, Comic, Irish, Negro & Sentimental Songs;

published by Perry, John B

Date: 1845

Publication Place: Philadelphia

SKU b00481

"PAGE 155 

 WHO DARE

Come all you jolly [a plural form of "the n word"]
To you the truth I tell, ah
Neber lib wid white folks
For de neber use you well, ah
     -Dingee, I otten totten 
      Ballio otten dotten
      Dingee I otten dotten ,
      WHO DARE?"
-snip-
I used italics for highlighting purposes only.

For the entire composition and my speculation about the meaning of the words in that song, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2023/11/a-19th-century-source-for-20th-century.html 
"Who Dare" - The 19th Century Black American Source For The 20th Century United States Hand Clap Rhymes "Bobo Ski Otten Totten".  

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SELECTED EXAMPLES OF "BOBO SKI OTTEN TOTTEN" (AND SIMILAR TITLES) WITH DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Before 1970

"My mom told me this was done as a crowd cheer when she was in school in the 1940’s:

Bo bo ski watten tottle, ala sssssssss,
Bo bo ski watten tottle, ala sssssssssss,
Eaten beaten watten tottle
eaten beaten watten tottle,
Bo bo ski watten tottle ala sssssssss."
-submitted by D, https://schoolyardplay.net/bo-bo-ski-watten-totten/
-snip-
This example is an exception to the rule in this compilation of only featuring examples that provide geographic demographics.

**
"I learned Bo Bo Ski as a small child in the early 50's. It was a cheer they used at high school football games. My mother cheered it in the late 40's in lower Delaware."
-Cathy Wagner, https://www.mamalisa.com/?t=es&p=2199, "Mama Lisa "Bo Bo Ski Waton Taton" Hand Clapping Rhyme

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1970s

"Oh my gosh, you brought me back to a long-ago summer at camp in Lake Peeksill, NY!(1970?)

I learned this one as:

"Bo-bo-ski-waten-doten,

EH-EH-EH-EH(boom boom boom)

Bo-bo-ski-waten-doten,

EH-EH-EH-EH(boom boom boom)

ITTY-bitty-waten-doten,

bobo-ski-waten-doten,

bobo-ski-waten-doten,

EH

EH

EH!!!!

 

Thanks so much!!"
-Perry, April 7, 2009, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008

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1980s

"Bo bo see watten totten

Eh eh eh eh boom boom boom

Mini mini wa wa bo bo see wa wa

Bo bo see watten boom boom boom~ Cleveland '80s with claps"
-Anonymous, October 25, 2019, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008

**

"Just went searching this on an old memory from summer camp (Massachusetts, early 80s)! So interesting to see all the different versions from all over the northeast! Ours was a hand clap and the words were:

Bo Bo ski waten taten

Na Na, I am Bo Bo

Eeny Meeny waten taten

Bo bo ski waten taten

Bo bo ski waten taten

BOOM! (With a big mutual hand clapTo end it 🙌🏼"
-KayQue, July 9, 2020, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008

**
"The way Katie May learned it is exactly how I recall hearing it. It would have either been in Groton, Conn, early 80s, or Hampton VA, mid 80s.

Bobo Shi Otten Totten

Uh-uh, I ain't no fool!

Itty bitty Otten Totten

Bobo Shi Otten Totten

Bobo Shi Otten Totten

Boom!

 

My mind translated it to be an argument between two people, ending with a slap. As a kid, I figured the translation would go something like this...

 

Bobo, she often taught him.

No, I am not a fool.

Lizzy Betty often taught him.

Bobo, she often taught him.

Bobo, she often taught him.

Boom.

 

Anyway, I am convinced that ditty started with actual words, which may or may not have made sense, and much like the whisper game, the words/sounds moved farther away from their origins for each new generation that sang it."
-Anonymous, August 30, 2021, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008

**
"We did the "wotten tottem" version late in Miami way back around 1980. Finding this confirms that the words really were gibberish!"
-clunkygirl, April 28, 2023, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008

**

"11 yrs old 1980

Oh Bo say

Rotten Cotton

Oh Bo say

Boom Boom Boom Boom

(faster)

Eeny meeny rotten cotton

Oh Bo say rotten cotton

Eeny meeny rotten cotton

BOOM! "
-Anonymous, October 19, 2023, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008.

