Touch grass means to log off, go outside and reconnect with real life. People say it to someone who spends too much time online, or to themselves as a reminder to take a screen break. Dictionary.com defines it as “to go outside; enjoy nature.”​​ 

Where the phrase comes from and how it’s used​​ 

According to Merriam-Webster, “The first known use of touch grass was in 2016.” The image is literal. You’ve been inside so long that you’ve forgotten what grass feels like.​​ 

So what does touch grass mean in a real conversation? People use the phrase in three main ways:​​ 

  • In replies to heated arguments or bold opinions on social media platforms​​ 
  • In place of “calm down” or “take a seat”​​ 
  • In self-deprecating posts like “I need to touch grass” after a night of doomscrolling​​ 

Like lore, the phrase is part of shared internet culture. It lands because people know the feeling of being online too much.​​ 

The feeling shows up in survey data. A 2025 Pew Research Center survey of US teens found that “More than four-in-ten teens (45%) say they spend too much time on social media.”​​ 

Is touch grass rude?​​ 

It depends on the context and who says it. Between friends or aimed at yourself, it’s lighthearted. Aimed at a stranger in an argument, it’s a dismissive insult.​​ 

Merriam-Webster’s entry includes a usage example that frames being told to touch grass as an insult. Tone markers change how it reads. A laughing emoji from a friend reads as teasing, while the same words from a stranger read as harsh.​​ 

Good social media etiquette means weighing that context before you reply.​​ 

Should brands tell people to touch grass?​​ 

The phrase fits self-deprecating brand posts, community inside jokes and wellbeing moments. It reads as dismissive when a brand aims it at customers, and even more so when they have a complaint.​​ 

Align the phrase with your core brand voice and audience before hitting publish. For a deeper look at strategy, learn when brands should use internet slang.​​ 

Touch grass and social media manager burnout​​ 

According to The 2025 Sprout Social Index™, “94% of social media practitioners agree they have to be chronically online to work in social media.” Treat “touch grass” as a workflow reminder to log off. Learn how to spot and prevent social media manager burnout.​​ 

Don’t guess what your audience is saying—know for sure. Track how your community uses slang like “touch grass” with Sprout Social’s social listening tools. Request a demo today.​​