Salty describes the bitter, upset feeling after taking an L—missing a drop, losing a raffle, seeing someone else get what you wanted. 'I'm so salty I didn't hit on those' expresses the frustration that's part of streetwear participation. Saltiness is acceptable in moderation; everyone takes Ls and feels bad sometimes. But excessive saltiness—complaining constantly, hating on those who succeeded, making excuses—is poorly received. The term acknowledges that streetwear involves competition and disappointment, normalizing those feelings while gently mocking them. Salty can also describe reaction to criticism: someone who can't handle feedback is 'getting salty.' The community uses the term to check emotional responses—being called salty encourages stepping back and gaining perspective. Understanding saltiness as universal experience builds community; dwelling in saltiness isolates.