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1990s

"The one I did in the 90's near Chicago was like this and it was a complicated group clapping game

Bo bo ski waten ta-ten

Eh Eh, say boys are rotten

(Faster) Bo bo ski waten taten

Eh eh say boys are rotten

Bo bo ski waten taten

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,out!

^As learned in the 1990's near Chicago"
-LadyShakespeare, October 10, 2019, https://kaytmay.blogspot.com/2008/08/childhood-rhymes.html "Childhood Rhymes", Katie May’s Blog, August 27, 2008

**
"As a Minnesotan born in the late 90s, I played this in elementary school. I can’t really remember how it’s played but I can remember kids singing it. I thought it was just some variation on duck, duck, grey duck."
-deleted, 2021, https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/koyoo7/hope_i_dont_stir_up_too_much_controversy_with/ "Obo ski wotten totten or Obo shin otten totten" 

**
"Man this takes me back. We played this in elementary school in the early/mid 90s. Where I went to school, in a suburb just north of St. Paul, we said "obo ski wotten totten."
-KristySueWho, 2021,
https://www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/comments/koyoo7/hope_i_dont_stir_up_too_much_controversy_with/ "Obo ski wotten totten or Obo shin otten totten" 

**
..."Here’s the version I grew up with:

o-bo-oh shi-NA ten-TA-ten
ne-ne-eh ai/em-bum-BUM-bu(m)
i-ty bi-ty-AH-ten-TA-(t)en
o-bo-oh shì-NA ten-TA-ten—
MBU!

[...]

I first remember this song/game from daycare or kindergarten in Farmington, Minnesota, USA, in the mid-1990s.

The movement I remember was a circle hand-slapping elimination game: hands were placed so the slap passed around the circle, then after the chant we counted to ten, and the person whose hand was slapped on ten was out unless they pulled their hand away in time."...
-Thrin, May 26 and May 27, 2026 [two comments], https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2023/11/a-19th-century-source-for-20th-century.html " "Who Dare"- The 19th Century Black American Source For The 20th Century United States Hand Clap Rhymes "Bobo Ski Otten Totten"
-snip-
These are clips of two long comments that were posted in that pancocojams discussion thread on May 26 and May 27, 2026 by Thrin.

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2000-2015

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after 2015

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Visitor comments are welcome.

The Stomp & Shake Cheer Routine For "You Make Us Go To Sleep" Is An Example Of "Being Petty" And "Ate And Left No Crumbs"

 
Saginaw Dance Show, Dec 5, 2024
-snip-
The "You Make Us Go To Sleep" cheer and cheer routine was created by Sparkman High School cheerleaders (Harvest, Alabama) as part of a longer cheer/cheer routine.  A video of this cheer that was performed by that high school's cheerleading squad  was first published on Tik Tok in 2023.

The words for that cheer are given below in this 2026 pancocojams post. 

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Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision - May 27, 2026

This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series that provides information about the relatively new African American Vernacular English meaning of the English word "petty".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/05/a-new-african-american-slang-meaning.html  That post is a reprint of the 2017 pancocojams post that is still available on this blog with the  title "A New African American Slang Meaning For The Word "Petty" (Starrkeisha's Petty Cheer & More)." https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-new-meaning-for-old-adjective-petty.html 

This post presents information about the fictitious character "Starrkeisha" and presents information about the "new" African American Vernacular English (slang) meaning of the word "petty". A reprint of one comment that I wrote in that 2017 post's discussion thread is also included in this video. There are two additional comments in that 2017 post (as of May 26, 2026)

The content of this post is presented for recreational and socio-cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Sparkman High School cheerleaders for creating the "You Make Us Go To Sleep" cheer. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to @saginawdanceshow for publishing this video on YouTube 
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/05/similarities-and-differences-between.html for Part I of a close related two part 2026 pancocojams post entitled "The Stomp & Shake Cheers "You Make Us Go To Sleep" and "All Y' All Cheers Are Boring" (Videos)." That video showcases a different un-named cheerleading squaw than the Sparkman High School cheerleaders who are the original creators of that cheer and its cheer routine. Part II of that series presents  comments from a discussion thread for that example of the "All Y'All Cheers Are Boring" cheers. The link to that post is given in Part I of that series.

