Colin Snow
Don't sleep on Barry O is a phrase that refers to former US President Barack Obama. The phrase originated from a Key and Peele sketch in 2012, where Peele played a college-aged Obama and said the line to the camera while intercepting a joint. The phrase has two meanings: firstly, it is a pun on Obama's first name, Barack, which is often shortened to Barry, and his last name, Obama, which is shortened to O. Secondly, it alludes to the idiomatic expression sleeping giant, implying that Obama is a man of great strength or significance who is currently dormant or inactive. The phrase has also been used in a similar context by rappers Pouya and Tupac, who are telling their audience not to underestimate them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning of "Don't sleep on" | Underestimate or ignore |
| "Barry O" | Barack Obama |
| "Don't sleep on Barry O" | Don't underestimate or ignore Barack Obama |
| Origin | A Key and Peele sketch from 2012 |
| "Sleeping Barry" | Refers to Obama himself |
| Origin | Maureen Dawd's article in the New York Times |
| Meaning | Obama is "inactive" or "dormant" like a "sleeping giant" |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- 'Don't sleep on' as a phrase means to underestimate or ignore
- 'Barry O' is a playful nickname for Barack Obama
- Obama was referred to as ''Sleeping Barry' to allude to the idiom 'sleeping giant'
- Obama was called 'Sleeping Barry' due to his inactivity as president
- A tape from Obama's college years shows him as a person of inclusiveness
'Don't sleep on' as a phrase means to underestimate or ignore
The idiom "don't sleep on" is a recent transformation that now means the opposite of what it once did. While it previously meant taking an issue seriously enough not to treat it hastily, it now means to underestimate or ignore a problem.
The phrase "don't sleep on" is often used in the context of not "sleeping on" a person, and is usually meant as a warning to not underestimate or ignore someone. For example, in a 2012 Key and Peele sketch, Peele plays a college-aged Barack Obama and says, "Don't sleep on Barry O." Here, "Barry O" is a playful nickname based on Obama's first name, Barack, with "sleep" alluding to the idiomatic expression "sleeping giant." The phrase "sleeping giant" refers to someone of great strength or significance, which is currently dormant or "asleep." In this context, "Don't sleep on Barry O" means to not underestimate or ignore Obama.
The phrase "don't sleep on" can also be used in the context of not "sleeping on" a thing, and is usually meant as a warning to not ignore or underestimate the importance of a thing. For example, in a 2009 TV episode, a character solemnly advises his neighbor not to "sleep on the gouda" at a party. Here, "sleep on the gouda" means to not ignore or underestimate the significance of gouda cheese.
The phrase "don't sleep on" can also be used in a more literal sense, as in the phrase "don't get/be caught napping," which means to not let your inattention or literal sleep be exploited by someone else. For example, "the other team scored because our defense was caught napping."
In addition to these meanings, "to sleep on" can also mean to postpone a decision until the following day so that one has additional time to consider it. In this context, "don't sleep on" could mean to not underestimate the importance of a decision by not postponing it.
RV Sleep Out: What Does It Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
'Barry O' is a playful nickname for Barack Obama
"Barry O" is a playful nickname for former US President Barack Obama. The nickname is derived from Obama's first name, with the "O" in "Barry O" alluding to the last letter of "Barack".
The phrase "don't sleep on Barry O" was popularised by a Key and Peele sketch from 2012, in which Peele plays a college-aged Obama. In the sketch, Obama intercepts a joint being passed around a table and says, "Don't sleep on Barry O". The phrase combines the braggadocio of "Hide your kids, hide your wife" with the dignity of fulfilled prophecy. The phrase "don't sleep on", in this context, means to not underestimate or ignore someone. This is a shift from its previous meaning, which was to take an issue seriously and not treat it hastily.
The nickname "Barry O" has also been used in reference to Obama's college years, with some wondering what he was like during that time. A tape has surfaced that appears to show Obama as a person of inclusiveness but someone who "messed up the rotation".
Obama has also been referred to as "Sleeping Barry", a play on his nickname "Barry" and his surname "Obama". "Sleeping Barry" is a pun that alludes to "Sleeping Beauty", as well as the idiomatic expression "sleeping giant". The phrase implies that Obama was inactive or dormant as president, letting the House Republicans do as they wished without interference.
Why Do We Shake in Our Sleep?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Obama was referred to as ''Sleeping Barry' to allude to the idiom 'sleeping giant'
The phrase "Don't sleep on Barry O" is a playful expression that gained traction during Barack Obama's presidency, encouraging people not to underestimate or overlook the potential of President Barack Obama, affectionately nicknamed "Barry O." The phrase is a clever play on words, drawing a connection between the former president and the idiom "sleeping giant." This idiom refers to a person or entity that possesses significant power or potential but remains dormant or unnoticed until triggered or activated by a specific event or circumstance.
During his political career, Barack Obama was often referred to as a "sleeping giant" by both his supporters and detractors. This allusion to the idiom highlighted the perception that he had a reserved and measured public persona, which some misinterpreted as a lack of passion or drive. However, those who used the phrase "Don't sleep on Barry O" were encouraging people to recognize that beneath this calm exterior lay a formidable intellect, a passionate advocate for change, and a skilled political operator. They were essentially saying, "Don't underestimate the potential of Barack Obama."
