School chaos: 'Oi oi oi baka' trend storms TikTok classrooms

Occasionally, the internet gives rise to trends that are hard to explain. Such was the case with trends like eating dirt, building cardboard kebab stands during lessons, or challenge of stealing equipment from schools (fortunately, this phenomenon was limited to the USA).

So, where did this particular trend originate? It likely began with a conversation between two students, in which one dared the other by saying, "You don't have the guts to do it." The other student then went ahead and did it. Specifically, it involves interrupting a lesson with the shout, "Oi oi oi baka!".

Videos related to the challenge are circulating on TikTok. They typically show a classroom with a "daredevil" taking on the challenge. The student first whispers the phrase "oi oi oi baka," then progressively gets louder. Once they have the class’s attention, the student stands on a chair or desk and shouts in a very expressive manner. Teachers usually react with surprise, anger, and shock. Generally, no harm is done—it's just foolish.

What do the words "oi oi oi baka" mean? In Japanese, "baka" means fool. Characters in anime use it to express frustration. "Oi oi oi" is used similarly, possibly conveying irritation or surprise. Students combine "oi oi oi" and "baka" to give their public performances an absurdly comedic nature. It wouldn't be surprising if the phrase becomes a contender for the Youth Word of the Year.