The phrase “Not today, Satan”is a humorous or dramatic way of saying that someone is resisting negativity, temptation, or something they perceive as bad or harmful.
It’s a way of expressing that they refuse to let anything or anyone get the better of them in that moment.
It can be used in serious contexts, like overcoming personal struggles, or more lighthearted situations, like avoiding frustration, bad luck, or minor inconveniences.
For instance:
- If someone is about to lose their temper but decides to stay calm, they might say, “Not today, Satan.”
- If they resist eating an entire cake on a diet, they could jokingly say, “Not today, Satan!”
Sentence Examples
- As the alarm blared at 5 a.m. and I considered skipping my workout, I whispered to myself, “Not today, Satan.”
- When my coworker tried to drag me into office drama, I smiled politely and thought, “Not today, Satan.”
- I almost hit “buy” on those ridiculously expensive shoes, but I closed the tab instead—“Not today, Satan!”
- When my Wi-Fi went out in the middle of an important meeting, I took a deep breath and said, “Not today, Satan, not today.”
- The tempting smell of cookies filled the room, but I stayed strong on my diet—“Not today, Satan!”
Origin
The phrase “Not today, Satan” has its roots in popular culture, primarily popularized by drag queen Bianca Del Rio during her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2014.
In a humorous context, she used it to assert her resolve against challenges posed by other contestants, which resonated with audiences due to its underlying message of defiance and resilience.
While Bianca Del Rio’s usage brought the phrase into contemporary vernacular, its origins can be traced back to the 1975 film The Devil’s Rain, where actor William Shatner reportedly used a similar expression. This earlier reference suggests that the phrase has been part of cultural discourse for decades, albeit in a less prominent manner.
The phrase also carries theological significance. It reflects the biblical principle found in James 4:7, which states, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Here, “Satan” symbolizes any force of negativity or temptation, making the phrase a declaration of empowerment and a refusal to succumb to adverse influences.
Over time, the phrase has transcended its religious connotations and is now widely used as a motivational mantra in various contexts, from memes to personal affirmations.