"That's my jam" is a slang phrase that means something is one's favorite or preferred thing, especially a song or music genre.

In short:

• It can be used to express one's liking for anything, such as music, hobbies, activities, foods, etc.

What Does "That's My Jam" Mean?

The idiom "that's my jam" means something is one's favorite or preferred thing, especially a song or music genre. It implies that one feels a strong connection or affinity to the thing and that it suits one's personality, mood, or taste. It also suggests that one enjoys or appreciates the thing very much and that it makes one happy or excited.

Some related expressions that have a similar meaning are:

• That's my vibe
• That's my style
• That's my thing
• That's my groove
• That's my cup of tea

Where Does "That's My Jam" Come From?

The idiom "that's my jam" originated from the musical term "jam," which means improvising or playing music together, relaxed or informally. Subsequently, the phrase developed its symbolic meaning to express one's preference or favorite among songs or anything. Thanks to its use in popular and social media, it became widespread and mainstream in the 2000s and 2010s.

10 Examples of "That's My Jam" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

• Is that Queen playing? That's my jam! I love their songs.
• Whenever I hear "Sweet Child of Mine," I think, "That's my jam!"
• I can't resist dancing when "Billie Jean" comes on; that's my jam.
• When the DJ played my favorite song, I shouted, "That's my jam!"
• Are you asking if I like to go camping? Yes, please. That's my jam!
• "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen? Oh yeah, that's my jam, for sure.
• You should try this pizza. It has pineapple and ham on it. That's my jam.
• I like horror movies. That's my jam. Do you want to watch one with me?
• Having chocolate ice cream instantly puts me in a good mood—that's my jam!
• When the beat dropped in the club, I turned to my friend and said, "That's my jam right there."

Examples of "That's My Jam" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In the 2014 comedy film 22 Jump Street, the characters Jenko and Zook bond over their mutual love of the song Turn Down for What by DJ Snake and Lil Jon. They both exclaim, "That's my jam!" when they hear it playing at a party.
• In the 2016 animated film Sing, the character Meena, a shy elephant who loves to sing, performs "Don't You Worry About a Thing" by Stevie Wonder at the final show. She overcomes her stage fright and impresses the audience with her voice. Her grandfather, who is watching from home, proudly says, "That's my jam!" when he sees her on TV.
• In the 2019 comedy film Booksmart, Amy and Molly, two best friends and high-achieving students, decide to have one night of fun before graduating high school. They go to a party and dance to the song "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette. They both scream, "That's my jam!" as they sing along to the lyrics.

Other Ways to Say "That's My Jam"

Here are some synonyms for this phrase:

• That's my tune
• That's my song
• That's my track
• That's my anthem
• That's my hit
• That's my favorite
• That's my choice
• That's my pick
• That's my preference
• That's my delight

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "That's My Jam"

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about this idiom:

• What does "that's my jam" mean?

"That's my jam" is a slang phrase that means something is one's favorite or preferred thing, especially a song or music genre.

• What is the origin of the phrase "that's my jam"?

The idiom "that's my jam" originated from the musical term "jam," which means improvising or playing music together, relaxed or informally. Subsequently, the phrase developed its symbolic meaning to express one's preference or favorite among songs or anything.

• Is "that's my jam" formal or informal?

"That's my jam" is an informal expression primarily used in casual or friendly conversations. It is inappropriate for formal or professional situations, such as academic writing, business meetings, or official speeches.

• Is "that's my jam" rude or offensive?
  

"That's my jam" is not rude or offensive but can be considered disrespectful or insensitive if used in the wrong context or tone. For example, if someone says "That's my jam" to mock or criticize someone else's taste or preference or says it loudly or repeatedly in public, it might disturb or annoy others.

• Is "that's my jam" positive or negative?

"That's my jam" is a positive expression that shows one's liking or enjoyment of something. It can also compliment or praise someone else's choice or preference. However, depending on the context and tone, it can also be used sarcastically or ironically to imply the opposite meaning.

• Can "that's my jam" refer to a person or a place?

While it's less common, the phrase can be used metaphorically to express a strong affinity for a person or a place. For example, someone might say, "New York City is my jam; I love it there."

• Can "that's my jam" be used sarcastically?

It can be used sarcastically, but the tone and context would typically make it clear that the speaker does not actually like the thing they're referring to.

• Does "that's my jam" have any variations in different English-speaking regions?

Yes, there may be regional variations or similar phrases in different English-speaking regions, but the meaning is generally the same.

• Can "that's my jam" refer to a current favorite, or is it more commonly used for nostalgic favorites?

It can be used for both current favorites and nostalgic favorites. The key is that the speaker really enjoys whatever they are referring to.

• Can "that's my jam" be used in written communication, such as in emails or texts

Yes, it can be used in written communication, especially in casual messages or when chatting with friends. However, it may be less common in formal writing.

Final Thoughts About "That's My Jam"

"That's my jam" is an idiom that means something is one's favorite or preferred thing, especially a song or music genre.

In summary:

• It originated from the musical term "jam," which means improvising or playing music together.
• It can be used for anything one likes or enjoys, not just music.
• It can be modified by using different pronouns.
• It is informal and should only be used in casual or friendly conversations.