AEE: Do You Have FOMO? YOLO!

Summary

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Episode Overview

Episode Title: Do You Have FOMO? YOLO!
Podcast: All Ears English Podcast
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon, Aubrey Carter
Date: February 21, 2026

This episode dives into two extremely popular American English acronyms: FOMO (“fear of missing out”) and YOLO (“you only live once”). Hosts Lindsay and Aubrey discuss the meanings, pronunciation, usage, and subtleties of these expressions as they’re used in contemporary American English, emphasizing how these phrases transcend generations and provide insight into American culture and social behavior.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introducing FOMO and YOLO (02:24–03:33)

• Definition and Personal Examples

  • Aubrey readily admits to experiencing FOMO, even preferring to attend events while tired or sick rather than miss out.
    • Aubrey: “If I can't go to a party or if I miss out on something, I know I'm missing fun times. I hate it. Like, I would almost rather go somewhere sick in order to not miss out.” (02:33)
  • Lindsay checks if listeners know what FOMO means, and Aubrey clarifies:
    • Aubrey: “It stands for fear of missing out.” (03:01)

• Listener Catalyst

  • The discussion is sparked by a listener question from Mateo, requesting a clear explanation of “FOMO.” The hosts express gratitude for listener engagement and highlight the importance of these acronyms in modern English.
    • Lindsay: “Mateo’s asked a question which is inspiring this episode today.” (03:08)

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2. Breaking Down FOMO: Meaning, Usage, and Context (03:33–07:37)

• Widespread Usage

  • Both hosts note that FOMO and YOLO are not just fleeting youth slang; adults use them too. The terms have become normalized across generations.
    • Aubrey: “...it's not just slang that's used by like teenagers and young people...It's very much been adopted into the vernacular. Anyone of any age can say this.” (05:42)

• Social Media's Role

  • Social media has amplified FOMO by constantly showcasing what others are doing.
    • Lindsay: “Social media is ultimately the worst with this. ...We didn’t know that much what other people were doing, ... now we can see their posts on social media and be bummed that we're missing out on all of it.” (06:55–07:09)

• Examples Across Life Contexts

  • FOMO isn't only about parties; it extends to professional opportunities (seeing colleagues' achievements on LinkedIn) or “missing out” on simple pleasures (like naps).
    • Aubrey: “Someone could tell me they were able to sneak in an afternoon nap and I'd be like, oh, oh, sure...” (07:25)
    • Lindsay: “...now I ... experience professional FOMO.” (07:09)

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3. YOLO: Taking Risks and Living in the Moment (07:37–09:30)

• Definition and History

  • YOLO is explained as “you only live once” and is typically used to rationalize risk-taking or spontaneous decisions.
    • Aubrey: “This one's fun. It stands for you only live once. So we often use this to justify taking a risk, being spontaneous, doing something indulgent or adventurous.” (07:51)
  • Lindsay shares that the idea predates the acronym. Her dad used the full phrase in the ’80s and ’90s, but it’s become lighter, catchier, and more “Instagram” in acronym form.

• Example Sentences and Tone

  • Usage is demonstrated with specific examples and attention to typical intonation:
    • Lindsay: “I'm headed to Australia next month. Yolo.” (08:37)
    • Aubrey: “And we often do use that sing songy tone that you're hearing there. Right. Yolo kind of emphasize it like that.” (08:49)
    • Aubrey: “So they decided to quit their jobs and move abroad because yolo.” (08:57)
  • The intonation and seriousness can shift based on context (lighthearted vs. more serious justification).

