TikTokers are sharing the biggest missed shots they've ever seen right now, thanks to an addictive meme known as the Holy Airball trend.

The Holy Airball trend is inspired by the slang term "holy airball," which is derived from the basketball term "airball" or "air ball."

So, what is a "holy airball," and what does the trend mean? Here's what you need to know.

What Does 'Holy Airball' Mean?

In basketball, an "airball" is a shot on net that comes nowhere near going into the net. Essentially, it means that the ball didn't hit the net, rim, or the backboard but instead soared through the air without touching anything.

As a slang term, "airball" can be used in reference to other types of "missed shots," such as hitting on a person only to be rejected.

Throughout 2024, the term "holy airball" started to spread online as an expression similar to "holy cow," wherein it's used to express shock over an epic missed shot.

The earliest examples of the term use it to react to images of people leaving bad pickup lines in the comments sections of influencers. Now, the term has taken on a new life as a TikTok trend.

@and1mediaa holy air ball #stephcurry #airball #nba #funny #memecut #meme #viral #blowthisup ♬ Ganger – RRoxket

How Is 'Holy Airball' Used In Memes?

In May 2025, TikTokers started using "Holy Airball" as part of a TikTok trend set to the song "Soul Survivor" by Jeezy.

The trend has TikTokers share an anecdote about a moment when they saw someone, usually a crush, throw an "airball" by misunderstanding or underestimating something they're saying. The term "holy airball" is used over an image of the thing the person missed out on with their airball.

For example, one version of the meme by TikToker @scarlettloveswbb starts with the caption, "Told him I liked basketball." The next caption reads, "He said 'Curry or LeBron.'" Finally, she shows an image of herself playing basketball under the caption, "Holy freaking airball," suggesting he threw an airball by misunderstanding her love of basketball.

@cammypatton wingback >> ok i like this trend #fyp #foryou #forwardturnedoutsideback #soccer #tcusoccer #d1athlete #big12champs #freshmanyear ♬ original sound – EC Equine Marketing

What Are Some More 'Holy Airball' Memes?

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For the full history of [meme/entry name], be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.