Why Love Island UK stars keep using the same phrase - and what it really means

Any Love Island fans will no doubt know there's a very specific language which exists as soon as you step foot inside the villa.

The hit reality TV programme, which first hit our screens back in 2015, with the latest 13th season kicking off earlier this month, has become infamous for coining and popularising a load of slang and phrases.

From 'Can I pull you for a chat?' all the way through to 'That's so muggy!', it's clear that the Love Island lingo dictionary is always expanding with the latest phrase this season's Islanders can't seem to stop saying is 'POA'.

ITV viewers at home were quick to pick up on the bizarre phenomenon, with one social media user writing: "I’m a few eps behind, but why have they all of a sudden started saying POA?? Like ALL of them."

What does 'POA' mean and why is every Love Islander seemingly saying it? (ITV)

A second questioned: "Since when was POA a thing in Love Island?"

"Is POA the motto of the season?" wondered another as a final fan joked: "Take a shot every time someone says POA."

But what does this new Love Island catchphrase actually mean?

Well, simply put, it's an acronym for 'plan of action'.

You'd usually see 'POA' thrown about in work emails or dropped in during meetings when discussing the 'next steps' for something that needs to be actioned.

However, this year's Islanders in the villa are far away from the world of Monday morning briefings and work project catch-ups.

So, when the contestants ask one another, 'What's your POA?', they're basically keen on hearing what that individual's plans are for that day or evening.

The beloved 'POA' catchphrase is an acronym for 'plan of action' (ITV)

For example, who they want to pull for a chat, when they want to do said chat and where to do it.

The drama is set to be cranked up during tonight's episode (15 June), which will see the Islanders gather for the long-awaited and very steamy 'kissing competition'.

The rules are simple: the girls must make their way down the line, locking lips with the boys who are blindfolded and wearing headphones playing music.

Each kiss is rated out of 10 by the boys, with the girl boasting the highest total score crowned the winner.

As the girls work their way through the lineup, the boys offer their feedback thick and fast, with reviews including 'I felt like I was being licked', 'three-letter compliment, wow', and 'that’s a girl who knows ball'.

Love Island continues tonight at 9 pm on ITV2 and ITVX.