YOLO (motto)

YOLO is an acronym for "you only live once". Similar to Latin "carpe diem" ("seize the day"), it implies that one should enjoy life, even if that entails taking risks, as if there would not be another chance for it. The phrase and acronym are both used in youth culture and music, and were both popularized by the 2011 song "The Motto" by rapper Drake.

Similar phrases have been in use for more than a century, including these:

In the 20th century, the phrase, "you only live once" was commonly attributed to comedian and actor Mae West.

In the early 21st century, the acronym "YOLO" and the phrase, "you only live once" became a staple of music and youth culture. The acronym has been a subject of graffiti,Twitter hashtags, pranks,tattoos, music, television shows, and merchandise.

A restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has held a trademark to the phrase "YOLO" in the context of the frozen yogurt business since 2010.

The acronym was most popularized in the 21st century by rapper Drake, who planned to release a 2011 joint mixtape titled YOLO along with Rick Ross. To promote this mixtape, "YOLO" was mentioned prominently on several of their tracks such as "The Motto", released on November 29, 2011, with the aim of promoting the tape. This use is said to have elevated the word into prominence and common colloquial use. In late 2012, Drake expressed a desire to obtain royalties for use of "YOLO" due to the proliferation of merchandise bearing the phrase and lyrics from his song, which have been commonly seen at stores such as Walgreens and Macy's, but he does not own a trademark on the word.

...
Wikipedia