What Does 'Watermelon People' Mean? The Controversial Slang Term For Palestinian People Explained

Internet users have started using the slang term "Watermelon People" to talk about Palestinians and pro-Palestine supporters amid the ongoing war with Israel.

Usage of "watermelon people" is highly controversial and is polarizing Twitter / X, where much of this discourse is taking place. There are plenty of "watermelon people" memes surfacing online, but many of them are at the expense of the people using the term, likening them to FBI agents trying to turn the psyop tables.

So, what's the meaning of "watermelon people?" Who coined the term and why is it controversial? Let's explain.

What Does 'Watermelon People' Mean?

"Watermelon People" is a derogatory slang term for Palestinians and their supporters amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. It's based on the watermelon freedom symbol for Palestinian liberation. Alternate versions of the term include "Watermelonians" and simply "Watermelons."

"Watermelon People" has also been used as a derogatory slang term for Black people in viral memes predating its 2024 Palestine-centric usage. In this context, it references the stereotype that Black people like watermelon, which has been used to demean them in insensitive caricatures.

Although this precursor usage exists, there are not many viral instances of it online.

Where Did 'Watermelon People' Come From?

"Watermelon People" was originally used as an algospeak term on TikTok earlier this year.

Algospeak refers to the replacement of keywords and phrases deemed not brand-safe on certain websites. So, internet users replace the text to pass the algorithm's parameters and keep their content online. A popular example is the word "unalive."

In January, pro-Palestine TikTokers alleged that using the word "Palestinians" (or anything having to do with Palestine) limited the reach of their videos. In an attempt to circumvent this supposed issue, they replaced it with the term "watermelon people" so that they could continue to discuss the atrocities occurring overseas freely.

Some people noticed the phenomenon and reposted screenshots of examples to Twitter / X, spawning the initial slew of reactions to the term.

Why Is 'Watermelon People' Controversial?

The usage of "watermelon people" has since veered away from pro-Palestinian algospeak. Recently, it's been used in a derogatory manner by Twitter / X users. What's surprising about these users is that they're seemingly Black, liberal and LGBTQ+.

It was said by other X users that the abovementioned posts were reactions to the recent pro-Palestine protests aimed at Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Avid Palestine supporters who see America's support of Israel and the IDF's controversial actions do not want to vote for Harris in November, so some Democratic voters are turning on the movement and calling them "watermelon people" in tow.

To an outsider, the discourse looks like in-fighting among the libs. Black Lives Matter and pro-Ukraine supporters are now somehow clashing with another freedom movement. In turn, memes and viral discourse are ensuing.

For the full history of Watermelon People, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's entry for even more information.