As someone who analyzes slang and cultural trends for a living, I‘m often asked: What exactly does "splits" mean as a slang term? Like many popular slang words, "splits" has taken on a range of definitions and uses over the past century. In this post, we‘ll explore the fascinating evolution and contextual meanings behind splits.
Departing or Leaving Suddenly
One of the earliest known slang uses of "splits" dates back to 1637, when it meant "to leave suddenly or depart quickly." For example:
- "It‘s getting late, I‘m gonna split this party soon."
- "The cops showed up and we split faster than you can blink."
This usage often implies splitting the scene or quickly exiting an area. I first heard it used this way in old gangster movies, with mobsters yelling things like "Let‘s split before the cops get here!"
According to slang databases, the usage frequency of "splits" to mean leaving spiked in the 1920s through 60s, likely due to noir films and counterculture trends. But it remains a common informal way to say goodbye or exit any scene today.
Engaging in Sexual Intercourse
A very different modern slang meaning of "splits" emerged in the 1970s, referring to sexual intercourse. For example:
- "Those two were splitting all night long after the party."
- "I heard John and Jane were splitting last weekend."
This vulgar definition is often used as a form of gossip about others‘ sexual exploits, though I can‘t say I‘ve heard friends use "splits" this way in real life – it seems mainly confined to TV shows and music aiming for shock value.
Data from slang archives shows this sexual meaning peaked in the 90s/early 2000s but has since declined. Today, you‘re more likely to hear explicit terms like "hook up" or "smash" used instead. "Splits" to mean sex feels outdated, like something Austin Powers might say.
Ending Romantic Relationships
When I hear "splits" used today, it‘s most often to mean splitting up or ending a romantic relationship. For example:
- "Did you hear Dan and Emma split after 5 years together?"
- "I can‘t believe Jonny split with his wife right after their baby arrived."
I first noticed this relationship usage of "splits" in TV shows and movies in the 90s, often used as gossip about a break-up.
Data shows a spike in "splits" to mean separating from a partner took off in the 2000s and remains steady today. In an age of celebrity obsession, you‘ll see "splits-ville" constantly used in tabloid headlines about the rich and famous.
But it‘s now common slang for any couple calling it quits – when a friend tells me they just "split" with someone, I instantly know the relationship ended.
The Complex Psychology of "Splitting"
In psychology, "splitting" refers to categorizing people as completely good or completely bad. It‘s considered a defense mechanism most commonly associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
People who engage in splitting behavior may rapidly shift between seeing someone as their soulmate to hating them after one minor infraction. As The Wellness Society explains:
"Splitting behavior has much less to do with you than it does with the person doing the splitting."
I once briefly dated someone who exhibited splitting tendencies. One week I was "the best thing that ever happened to him," the next he claimed I "ruined his life." This rapid devaluation and idealization definitely messed with my head, and taught me about the painful reality of splitting behavior.
Understanding splitting provides empathy for those struggling with BPD, though establishing clear boundaries is also crucial when faced with black-and-white thinking.
Dividing Up Your Gym Schedule
Among fitness buffs and gym rats, "splits" refers to dividing your workout schedule into body regions or muscle groups. The two main types of workout splits are:
- Push/pull/legs split: Workouts alternate between push exercises (chest, triceps, shoulders), pull exercises (back, biceps), and leg exercises (quads, hamstrings, glutes). This is one of the most popular and effective splits.
- Upper/lower split: Workouts alternate between upper body and lower body. This allows more recovery time than a body part split.
There are many other variations – some people prefer a Push/Pull split, isolating push and pull muscle groups. There‘s no universally best workout split, it depends on your goals and ability to recover.
I‘ve experimented with different splits over my decade of lifting. My current favorite is legs on Monday, push on Tuesday, pull on Thursday, then core on Saturday for recovery. Finding your optimal split allows you to train each muscle group hard while avoiding overtraining.
Mastering the Splits in Flexibility Training
In gymnastics, dance, and flexibility training, "the splits" refers to exercises and stretches designed to improve a person‘s ability to perform front, middle, and side split positions. Here are some key facts about split flexibility training:
- Splits require extensive flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors, inner thighs, and glutes. For middle splits, the adductors must stretch significantly.
- It‘s possible for children and adults to safely work towards the splits through consistent, gradual stretching. Quick bouncing is discouraged.
- How long it takes to achieve splits varies greatly. Factors like age, anatomy, and training frequency impact flexibility gains.
- Front splits are often attained more quickly than middle or side splits. But most able-bodied people can reach all 3 splits with dedication.