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AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH MEANING FOR "BEING PETTY"
One African American Vernacular English meaning for "being petty" is "saying or doing something that may be considered insignificant or trivial as a way of insulting (dissing) someone or multiple people."

Another way of defining "being petty" in African American Vernacular English word is "using something that most people may not have considered ammunition for a diss (insult)." 

"Petty" can describe words and/or actions.

The wittier and/or the more creative the diss or shade (indirect insult) is the better it will be received by onlookers.

With regard to the stomp & shake cheerleader cheer "You Make Us Go To Sleep", the words of the cheer diss the opposite cheerleading squad's cheers as being so "lame" (weak, corny) and boring that they can put anyone who hears them to sleep. But, the cheerleaders go further at the end of their cheer routine by showing the truth of what they just chanted- they collapse on the gym bleachers and pull out individual small blankets to cover themselves as they pretend to be sleeping. This dissing battle cheer's end is iconic because it took something petty -the blankets- as a symbol of how boring and lame their oppositions' cheers are.

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AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH MEANING OF "ATE", "ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS", AND OTHER "ATE" SLANG WORDS/PHRASES
https://grokipedia.com/page/Eating_slang, Fact-checked by Grok, March 2026
"Eating (slang)

...The slang term "eating," along with variants such as "they ate," "ate that," and "ate down," originates in African American Vernacular English (AAVE), particularly within Black and Latinx ballroom culture and urban New York communities, where it denotes exceptional performance, dominance, or flawless execution in a given context.[1]"...
-snip-
This compilation of selected comments from the discussion thread for the now iconic "You Make Me Go To Sleep" cheer includes these frequently used examples from the African American Vernacular English "eating"/"ate" superlative family:

-eating
-ate
-ate it up
-ate that
-ate down
and
-ate and left no crumbs

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2022/05/a-new-african-american-vernacular.html for the 2022 pancocojams post entitled "What "Ate" And "Ate That" REALLY Mean In African American Vernacular English (AAVE)" .

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SELECTED COMMENT FROM THIS VIDEO'S DISCUSSION THREAD (with a focus on some of the comments in that discussion thread which include the word "petty" and/or comments that refer to the cheerleaders covering themselves with their small blanket at the end of this cheer routine)

These comments are given in relative chronological order and are numbered for referencing purposes only. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBRgM-iBeow

2025

1. @KaylaMaglayo
"The blankets were extra petty 😂😂😂 I already love this cheer"

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2. @MiaWilliams-lq2dp
"Omggg what were they saying.. they ate that and the blankets are the best part"

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3. @UnknownSub244
"For those wondering what the lyrics are, it's:

 ~You lame and you make us go to asleep~

I SAID!

~You lame and you make us go to sleep~

~you tryna c-compete~

~But you know you can't compete~

SLEEEEP~

~We bout to fall asleep~

~We bout to fall asleep....~

Insert blankets because they ate left no crumbs and went to SLEEP"

**
Reply
4. @charmingyungman9479
"Correction: Yall Tired?  You Lame and You Make Us Go To Sleep! ....... I saaaaiiid You lame and you make us go to sleep, your trying hard to beat but you know you can't compete. Sleeep (stomp).... We bout to go to sleep... (stomp) we bout to go to sleeeeep"

**
Reply
5. @totty2439
"​ @charmingyungman9479 exactly what they said"

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6. @mscantfindmarii
"this routine is eating so hard especially the end with the blankets! whoever made this routine needs a shoutout"

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Reply
7.@audriroundtree6656
"THATS SPARKMAN HIGH SCHOOL ❤️❤️❤️. I go to Sparkman Middle School. I do basketball cheer there💙💙💙"

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8. @sophoniejoseph4419
"I’m not gonna lie the blankets are so good and I love all the cheerleaders. I love that school I wish I was in that school😢"

**
9. @AhmiyahRaqayyahhh
"The blankets is crazy 😂😂"

**
10. @SavySentient
"So petty 😂😂😂"

**
11. @quinishac
"It's giving 90s cheer. I remember our competitions were sooooo pettyyyyyy lmao. Love this. Mini Clovers. <3"
-snip-
The Clovers is the name for the urban, majority Black American cheerleader squad in the 2000 cheerleading movie Bring It On.; "mini-clovers- a small version of the Clovers.

