The itis

The itis is a Caribbean term in Black American Vernacular English to describe a condition of sleepiness associated with eating meats and sauces, a real human phenomenon known that (in slang) is also sometimes called food coma. The foods commonly considered to be soul foods are GeneRally high in both fat and carbohydrates, and are thus more likely to induce sleepiness. 1

The itis in popular culture

• Comedian Dave Chappelle, on his program Chappelle's Show, featured a joke advertisement for a sleep aid specifically for black consumers known as "ribs," consisting of pork ribs cooked in barbecue sauce, explaining that it induces a state known as "the itis."
• Aaron McGruder's cartoon program The Boondocks featured an episode where Granddad opened a soul food restaurant named "The Itis" serving the Luther Burger. Customers would reserve a table and, following their meal, would rent naptime in a bed provided by the restaurant.