What are Skeets??

As new social media platforms emerge, so do new terms and slang that define the user experience. One of the most talked-about terms on BlueSky, the decentralized social platform developed by Jack Dorsey, is “skeets.” But what exactly are skeets, and why has this word become controversial among BlueSky users?

What Are Skeets?

Simply put, “skeets” are what posts are called on BlueSky. Much like how Twitter refers to its posts as “tweets,” BlueSky adopted the playful term “skeet” to refer to a post on its platform. The name is a combination of “sky” (from BlueSky) and “tweet” (referencing its connection to Twitter’s microblogging roots).

Skeets are essentially the same as tweets—short, text-based posts that users share with their followers to express thoughts, share updates, or engage with others.

Why Is the Word Skeet Controversial?

Despite the platform’s attempt to create a fun, unique identity with the term “skeet,” it has faced some backlash from the community. Here’s why:

1. Negative Connotations

In slang, particularly in certain regions, “skeet” has inappropriate or offensive connotations. In some places, the word is used as slang for certain explicit acts or bodily functions. Because of this, many users found the term off-putting and humorous for the wrong reasons. Some BlueSky users have pointed out that this unintended meaning detracts from the platform’s professionalism and appeal.

2. Community Pushback

Due to the slang association, the BlueSky community has been hesitant to fully adopt the term. While some users have embraced it for its humor and uniqueness, many others prefer to avoid it altogether. This has created a divide within the community about whether the platform should officially stick with the term “skeets” or adopt a different name for posts.

3. Lack of Official Endorsement

While “skeet” was an early, unofficial term used by the community and developers, BlueSky has not fully endorsed the term in an official capacity. As a result, the term hasn’t gained the same traction as Twitter’s “tweets” or Mastodon’s “toots.” The hesitation in full adoption might stem from its controversial nature and the mixed reactions from users.

Will BlueSky Keep “Skeets”?

No, the leadership have actively backed away from it, which makes sense given the negative connotations.

Possible Alternatives

For now, the platform is simply using “posts.” Here’s some suggestions that BlueSky could adopt that are more neutral or creative term for posts that better reflects its values:

• “Skies” – Playing off the “sky” in BlueSky while keeping it simple.
• “Breezes” – A more poetic take on short posts, evoking the idea of thoughts flowing like the wind.
• “Waves” – Suggesting communication flowing across the platform, similar to radio waves.

Conclusion

The word “skeet” has brought both humor and controversy to BlueSky, making it a term that has not been fully embraced by the community. Its slang connotations and the lack of an official endorsement have left some users seeking alternatives. As BlueSky continues to grow, only time will tell if the platform sticks with “skeets” or adopts a new name for its posts.

For now, if you’re on BlueSky, feel free to post your own skeets—just know that the name may come with some mixed reactions!

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