What Does 'Slugs For Salt' Mean? The Political Cartoon Meme And Catchphrase Explained

There are a lot of specific memes that become popularized around elections, and this time around, one of the most prevalent is the catchphrase "Slugs for Salt."

Like "Chickens for KFC" before it, this phrase is being used to call out certain groups of voters who critics believe may not have been voting in their best interests.

But where does the catchphrase come from and what exactly does it mean in the grander scheme of things? Here's what you need to know.

What Does 'Slugs For Salt' Mean?

In 2017, an Imgur user uploaded an amateur political cartoon known now as "Slugs for Salt." In the comic, a salt shaker stands on a stage addressing a group of slugs. All the slugs in the crowd cheer, "Slugs for salt," showing clear support for the salt shaker, who seems to be running for president.

The cartoon is meant to act as commentary and criticism toward certain groups of people who supported and voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 election. Essentially, it portrays the members of these groups as slugs who are voting against their best interests, represented as salt because pouring salt on slugs kills them.

Groups that the comic may be criticizing include the likes of Women for Trump, Gays for Trump and Latinos for Trump, all groups that some perceive as being harmed by Trump's policies and promises rather than helped.

How Is 'Slugs For Salt' Used In Memes?

Since 2017, the comic has garnered viral spread on social media, where it is sometimes used as a reaction image. The phrase "slugs for salt" has also spread outside of the cartoon as a way of calling out a person or group of people for supporting someone or something that goes against their best interests.

The memes have consistently spread throughout the late 2010s and the early 2020s and have seen an increase in prevalence surrounding the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.

While the phrase is often used to criticize Trump supporters, it's also been used to criticize some Kamala Harris supporters as both sides attempt to mock the other.

For the full history of slugs for salt, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.