Kissed Horizontally Meaning: Origins, Uses & Smart Replies
Ever scrolled TikTok and seen someone brag they “kissed horizontally” last night?Translation: they made out while lying down—usually on a bed, couch, or even a patch of grass. The phrase originated as a cheeky meme in Rice-Purity-Test quizzes, then gained popularity on Tumblr and TikTok. In this guide you’ll get: Three ways people use the […]Ever scrolled TikTok and seen someone brag they “kissed horizontally” last night?
Translation: they made out while lying down—usually on a bed, couch, or even a patch of grass. The phrase originated as a cheeky meme in Rice-Purity-Test quizzes, then gained popularity on Tumblr and TikTok.
In this guide you’ll get:
-
Three ways people use the term today (from innocent joke to flirty innuendo).
-
A quick green-flag vs red-flag checklist so you know when it’s harmless fun—and when to pause.
-
Copy-and-paste replies you can send back without sounding clueless or cringey.
Let’s decode the slang, then show you exactly how to respond.
Quick Glance:
The kissed horizontally meaning is trending across platforms, thanks to the kissed horizontally meme and its cameo in the Rice Purity Test. On kissed horizontally TikTok, users joke about steamy makeouts and awkward firsts. Compared to kissed vertically, one’s sweet and standing—while the other hints at something a little more... horizontal. It’s funny, flirty, and peak Gen Z slang chaos.
The Phrase’s Origin Story
While “kissed horizontally” may sound like new slang, it’s actually been floating around online for years—just quietly.
- Tumblr Days (circa 2013–2016):
Tumblr’s dramatic phrasing birthed quirky lines like “kissed horizontally” as poetic code for “made out while lying down.” - The Rice Purity Test Meme Era:
In user-made spinoffs of the Rice Purity Test, it showed up near questions like “kissed vertically” or “danced without leaving room for Jesus.” It became a meme within a meme. - TikTok Resurgence (2023–2024):
Creators revived the phrase while sharing mock purity results, flirty edits, or chaotic DMs. And just like that, it blew up again.
Curious how this compares to other viral slang? You might want to decode another trending phrase.
Three Ways People Use It Today
1. Tongue-in-Cheek Code for “Making Out Lying Down”
This is the most common use—and the funniest. When someone says “kissed horizontally,” they usually mean making out while lying down, but they say it in a theatrical or exaggerated way. It’s dramatic, meme-worthy, and perfect for telling a story with just the right amount of flair. This kind of phrasing takes something ordinary and makes it sound way more mysterious, romantic, or scandalous than it really is.
Example:
“I didn’t just kiss him—I kissed him horizontally. ”
You’ll also see it in video captions, storytime TikToks, or thirst-trap posts with layered meanings.
2. Harmless Meme Answer in Online Quizzes
If you’ve taken a Rice Purity Test or a “relationship experience” quiz, you’ve likely seen “kissed horizontally” pop up as a cheeky question. It’s not meant to be explicit—it’s there to be relatable, funny, and slightly mischievous. The phrase fits neatly alongside other playful entries like “held hands dramatically” or “danced too close at prom.” Its charm comes from how serious it pretends to be, not how serious it is.
Popular meme example:
“Can’t believe I’ve kissed vertically but not horizontally. I’m a fraud.”
Expect to see it in tweets, IG reels, and reaction videos. It’s meme-tier humor with very low risk.
3. Flirty Double-Entendre (Sometimes Erotic)
This is where things get interesting. In a private convo—like a DM or Snapchat—the phrase can go from goofy to suggestive real quick. Because it’s coded and not graphic, it gives people a way to flirt without being overt. It’s an icebreaker, a test balloon, and a wink all rolled into one. How you respond depends on the sender and the context.
Examples:
“We should hang out sometime… maybe even kiss horizontally ”
“You ever, uh, kissed horizontally? Asking for a friend.”
“Horizontal kisses just hit different, don’t they?”
Used well, it’s playful. Used badly, it’s cringe. Either way, it gets attention.
Kissed Horizontally Meme -Red Flag or Green Flag?
