What is a 304 phase for a woman?

On TikTok, you might have noticed the term ‘304’ being referenced or used as a hashtag in some videos. But what does it mean? Here’s everything you need to know.

TikTok is a social media platform used by people of all ages, which means that talking about inappropriate subject matters can lead to your account getting suspended or deleted.

Due to the app’s strict moderating rule, creators and users have come up with unique terms and codewords to discuss more taboo or adult-themed topics.

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One of the most popular terms on TikTok is ‘accountant,’ which is used to refer to people in the adult entertainment industry. The slang blew up after “struggling actor” Rocky Paterra explained in a song why he prefers to tell people he’s an accountant rather than having to explain what he actually does.

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Now, another codeword known as ‘304’ is making the rounds on the app, and many users aren’t sure what it means. Here’s what you should know next time you see the term on TikTok.

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What is 304 on TikTok?

A 304 is a term used to refer to a promiscuous woman or sex worker. If you type the number 304 into an old-school LED calculator and flip it upside down, it should look like the word “h*e,” which some use as a slang word for the profession.

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The top Urban Dictionary definition for 304 states that it’s “a way you can call a thot or b*tch a h*e without actually calling her that.”

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However, the term on TikTok is primarily used by women themselves and does not seem to carry a negative connotation.

Since the short-form video app has banned certain words or phrases, a TikTok community known as ‘304tok’ has emerged, providing a space for sex workers to discuss their experiences, answer questions and educate people.

If there are any other frequently used terms on TikTok that you don’t know the meaning of, you can check out our guide here to find out all about the app’s most popular terms.

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About

304 is an internet slang term meaning "hoe," as typing "304" into a calculator and turning it upside down appears to spell the word "hoe" (or "5304" into "hoes"). The term is often used to specifically reference prostitutes and sex workers. It was first defined by the Online Slang Dictionary in 2000 and spread over the following years, seeing a peak in use during the early 2020s in high-value man alpha male-related content as a form of algospeak.

Origin

The earliest known definition of 304 as "hoe" was added to the Online Slang Dictionary by Clarence M. on January 7th, 2000, writing:

A "hoe", i.e. a promiscuous female. "304" read upside-down looks like the letters "hoe". This is especially evident on the seven-segment LED displays on digital calculators and wristwatches.

The term was defined several times on Urban Dictionary throughout the 2000s and 2010s. An early example of a meme to use the phrase was posted by Instagram user 90shiphopjunkie on October 18th, 2018, showing a calculator with "304" entered into it, garnering over 2,700 likes in five years (shown below).

Spread

The term became increasingly used online throughout the early 2020s, particularly in 2023 with the rise of manosphere alpha male content creators like Andrew Tate and the Whatever Podcast as a more low-key way of calling women "hoes" and avoiding censorship on social media platforms. For example, on January 5th and February 11th, 2023, YouTubers MANO WORLD and Modern Life Dating posted videos titled "TATE SCHOOLING 304’S" and "304 Ridicules Herself," gaining over 519,000 views and 1.2 million views, respectively, by late March (shown below, left and right).

On February 25th, TikToker @letmeputyouon101 posted a video explaining what makes a 304, garnering over 368,000 views in a month. The term is often used to directly refer to prostitutes (examples shown below).

Various Examples

Search Interest

External References