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4. Distinguishing FOMO and YOLO (09:25–09:51)

• Emotional Roots
  • FOMO is anxiety-driven—fear of missing out; whereas YOLO stems from seizing opportunities and living fully.
    • Aubrey: “FOMO is sort of a little more anxiety driven. I don't want to miss out. Whereas YOLO is sort of about risk embracing or fun embracing.” (09:30)

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5. Role Play: Using FOMO and YOLO in Context (10:22–12:08)

• Real-Life College Example
  (Role play begins at 10:22)

  • Lindsay and Aubrey act as college friends deciding whether to attend a birthday party:
    • Lindsay: “But everyone's going, oh, now I'm getting FOMO. I know I'll regret it if I don't go.” (10:35)
    • Aubrey: “Me too. I think I'm gonna go. And you should too. We could both use a break.” (10:41)
    • Lindsay: “True. You know what? YOLO.” (10:46)
  • Discussion follows about college being a peak FOMO environment due to constant social opportunities.

• Natural Pronunciation

  • Aubrey highlights native reductions and blending in speech:
    • Aubrey: “Me too. I'm gonna go. Right? I'm gonna go. So we subscribe it all together.” (11:54)
    • Listeners are encouraged to explore the podcast's pronunciation course.

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6. Cultural, Emotional, and Universal Dimensions (12:57–13:45)

• Connection Not Perfection
  • Hosts reiterate their philosophy—English isn't about perfect grammar, but about building connections.
  • Relating FOMO as a universal emotion—even animals can feel left out!
    • Lindsay: “I feel like even dogs can get fomo.” (13:24)
    • Aubrey: “It's such a – yeah, I'm sure. Right? Animals, humans, we all feel this. Nobody wants to be left out. We want to feel included.” (13:38)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Aubrey (on FOMO):
  “I get FOMO all the time. If I can't go to a party or if I miss out on something, I know I'm missing fun times. I hate it. Like, I would almost rather go somewhere sick in order to not miss out.” (02:33)

• Lindsay (on YOLO’s history):
  “When I was a kid, my dad used to say this a lot, like, oh, order the banana split. You only live once. Come on. Right. But then I don't think it was an acronym then... now it's just YOLO.” (08:09)

• About Social Media and FOMO:
  Lindsay: “...Now we can see their posts on social media and be bummed that we're missing out on all of it.” (07:09)

• Aubrey (on the differences):
  “FOMO is sort of a little more anxiety driven. I don't want to miss out. Whereas YOLO is sort of about risk embracing or fun embracing.” (09:30)

• Lindsay (on FOMO’s universality):
  “I feel like even dogs can get fomo. I think my dog gets FOMO when he sees two other dogs playing and they don't want to play with him.” (13:24)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:24] Hosts begin discussion on FOMO in personal experience
• [03:01] Definition of FOMO
• [03:33] Listener question as episode inspiration
• [05:22] Writing and tone of “FOMO” in context
• [06:55] Social media’s impact on FOMO
• [07:09] Professional FOMO example
• [07:51] Introduction and usage of YOLO
• [08:49] Demonstration of “YOLO” intonation
• [09:30] Key emotional differences between FOMO and YOLO
• [10:22] Role play: college friends using FOMO/YOLO
• [11:54] Natural speech patterns and pronunciation notes
• [13:24] FOMO as a universal feeling (including animals)

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Episode Summary

This episode offers engaging, real-world insights into two of the most common modern English expressions: FOMO and YOLO. Lindsay and Aubrey explain not just the definitions, but also when, how, and why to use these acronyms, emphasizing connection, cultural nuance, and the importance of speaking naturally. Through examples, role play, and practical tips, listeners gain confidence to use FOMO and YOLO authentically in conversation—no matter their age or where they live.

Transcript

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is the All Ears English podcast. Do you have fomo? Yolo? Welcome to the All Ears English podcast. Downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection. With your American hosts, Aubrey Carter, the IELTS whiz and Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer come coming to you from Arizona and Colorado, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the Allears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com app.

