Hawk Tuah

The "Hawk Tuah" meme emerged as one of 2024's most significant viral phenomena, originating from a spontaneous street interview that transformed an unknown 21-year-old factory worker into an internet sensation virtually overnight. On June 11, 2024, content creators Tim Dickerson and DeArius Marlow of "Tim & Dee TV" were conducting vox pop interviews in Nashville's Broadway district when they encountered Haliey Welch and a friend (Wikipedia Contributors, 2025).

The interview began with conventional questions such as "What makes you wifey material?" before Welch encouraged the interviewers to "spice up the questions" (Wikipedia Contributors, 2025). This led to the pivotal moment when Marlow asked, "What's one move in bed that makes a man go crazy every time?" Welch's response, delivered in a distinctive Southern accent, was immediate and uninhibited: "You gotta give 'em that 'hawk tuah' and spit on that thang!" The phrase "hawk tuah" served as an onomatopoeia for the sound of spitting, referring to a specific intimate act (Hawk tuah - Wikipedia, 2025).

The video was uploaded to TikTok on June 12, 2024, and almost immediately began circulating across social media platforms as other accounts reposted the clip, often removing the original "Tim and Dee TV" watermark (Wikipedia Contributors, 2025). The combination of Welch's candid response, distinctive accent, and the unexpectedly explicit nature of her advice created perfect conditions for viral spread.

Within days, "Hawk Tuah" had become a cultural phenomenon, spawning countless remixes, reaction videos, and merchandise. Welch, initially mortified by the attention, eventually embraced her viral fame, quitting her job at a bedspring factory and hiring management to capitalize on her newfound celebrity (People, 2024). The meme's impact extended far beyond internet culture, with Welch making appearances on major podcasts, throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game, and launching her own podcast "Talk Tuah" (Wikipedia Contributors, 2025).

The phrase became a cultural touchstone for 2024, representing both the democratizing power of social media and the rapid pace at which viral content could transform ordinary individuals into celebrities. Its usage expanded beyond its original context to become a general expression of enthusiasm or emphasis in online discourse.