At its core, the song is a masterclass in the "absurdist anthem." Unlike traditional pop tracks that lean on genuine bravado, LMFAO utilized a thumping, minimalist electronic beat to frame lyrics that are intentionally over-the-top. The refrain, "I’ve got passion in my pants and I ain’t afraid to show it," moves past standard confidence into the realm of caricature. By embracing the "wiggle" and "shuffling," the duo invited the audience to participate in a joke rather than just consume a product.

Furthermore, "Sexy and I Know It" functioned as a bridge between the shrinking "electro-hop" era and the burgeoning EDM movement. Its success proved that a song did not need lyrical depth to achieve global ubiquity, provided it possessed a "hook" that felt both familiar and daringly silly.

The cultural impact of the song was largely driven by its visual presentation. The music video replaced the typical "sexy" tropes—chiseled, serious models and luxury cars—with "speedo-clad" men of various body types performing synchronized dances. This visual irony was revolutionary for its time; it stripped away the gatekeeping of "attractiveness" and suggested that sexiness was a state of mind, or better yet, a punchline. It effectively democratized the concept of confidence.