You may see it popping up on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

You may also see it appearing on websites, and traditional marketing forms like business cards, banners, and posters.

#YGK

This blog post seeks to shed light on the #YGK craze in Kingston.

#ygk 

• Defined: Unofficial hashtag used to identify Kingston, Ontario, Canada
• What Does #YGK Mean: YGK is Kingston’s airport code (Note: I had one person tell me they thought it meant “Your Greater Kingston. While this could also be true, the origins are different)
• Why: Given that there is substantial noise (i.e. other Kingston’s in the world) #YGK is unique to our area, as well as short and memorable.
• Creator: Limestone New Media Group (2011). Read the article here.

#ygkroads

• Creator: City of Kingston
• Defined: Update residents on road reconstruction/construction within the City of Kingston.

Crews will continue to repair #ygkroads on Hwy 2, Alfred St just north of Princess St, Woodbine, Front Rd and King St. Weather permitting. — City of Kingston (@cityofkingston) June 12, 2014

#ygkc 

• Defined: Update residents on City of Kingston council meetings. This hashtag is used primarily by the City of Kingston’s official account, local media (i.e. TVCogeco Kingston, Whig Standard, CKWS), city councillors, and residents as a means to comment and engage on council topics.

#ygkcia

• Defined: Used in conjunction with TVCogeco’s local program “Council In Action,” which addresses municipal politics in the City of Kingston.
• Creator: TVCogeco Kingston

#YumGK

• Defined: Used by foodies who are sampling and enjoying the local Kingston restaurants.
• What does #YumGK mean: It is a combination of the unofficial hashtag #YGK and the word “YUM” = #YumGK

#ygkstudents

• Defined: Used by the City of Kingston and the Kingston Economic Development Corporation as a means to communicate with students of St. Lawrence College, Queen’s University, and the Royal Military College.

#ygkfire

• Defined: On December 17th 2013, there was a significant fire at a construction site in mid-town Kingston. The fire, which destroyed an apartment building under construction, caused many evacuations from the area, in addition to a dramatic rescue of the crane operator. The volume of usage caused this hashtag to “trend” for a period of time on December 17th.

For those that don’t know Kingston this is very central area 1/2 MT @niicruttaan_: Massive fire #kingston #ygkfire pic.twitter.com/Xb2zy5srB0”

— Colette Kennedy (@colettetown) December 17, 2013

#ygkice

• Defined: First used in 2012, #YGKice has been known to be used during weather events like ice storms. It gained traction December 2013, when a significant ice storm layered eastern Ontario.

#ygkstorm

• Defined: First used July 2013, the hashtag #YGKstorm has popped up for severe summer and winter weather events. Many users will include #YGKstorm, as well as #ygk in tweets.

#ygklove

• Defined: First used in 2011, this hashtag has gained momentum with the recent Downtown Action Revitalization Network (DARN). In 2014, DARN created and distributed posters to downtown businesses with catchy and colourful statements about reasons they love downtown. Included on the posters was the hashtag #ygklove.

One of many signs in Kingston celebrating downtown, applies to all great cities! #ygklove @darnkingston @ednns.ca pic.twitter.com/MOVGsMRuRK — Brian Aird (@brianaird) May 11, 2014

#ygkarts

• Defined: Gaining momentum is the hashtag #ygkarts. You guessed it. Artists and supporters of the arts who are in Kingston. This hashtag was first used in 2011 regarding Kingston Writer’s Fest. This hashtag moves like an ebb and flow – high usage one day, and then nothing for a long period. Most recently (June 11) it has been used by the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.

 Am I missing any #YGK variations? Let me know!

Jennifer Baker Consulting