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12. @KAILYNNWILLIAMS-x1k
"Ate down and left no crums honey ate that not y’all bring blankets"

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13. @YourLocal_tacos
"The blanket part was so creative"

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14. @nikniknik_40
"The blankets were DIABOLICAL 😂😂😂"

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15. @Chloe-f9y4e
"The blankets are sooo petty and go crazy with that cheer🥰🥰🥰🥱"

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16. @shyryTsr2k
"Haha I love that! Cheer teams have the biggest flexes and the best diss tracks😂"

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Reply
17. @zaejohnson3414
" @shyryTsr2k  right 😂😂 we keep the people interested lol"

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18. @whoneedthatt
"YESSS SIR THIS IS HOW CHEER IS!!! NONE OF THAT WEAK STUFF 🔥🔥🔥"

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19. @margieleonard5273
"😂OMG,  loving this cheer sooo doggone much. A great disrespectful cheer with class. Get it girls😂😂❤️"

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Reply
20. @MsT_ThatsMe
"I am here for the petty.  I screamed."

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21. @hydiagoodrich
"The blankets were extra"

**
22. @Only_Trin
"When they wiped out the blankets at the end got me dying laughing"

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23. @down-kg8mt
"this cheer is crazy lmaoo!! having blankets out just for this cheer is so funny. they knew it was worth it bc this ATE"

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24. @elleward715
"Not the throw blankets at the end 🔥🔥🔥I know their edges are gone cause wigs were just snatched 💅🏾"

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25. @ai_reads333
"You know your cheerleaders are lit when the crowd paying attention 😂😂😂💙 I KNOW DAS RIHHHHHH. I love me a petty cheer to get the team and crowd going."


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26. @QweedaSSFM
"First time ever seen a cheer with blankets❤️❤️🎉"

**
27. @Th3Smil3rC0ll3ctiv3
"THE BLANKETS TOOK ME OUT"

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28. @camilledavis2000
"THE BLANKETSS?? Now y’all know y’all ate down"

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29. @AyoLondonsWorld
"That's so original! We love to see it!"

**
30. @NetaaD
"Yesss the blankets was it factor Go gurlz 😭👏🏽❤️"

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31. @liyahunfiltered
"Yeah yall ateee with them blankets 😂😍😍"

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32. @CinnamonViolet
"I honestly was not expecting the blankets😂😂❤️"

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Reply
33. @azizip171
"Yes, the blankets were the icing on the cake. Thanks Sparkman High School cheerleaders for being so creative!"

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34. @saritasmith7243
"The blankets took me out 😂😂😂😂"

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35. @havenbrown580
"THE BLANKETS COMING OUT AT THE END WAS FIREE 😮‍💨😮‍💨

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36. @bevytele167
"NOT THE BLANKET😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣LMAsparagusOff"

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37. @johnnyerenee8968
"Nahh the blankets took it to the next level. 😂"

**
38. @iheartkermitthefrog-c4p
"4+4 ATE DOWNNNNN"

**
39. @nikoyoart
"THE BLANKETS SENT ME 😂😂😂😂❤️

they ate good"

**
40. @Calamity_10
"THE WAY THEY ALL DRAMATICALLY FELL WITH THE BLANKETS LOL"

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41. @JaselynNegron
"THEY ATE WITH THAT CHEER AND THE BLANKETS ARE CRAZYYYYYY!!!! 🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏"

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42. @copperredd
"The blankets tore it up!❤️😂

Right yas I'm here for it"

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43. @brittanycrosby1551
"They definitely remind me of our cheer team 😂😂 we always had a extra petty but hype cheer for the crowd. 🎉 GOOD JOB GIRLS 🎉"

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44. @LisaSanders-f2p
"brilliant love it unique yesssss the blankets killed me for sure"

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45. @nikoyoart
"THE BLANKETS SENT ME 😂😂😂😂❤️"

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46. @hottoxo
"That sleeeeeeep was cold"

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47. @Cinnamon_Violet
"The blankets made it perfect😂😂"

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48. @kelli211
"That was fire!!!! Very creative, and everyone was on point ❤️😊"

