Andy Montoya
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese with a distinctive appearance due to the holes, known as eyes, that form during the ripening process. The term Swiss cheesed is slang for someone who has been shot multiple times, leaving them with holes like the signature texture of Swiss cheese. The phrase first appeared in the 1988 film Die Hard and was later popularised in rap music during the 1990s. In late 2024, the phrase saw a resurgence on TikTok, with users adopting the term in a comedic context.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Hard cheese |
| Texture | Elastic |
| Flavour | Mild, nutty |
| Appearance | Riddled with holes ("eyes") |
| Slang meaning | A person who has been shot multiple times and is riddled with holes |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is a slang term for someone who has been shot multiple times
Swiss cheese is an AAVE slang term used to describe someone who has been shot multiple times, leaving them with multiple holes like the holes in Swiss cheese. The term's roots can be traced back to the 1988 film Die Hard, where the character Sgt. Powell says, "They're turning my car into Swiss cheese." The phrase became more popular in the 1990s, especially in rap music, with lyrics often invoking the term to describe being shot. For example, The Notorious B.I.G.'s song "Who Shot Ya?", released in 1995, includes the phrase. Urban Dictionary solidified the term's definition in 2004, describing Swiss cheesed as "someone who is shot full of holes."
The term experienced a resurgence on TikTok in late 2024, with content creator camotoofunny posting a video that garnered over 5 million plays and 800,000 likes. In the video, camotoofunny humorously says, "Your ass gonna be Swiss cheese in the dirt." This sparked a wave of users adopting the term in a comedic context, creating memes and videos. While the term has darker connotations, it has taken on a humorous and exaggerated tone within TikTok culture, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
The usage of the term "Swiss cheese" and its verb form, "get Swiss cheesed," can be traced back to pre-internet examples, notably appearing in rap music from the 1990s. The phrase has also been used in other media forms, such as films and video games. For instance, in the video game Escape From Tarkov, a Swiss-cheesed helmet with multiple bullet holes can be seen.
Swiss cheesed is a vivid and graphic slang term that paints a picture of the damage inflicted on a person or object by multiple gunshot wounds. The comparison to Swiss cheese emphasizes the numerous holes caused by bullets, creating a striking and memorable image. The term is a creative and unique way to describe a violent act, adding a layer of dark humor or exaggeration to the description of gun violence.
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Swiss cheese is a hard cheese with holes known as eyes
Swiss cheese is a hard cheese with holes, known as "eyes". It is a generic term for any variety of cheese that resembles Emmental, a yellow, medium-hard cheese that originated in the Emmental region of Switzerland. Swiss cheese is now produced in many countries, including the US, Finland, Estonia, and Ireland. It is characterised by an elastic texture and a mild, nutty flavour. The larger the eyes in Swiss cheese, the more pronounced its flavour, as a longer fermentation period gives bacteria more time to act.
The holes, or "eyes", in Swiss cheese are formed by the presence of three types of bacteria: Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus (L. helveticus or L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus), and Propionibacterium (Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermani). In the later stages of cheese production, the propionibacteria consume the lactic acid excreted by the other bacteria and release acetate, propionic acid, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide slowly forms bubbles that develop into the "eyes". The acetate and propionic acid are responsible for the nutty and sweet flavour of Swiss cheese.
Cheese without eyes is known as "blind". Interestingly, the holes in Swiss cheese were historically viewed as imperfections, and cheesemakers tried to avoid them by pressing the cheese during production. However, the eyes in Swiss cheese are now considered a distinctive feature, and the cheese is often riddled with them.
The term "Swiss cheese" is used to refer to this style of cheese, regardless of whether it was made in Switzerland. In the United States, the term "Swiss cheese" is used interchangeably with "Emmentaler cheese". In Australia, both terms are used, along with "Swiss-style cheese", to differentiate between cheese made in Switzerland and those made in other countries.
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Swiss cheese is made with three types of bacteria
Swiss cheese is a generic term for any variety of cheese that resembles Emmental cheese, a yellow, medium-hard cheese that originated in the Emmental region of Switzerland. It is classified as a Swiss-type or Alpine cheese. Swiss cheese is now produced in many countries, including the United States, Finland, Estonia, and Ireland.
Three types of bacteria are used in the production of Swiss cheese: Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus (L. helveticus or L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus), and Propionibacterium (Propionibacterium freudenreichii subsp. shermani). The bacteria are mixed with cow's milk to produce curds, which are then soaked in brine (a salt and water solution). During this process, the cheese absorbs salt and releases water, while the bacteria expand and release carbon dioxide, creating the distinctive holes that make Swiss cheese famous.
In the late stages of cheese production, the propionibacteria consume the lactic acid excreted by the other bacteria and release acetate, propionic acid, and carbon dioxide gas. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles that develop into the holes, or "eyes," in the cheese. The acetate and propionic acid give Swiss cheese its nutty and sweet flavor. The larger the eyes in Swiss cheese, the more pronounced its flavor, as a longer fermentation period gives the bacteria more time to act.