The "Barry" in "Barry O" is a familiar form of President Barack Obama's first name, used to create a sense of closeness and informality. Adding the letter "O" at the end is a playful addition, making the phrase more catchy and memorable. This phrase was likely coined by supporters of the president who wanted to emphasize his potential and encourage people to recognize his capabilities, especially in the context of his historic presidency as the first African American commander-in-chief.
Referring to President Obama as a sleeping giant acknowledges the idea that his impact and influence were not always immediately apparent to those who did not closely follow his political career or understand his long-term vision. However, those who used the phrase "Don't sleep on Barry O" were keenly aware of his potential and encouraged others to recognize that, like a sleeping giant, President Obama had the capacity to make significant and lasting change when roused to action.
In conclusion, the phrase "Don't sleep on Barry O" is an imaginative and powerful expression that draws a parallel between President Barack Obama and the concept of a sleeping giant. This idiom effectively communicates the idea that one should not underestimate or ignore the potential of an individual who may appear unassuming on the surface. In the case of President Obama, this phrase served as a reminder to recognize the strength and capability lurking beneath a calm and collected exterior.
Dreaming: A Sign of Healthy Sleep?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Obama was called 'Sleeping Barry' due to his inactivity as president
"Sleeping Barry" is a nickname given to Barack Obama, alluding to his inactivity as president. Obama was known as "Barry" in his youth, a playful nickname based on his first name, Barack. The nickname "Sleeping Barry" is a pun on "Sleeping Beauty", a popular fairy tale and Disney movie. It implies that Obama was inactive or asleep on the job, not pushing for change or using his presidential powers, and instead, letting the House Republicans do as they pleased without interference.
The expression "Sleeping Barry" gained prominence in September 2011, when Maureen Dawd's New York Times article was titled 'Sleeping Barry Awakes'. In the article, Dawd expresses relief that Obama, the "Sleeping Barry", is awakening and will begin to fight against the "obstructionist" politics of the House Republicans. The nickname also draws parallels to the idiomatic expression "sleeping giant", referring to someone of great strength or significance who is currently dormant or "asleep".
The nickname "Barry" has been associated with Obama since his early years, as seen in the 2016 Netflix film "Barry", which explores his college years in the early 1980s. Obama himself decided to move away from the nickname "Barry" and preferred to be addressed by his given name, Barack, during his college years. This shift was part of his quest for identity and belonging, as he sought to connect with his African heritage and tie himself more firmly to his black African father, who had left when Obama was young.
The phrase "Don't Sleep on Barry O!" has also been used in reference to Obama's college years, with the emergence of a tape highlighting his inclusiveness and ability to mess up the rotation.
Urban Sleeping Emoji: What's the True Meaning?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![3-Inch Barack Obama Keychain [1-Pack]: Custom Made Political Satire Cartoon for Bags, Keys, and Backpacks - Durable and Hilariously Unique Design](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61UY63N+RVL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
A tape from Obama's college years shows him as a person of inclusiveness
“Don't sleep on Barry O" is a phrase used by Maureen Dawd in a New York Times article titled 'Sleeping Barry Awakes'. The phrase is a pun on 'Sleeping Beauty', referring to Obama as a "man at work sleeping at his desk; he's not getting anything done".
Now, a tape from Obama's college years has surfaced, and it shows that he was a person of inclusiveness. Obama's classmates considered him "a floater", moving from culture to culture and from political group to political group, showing interest but never committing to one. This reflected a deeper trend in his life, both in and out of politics: his need and ability to avoid traps. During his college years, Obama became part of Occidental's activist network, participating in a vigil protesting against the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. This led him to give his first public political speech, where he discovered his ability to move crowds with words.
Obama's former roommate Phillip Boerner recalled his experiences with Obama, and Obama himself described his years at Columbia as a "quiet and intense period of study". He wrote an article for the student publication Sundial, titled 'Breaking the War Mentality'. Obama also had a unique smoking style, cupping the cigarette between his thumb and index finger. He smoked cigarettes and joints the same way.
Obama's time at Harvard is also documented, where he was a research assistant for Professor Laurence Tribe, who recalled Obama as "the most impressive student I had ever taught". Photos of Obama during his Harvard years are available, and more than 20 of his classmates were part of his transition team after he won the 2008 US presidential election.
Sleep Regression: Understanding Your Baby's Sleep Patterns
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
"Don't sleep on" is an idiom that means to not underestimate or ignore someone or something. In this case, "Barry O" is a playful nickname for Barack Obama, derived from his first name.
"Barry" is a nickname based on Barack Obama's first name, Barack.
The phrase originates from the idiom "to sleep on", which means to take an issue seriously and not treat it hastily. The "be inert or inactive" sense of "sleep" has a long history, with the Oxford English Dictionary noting its usage as early as 800 CE to refer to anything passive or dormant.
Yes, it appears to be a reference to a Key and Peele sketch from 2012, in which Peele plays a college-aged Barack Obama, saying "Don't sleep on Barry O". The sketch also featured Obama intercepting a joint on its way around the table.
Yes, the phrase has been used in various contexts, including:
- In a 2012 song by the rapper Pouya, who threatened, "Don't sleep on me, hoe".
- In a 1996 Tupac track titled "Don't Sleep", where he raps, "We gon' ride/ Keep my pistol on my side/ Always creep wit' the nine …Don't sleep".
- In a Nike Golf marketing campaign in 2014, with the slogan, "Don't Sleep on Summer!".