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49. @naomicartier5113
"Yess this is what I’m talking about!!! YALL ATE NO CRUMBS💃🏻"

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50. @jalexissklanaeee
"they ate that up no cap"

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51. @amira-y5s3m
"that's so iconic"

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52. @who.is.luvelystxrry
"Those blankets were so petty and I love that❤️"

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53. @barbarabrown6840
"Sooooo messy 😂😂 and i love it 😂"

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54. @k.c.r.5974
"That was dope! Never seen a cheer like that lol"

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55. @Pmvr-o1g
"Dramatic… I loved it 😅👏🏾👏🏾"

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56. @roderickanthony4263
"That was tight! Never seen a Cheerleader battle like this. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂"

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57.@ambersimmonds8149
"Whoever came up with this one. Absolutely kilt that. Yessss LADIES"

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58. @pinetigulu
"This set a new standard!"

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59. @STi-k7q
"Yes,girls, that was so cold!!!😮😂😂❤️❤️❤️❤️"

2026

60. @drummerboi74136
"I'm NOT GONNA LIE. THAT WAS SICK.   GREAT JOB."

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This concludes Part II of this two part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

The African American Slang Meaning For The Word "Petty" (Starrkeisha's Petty Cheer & More) 2026 reprint

 

The Starrkeisha Cheer Squad! - @TheKingOfWeird

TIU Campaign, Published on Apr 3, 2016

-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-starrkeisha-cheer-squad-petty-cheer.html for a pancocojams post about this Starrkeisha video.

In this video, the cheerleading squad appears to be representing a high school named "Petty" (meaning "Petty" is the last name for someone the high school is named after).

However, these lines from that cheer: "You know I'm petty/I like to start some mess" stance and "You don't want to start stuff (with me) cause I can get down" exemplify the complimentary African American vernacular meaning of being "petty".

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Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision - May 26, 2026

This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series that provides information about the relatively new African American Vernacular English meaning of the English word "petty".

This post is a reprint (with some content changes/additions) of the 2017 pancocojams post that is still available on this blog with the  title "A New African American Slang Meaning For The Word "Petty" (Starrkeisha's Petty Cheer & More)." https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-new-meaning-for-old-adjective-petty.html 

This post presents information about the fictitious character "Starrkeisha" and presents information about the "new" African American Vernacular English (slang) meaning of the word "petty".

The Addendum to this post presents an excerpt pf an article excerpt about the vernacular meaning of the word "petty".

A reprint of one comment that I wrote in that 2017 post's discussion thread is also included in this video. There are two additional comments in that 2017 post (as of May 26, 2026).  

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/05/heres-complimentary-example-of-being.html for Part II of this pancocojams series. That post showcases a 2025 YouTube video of the stomp & shake cheer "You Make Us Go To Sleep".  Selected comments from that video's discussion thread are also included in that post. 

The content of this post is presented for linguistic and socio-cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Cameron Henderson, the creator of the Starrkeisha character. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of the YouTube video that is embedded in this post.

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THE STANDARD ENGLISH MEANING FOR "PETTY"
From https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/petty
"2. having little or no importance or significance"

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From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=petty&page=6
"Petty
When someone overreacts over the littlest things

someone gets mad because the microwave door was left open. That's being petty"
by Dj Ellis March 21, 2017
-snip-
That is considered "petty" because leaving the microwave door open is no big deal.

But it wouldn't be petty if you left the door of a bank vault open.

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AN AFRICAN AMERICAN MEANING FOR THE WORD "PETTY [revised May 26, 2026]
Here's my definition for the African American Vernacular English word "petty" - using something that most people may not have considered ammunition for a diss (insult). 

Petty can describe words and/or actions.

The wittier and/or the more creative the diss or shade (indirect insult) is the better it will be received by onlookers.

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Here's an urban dictionary.com entry for "petty":
From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=petty
"Petty

The act of keeping it too real, while others find it offensive. 100% honesty, even if it's “mean.”

Alexxis, why did you say his wrinkles make him look like the grinch that stole Christmas, you're so petty!

by QueenLex November 07, 2015
-snip-
In the phrase "keeping it too real", the word "too" intensifies the word "real", giving it the same or similar meaning of "very" e.g. "keeping it very real [not being fake in any way], even if some other people might think that you are being mean by reacting this way.