Swiss cheese is sometimes made with pasteurized or part-skim milk, unlike the original Swiss cheese made with raw milk. The term "Swiss cheese" is also used in India, although it is often referred to as Emmental. In Australia, both terms are used interchangeably, along with the term "Swiss-style cheese."
Interestingly, the term "Swiss cheese" has taken on a new meaning in popular culture, especially on TikTok. "Swiss cheese" or "Swiss cheesed" is used as slang to describe a person who has been shot multiple times and is riddled with holes, resembling the texture of Swiss cheese. This slang term has its roots in the 1988 film Die Hard and became popular in rap music during the 1990s. It has since taken on a more humorous tone in TikTok memes and videos.
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Swiss cheese was popularized on TikTok by user @camotoofunny
Swiss cheese or Swiss cheesed is an AAVE slang term used to describe a person who has been shot multiple times and is left with holes in their body, akin to the holes in Swiss cheese. The phrase was popularized on TikTok by user @camotoofunny in late 2024. In a video posted on November 20, 2024, @camotoofunny humorously said, "Your ass gonna be Swiss cheese in the dirt," garnering over 5 million plays and 800,000 likes in three months. This sparked a wave of users adopting the term in a comedic context, creating memes and videos.
Swiss cheese, as a phrase, has been around for decades and has been used in various media forms before gaining popularity on TikTok. Its usage can be traced back to pre-internet examples, notably in the 1988 film Die Hard, where the character Sgt. Powell says, "They're turning my car into Swiss cheese." The phrase also appeared in rap music in the 1990s, with lyrics invoking the term to describe being shot, such as in The Notorious B.I.G.'s song "Who Shot Ya?" released in 1995. By 2004, Urban Dictionary defined the term as "someone who is shot full of holes."
The phrase "Swiss cheesin' yo' ass" gained popularity on TikTok, with users creating memes and videos using the term in a comedic context. The term, while rooted in darker connotations, has taken on a humorous tone within TikTok culture, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha users. The rapid evolution of language on TikTok makes it an exciting yet challenging platform to keep up with the latest slang and trends.
The popularity of the phrase "Swiss cheese" on TikTok has sparked a new wave of interest in the term, with users adopting it and incorporating it into their memes and videos. The phrase has become a staple in Gen Z and Gen Alpha memes, with users continuing to find creative ways to use the term in a lighthearted and exaggerated manner. The phrase has also sparked discussions about the evolution of slang on social media platforms and how certain terms gain traction and become viral trends.
While the phrase "Swiss cheese" has gained a new audience on TikTok, it is important to recognize its roots and the fact that it has been used in various media forms for decades. The adoption of the phrase by TikTok users highlights the platform's role in popularizing and reshaping slang and cultural trends. As language continues to evolve on social media, it will be interesting to see how the phrase "Swiss cheese" evolves and what new contexts it may take on in the future.
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Swiss cheese is a term used in the 1988 film Die Hard
The phrase "Swiss cheese" in this context refers to the appearance of the cheese variety known as Emmental cheese, which originated in Switzerland and is characterised by holes known as "eyes." The larger the holes in Swiss cheese, the more pronounced its flavour. This unique feature, however, poses a challenge when it comes to slicing the cheese, as it tends to come apart.
The use of "Swiss cheese" as a slang term reflects how language evolves and adapts to new contexts. It is an example of how a phrase can take on a life of its own, transitioning from its original culinary context to a vivid and memorable way of describing a completely different situation in a movie. This evolution of language showcases the creativity and adaptability inherent in human communication.
The adoption of "Swiss cheese" as slang illustrates how certain expressions resonate with people, especially when they are memorable and evocative. The phrase's enduring popularity, from its early appearances in the Die Hard film and rap music to its resurgence on TikTok, highlights its effectiveness in conveying a vivid image that captures the imagination. This demonstrates the power of language to create shared cultural touchstones that transcend their original contexts.
While the term "Swiss cheese" has taken on a life of its own in popular culture, it is important to acknowledge its roots in the culinary world. The unique appearance of Swiss cheese, with its distinctive holes, has made it a recognisable reference point, even for those who may not be familiar with the specific type of cheese. This transformation of a culinary term into a widely understood slang expression showcases the dynamic nature of language and its ability to reflect and shape cultural trends.
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Frequently asked questions
"Swiss cheesed" is a slang term used to describe a person who has been shot multiple times and is left with holes in their body, much like the holes in Swiss cheese.
The term's earliest usage can be traced back to the 1988 film Die Hard, where the character Sgt. Powell says, "They're turning my car into Swiss cheese." It became more popular in the 1990s, especially in rap music, with lyrics often using the term to describe being shot.
Swiss cheese is a type of hard cheese known for its elastic texture, mild nut-like flavour, and large holes that form during ripening. These holes are caused by carbon dioxide bubbles produced by bacteria during the cheese-making process.