[Aubrey Carter]

You have probably heard these acronyms, but today let's dive deep into when to use and how to pronounce each one. Listen in today. Do you feel like you know English but you're always using the same basic words? You can't find the precise or professional phrase when it matters. Maybe you only hear sounds when natives speak without subtitles. You're lost fast. Speech, similar sounds, accents, it all blends together. And when you do speak, you hesitate. You overthink every sentence. You worry people don't understand you or that you don't sound natural. It's not a confidence problem, it's a clarity problem. You can solve it by knowing your current level. Our two minute fluency quiz shows you your current English level for free. So you stop guessing and start improving. Go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and find out what's really holding your English back. More time. Go right now to allersenglish.com flu e n c Y S C O R E.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Hello, Aubrey, how are you?

[Aubrey Carter]

I'm great, Lindsay. How are you today? Good.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Aubrey, I'm curious, do you often get fomo? Are you someone that experiences that emotion?

[Aubrey Carter]

Absolutely. I get FOMO all the time. If I can't go to a party or if I miss out on something, I know I'm missing fun times. I hate it. Like, I would almost rather go somewhere sick in order to not miss out. Really. Or if I'm too tired, like, I'm gonna go anyway because I don't want to miss out on all the fun.

[Lindsay McMahon]

That's so funny. And so what is fomo, by the way? Just in case any. I mean, I don't. I think our listeners all know what it is, but just in case.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. It stands for fear of missing out. So I get that. I get that fear of missing out on something fun if I'm not there.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. And Mateo's asked a question which is inspiring this episode today. I'll go ahead and just read the question. Mateo said. I've been hearing the word FOMO a lot lately. Could you help me out with this word? I hope you can make this one crystal clear to me. As always, have a great new year. I'm closing out the year with an Allers English episode. Mateos. Amazing. Sounds like a super fan. We love, love this.

[Aubrey Carter]

Matos has sent in a lot of amazing questions. I loved this one. So we're talking about FOMO today and also yolo. These are both so common in the States, at least right now, and you should be using them.

[Lindsay McMahon]

They've both been common for a couple years now.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, Aubrey?

[Lindsay McMahon]

They've been around for a little while for sure. Guys, hit the follow button. If you just like Matus Matos. Love the show. Make sure you make it part of your daily routine. We do do five episodes a week, and so you could almost listen to Allers English every day of the week. Almost.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right. And the other days you can listen to Business English or IELTS Energy.

[Lindsay McMahon]

We've actually so many so that you could technically listen to an episode every day of the week from our brand, from us. Right. So Business English is our other show, and IELTS Energy is our third podcast. Go and search for those as well.

[Aubrey Carter]

You can get a new one every day and then you'll never have FOMO for the English episodes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Exactly. Good stuff. All right, so again, it comes down to fear of missing out. I feel like I used to experience this a little bit more when I was younger than I do now. I feel like it's kind of dissipated for me a little bit.

[Aubrey Carter]

Interesting. Now you're okay to miss out on things, kind of.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah, like, great. I would love to miss out.

[Aubrey Carter]

I'd love to miss out. Please. It's interesting. This is written. It's an acronym. It's always written in all caps. Right? So capital F O, M O. And yeah, it's interesting. It's. We'll use it. Like, if someone makes plans and we can't attend, we often use it very playfully. Right? We'll just be like, oh, I have fomo. Meaning, like, you're sad you can't make it. You know, you're going to miss out on a fun, fun time. But often, like, you might even say this, Lindsay, if you're actually glad you can't attend, because it's such a way to make someone. It's. It's more about building connection to let them know you wish you could be there, you would love to attend.

[Lindsay McMahon]

That's A good point. Here's a question about this usage here. Can we use it when it refers to something that's already happening, like someone's telling a story and maybe for whatever reason you didn't go, yes, right.

[Aubrey Carter]

Just interrupt and say, oh, that sounds so fun. I have so much FOMO right now. FOMO right now? Yes, absolutely.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay, good. What else do we need to know?

