You might’ve heard the term “Knickstape” as a slogan for the New York Knicks and their fan base. Well, that could be retiring. Replaced by two simple words: “Bing Bong.”
Knicks fan Jordie Bloom shouted the phrase on opening night of the Knicks’ season in a video from Sidetalk, a one-minute street show by New York University students Trent Simonian and Jack Byrne that conducts interviews in New York City. Their Twitter and Instagram pages combine for over 700,000 followers and their YouTube channel has more than 3 million views. They’ve interviewed celebrities such as Lil Uzi Vert, Bella Hadid and A$AP Rocky.
Since Bloom’s viral moment, the phrase has become a social media sensation, popping up on Twitter during Knicks games this season. But what does the phrase even mean? Where does it come from?
“The phrase is derived from the subway doors closing: ‘Stand clear of the closing doors please; bing-bong,'” Bloom said.
He added that Sidetalk NYC’s intro sound to their videos and New York rapper Nems were also sources of inspiration for the saying. Nems has a song titled “Bing Bong” that was released in August.
That outburst wasn’t planned, but Bloom was amped up after a thrilling overtime victory against a rival Boston Celtics team.
“I was leaving MSG to a sea full of happy and joyful Knick fans … I felt the need to walk over to them (the Sidetalk hosts) and rip a ‘Bing Bong,'” Bloom said.
His two-word phrase has become the Knicks’ new rallying cry this season. The team, along with some celebrity fans like late-night host and comedian Desus Nice, have embraced “Bing Bong.”
Bing bong pic.twitter.com/Rb7NrB15OA
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 23, 2021
BING BONG
— Desus Nice (@desusnice) October 27, 2021
Even players like guard Evan Fournier are using it.
Fournier is in his first season with the Knicks, averaging 17.5 points per game, second on the team. After a win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, the guard added the phrase to a postgame tweet.
Great TEAM win tonight !!
Bing Bong!— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) October 27, 2021
Opponents have also poked fun at the new slogan. After the Knicks suffered their only loss of the season (to the Orlando Magic on Oct. 24), Orlando’s official Twitter account reminded the Knicks of Bloom’s viral words.
BING BONG https://t.co/vyAOXJMwB4 pic.twitter.com/JwXPe4z8cC
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) October 25, 2021
The Knicks’ resurgence in the NBA is a welcome sight for Bloom.
“I can’t remember a time in my life when I was not a die-hard Knicks fan,” Bloom said. “My relationship with the team is pure and authentic love, with a desire to see them succeed.”
The Knicks have jumped out to a 5-1 start to the season. Julius Randle and Fournier have been leaders amongst the group, while veterans Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson and have provided stability from the bench. Rising young players RJ Barrett and Obi Toppin are also contributors to New York’s hot start.
“Everyone in the Knicks community is a team — from the players to the podcasts to the everyday fan, the energy and love is unmatched,” Bloom said. “I don’t see any reason to say they can’t make a magical playoff run this year.”
Bloom declined to say if the team has reached out to him yet, but he’s making the most of the publicity. He’s made a Twitter account and sells shirts with his famous catchphrase on them.
The “Bing Bong” community continues to grow, as each Knicks win helps the phrase gain even more traction. After Barrett put up a career-high 35 points in a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, Fournier asked social media to shower his teammate in “Bing Bongs” to celebrate his big night.
Drop a BING BONG for my guy @RjBarrett6 big game !!!! https://t.co/zbIxoTulAV
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) October 31, 2021
The Knicks head into Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors tied for the best record in the NBA. It’s probably safe to say that “Bing Bong” will be heard somewhere in Madison Square Garden.