Within TikTok comments, Twitter replies and Instagram posts, every meme creator has one thing to say: "Let him cook." Also known as "Let that boy cook," this catchphrase is everywhere.

Despite its high usage, many don't know where it actually came from. Did NFL quarterback Russell Wilson start the phrase, or did it just have the trajectory of most internet slang, as in, it started somewhere offline and then slowly seeped into the mainstream?

There's an interesting history behind "Let him cook," but first, we have to explain what it means.

What Does 'Let Him Cook' Mean?

The meaning of "Let him cook" is akin to giving someone the room to plot, strategize and hone their craft. Think about it like this: imagine that your friend is flirting with someone and another person is about to interrupt them. You'd have to hold back that person and say, "Let him cook," inferring that your friend needs room to seal the deal.

Where Did 'Let Him Cook' Come From?

It all started with internet rapper Lil' B, also known as The Based God. He posted a music video on YouTube back in 2010 called "LIL B BASED COOKING (LET THAT BOY COOK)." Thus, the catchphrase was born.

How Is 'Let Him Cook' Used In Memes?

The phrase is predominantly used in an ironic sense, as in, the imagined situations where someone should be given room to "cook" usually won't have good outcomes. For instance, if someone has perceivably negative rizz in a video, one might say, "Let that boy cook," or, "Why did we let him cook?" in the comment section and get thousands of likes.

What Does 'Let Russ Cook' Mean In The NFL And Football?

The history of "Let him cook" as a meme can't be told without its influence on American football. A variant of the phrase surfaced about Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Westbrook, who has not played great in the 2022-23 season. Therefore, fans and critics of the Broncos have started saying "Let Russ cook" ironically, inferring that he stinks at "cooking."

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For the full history of "let him cook," be sure to check out our entry on the meme here for even more information.