Teen Slang: Decoding Gen Z

Updated – Originally published January 17, 2024

As a parent, you’ve probably overheard some slang from your kid. They may say things like, “I’m amped about my drip today,” or, “He’s got rizz. Giving off major BDE.”

Maybe they’ve said something like, “No cap, this sandwich is bussin’,” or, “Spill the tea, sis!” 

The lingo our kids use every day may be incomprehensible to us, but these words actually have meaning — some we may know, and some we can understand from the context of the conversation. 

A number of these slang terms were created by past generations, while other are new terms that parents can be pretty clueless about. Some of these words are made up, shortened, or said as acronyms. Some slang terms are everyday words but hold different meanings. Many new terms stem organically from the online platforms kids commonly use to communicate today (which underscores the need for safe tech, especially when it comes to messaging).

We’ve come up with a list of popular slang words to help parents better understand their kids and their friends.

This list is not comprehensive but our team will add more words as we collect them and slang trends emerge. 

It’s important to note that slang terms can vary widely based on location, culture, and generation, and some may have different meanings or connotations depending on the context.

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A-C

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A

Addy – Abbreviation for Address.

I’ll meet you there, just send me the addy.

AF – An acronym that stands for As f**k.

I had the time of my life at the concert. It was lit AF!

Amirite – An informal way to say “am I right,” used to seek agreement after making a statement.

That taco was bomb, amirite?

Amped – Excited

I’m amped for the concert tonight!

And I oop – Used to express surprise, shock, or realization, often in response to something unexpected or amusing. 

She accidentally knocked over her cup, and I oop, there it goes all over the floor.

ASL – An abbreviation for “as hell.” It is used as an intensifier. This term may also be used as an acronym for “age, sex, location,” to quickly inquire about someone’s basic demographic information. But that usage has mostly been replaced by Gen Z with the new “as hell” usage.

Those new shoes are cool asl.

Ate and left no crumbs – Refers to someone who did something so well that there’s no chance for anyone else to do it better.

Did you see Emma’s floor routine? She ate and left no crumbs!

Aura – Like the traditional definition, it is used to compliment someone’s ability, perceived power, or sense of coolness and mystery. It became popular in soccer and basketball communities on Twitter in 2023 so it is often used to compliment athletes.

Did you see Steph Curry’s clutch shot last night? He’s got crazy aura.

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B

Bae – Boyfriend or girlfriend.

Wait, bae is calling me.

Bandwagon – Someone who takes an interest in something just to fit in with the crowd.

Maggie suddenly loves rugby, she is a major bandwagon fan.

Basic – Someone who is unoriginal and only interested in popular, trending things.

She’s so basic with her pumpkin spice latte.

BBG – An acronym that stands for baby girl, describing something or someone cute. It can also stand for: Better be going, a polite way to end a conversation. 

I love that dress on you bbg!

Bbg, I have soccer practice.

BDE – An acronym that stands for: Big dick energy, someone who is secure and exudes confidence without arrogance.

I knew she would get the internship—she has major BDE!

Bed rot – Spending extended periods of time in bed, often engaging in activities like watching TV or reading.

After a hectic week, I’m looking forward to some much-needed bed rot this weekend.

Beige flag – Used humorously to refer to a situation that is mundane, uninteresting, or lacking excitement.

His alphabetized bookshelf is a beige flag.

Bet – In agreement with something, or used for okay or affirmative.

Person 1: Want to come over to my house?

Person 2: Bet!

Bih – A phonetic spelling of “b***h.” Often used in a less aggressive way, and depending on the tone and context, can be used jokingly among friends or as a playful term of endearment.

She playfully teased her friend, calling her “bih,” as they laughed together.

Body count – The number of sexual partners someone has had.

She was hesitant to reveal her body count, fearing she’d be judged.

Boo – A term of endearment used to refer to a romantic partner.

I can’t wait to see my boo tonight.

Boo’d up – Refers to being in a romantic relationship with someone.

After months of flirting, they finally boo’d up.

Boomer/Okay Boomer – A dismissive retort used to mock the opinions, ideas, or attitudes of older individuals, particularly members of the Baby Boomer generation.

When Clayton’s great-uncle started complaining about millennials’ work ethic, he responded with, “Okay, Boomer.”

