The Doi Doi Doi Trend Explained: What It Means & Where It Comes From

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Learn why the popular 90s slang is trending among Gen Alpha

Co-authored by Bailey Cho

Last Updated: October 31, 2025 Fact Checked

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“Doi Doi Doi” Meaning

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Where did it start?

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“Doi Doi Doi” Tutorial

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More Trending Slang

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“Doi doi doi” is the latest trend taking over TikTok, thanks to streamer Kai Cenat, and we’re here to explain everything you need to know. In this article, we’ll break down what it means, where it comes from, and how to do it yourself.

Kai Cenat’s Doi Doi Doi Trend Explained

The “doi doi doi” trend involves cupping your hand around your mouth and saying “doi doi doi” or “girl girl girl.” It isn’t a new gesture or slang term, but it gained popularity among Gen Alpha after Kai Cenat performed it during his livestream with America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mendel.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “doi doi doi” mean?

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In this viral trend, you cover your mouth and say “doi doi doi.” It’s a popular internet trend among Gen Alpha, especially on platforms like TikTok. The sound itself doesn’t have a specific meaning, and it’s just considered a fun, nonsensical trend for kids. Some people say “girl, girl, girl” instead of “doi doi doi.”
- Alternative meanings of doi doi doi:
  - “Doi” is slang for “him,” “her,” or “crush” in Indonesian slang.
  - In academic contexts, “DOI” stands for “digital object identifier.” This is a unique string of letters and numbers that helps identify a digital object, like a book or article.

Section 2 of 4:

Where did the “Doi Doi Doi” trend come from?

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“Doi doi doi” is trending because of Twitch streamer Kai Cenat. On September 16, 2025, Kai Cenat hosted Mafiathon 3 (a 30-day, 24/7 livestream on Twitch). He invited comedian and America’s Got Talent judge Howie Mandel on the stream and tried to “audition” for him. Instead of normal singing, Kai vocalized “doi doi doi” through his closed hand to the melody of “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” by Rihanna.^{[1]
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- Kai probably did this just for laughs, but it became a hit on TikTok. Users started clipping the “doi doi doi” moment from the stream and sharing it on social media with funny captions. They also uploaded their own tutorials on how to do the gesture, like this one from @girlwithdaburger.
- While Kai is the reason “doi doi doi” is trending among Gen Alpha, it’s not actually new. Older people are sharing that they used to do the same thing in the 90s (or earlier), and they aren’t cool with kids claiming they started it. Check out Hilaria Baldwin’s video explaining that her son “thinks that his generation has invented” the trend!

Section 3 of 4:

How to Do the “Doi Doi Doi” Trend

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Wrap your hand over your lips, lift your pinky finger, and say “doi doi doi.” Bring your hand up to your mouth and make a fist, placing your lips between your index finger and thumb (on the “webbed” area of your skin). Keep your fingers relaxed so there’s a small gap where you can speak through. Extend your pinky finger up, then hold this position and say “doi doi doi” quickly.^{[2]
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- Since your hand is partially covering your mouth, the “doi doi doi” should sound muffled.
- If you want to imitate Kai Cenat, try repeating “doi doi doi” in the tune of your favorite song. Here are some funny examples from TikTok:
  - “Let Down” by Radiohead from user @eisleywilliams
  - “Super Shy” by NewJeans from user @arlita.bernallll
  - “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna from user @icansmellmypfp
  - “All I Wanted Was You” by Paramore @rananabread

Section 4 of 4:

More Trending Slang

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New slang and trends are constantly popping up on TikTok. Things happen fast on the app, and the users are constantly coming up with new terms and trends. Check out our article that covers the most popular slang words on TikTok, as well as the following slang words and trends below:
- Aura: Refers to someone’s vibe or personality.
- Bet: This is another way to say “okay” or “sure.”
- TS: This stands for “talk soon,” “tough s***,” or “this s***.”
- Body tea: Used to describe a snatched, or super hot bod.
- Chopped: Means you’re ugly, undesirable, or unattractive.
- Szn: This is short for “season.” It can refer to a traditional season, like summer or winter, but most people use it to discuss holidays, events, sports seasons, or personal phases.
- PMO: This stands for “pissing me off” or “put me on.” If it’s the latter, it’s a request for someone to show you something new or provide a recommendation.
- Bop: A “bop” is someone who posts promiscuous photos online or has lots of sexual partners. It’s a misogynistic term that’s used to shame women and is highly disrespectful.
- Type shi: Whether it’s clothes, music, jewelry, or a luxury lifestyle, “type shi” can be used to talk about anything cool, impressive, or high quality. It can also be used to agree with someone, similar to saying “I feel you” or “I hear you.”
- Ten toes down: When you’re “ten toes down,” you’re fully loyal to a person, cause, or belief. You stand firm in your values, no matter what other people say, and you aren’t afraid to embrace your authentic self.