The Viral Truth: What Do 'Five Big Booms' Really Mean? (The Definitive Guide To The Boom Meter)
The phrase 'Five Big Booms' is one of the most recognizable and frequently quoted pieces of internet slang in late 2024 and early 2025, having exploded in popularity across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit. Far from a generic expression of excitement, the term is the definitive, highest rating on a unique and highly influential food review scale, and its meaning is inextricably linked to the father-son content creator duo who invented it: the "Costco Guys."
The concept of the "Boom Meter" is simple yet effective, turning a standard product review into a viral cultural touchstone. A rating of 'Five Big Booms' is a declaration of excellence, a pronouncement that a product—be it a giant Costco hot dog or a random snack—is a certified "home run." Understanding this phrase requires diving into the lore of its creators, the unique rating system, and the bizarre, sometimes controversial, ways it has been adopted by the wider internet. This is your definitive guide to the full meaning of the "Five Big Booms" phenomenon.
The Architects of the Boom: A.J. & Big Justice Befumo (The Costco Guys)
The entire "5 Big Booms" phenomenon is the brainchild of the father-son duo, Andrew "A.J." Befumo Jr. and Eric "Big Justice" Befumo, collectively known as the "Costco Guys." Their content is primarily focused on food reviews, often conducted in or around Costco stores, which gives them their moniker.
Creator Profile: A.J. Befumo Jr.
- Full Name: Andrew "A.J." Befumo Jr.
- Role: Father, primary reviewer, and former professional wrestler.
- Wrestling Alias: A.J. previously wrestled on the New Jersey independent scene under the name Eric Justice.
- Content Style: Energetic, often leading the review with his signature verbal and physical "Boom" delivery.
Creator Profile: Big Justice Befumo
- Full Name: Eric Justice Befumo.
- Role: Son, co-reviewer, and integral part of the "Boom Meter" delivery.
- Nickname Origin: The "Big Justice" moniker is a nod to his father's former wrestling name.
- Content Impact: His enthusiastic delivery and reactions are key to the duo's viral appeal, often being the one to deliver the final, decisive "BOOM!"
The duo’s content strategy—simple, high-energy reviews of everyday food items—tapped into a massive audience, transforming them from local New Jersey figures into global TikTok stars.
Unpacking the 'Boom Meter': The 1 to 5 Rating Scale
The core mechanism that gives "5 Big Booms" its meaning is the "Boom Meter," sometimes referred to as "Boom or Doom." This is a straightforward 1-to-5 star rating system, with each "Boom" representing a level of quality. The physical and verbal delivery is as critical as the score itself. For a product to receive a "Boom," the reviewer must verbally yell "BOOM!" while simultaneously performing a specific, emphatic hand motion.
The Definitive 'Boom' Scale Explained
The scale clearly delineates between a failure and a masterpiece, giving distinct meaning to each score.
- 1 Boom (The Worst): This is the lowest possible score, signifying the product is a complete failure or "Doom." It's a rare and often dramatic rating, reserved for items that are truly unpalatable.
- 2 Booms (Not Good): The product is slightly better than a failure but is still disappointing and not recommended.
- 3 Booms (Solid/Average): A respectable, middle-of-the-road rating. It means the item is good, worth a try, and gets the job done—a solid performance, but not exceptional.
- 4 Booms (Excellent): A very high score, indicating the product is fantastic and highly recommended, just short of perfection.
- 5 Big Booms (The Home Run): This is the ultimate, perfect rating. It means the product is a masterpiece, a must-buy, and a certified "home run." It is the highest sign of praise the Costco Guys can bestow.
The full, high-energy delivery of "FIVE! BIG! BOOMS!" is a moment of high drama in their videos, instantly signaling to the audience that they have found a truly exceptional item.
The Cultural Phenomenon: From Food Review to Internet Tribute (Five Boom Salute)
While the "Boom Meter" originated as a food rating system, the "5 Big Booms" phrase transcended its initial purpose to become a multifaceted internet meme and a form of digital acknowledgement. This shift is what truly cemented its status as a viral phenomenon.
The Infamous 'Five Boom Salute'
The phrase gained a massive, albeit controversial, surge in popularity due to a specific viral video where the duo was asked to give a tribute. In a moment that became an instant meme, A.J. and Big Justice were asked by a fan to pay their respects to their recently deceased brother. The duo responded by giving the brother a "Five Boom Salute," declaring "Aw, we're so sorry to hear that your brother passed away... Five Big Booms!" The unexpected application of their energetic, food-review rating system to a serious topic of condolence shocked and amused viewers, leading to the creation of the "Aw We're So Sorry To Hear That Your Brother Passed Away" meme.
This incident solidified the secondary meaning of "5 Big Booms" in internet culture: a sign of ultimate tribute, acknowledgement, or remembrance, even in highly inappropriate contexts.
Topical Authority: LSI Keywords and Related Entities
The cultural impact of the "5 Big Booms" meme has spawned numerous related terms and entities, which are frequently searched alongside the main phrase:
- Costco Guys: The foundational entity, the father-son duo.
- Boom or Doom: An alternative name for the rating scale.
- Rizzler: A term often associated with the same content creators, signifying someone with exceptional charm or "rizz," which further broadened their cultural reach beyond just food reviews.
- Internet Slang: The phrase is now a common piece of digital shorthand for perfection or high praise.
- Viral TikTok Meme: Highlighting its primary platform for growth.
In summary, the next time you see "5 Big Booms" pop up in your feed, you know you are witnessing the highest form of praise from the internet's most enthusiastic food reviewers. It’s more than just a rating; it’s a cultural stamp of approval, a high-energy meme, and a legacy built on simple food, high praise, and a memorable, emphatic "BOOM!"
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