Boujee – Rich, luxurious, fancy

You grew up going to this boujee country club? 

Brat – A term coined by singer Charlie XCX in a tweet, “brat” describes a person (often female) who is genuine, self-possessed, non-conforming, with a rebellious streak. It is represented by a florescent, chartreuse green, which symbolizes making a statement.

Kamala is brat. 

Bussin’ – Something is really good.

This burrito is bussin’! I’m definitely coming back here.

Buttah – A compliment that describes something that is smooth, easy, and good. 

That new song you dropped is pure buttah.

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C

Cake – A large, well-shaped bottom.

She caught him checking out her cake as she walked past him at the beach.

Cap – Lying or faking.

I actually went to class today. No cap.

Cash – Awesome or cool.

That new movie is so cash!

Catch feels – Develop romantic or emotional attachment to someone.

I noticed Lea starting to catch feels for Bruce.

Catfish – A person who creates a fake online persona to deceive others.

He thought he was talking to a model on the dating app, but it turned out to be a catfish using stolen photos from the internet.

Caught in 4k – Someone caught in the act of something compromising.

He thought he could get away with lying, but we have him caught in 4k.

Chad – A stereotypical, confident, dominant male. Often used humorously and with negative connotations. 

He thinks he knows everything. He’s such a Chad.

Chat – Used to refer to a group of people, like friends or people in their class.

Chat, do you think he’s telling the truth?

Cheugy – Someone or something that is out-of-date, unfashionable, or trying too hard.

I can’t believe she’s still wearing skinny jeans, that’s so cheugy.

Clapback – A sharp and witty response to criticism or an insult.

When Tori called her outfit cheugy, her clapback was for real!

Cooked – Something or someone that is done, exhausted, or doomed. 

I was up all night but didn’t even get halfway through the study guide, I’m cooked.

Cray cray – Short for crazy.

I’ve been so busy this week, it’s cray cray!

Cringe – A feeling of embarrassment and discomfort.

Watching Annie try to talk to James was so cringe.

Crossfaded – Being drunk and high at the same time.

Richie shouldn’t drive, he’s crossfaded.

Curve – The act of rejecting or ignoring someone’s romantic advances.

Despite her attempts to flirt with him, he consistently curved her.

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D-F

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D

Dank – Excellent, high quality.

The party last night was dank!

Dap – A gesture of greeting or expression of admiration between two people performed with hands, similar to a low-five and handshake.

That was sick! Dap me up!

Dayroom – Something or someone that is basic and uninteresting.

Everything about him is dayroom.

Dead/Dying/Ded – A response to something really funny.

That meme you sent me. I’m dead!

Delulu – Abbreviation for Delusional. Someone who has unrealistic or irrational beliefs, and is disconnected from reality.

His delulu theories are entertaining, but far-fetched.

Dip – To leave suddenly or early.

I’m about to dip.

DL – An acronym that stands for: Down low, referring to an activity or information that is meant to be kept discreet.

We’ve been talking, but we’re keeping it on the DL for now.

Dope – Something that is exceptional or awesome.

That bike is dope!

Dox – To seek out and publish private information online about someone, usually with malicious intentions. 

Jennifer got doxed after getting in a fight with someone during an online game, now her address and phone number are all over social media.

Drag – To mock or humiliate someone.

Bettie will never be invited back after she dragged Peter.

Drip – Sophisticated or stylish in appearance.

You got drip with those new shoes.

DTF – An acronym that stands for Down to f**k. Indicates a person’s willingness to engage in sexual activity.

She asked him if he was DTF, but he wasn’t sure how to respond.

Dub – Short for W, meaning win or winner.

We took the dub.

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E

Egirl/Eboy – Frequently found on TikTok, it’s someone who has adopted an edgy style including a blushed nose, heavy eyeliner, and little hearts under the eyes.

I’ve been thinking about changing my style to something more like an Eboy.

Extra – Attention grabbing or dramatic.

I didn’t invite her, she’s too extra.

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F

Facts – Emphasizes agreement of something that is accurate or true.

Person 1: His new album is fire. Person 2: Straight facts!

Faded – Being under the influence of marijuana.

You should have seen her last night, she was so faded.

Fan service –  Elements added to an entertainment piece that is a subtle nod to avid fans, like an inside joke that other viewers won’t understand. Also known as easter eggs.

