What Does "Do It for the Plot" Mean and How to Use It

Do It for the Plot Meaning

“Do it for the plot” means doing things that add excitement to your life. This Gen Z slang term encourages you to see yourself as the main character in your life and to do things that are exciting, memorable, and even life-changing. Whether these actions end up being good or bad, they’re something that will make life more interesting. When you do it for the plot, you don’t care about the outcome. You’re doing it solely for the experience. You may do something for the plot if you just want to add drama to your life. For example, going on blind dates that you know won’t end in a relationship. The phrase can also be used for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If you randomly decide to go skydiving one day, you’re doing it for the plot. Think of it as the Gen Z version of “YOLO.”

Do It for the Plot Origins

The phrase was popularized by TikToker Serena Kerrigan in 2021. While Kerrigan may not have been the first person to ever say “Do it for the plot,” her July 2021 TikTok video about doing it for the plot went viral. She went on to post more videos using the phrase, and other users across TikTok and other social media began using it as well. In her first viral “Do it for the plot” video, Kerrigan says, “This is your reminder that if something works out, great, and if it doesn’t, it’s for the plot.” The phrase continued to gain popularity throughout 2022 and 2023, with some popular videos gaining over 3 million views in just a few weeks. On August 15, 2022, “Do it for the plot” was added to Urban Dictionary.

Using Do It for the Plot Online

Talk about doing something that scared you. One of the best ways to do it for the plot is to try something out of your comfort zone. If you did something that scared you and it worked out in your favor (or even if it didn’t), tell everyone about your experience. Here are some examples: “I was really nervous to talk to the pretty girl at the bar, but I did it for the plot and ended up getting her number!” “I’ve never gone to a concert alone before, but all my friends are busy, so I’m going to do it for the plot.” “I decided to move abroad to France. I’m really nervous, but I’m doing it for the plot.”

Laugh about your dating life. Many people on social media talk about dating “for the plot.” In this case, they’re not dating to try to find a lifelong partner, but instead to have fun and meet new, interesting people. If you’ve gone on some wacky dates, tell everyone how you did it for the plot. Here are some examples: “This guy I matched with on Tinder wants to take me to a heavy metal concert. I’m not into that kind of music, but I’m doing it for the plot.” “I decided to date for the plot and met a girl who plays the bagpipes. You never know who you’ll meet!” “The date I went on didn’t go very well, but at least I did it for the plot.”

Use it as an excuse to do something reckless. While it’s probably not a good idea to do something dangerous just for the plot, many people use the phrase when they want to do something dumb or that they know won’t work out well in the end. Here are some examples: “I knew it wasn’t a good idea to go to the bar last night, but I did it for the plot.” “I decided to go bungee jumping even though I’m terrified of heights. Is it crazy? Yes, but I’m doing it for the plot.” “I’m really bored, so I’m about to text my ex just to do it for the plot.”

How to Do It for the Plot

Start saying “yes” to new experiences. Remember, you’re the main character in your life, and you can’t advance your plot if you’re stuck in a rut. If someone invites you to something that’s out of your comfort zone, do it anyway! You may end up having a blast, and even if you don’t, at least you did it for the plot.

Meet new people. Adding new characters is a great way to advance the plot. Even if you aren’t looking for a relationship, try online dating or going on blind dates to meet new, interesting people. Talk to people when you’re out shopping or at events. Even if you don’t find lifelong friends in the process, you may meet someone so fascinating that you’re sure to think of them for years to come.

Move to or visit new places. If you feel like your life has gotten dull, seeing new sights can help you remember how much there is to explore. If you want to do it for the plot, go on a spontaneous road trip, either alone or with some friends. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, get a fresh start and move to a new city, state, or even a new country. This way, there will be plenty of new side plots for you to discover.