The 3 Unexpected Meanings Of "Yitty": Why Lizzo Named Her Shapewear Brand That

Contents
The question "What does Yitty mean?" goes far beyond a simple dictionary definition, touching on personal history, cultural linguistics, and a multi-million-dollar fashion revolution. As of December 2025, the word is overwhelmingly recognized as the name of the size-inclusive shapewear and lifestyle brand co-founded by Grammy-winning artist Lizzo, a name she chose to redefine the industry and turn a childhood tease into a symbol of radical self-love and body positivity. Launched in partnership with Fabletics in 2022, the brand is a powerful statement against the restrictive, often uncomfortable norms of traditional shapewear, offering bold colors, comfortable fabrics, and an inclusive size range up to 5X. The name itself is the key to understanding the brand's entire mission, rooted in Lizzo's own journey toward self-acceptance.

Lizzo: A Brief Biography of the Yitty Founder

Melissa Viviane Jefferson, known professionally as Lizzo, is one of the most influential and celebrated artists of the modern era, whose impact spans music, fashion, and body politics.

  • Full Name: Melissa Viviane Jefferson
  • Date of Birth: April 27, 1988
  • Place of Birth: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
  • Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Flutist, Actress, Entrepreneur
  • Musical Genres: Hip hop, R&B, Funk, Soul
  • Key Albums: Cuz I Love You (2019), Special (2022)
  • Key Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures: Co-Founder of the Yitty shapewear brand.
  • Activism: A leading voice for body positivity, self-love, and inclusivity in the entertainment and fashion industries.

The Surprising Personal Meaning Behind Lizzo's Yitty Brand

For Lizzo, the name "Yitty" is not a made-up word, but a deeply personal and transformative nickname. The inspiration for the brand name is directly rooted in her childhood experiences.

Lizzo's aunt gave her the nickname "Yitty" when she was young. The artist has explained that her aunt was a full-figured woman, and the name was initially a source of teasing from her siblings.

In a powerful act of reclamation, Lizzo chose to adopt the name for her shapewear line, transforming it from a childhood insecurity into a badge of honor. She stated that "Yitty" used to be a nickname that made her angry when teased, but now it is the nickname that makes her feel proud.

This personal history is the foundation of the brand's core philosophy: taking something that society or others might use to shame you and turning it into a source of confidence and power. Lizzo is selling "a mentality" with Yitty, one that proclaims, "I can do whatever I want with my body."

Yitty: More Than Shapewear—A Movement of Radical Self-Love

The Yitty brand, co-founded with Fabletics, is designed to revolutionize the shapewear industry by rejecting the traditional idea of restrictive garments meant to conceal or drastically alter a woman's body.

Instead of focusing on slimming and hiding, Yitty focuses on comfort, vibrant self-expression, and celebrating the natural shape. The brand's motto is "Radical Self-Love," and its products are categorized into three main collections, each designed for a different level of wear and support:

  • Nearly Naked: This collection features lightweight, seamless, and comfortable everyday shapewear, often appearing in neutral tones.
  • Mesh Me: Designed for fashion and layering, this line includes bold colors and prints, intended to be seen and shown off as outerwear, not hidden underneath clothes.
  • Major Label: This collection focuses on supportive and compressive fabrics for high-intensity wear and smoothing.

The brand's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its sizing, which ranges from 6X to XS. Furthermore, Yitty has been a pioneer in the industry by explicitly launching gender-affirming shapewear, demonstrating a commitment to "radical self-love for people of all gender identities—including the trans, non-binary, gender-fluid and gender non-conforming communities."

As of late 2025, customer reviews frequently praise the brand for its fit accuracy, the range of options, and the comfort of its fabrics, such as the popular Soft Rib Collection.

The Other Meanings of "Yitty": From Hebrew to Internet Slang

While the Lizzo brand is the dominant meaning today, the word "Yitty" has other distinct etymological and slang definitions that contribute to its complexity and topical authority.

Yitty in Hebrew and Yiddish Culture

As a traditional name, Yitty has roots in Hebrew and Yiddish. It is often considered a diminutive or affectionate nickname derived from the Yiddish name Yitta or Yetta.

  • Origin: Diminutive of Yitta or Yetta.
  • Hebrew Connection: It is linked to the Hebrew name "Yehudit" (Judith), which means "Jewish woman" or "woman of Judea."
  • Alternative Meanings: In some contexts, the name is associated with the concept of "light" or "laughter," stemming from the Hebrew name "Yitzi" or "Yitzhak."

This cultural entity adds a layer of depth to the word, connecting it to concepts of tradition, light, and femininity that resonate with the shapewear brand’s celebration of women.

Yitty in Modern Internet Slang

In the realm of modern internet and urban slang, the term "Yitty" or its plural form "Yitties" carries entirely different connotations, often used informally online.

  • Humor and Entertainment: In some online communities, "Yitty" is a slang term used to describe something that is particularly humorous, entertaining, or amusing.
  • Slang for Breasts: The term "Yitties" is a well-documented slang term in Urban Dictionary, used as an exaggerated or "upper echelon" synonym for breasts or "tits."

The existence of this slang meaning—especially the connection to the female form—creates a subtle, almost subversive connection to the shapewear brand, which is all about embracing and celebrating the body, regardless of its shape or size.

The Lasting Impact of the Yitty Name

In summary, the question "what does Yitty mean" has three distinct answers: it is a beautiful, traditional Yiddish nickname; it is modern internet slang for humor and the female body; and most importantly, it is the deeply personal nickname Lizzo chose to build a revolutionary shapewear brand upon. By choosing a name that was once a source of pain and reclaiming it as a symbol of confidence, Lizzo and her Yitty brand have successfully redefined the conversation around shapewear, turning a traditionally restrictive garment into a tool for self-love and body celebration for people of all genders and sizes. The brand’s continued success and positive reviews into 2025 confirm its status as a major entity in the inclusive fashion world.

The 3 Unexpected Meanings of
what does yitty mean
what does yitty mean

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