If you’re a Marvel fan you’ll love this episode. It has a ton of fan service.

FBOI – Abbreviation for F**kboy. A derogatory term used to describe a promiscuous, manipulative, and disrespectful man.

She quickly realized he was just another fboi when he started ghosting her after their first date.

FFA – Free for all, in a multi-player video game all players must fend for themselves.

I wish we could play in teams and not FFA.

Finna – Abbreviation for fixing to, or going to.

I’m finna go to the mall.

Finsta – A combination of the words “fake” and “Instagram.” Refers to a secondary or private Instagram account that users create to share content with a smaller, more selective audience.

She posted silly selfies and behind-the-scenes moments on her finsta for her close friends to see.

Fire –  Amazing or exciting.

That waterslide is fire!

Fit – An outfit.

You’re always so fashionable. Amazing fit!

Flavored air – Vaping.

He always has flavored air.

Flex – To flaunt or brag about something.

He’s flexing with those kicks.

FML – F**k my life, often used at the conclusion of a negative story.

I missed the bus this morning so I had to walk all the way to school. FML.

FR – An acronym that means: For real, to agree with someone.

Person 1: The homework was so hard.

Person 2: FR.

FRFR – Abbreviation for: for real for real. A way to emphasize sincerity or seriousness.

I’m tired of waiting for my ride in this cold weather, FRFR!

FTW – An acronym that means: For the win. An enthusiastic emphasis to express approval or support.

I just tried the best Thai restaurant. Mango sticky rice FTW!

Fuhuhluhtoogan – Someone who is good in bed. The word is credited to Baltimore rapper, Richard Webster (rap name Bippleyipsnipp), and became popular on TikTok in late 2023.

She’s a fuhuhluhtoogan.

Fugly – F***ing ugly, or extremely ugly.

I can’t believe I wore that! It’s so fugly.

Furry – A person who is a fan of anthropomorphic animals (animals with human characteristics), or someone who dresses up to resemble the animal.

He’s got a fursuit — he’s a legit furry.

FW – An acronym for, “F**k With,” that is used to express that someone really likes something or someone.

I don’t usually like superhero movies, but I really fw this movie. It’s so funny!

FWB – An acronym for “friends with benefits.” An arrangement where two people engage in sexual activity without being in a committed romantic relationship.

She wasn’t interested in a serious commitment, so she proposed the idea of being FWB to him.

FYP – Refers to TikTok’s “For You Page” that’s filled with recommended content and videos personalized for the viewer.

My FYP had the weirdest feed today.

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G-J

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G

G – A term of endearment for friends.

I have nothing but love and respect for my G.

Gassing – Exaggerating someone else’s abilities, accomplishments, or qualities.

She’s already confident enough, she doesn’t need any more gassing.

GG – An acronym that stands for: Good game, used to acknowledge a player’s skill at the end of multiplayer video games.

GG! We should play again sometime.

Ghost – Cutting off communication with someone with no explanation.

We went on a date, and then he ghosted me.

Girl math – Used in a lighthearted or humorous way when someone calculated things in a way that might not follow conventional rules.

She’s using girl math to justify buying another pair of shoes because they were on sale.

Giving me life – Something or someone that is exciting.

This warm weather is giving me life!

Glow-up – A major transformation in appearance in a way that is generally perceived as attractive.

She had a glow-up. She looks great!

GOAT – An acronym that stands for: Greatest of all time, praising someone for being the best. A variation of GOAT is “goated,” as in, “keep winning like that and you’re going to get goated!”

My coach is the GOAT!

Granola – A person who is environmentally aware, and enjoys the outdoors.

You’ll probably run into her on a hike. She’s a granola.

Guap – A large sum of money.

Sally must have paid a guap for those shoes.

Gucci – Fancy, fashionable, or excellent.

Person 1: I’ll pick you up in 10. 

Person 2: Gucci.

Gyat – Abbreviation for girl your a** is thick, and also godd**n. A way to express admiration and excitement, usually about someone’s backside.

Gyat! Those jeans make you look so good!

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H

Hammered – Extremely intoxicated from alcohol or drugs.

He was so hammered we had to take him to the E.R.

Heated – Angry or frustrated.

He got heated when he thought I took his ball.

Heem – A better version of something, the total package.

The new boy is heem!