[Aubrey Carter]

So we'll also use this when someone is sharing, like you said, about a fun time you missed. Right? Just like, sounds amazing. I have so much fomo. And I think it's important to point out that it's not just slang that's used by like teenagers and young people. Like you said, Lindsay, it's been around a couple of years. It's very much been adopted into the vernacular. Anyone of any age can say this. Everyone's going to know what you mean. Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And I think this, these two, YOLO and FOMO have kind of transcended this pitfall where it becomes uncool when adults adopt it. Like last week we talked about six, seven. Six seven, Right. We don't know what that means still. But now that your results are trying to know, you know what it means, now that adults are trying to know what it means, it's not cool anymore anymore. But these acronyms, especially fomo, really kind of transcended that trap, don't you think?

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly, yes. So let's use, let's share a couple of examples here. Right? So, for example, I went to the party because I had fomo, even though I was exhausted. This is me, like, I'm going anyway. I have fomo.

[Lindsay McMahon]

That's so funny. That's so funny. Or his FOMO kicked in when he saw everyone traveling without him. I mean, social media is ultimately the worst with this. It's what?

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah, it's really compounded it, right? Because once upon a time, we didn't know that much what other people were doing, what our friends were doing, so there wasn't as much fomo. Now we can see their posts on social media and be bummed that we're missing out on all of it.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And it can show up anywhere. I mean, for me, I said earlier, I don't experience it as much as I used to, but actually now I pre. I experience professional FOMO. So when I go to LinkedIn and I scroll the, the feed in LinkedIn, I say, oh, this person presented at this conference or this, I get a little bit of FOMO for that kind of thing.

[Aubrey Carter]

I'm glad you're pointing that out because it's not just about parties. Right. Someone could tell me they were able to sneak in an afternoon nap and I'd be like, oh, oh, sure, sure.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

I'm missing out on napping.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. So you could have FOMO for someone's not doing anything. Right. That person. Yeah, I wish I had. Was able to do nothing. Right, Totally. Then yolo. And I love this one. Yes.

[Aubrey Carter]

This one's fun. It stands for you only live once. So we often use this to justify taking a risk, being spontaneous, doing something indulgent or adventurous. Or maybe like if you have fomo, you're going to go, even though you're tired. Because yolo. Yeah, I only live once.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I know. It's funny because I feel like when I was a kid, my dad used to say this a lot like, oh, order the banana split. You only live once. Come on. Right. But then I don't think it was an acronym then when I like in the 80s and the 90s, they had

[Aubrey Carter]

to say the whole thing. What a waste of time.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I know, but it almost feels more authentic before it became an acronym. In some ways that's true.

[Aubrey Carter]

No, just yolo.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

It did become sort of more light hearted and fun sounding with the acronym. It did?

[Lindsay McMahon]

More Instagram, kind of. Right. So for example, I'm headed to Australia next month. Yolo. Right. So you, you kind of say it as a way of justifying what you're doing, that you're living your life sort of.

[Aubrey Carter]

And we often do use that sing songy tone that you're hearing there. Right. Yolo kind of emphasize it like that.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Exactly. And how would you say the next one?

[Aubrey Carter]

So they decided to quit their jobs and move abroad because yolo.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah.

[Aubrey Carter]

So it doesn't always have to be yolo.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Right. It's in. Yeah. The intonation is different there between the two examples. Because you kind of paused after because. And then you sort of pause there when you're giving it as a reason.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right, exactly. Right. I'm like, yeah, they're doing this big change because you only live once. Right. But you can also say YOLO there sort of a little more. Seriously.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. Interesting. All right, what else do we need to know? What emotions does this come from?

[Aubrey Carter]

This is interesting. So this is sort of a pro tip to remember the difference between them. FOMO is sort of a little more anxiety driven. I don't want to miss out. Whereas YOLO is sort of about risk embracing or fun embracing. Right. I should do it now because I only live once.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Exactly. I love it. So they are Different. The meaning is different. But they're both rampant and common, right?

[Aubrey Carter]

Totally.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. So good. So good. So good.

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[Aubrey Carter]

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[Lindsay McMahon]

All right, Aubrey, let's. Let's. Yeah, let's get into a role play. We are college buddies. College friends.