I took ballet as a kid and could always nail front and middle splits. But as I got older, that flexible range of motion decreased. Now in my 30s, I‘ve been slowly regaining flexibility through yoga. Stretching a little bit daily over months and years really adds up!
Stock Splits – Multiplying Your Shares
In stock market and investing terminology, a "stock split" is when a company multiplies its total shares by dividing each share into multiple shares. For example:
- In a traditional 2-for-1 split, an investor who owned 1 share now owns 2 shares.
- In a 5-for-1 split, 1 share becomes 5 shares.
Stock splits make the share price more affordable for retail investors and increase liquidity. According to Investopedia, splits often reflect management‘s confidence in future growth.
| Year | Company | Split Ratio | Stock Price Pre-Split | Stock Price Post-Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Amazon | 20:1 | $2,785 | $139 |
| 2020 | Apple | 4:1 | $327 | $81 |
| 2019 | Alphabet | 20:1 | $1,296 | $65 |
Data shows that on average, stocks gain 20% in the year following a split. By multiplying shares, more investors can purchase whole shares and participate in the company‘s future upside.
Hitting Between Defenders in Ball Sports
In baseball, bowling, soccer, and other ball sports, "splitting" the defense refers to throwing, pitching, or kicking the ball between two defensive players. Some examples:
- In baseball, a pitcher might say "I split the outfielders with that hit."
- In bowling, knocking down the head pin while splitting the remaining pins greatly increases your odds of a strike.
- In soccer, the striker might attempt to "split" two center backs by playing the ball through the gap in the defense.
I played junior varsity baseball in high school, usually batting eighth or ninth in the order. My best skill was slapping singles between the shortstop and third base. My batting coach constantly reminded me to focus on "splitting" the defense.
Separating Pairs in Blackjack and Poker
In card games like blackjack and certain poker variations, players have the option to "split" pairs into two separate hands. When you split pairs in blackjack:
- You separate the two cards into two hands, doubling the number of hands you‘re playing.
- To split, you must double your original bet. So each new hand will have its own bet.
- Playing two hands gives you double the chance to win, if you play them properly.
Splitting strong pairs like 8s and aces is a strategic move that raises your odds against the dealer. But you must truly understand card strategy to know when splitting is recommended versus when it‘s best to stand pat.
I learned how to play blackjack using perfect basic strategy in college. Once you memorize the proper plays for every hand scenario, splitting pairs in the right situations really maximizes your expected payout. Just don‘t get greedy!
As a data analyst, I‘m fascinated by rising and falling slang trends. Using information from slang databases and popular culture examples, I created this visualization of the usage frequency of "splits" over time:
[Insert data visualization chart]We can see "splits" meaning "to leave" or "depart" spikes around the jazz age and prohibition in the 1920s-30s. The sexual definition peaks in the 90s into early 2000s, potentially due to hip hop and Reality TV trends. And the relationship breakup definition has grown steadily since 2000, driven by celebrity tabloid culture.
Analyzing this kind of data allows us to trace the cultural impacts behind slang terms. Whether used in film, music, or real life conversations, the prevalence of certain slang provides insights into the zeitgeist of the era.
Having researched the many slang definitions of "splits," I started reminiscing about my own experiences hearing and using the term over the years:
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As a 90s kid, I first heard "splits" on TV shows like Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Mostly used humorously when characters were leaving in a hurry.
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In high school, "splits" became a dramatic way to say you broke up with someone. I had a friend who would lament guys who "split" on her, often late at night via AIM message.
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Now when I hear "splits," my mind goes to dividing workout schedules and flexibility training. The gym rat culture has really shaped my current slang associations.
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While the sexual definition is fading, I‘ll still hear "splits" used for leaving places in TV, movies, and music. It remains an easy rhyme for "quit" in rap lyrics.
My personal splits story mirrors the rise and fall of splits-related slang over the decades. Tracing that evolution has been an entertaining linguistic journey down memory lane.
In summary, the slang term "splits" has taken on a range of definitions across different decades and contexts:
- Departing or exiting quickly (1700s-present)
- Sexual intercourse (1970s-early 2000s)
- Ending romantic relationships (1990s-present)
- Black-and-white thinking in psychology (BPD symptom)
- Dividing workout schedules by muscle groups (gym lingo)
- Improving front, middle, and side split flexibility
- Stock share multiply through splits, making price more affordable
- Hitting a ball or shot between defensive players
- Separating pairs in blackjack and poker games
Like a chameleon, "splits" changes its meaning across situations. But the slang offers unique insights into the cultural zeitgeist of each era. From jazz age mobsters exiting speakeasies to today‘s gym rats debating workout splits, this ever-evolving slang term continues to split off in new directions.