Hella Skrilla – To have a large sum of money.

My parents went out of town and left me hella skrilla.

Here for this – Excited about something, showing support.

You’re an amazing artist. I’m here for this.

High key – Something that is overt, obvious, or done with a high level of intensity. 

I high key love that new movie.

Highlighter kid – A young child who wears neon colored clothes.

Look for Adam! You can’t miss him, he’s a highlighter kid.

Hits different – Something that is special, unique, or causes a strong emotional reaction that is difficult to articulate.

My mom’s cooking just hits different.

Hollywood – A negative change in behavior in someone who achieves success and looks down on their past life.

After Alice made the cheerleading team she became Hollywood.

Hop off – An expression used to tell someone to stop bothering or annoying another.

When he kept pestering her with questions, she told him to hop off and give her some space.

Hot take – A strongly worded and often controversial opinion on a current event or popular topic.

I watched the new superhero movie. The cast was amazing, but the storyline was sketch. That’s my hot take for the day.

Hunty – Combination of “honey” and “c**t.” Often used in the LGBTQ+ community (especially within the transgender community) as a term of endearment or familiarity among friends. 

“Hey hunty, you look fabulous in that outfit!”

Hype – Excited, or something is good.

This song is so hype!

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I

Ick – A feeling of disgust towards someone or something.

Did you see how mean he was to his little brother? That’s such an ick.

ICYMI – An acronym that stands for: In case you missed it.

ICYMI, I’m headed to Cal State this fall!

IRL – An acronym that stands for In real life. Used to distinguish between online and offline interactions.

He has a lot of online friends, but he’s never met them in IRL.

ISO – An acronym that stands for In search of. Used in online forums, classified ads, or social media posts to indicate that someone is looking for a specific item, service, or information.

ISO vintage vinyl records.

IYKYK – An acronym that stands for: If you know, you know. Indicates insider knowledge or a shared experience between a group of people.

The ski trip was wild! IYKYK.

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J 

Jittleyang – Another word (see fuhuhluhtoogan) credited to Baltimore rapper, Richard Webster, that became popular on TikTok in late 2023. No clear definition exists but, as best we can tell, it refers to someone or something that grabs attention.

That hat is a jittleyang!

Juul – A brand of electronic cigarettes, also known as a vape.

She discreetly pulled out her Juul and took a puff while waiting for the bus.

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K-Q

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K

KDA – An acronym that stands for: Kills/Deaths/Assists, a tally of how many kills, deaths, and assists a gamer has in a game.

Your KDA was dope this game.

Keep it 100 – To be honest, genuine, and authentic in all situations.

I appreciate when my friends keep it 100 with me, even if the truth might be hard to hear.

KMS – An acronym that stands for Kill myself. Often used in a joking manner to express extreme frustration, disappointment, or annoyance with a situation. It can also be used when talking about suicide or self-harm.

The teacher just announced a pop quiz. KMS.

Krunk – Extremely intoxicated with a mixture of alcohol and drugs.

He got krunk last night.

KYS – An acronym that stands for Kill yourself. An offensive and harmful phrase used to harass someone, often online.

Someone’s been cyberbullying her and sending KYS messages.

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L

L – Loss, loser.

He took the L.

Left on read – When someone has read a message sent to them, but has not responded to it.

I texted him last night, but he left me on read. I’m not sure if he’s busy or just ignoring me.

Let them cook – Trusting someone’s abilities and giving them the freedom to handle things their own way.

I know you want to help, but they’ve got it under control. Let’s just sit back and let them cook.

Let’s get this bread – A motivational phrase to encourage oneself or others to work hard, often in the context of achieving financial stability.

After weeks of preparation, it’s finally time to give that presentation. Let’s get this bread!

Lewk – A stylized spelling of “look.” A carefully curated or striking outfit, appearance, or aesthetic.

She showed up to the party in a stunning lewk that turned heads all night.

LFG – An acronym that stands for: Let’s f**king go, excited for an upcoming event or competition.

I’m cheering on my team tonight. LFG!

Lit – Exciting, excellent, or intoxicated.

The movie was lit!

LMAO – An acronym that stands for: Laughing my a** off, indicates something is funny.

Remember when I fell going up the stairs? LMAO!

LMS – An acronym that stands for: Like my status, used on social media asking for viewers to like the content.