[Aubrey Carter]

I'll start us out.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Okay.

[Aubrey Carter]

Are you coming to Jamie's birthday this weekend?

[Lindsay McMahon]

I'm not sure. I have so much studying to catch up on.

[Aubrey Carter]

Same.

[Lindsay McMahon]

But everyone's going, oh, now I'm getting fomo. I know I'll regret it if I don't go.

[Aubrey Carter]

Me too. I think I'm gonna go. And you should too. We could both use a break.

[Lindsay McMahon]

True. You know what? Yolo. Nice.

[Aubrey Carter]

Nice.

[Lindsay McMahon]

I feel like college is probably where people are often, like, at the worst FOMO that they have.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. Because there's so many fun things going on, and they're so busy with school and work, and they're not able to go to all of it. You have to miss out on something

[Lindsay McMahon]

things or even just if. Because I remember in college, the kids would go together to dinner, Right. Go to the dining hall, and, like, if they went without me, I would get FOMO for sure. Be like, oh, I missed out on that. It's just a group going to dinner. Right.

[Aubrey Carter]

But it's so simple. Just because there was constantly something fun to do with peers. Right?

[Lindsay McMahon]

For sure. It's true. College is a trip.

[Aubrey Carter]

But if you didn't have FOMO at least a few times in college, you probably failed out because there's so many things you're gonna have to miss if you're studying at all.

[Lindsay McMahon]

It's so true. It's so true. All right, so we used both here. So you said, oh, are you coming to the party? I said, I have to study. And you said, come on, everyone's going. Yeah, everyone's going. And then I said, oh, now I'm getting fomo, right? Yep.

[Aubrey Carter]

And I said, me too. I'm gonna go, and you should too. And then I'm like, we could both use a break from studying. You can only study for so long before you need a break.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. And our listeners who have the transcripts from Today's episode are gonna see. I'm going to go. But what Aubrey just said is so native and natural. She said, me too. I'm gonna go. Right? I'm gonna go.

[Aubrey Carter]

So we subscribe it all together.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes. And you guys can learn more about that in our pronunciation course.

[Aubrey Carter]

Right.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Go to allersenglish.com pronunciation we cover that in a really key part of the course. And the feedback from the course is turning out to be really good. Aubry.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yeah. You've had some really nice, amazing. And that's so true. This is one of the most native, natural things you can do is to find out when you should be dropping letters, when you should be assimilating sounds. So many things that natives do naturally that a lot of languagers. Language learners don' Realize they need to do.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yes, a hundred percent. Guys, keep learning with us. If you're feeling really good about today's episode and you want to go right into another one, you can check out 2555. Capture the connection when you agree with someone in English.

[Aubrey Carter]

Yes. This is amazing. Those phrases like same me too. Where you're connecting by agreeing, but in a really natural way.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Yeah. I love when we can just. I love the episodes that are just so connection based. Aubry. Because it reminds us why we're here and why we publish this podcast.

[Aubrey Carter]

Exactly right. You guys don't want to have that FOMO that comes from missing out on all of these connections and conversations. Right. When you're just sort of in a group but not able to participate, you have FOMO even though you're right there. That's happened to me before. You want to be able to participate.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Interesting. Interesting. I feel like even dogs can get fomo. I think my dog gets FOMO when he sees two other dogs playing and they don't want to play with him. You know, he's such a universe. Not just human, but it's like universal, an aspect of being alive.

[Aubrey Carter]

It's such a. Yeah, I'm sure. Right? Animals, humans, we all feel this. Nobody wants to be left out. We want to feel included.

[Lindsay McMahon]

It's so true. All right, great topic today, Aubry, and we'll see you back on the show soon. All right, Have a good week.

[Aubrey Carter]

You too. See you next time.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Bye. Thanks for listening. To all ears. English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz, go to allearsenglish.com forward/fluencyscore. And if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

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[Aubrey Carter]

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