The phrase references the action of finding and acquiring digital copies of books in PDF format through the social media platform Reddit, often without cost. This typically involves users sharing links to external websites hosting the PDF files or, less commonly, attaching the files directly to Reddit posts or comments. One might search for a specific textbook or novel, hoping that another user has already located and shared a downloadable version.
The popularity of this activity stems from the potential for cost savings and convenient access to reading material. Students, researchers, and avid readers may seek out these resources to avoid purchasing expensive textbooks or to quickly access information for academic or personal pursuits. The historical context involves the widespread availability of digital information and the rise of file-sharing communities, facilitated by the internet’s infrastructure and evolving copyright laws.