The phrase “Not me” has evolved into a double-edged sword. Primarily used by individuals to humorously acknowledge and distance themselves from embarrassing, toxic, or self-absorbed behavior, it’s become a form of self-deprecating confession.
However, it can also be wielded in a more critical way, similar to “Not you” or “Not y’all,” to call out negative behaviors and trends within oneself or broader society.

Example

For instance, someone can call out their own embarrassing moment by saying, “Not me coming overdressed to a family dinner!”

Conversely, you may also call out someone else’s behavior by saying, “Not ya’ll wasting all that water during a drought!”