If you have ever seen a Twitch chat fill with the word PJSalt, it usually means someone is salty. Whether it is a streamer raging over a loss or a viewer upset about a game mechanic, this emote lets everyone join in on the reaction. It is a fun, lighthearted way to poke fun at frustration without taking things too seriously.
In this article, we will explain what PJSalt means, where it came from, how it is used, and why it has become a classic part of Twitch chat.

What Is the PJSalt Emote?
PJSalt is a Twitch emote that represents being salty or annoyed. It is used when someone is upset, loses a game, or gets overly frustrated. Instead of reacting seriously, viewers spam PJSalt to lighten the mood and make it fun.
The emote itself shows a salt shaker with the Twitch mascot “PJ” on it. It is a simple way to call out when someone is acting salty without actually insulting them.
Origin of the PJSalt Emote
PJSalt is one of the original global Twitch emotes. It was added to the platform as part of the PogChamp era of early Twitch culture, around 2012 to 2013. The name comes from combining “PJ,” Twitch’s mascot at the time, with “salt,” which is gamer slang for being bitter or frustrated.
The salt reference comes from competitive gaming, where players would accuse each other of being salty after a loss. It spread into Twitch chat and became one of the first widespread Twitch in-jokes. Since then, PJSalt has been used across all types of streams.
How PJSalt Is Used on Twitch
PJSalt is most commonly used when:
- A streamer complains or rages
- A player loses in a frustrating way
- Someone blames lag or bad luck
- Viewers want to tease someone for being upset
It is meant to be playful, not mean. Spamming PJSalt in chat is a way for viewers to say “we see you” when someone is clearly tilted. It is part of how Twitch chat creates a shared language around gameplay moments.
Similar Emotes to PJSalt
If you use PJSalt, you might also enjoy:
KEKW – laughing at over-the-top reactions
Malding – mock anger and frustration
FeelsBadMan – reacting to disappointment
These emotes capture different sides of gamer emotion, from silly to sad to full-on salty. Explore all emotes in the Twitch Emote Glossary
How to Use PJSalt on Your Stream
PJSalt is a global Twitch emote, which means anyone can use it without installing extensions. Just type PJSalt
into any Twitch chat and the salt shaker will appear.
PJSalt in Twitch Culture
PJSalt has stood the test of time as one of Twitch’s most iconic emotes. It brings humor to tense or frustrating moments and helps chat stay engaged without things turning negative. Over time, it has become less about real frustration and more of a meme used for laughs.
It is a reminder that Twitch chat is not just about words. It is about shared reactions and community jokes. When PJSalt shows up, everyone knows what it means.
FAQs
What does PJSalt mean on Twitch?
PJSalt is a Twitch emote used to call out when someone is acting salty, frustrated, or upset. It shows a salt shaker with Twitch branding.
Is PJSalt a global Twitch emote?
Yes. PJSalt is built into Twitch and does not require any extensions to use.
How do I use PJSalt in chat?
Just type PJSalt in any Twitch chat and the salt shaker emote will appear.
Final Thoughts
PJSalt is a Twitch classic. It has been around for over a decade and still shows up daily in chats across the platform. Whether you are poking fun at a rage moment or laughing with a streamer, PJSalt adds humor and connection to the stream.
Want to learn more? Browse the full Twitch Emote Glossary or check out the Twitch Graphic Size Guide to start creating your own custom reactions.