What Does “Eat Zucchini” From KATSEYE Mean?

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K-pop fandom expert Dominique Falla explains the highly-debated lyrics of “Internet Girl”

Co-authored by Bailey Cho

Last Updated: January 28, 2026 Fact Checked

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• “Eat Zucchini” Meaning
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• “Internet Girl” Song Meaning
|
• Production & Release
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• Fan Reactions
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• Video

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Wondering what “eat zucchini” means from KATSEYE’s new single “Internet Girl?” Well, you’re not alone, and we’re here to break it down for you! We talked to K-pop fandom expert Dominique Falla to help us explain all the possible meanings behind the catchy, head-scratching lyric, as well as the song’s meaning and production. We’ll also explain what EYEKONS think of the song, with some even calling it “Gnarly 2.0.” Let’s go!

What does the lyric “eat zucchini” mean?

K-pop fandom expert Dominique Fanna says that “eat zucchini” is a coded way of saying “eat a d*ck,” especially since the lyrics that directly follow it reference the eggplant emoji (which often represents male genitalia). Alternatively, “eat zucchini” may refer to diet pressure placed on women, since zucchini is considered a weight-loss food.

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Section 1 of 4:

What does KATSEYE’s “eat zucchini” lyric mean?

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   “Eat zucchini” is supposedly a euphemism for “suck it.” Falla says, “In simple terms, ‘eat zucchini’ is a coded way of saying something like ‘go screw yourself’ or ‘eat a d*ck,’ and it fits the song’s overall message of pushing back against online scrutiny.” This is reinforced by the next lyrics, which are “Do you read me? Like the emoji?” (The eggplant emoji is often used to refer to a man’s private parts.)

   • In this context, “eat zucchini” is a cheeky response to the haters, similar to saying “go to hell” or “bite me.”
   • “The most common understanding makes sense when you look at the rest of the lyrics and how KATSEYE is positioned online,” explains Falla. “The phrase is generally aimed at their critics, haters, or people who feel entitled to comment on them.”
   • “It’s basically a way of saying they’re not going to explain themselves or cater to internet judgment,” Falla adds. “Using ‘zucchini’ fits Gen-Z internet culture, where explicit language is often swapped out for silly or coded words that circulate on TikTok, Twitter/X, and in memes.”

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Dominique Falla is a K-pop fandom expert.
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   Alternatively, “eat zucchini” may refer to the pressure on women to diet. Another take on the lyric is that it refers to the pressure placed on women, particularly female artists and K-pop idols, to diet or eat clean. This is because zucchini is a known weight-loss food, low in calories but high in water and fiber (which keeps you fuller for longer).

   • When asked about the lyric, the song’s co-writer Justin Tranter said, “It can mean whatever you want it to mean.” Both interpretations of the lyrics make sense, and it’s up to you to decide which concept you prefer!
   • “There are a few different interpretations floating around online,” agrees Falla, “and the girls themselves have suggested they’re happy for people to read it in different ways.”
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Section 2 of 4:

“Internet Girl” Song Meaning

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   “Internet Girl” is about the pressures of being a woman on the internet. Before the song was released, Lara hinted at its themes in a BBC interview. She said, “I really want us to have a song about the internet, but in a way where it feels like a universal experience that women go through. We’re always getting compared to each other. Being in a girl group, people see us as women to rank, which is so bizarre to me. We even get graded sometimes on the internet. To me, that feels dystopian.”

   • The song explores the pressures and scrutiny women face online, whether it’s being judged, compared, or sexualized. It’s a true pop song, blending deep commentary with catchy vocals and production!
   • One fan theory is that “Internet Girl” imitates the trend of people pretending to be an NPC on TikTok, especially given the song’s title, the nonsensical, repetitive lyrics, and the exaggerated, emoji-like expressions featured in the choreography.

Section 3 of 4:

“Internet Girl” Production & Release

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   “Internet Girl” is the fifth digital single from KATSEYE. The song was first showcased at KATSEYE’s The Beautiful Chaos Tour on November 15, 2025. It was officially released on January 2, 2026, and debuted at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their highest-charting debut to date. It follows up their highly iconic (and highly polarizing) song “Gnarly,” which debuted at #92 in May 2025. Here are the full song credits:

   • Producers: Mattman & Robin, Justin Tranter, Shawn Wasabi
   • Writers: Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Justin Tranter, Livvi Franc, Shawn Wasabi
   • Vocals: KATSEYE members (Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, Yoonchae)
   • Mixing Engineer: Alex Ghenea
   • Mastering Engineer: Chris Gehringer
   • Vocal Producer: Bart Schoudel
   • Vocal Recording Engineer: Amber Jones
   • Assistant Mixing Engineer: Jack Normile
   • Assistant Mastering Engineer: Will Quinnell
   • Label: HYBE, Geffen Records
   • Distributor: Universal Music Group (UMG)
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Section 4 of 4:

“Internet Girl” Fan Reactions

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   The song has mixed reviews, with some fans calling it “Gnarly 2.0.” Some EYEKONS (the official fandom name for KATSEYE) aren’t too happy with the song, claiming it’s a “trashy TikTok song” with “senseless lyrics.” However, others view it as a playful, addictive bop that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. This is unsurprising, since fans had similar reactions to “Gnarly” when it was first released, but eventually came around to loving it.

   • Falla says the song is meant to be funny. “The humour comes from the contrast between a harmless word and its implied meaning. It lets the line feel cheeky and a bit provocative without being outright explicit.”
   • Ever wondered which KATSEYE member you’re most like? Take our KATSEYE quiz to find out!

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