LMS to enter the giveaway.

LOL – An acronym that stands for: Laugh out loud, expressing amusement at something.

LOL at your ostrich video!

Looksmaxxing – Boys who are trying  to improve their appearance through various methods such as a new haircut, implementing a skincare routine, exercising, and changing their diets.

Connor really embraced looksmaxxing. He looks completely different.

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M

Mad – Really, extremely, or crazy.

It’s mad hot outside.

Menty b – Abbreviation for mental breakdown.

There’s too much going on right now. I feel on the edge of a menty b.

Mewing – A facial exercise technique involving proper tongue placement to accentuate a sharp jaw.

Her jawline is looking snatched. I bet she’s been mewing.

Mid – Average or not great.

That show was mid.

Mogging – One- upping someone on appearance and attractiveness.

I wonder if Jared realizes he’s mogging everyone in the weight room.

Munch – A person who performs oral sex on a woman.

I don’t want to date him, he’s a munch.

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N

Netflix and chill – A euphemism for hooking up.

I asked Ricky if he wanted to Netflix and chill, and he actually came ready with popcorn. lol

NGL – An acronym that stands for: Not gonna lie, admitting something honestly and openly.

A lot of people didn’t like the movie, but ngl, I loved it.

NSFW – An acronym that stands for Not safe for work. Used to label content, such as images, videos, or links, that may contain explicit or inappropriate material not suitable for viewing in a professional or public setting.

I can’t open that link right now. It’s marked as NSFW, and I’m at school.

O

OMG – An acronym that stands for: Oh my gosh/God, indicates something is shocking or surprising.

omg, I can’t believe you just said that!

OML – An acronym that stands for: Oh my Lord, an exclamation of surprise or excitement.

oml, you scared me!

OMW – An acronym that stands for: On my way, a way to indicate a person is en route.

omw! I’ll be there in 20.

ONG – On God, a way to show strong agreement with something, similar to “I swear to God.”

I just saw them kissing! ong

On fleek – Perfectly done, exactly right, excellent.

Your make up is on fleek.

On point – Perfect, exactly right. 

His outfit is on point.

Only in Ohio – Used to label things that are strange or cursed.

Why are there rats on the train? Only in Ohio.

OTP – An acronym that stands for One true pairing. Refers to a favorite or ideal romantic pairing between characters in a book, movie, TV show, or video game.

I’ve shipped this OTP since the pilot episode. They have the best chemistry on screen.

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P

Periodt – Emphasizes the  finality and decisiveness of a statement.

He’s the best dancer in the group, periodt.

Plug – A person who can supply someone with illegal or hard-to-find goods, especially drugs. 

Her older brother always has a plug.

PMOYS – An acronym that stands for Put me on your Snapchat. Used as a request or invitation to add someone to their list of Snapchat contacts. 

He sent me a PMOYS message on Instagram.

Poggers – An expression of excitement, amazement, or enthusiasm. Mostly used by gamers.

When he pulled off that incredible play, the chat exploded with poggers.

Pressed – Feeling annoyed or stressed about something.

Why are you so pressed?

Pulling – To attract attention from romantic interests.

I saw him pull at least five girls at the party.

Put on blast – To embarrass someone publicly over social media by denouncing or exposing them.

He was put on blast for breaking up with her over a text.

Pwn – To have power over someone or something.

That math test just pwned me!

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Q

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R-T

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R

Rad – Awesome, or very good.

This view is rad.

Ratchet – Someone who is out of control, or tacky.

I’m so sick of these ratchet girls coming over.

Read – Publicly pointing out someone’s flaws.

We don’t hang out anymore, he was always reading me.

Real – Another way to say “serious.” It is often used as part of other phrases like “the real real” or “be f**king for real” (often abbreviated to bffr).

You think you can pull off that dress? Be so for real.

Receipts – Evidence or proof of someone’s actions or words, often used to support a claim.

When she accused him of lying, he came prepared with receipts, showing screenshots of their conversations to prove his point.

Rent free – Obsessing over someone or something, living inside someone’s head.

What he said to me still lives in my head rent free.

Rizz – The ability to seduce or charm a potential love interest.

That boy has so much rizz, he hasn’t been single since elementary school.

ROTFLMAO – An acronym that stands for: Rolling on the floor laughing my a** off. A humorous and exaggerated way to express that something is funny or amusing.