Here’s how to decode the kissed vertically vs horizontally situation and react like a pro.
| Scenario | What It Means + How to React |
|---|---|
| Friend adds it to Rice Purity Test | Meme/joke → “LMAO I saw that on TikTok too.” |
| Crush texts: “Have you ever?” | Flirt → “Depends—asking as a scientist or a romantic?” |
| Random DM: “Let’s kiss horizontally ” | Creepy → “Not into weird DMs. Good luck tho.” |
| Group convo joke | Social meme → “Classic. Next we’re doing ‘held hands vertically.’” |
Ready to interpret compliments? Let’s look at how to reply in different situations.
How to Respond If Someone Brings It Up
Sometimes “kissed horizontally” shows up mid-convo, out of nowhere. Is it a meme moment? A flirtation? A digital red flag? An example of the rice purity test kissed horizontally trend? You’ve got about 0.3 seconds to decide how to react. Here’s your cheat sheet to respond like a pro, based on the vibe and the sender.
Curious Friend
They probably saw it in a meme or TikTok quiz and want to laugh about it—not flirt. It’s all jokes and zero pressure.
Your move: Keep it light and funny.
- “LMAO yep, TikTok got me too.”
- “It’s always the horizontal questions that humble me.”
- “Honestly? I prefer diagonally. Way more underrated.”
- “Guilty Let’s not talk about #37 though...”
- “I took the Rice Purity Test once. Let’s just say I failed with flying colors.”
Tip: Friends usually use this phrase to bond or poke fun, so don’t overthink it.
Flirty Crush
This is the wink-wink, nudge-nudge zone. If they bring it up in a private convo, they’re testing the waters—trying to see if you’ll flirt back or shut them down.
Your move: Tease, deflect, or flirt depending on your comfort level.
- “You mean like on a yoga mat or a couch?”
- “Define ‘horizontally’… for science.”
- “Only when the playlist slaps and the lights are low.”
- “Depends… are you free this weekend?”
- “Careful, you’re starting to sound like a Rice Test question.”
Tip: You can match their energy without committing to anything. Humor gives you an exit ramp either way.
Creepy DM
If a stranger slides in with “let’s kiss horizontally” as their opener—or drops the phrase out of context—it’s not cute. It’s invasive, and often a red flag.
Your move: Set the boundary and keep it firm.
- “Not cool to open with that. Please don’t message me again.”
- “Hard pass. Good luck out there.”
- “Try starting with ‘Hi’ next time. Or not at all.”
- “That’s a weird vibe. Blocked.”
Pro tip: You don’t owe anyone a response. Blocking and deleting is self-care, not drama.
If that flirty DM included selfies, shirtless pics, or cryptic snaps, you might also want to check out our guide to photo-based flirting signals to decode the unspoken messages behind those images.
Slang Decoder Chatbot
Try it now: Type any phrase—“kissed vertically,” “left on read,” etc.—and get an instant decode + reply.
Mini Quiz – Meme or Flirt?
The phrase kissed horizontally started as a joke, resurfaced in Rice Purity Test memes, and exploded on kissed horizontally TikTok. But can you tell when someone’s flirting… or just trolling?
Take this quiz to test your meme radar vs. flirt radar: {LINK}
FAQ
Is “kissed horizontally” official slang?
Not exactly. It’s not recognized in formal dictionaries or language databases, but it’s popular online—especially on TikTok, Reddit, and meme quizzes. It’s more of a playful phrase than structured slang, often used for laughs or mild flirtation rather than serious conversation.
Does it always mean lying down?
Pretty much, yes. That’s the whole punchline. The “horizontal” part refers to the physical position—usually kissing while lying on a bed, couch, or floor. It’s meant to sound dramatic, cheeky, or slightly romantic.
Is it okay for teens?
In most cases, yes. The phrase is tame compared to more explicit slang. It’s often used in humorous or harmless contexts, like online quizzes or social media jokes, and falls somewhere around PG-13.
How do I explain it to parents?
Keep it simple:
“It just means making out while lying down. It’s mostly a joke or meme online.”
Key Takeaways- Kissed Horizontally Meaning
- “Kissed horizontally” = making out lying down, used jokingly or flirtily.
- Originated on Tumblr, then resurged via Rice Purity Test memes and TikTok trends.
- It has three uses: meme/joke, flirty euphemism, or quiz filler.
- Context is key—some people are just joking, others are testing boundaries.
- Know your green flag (banter with friends) vs red flag (random DMs).
- Reply smart: tease, joke, or shut it down based on who’s asking.
- Just one of many trendy nicknames and coded phrases swirling around Gen Z internet culture.