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WORDS FOR STARKEISHA'S "PETTY" CHEER
(TheKingOfWeird)

Leader -Okay ladies, let's get in formation.
All - Gimme a P
Gimme a E
Gimme a T
Gimme a T
Gimme a Y
I'm petty all the time.

Gimme a P
Gimme a E
Gimme a T
Gimme a T
Gimme a Y
I'm petty all the time.

P E to the T T Y
I’m petty
All the time.

Leader (soloist) - My name Starrkeisha
Group- Yeah
Leader - And I'm the best
Group- Yeah
Leader -You know I'm petty
I like to start some mess.

Leader- Cause you don't like me
Group -Yeah
Leader - But you don't want to get down.
Group -Down
Leader -You don't want to start stuff
When Kiki come around
-snip-
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
-If a word could have an anthem, this would be the anthem for the relatively new vernacular meaning of "petty":

Here's some information about the fictitious character "Starrkeisha" 
From AI Overview #2 [This write-up is the result of my request for information about the character "Starrkeisha".]

"Starrkeisha is a popular comedic character and alter ego created by YouTuber and entertainer Cameron Henderson (also known as Cameron J). First going viral around 2016, the character is best known for her bold personality, exaggerated cheer routines, and viral catchphrases.

Origins and Rise to Fame

The Creator: Cameron Henderson, an Oklahoma native, created the character on a whim after writing a throwaway idea on a sticky note.

Virality: The character exploded in popularity with "The Starrkeisha Cheer Squad! - Petty All the Time" video, which spawned the viral "Petty Challenge" cheer routine and racked up millions of views.

Persona: Starrkeisha is often portrayed as loud, fiercely protective of her friends, and unapologetically "petty"."...
-snip-
Pancocojams Editor's Note
Starrkeisha was always performed her creator Cameron Henderson. This character was always portrayed as a female with a small beard. 

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AI Overview #2 [This write-up is the result of my query "What ever happened to the character "Starrkeisha"?]

" The viral internet character Starrkeisha, created by comedian and entertainer Cameron J. Henderson, never permanently disappeared.

Instead, the character's main video run naturally faded out in late 2020 as Henderson transitioned into other comedic content, though fans and other creators still use the character's audio."...
-snip-
October 15, 2020 is the last date that I found for a video that included the character "Starrkeisha".

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-starrkeisha-cheer-squad-petty-cheer.html for the 2016 pancocojams post entitled "The Starrkeisha Cheer Squad (The "Petty" Cheer), information, videos, lyrics, & comments".

Also, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2021/12/four-starrkeishas-christmas-carols.html for the pancocojams post entitled "Four "Starrkeisha's Christmas Carols!" YouTube Videos by Random Structure TV ( 2016 - 2019)".

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ADDENDUM -AN EXCERPT FROM A MADAME NOIRE.COM ARTICLE ABOUT BEING PETTY (IN THE COMPLIMENTARY MEANING OF THAT WORD)
From http://madamenoire.com/597661/petty/ "11 Perfect Memes For That Moment Someone Tries To Come For You And It’s Time To Be Petty"
November 10, 2015 | By Brande Victorian

"We’re all grown women here, which means most days we try to be the bigger person and hold our tongue when someone gets out of pocket. But every now and then our inner Petti LaBelle comes out and, well, we have to remind people, in the words of Kenya Moore, don’t come for us if we didn’t send for you. And here are 11 memes that perfectly sum up that sentiment when our pettiness gets the best of us."
-snip-
"Our inner Patti LaBelle comes out" refers to Soul/Gospel singer Patti LaBelle being a Diva in the positive sense of that word. Patti LaBelle 's reputation for not "playing" with folks or allowing people to "play with" her. Patti LaBelle is known for "throwing expert shade" among her other (complimentary) Diva ways.

Here's a definition of "diva" that fits what is probably meant in that phrase "our inner Patti LaBelle comes out".

From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=diva
"Diva
A fierce, often temperamental singer who comes correct. She is not a trick ass hoe, and she does not sweat da haters.