When she told her joke, everyone replied with ROTFLMAO and a string of laughing emojis.

RN – Abbreviation for: right now. Indicates something that’s happening at the present moment.

I’m busy rn, can I call you later?

RPG – An acronym that stands for: Role-playing game, a genre of games where the player controls a character and explores an imaginary world. 

She’s really into RPG.

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S

Salty – Upset, resentful, or irritated. 

He was salty after losing, so I told him to leave the game.

Savage – A fierce or bold person.

He’s savage on the court.

Say less – Agreement or understanding, so no further explanation is needed because the point has been understood.

When she suggested going to their favorite restaurant, he simply nodded and said, “say less.”

Sending me – Response to a funny text message, expressing extreme amusement.

lollll that panda meme is sending me!

Shade – Subtle contempt or disgust for someone. This is often used as part of the phrase, “throw shade.”

Did she just throw shade at me?

Ship – To support the romantic relationship between two people.

I totally ship Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.

Shook – Shocked or surprised.

She actually did the assignment. I’m shook!

Shorty – An attractive girl

Hey, shorty! Let’s go grab a drink.

Sick – Cool or awesome.

Did you see that tackle? That was sick!

Sigma – (or Sigma Male) a type for male who is cool, successful, and popular but introverted and possibly rebellious. It carries a similar meaning to the term “lone wolf.”

Michael is definitely a sigma.

Simp – Someone who is desperate for affection or romantic relationships.

Dude, you’re being such a simp. 

Skibidi Toilet – An animated YouTube series that depicts a dystopian world where mobile toilets with human heads popping out of their bowls war with humanoids who have cameras, speakers, or TVs for heads. By 2024, it has become popular with Gen Alpha and the youngest portion of Gen Z.

Slap – Amazing or excellent.

This song slaps!

Slay – Doing something extremely well.

You slayed your dance recital!

Slim thick/thicc – A body type that combines both slimness and thickness. Usually someone who has a small waist, but wider hips and thighs, like an hourglass figure.

She’s got that slim thick figure that turns heads wherever she goes.

Small dick energy – Someone who is insecure, but acts overly confident to compensate.

I would never date him. He has small dick energy.

Smash – To have casual sex with someone or to hook up.

I love that actor! I would totally smash him.

SMH – Abbreviation for shaking my head. Used when there are no words to describe something stupid.

I warned Zane he didn’t have enough time to shower before his flight. I was right, he missed it. Smh.

Smol – Describes something small, cute, or endearing.

That smol kitty is so adorable.

Smut – Sexually explicit written content like romance novels or some fanfiction. 

That book is just smut.

Snack – Someone who is attractive or appealing, often in a physical sense.

That lifeguard is a total snack.

Snatched – Perfect, attractive.

She was looking snatched at the dance.

Sneaky link – A secret hookup or relationship.

She was my sneaky link last year.

SO – An acronym that stands for: Shout out, a public expression of greeting, praise, or acknowledgement directed towards a person. It is also known for Significant Other.

SO to Sophie for taking this picture of me.

Stan – A mixture of stalker and fan, someone who is obsessed with a person.

I used to stan him so bad in junior high.

Stoked – Very Excited

I was so stoked he invited me.

Sus – Suspicious, suspect. Often used as “slim sus” to mean “a little bit suspicious.” It originates from the game Among Us.

Are you hiding something? You’ve been acting super sus lately.

Swerve – To go out of one’s way to avoid someone.

I swerved when I saw my ex.

Swole – Having big muscles.

My goal for this year is to get really swole.

Swoop – To give someone a ride, or get a ride from someone.

Since your car’s in the shop, I’ll swoop in 10.

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T

Take a seat – A dismissive or sarcastic remark, suggesting that someone should calm down or stop talking.

I have it all under control, why don’t you take a seat.

Tea – Gossiping about something.

Sarah will know about that, just ask her. She loves to spill the tea.

TF – Abbreviation for The f**k. Used to express surprise, disbelief, anger, or frustration.

She couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw the price tag. “TF is this price?” she exclaimed to her friend.

TFW – An acronym that stands for: That feeling when, used to describe an emotionally charged experience.

TFW you cozy up with a hot chocolate watching the snowfall outside.

