Definition of «paws»

This is a slang interjection used to signal a 'pause' in a conversation when someone says something that could be interpreted as unintentionally homoerotic or suggestive. It functions similarly to the older phrase 'no homo' but is more contemporary and often used with a touch of irony or humor. It is prevalent in urban slang and across social media platforms like TikTok and X to call out double entendres.

This is a specific directive used primarily in live streaming communities, such as Twitch or Kick, to signal a moment of 'pause' or to highlight something 'sus' or questionable. It is a play on the word 'pause,' which is traditionally used after a statement that could be unintentionally interpreted as homoerotic or suggestive. When a streamer says something awkward, the audience floods the chat with paw emojis or the word 'paws' to acknowledge the slip-up.