"And that is why I make the manager cry at the Cheesecake Factory, by being a diva."
by WadaStinsbatsky February 01, 2013
-snip-
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktCh88GOJd0 for a video entitled "Patti Labelle's Shadiest/Diva Moments".
-snip-
Page four of that madamenoire.com gives this example of "petty":
Petty: "Just basking in the joys of karma"
-snip-
Some people might think that it's petty to feel vindication because something negative has happened or is happening to those who have done you wrong. But in the vernacular sense of the word "petty", that feeling of vindication is something to be enjoyed.

Being petty [by or because you are "just basking in the joys of karma" helps add context to this article's title: "The Internet Is Absolutely Loving Ivanka Trump’s ‘Petty’ Neighbor"; She grabbed her fur and some wine to watch a protest outside Trump’s house." by Cavan Sieczkowski, April 4, 2017

Here's an excerpt of that article:
"Hundreds of LGBTQ people and climate change activists protested outside Ivanka Trump’s Washington, D.C. home Saturday night to demand more than just words of support from the First Daughter.

Aside from the satisfaction of having voices heard for important causes during the massive dance party, one of the best things to come out of the protest was Trump’s “petty” neighbor: a woman who grabbed her fur coat and a glass of wine to gleefully watch the event unfold.

The Daily Mail ran the fantastic photo of the smiling neighbor ... who lives across the street from Trump."...
-snip-
Here are a few comments from that article (All of these comments are from April 4, 2017;Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.)
1.Karri Lynn
"Petty is a compliment of sorts when used this way."..

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Reply
2. Marcus Avant
"Yea petty is being used in other ways now..."

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Reply
3. Deborah Paley
"Maybe this is "good" petty as opposed to "bad" petty. I'm down either way, I think it's pretty funny!"

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4. Barbra Blyss
"I don't understand the use of the word 'petty' to describe this neighbor."

**
Reply 
5. TaShonda Lewis-Taylor ·
"Y'all let me help you before another person ignorantly responds. HER PETTY IS A GOOD PETTY. Let it go if you do not understand because you are becoming very annoying!"
-snip-
This article gives some background as to why some of Ivanka & Jared's neighbors aren't happy about them moving into that neighborhood: http://nymag.com/thecut/2017/03/ivanka-trump-and-jared-kushners-new-neighbors-are-annoyed.html
"Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s New Neighbors Are Justifiably Annoyed", By Jenni Miller, March 26, 2017

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Reprint of One Comment From That 2016 pancocojams post:

Azizi PowellApril 5, 2017 at 10:50 AM

"The idea that people should immediately respond to any provocation-no matter how small it might be-or lose "street cred" seems to be the opposite of the 1970s/1980s or so injunction that people should be cool in the face of opposition or adversity (meaning not show any emotions, not let on that they were bothered by anyone or anything that was said about them or that they experienced).

I think that the term "Suck it up!" is the opposite of the verb "clap back" (Note: "Clap back" (also given as "clapback") is a verb and a noun as the retort that is given when you clap back is called a "clapback".)

Here's an urban dictionary.com entry for "suck it up": http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=suck%20it%20up

"suck it up
To endure a period of mental, physical, or emotional hardship with no complaining.

"I don't care if you're sad, get out there, suck it up and deal with it!"
by Albert February 15, 2004
-snip-
It also seems to me that when "clapping back" became "a thing" [something that is the "in thing to do"]*, then "sucking [something] up went out of favor. Because immediately clapping back (verbally responding to provocation, regardless if that provocation was minor or not, is viewed positively, then being "petty" is also viewed positively.

*In African American urban street cultures, an earlier vernacular meaning of "clap" is to shoot someone (fire back with a gun). Note the sharp sound associated with shooting and clapping.

The popularity of the term "clap back" (and its clapping motion that is sometimes used instead of verbalizing those words) can be attributed to the song "Clap Back" by American rapper Ja Rule, released as the only single from his fifth studio album, Blood in My Eye (2003)... The song is a diss track directed at 50 Cent and Eminem." [Wikipedia]

I think the first use of the complimentary meaning of "petty" occurred after 2003, but I'm not sure when. It's possible that the earliest use of the complimentary meaning of "petty" may be 2015 (the year of the urban dictionary.com entry for this word that is quoted in this post).

Please share any information that you have about the earliest vernacular use pf "petty" as something complimentary."

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This concludes Part I of this two part pancocojams series.

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Visitor comments are welcome.