Thot – Acronym for “that ho over there.” A derogatory term used to refer to someone who is perceived as promiscuous or sexually active. 

She felt hurt when she overheard her classmates whispering “thot” behind her back.

Thirsty – Someone who is desperate or eager for attention, approval, or sex.

He followed my Instagram account and immediately liked all my posts. He’s so thirsty.

Thirst Trap – A sexually provocative photo, video, or comment posted on social media, often with the intention of receiving attention from viewers. 

All he posts are thirst traps on Tiktok.

Totes – Short for totally, completely.

She was totes out of line for saying that.

Touch grass – Used to encourage someone to spend more time in the real world instead of online.

After spending the entire weekend playing video games, his friends told him it was time to touch grass and get some sunlight.

Trap phone – A prepaid mobile phone used primarily for illegal or questionable activities. The phone facilitates communication and transactions while minimizing the risk of being tracked or monitored by authorities.

He kept a trap phone hidden in his car that only his clients had a number to.

Twin – A true friend or friend that is so close that the two share a long list of interests, experiences, or characteristics.

Hey twin, when you comin’ over?

Twizzy – Variation of twin (see above).

Hey twizzy, when you comin’ over?

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U-Z

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U

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Unc – Short for uncle, used to refer to a cool millennial uncle or to refer to slightly older people in general.

Just walking up those stairs made me so tired, I think I’ve reached unc status.

Understood the assignment – When someone goes above and beyond.

This was the best birthday ever! You definitely understood the assignment.

Upper decky – A term for a Zyn (nicotine pouch) that’s placed against the upper gums.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Heidi without an upper decky.

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V

V – Abbreviation for Very.

I’m v excited for prom next weekend.

Vanilla – Ordinary, boring, lacking special features.

I tried having a conversation with him, but he’s so vanilla.

Vibe – A feeling, an ambience.

I love your whole vibe.

VSCO girl – (pronounced visco), A young, usually white, girl who is adorned in trendy things and posts pictures edited on the VSCO app. 

She’s wearing an oversized t-shirt, Birks, and has a huge Hydro Flask. She’s definitely trying to be a VSCO girl.

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W

W – Win, Winner.

Our team took the W.

Wallflower – An introvert, someone who avoids the limelight and is more comfortable standing on the sidelines of an activity.

She’s always been a wallflower at school dances.

Weird flex but ok – Used to acknowledge someone’s unusual statement or action, typically in response to the boasting or showing off. A light-hearted way to express acceptance or indifference to something that might be considered odd.

You can brag about your collection of rubber ducks all you want. Weird flex, but ok.

Whip – A car, especially one that is stylish.

She just pulled up in her new whip.

Whole meal – Describes someone who looks really good.

Dave looks like the whole meal.

Wig snatched – Extreme excitement or astonishment, especially in response to something surprising, impressive, or unexpected. Comes from the idea that something is so amazing that it figuratively causes one’s wig to fly off in amazement.

When he hit that high note during the performance, my wig was snatched.

Woke – Someone who is aware of important facts, and racial and social injustices. 

I used to be ignorant of what was happening around me, but now I’m woke.

WYA – An acronym that stands for Where you at? Commonly used in text messages to ask someone about their current location.

Let me know wya and I’ll come meet up.

WYD – An acronym that stands for What you doing? A casual way to ask someone what they are currently doing.

WYD tonight?

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X

Xan – Abbreviation for: Xanax, a sedative used to treat anxiety which is often abused.

I hope his dad finally realizes who’s been stealing his xan.

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Y

YAAS – An enthusiastic way of saying “yes.” Used to express excitement, approval, or agreement.

Yaas, queen! Way to nail that dance routine.

Yeet – To throw something forcefully.

He just yeeted a peanut butter jar out the window.

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Z

Zaddy – A handsome, fashionable, older man.

She found a zaddy as soon as she graduated.

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Parents Can Better Support Kids Through Slang

All kids want love and attention from their parents in real life, even if they don’t always seem like they do. When we take the time to learn about the way our children speak, it shows kids that we prioritize our relationship and communication.

We can use appropriate slang words once in a while to make our kids laugh. Use it correctly, or not — kids will appreciate the effort. NGL, our teens may roll their eyes and call us thirsty, but we all know deep down they think we’re fire.

What is your experience with teen slang? Share your stories in the comments!