Keep your finger on the pulse of youth culture with our handy guide of 69 prevalent teen slang words. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or simply curious, these colloquialisms will help you navigate the dynamic language trends of today’s teens! Understanding these phrases can help bridge generational gaps, enhance communication, and provide a glimpse into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of teenage expression. Dive right in to discover the fascinating, and somewhat perplexing, realm of the teenage vernacular.
1. Lit: Refers to something that is amazing or exciting. Example: The concert last night was absolutely lit!
2. Tea: Gossip or interesting news. Example: Spill the tea, what happened at the party?
3. Clout: Influence or fame, especially on social media. Example: He’s just dating her for the clout.
4. FOMO: Fear of Missing Out, usually related to social events. Example: I have major FOMO seeing their vacation pictures.
5. YOLO: You Only Live Once, encouraging living life to the fullest. Example: I decided to go skydiving because YOLO.
6. No Cap: No lie or for real. Example: No cap, that was the best burger I’ve ever had.
7. Flex: To show off or brag. Example: He’s just trying to flex with his new car.
8. Salty: Being upset or bitter. Example: She’s salty because she didn’t get the promotion.
9. Ghost: To suddenly stop communicating with someone. Example: I thought we were close, but then he ghosted me.
10. Yeet: An expression of excitement or approval. Example: Yeet! I aced the test.
11. Gucci: Good or cool. Example: Everything is Gucci, don’t worry about me.
12. Woke: Being aware of social and political issues. Example: She’s so woke; she always stands up for what’s right.
13. On Fleek: Something that’s perfect or on point. Example: Your outfit is on fleek today!
14. Thirsty: Desperate for attention. Example: He’s always posting selfies, he’s so thirsty.
15. Glow Up: An incredible transformation. Example: She had a major glow up over the summer.
16. Squad: Refers to a group of friends. Example: Hanging out with the squad this weekend.
17. Shade: Subtle disrespect. Example: Did you catch the shade he threw at her?
18. Ship: Short for a relationship or to endorse a relationship. Example: I totally ship them, they’d make a great couple!
19. Savage: Acting without restraint or consideration. Example: That was a savage comeback, he didn’t hold back.
20. Low-Key: Something subtle or secret. Example: I low-key like her, but I haven’t told anyone yet.
21. High-Key: Wanting everyone to know, not secretive. Example: I high-key can’t wait for the new season of the show.
22. Basic: Someone who follows trends for popularity. Example: She’s so basic, always drinking pumpkin spice lattes.
23. Extra: Over the top or trying too hard. Example: His reaction was so extra, he was just looking for attention.
24. Stan: An obsessive fan. Example: I stan that band, their music is amazing.
25. Canceled: Rejected or boycotted. Example: After his offensive comments, he’s canceled.
26. Hundo P: Short for 100 percent certain. Example: Are you going to the party tonight? Hundo P!
27. IRL: In Real Life. Example: She’s really sweet IRL, not like her online persona.
28. SMH: Shaking My Head, showing disbelief or disappointment. Example: SMH, I can’t believe he did that.
29. Receipts: Proof or evidence. Example: She says she didn’t text him, but I’ve got the receipts.
30. Trolling: Deliberately provoking others online. Example: He’s not serious, he’s just trolling.
31. Finsta: Fake Instagram account. Example: I post all my goofy photos on my Finsta.
32. Swole: Extremely muscular or buff. Example: He’s been hitting the gym and is really swole now.
33. GOAT: Greatest Of All Time. Example: Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball.
34. Skrrt: A term to express excitement or to convey leaving. Example: We won the game, skrrt!
35. Bop: A catchy song. Example: This new track is a total bop.
36. Clapped: Unattractive or broken. Example: That old car is so clapped, it’s time for an upgrade.
37. Fire: Something that’s impressive or great. Example: That mixtape is fire!
38. Hangry: Angry because of hunger. Example: I need to eat something, I’m getting hangry.
39. Jelly: Jealous. Example: You’re going on vacation? I’m so jelly!
40. V: Very. Example: I’m v excited about the concert tonight.
41. Snatched: Something looks good or perfect. Example: Her new hairstyle is snatched!
42. Rn: Right now. Example: I need a coffee rn.
43. TFW: That Feeling When. Example: TFW you step on a Lego.
44. Bet: Agreement or confirmation. Example: See you at 7? Bet.
45. Slaps: Something, usually a song, that’s really good. Example: This new track slaps!
46. Dead: Finding something very hilarious. Example: That meme you sent me was so funny, I’m dead.
47. Bomb: Exceptionally cool or good. Example: This pizza is bomb!
48. Gas: Refers to something good or fun. Example: The party last night was gas!
49. Lurk: To spy or snoop, especially on social media. Example: Stop lurking on my profile.
50. OG: Original. Example: She’s an OG fan, she’s been there since the beginning.
51. Swag: Cool demeanor or style. Example: He’s got swag with that new jacket.
52. TBT: Throwback Thursday, reminiscing past events. Example: Here’s a TBT to our trip last summer.
53. Fit: Outfit. Example: Check out my fit for tonight.
54. Mood: Relating to someone else’s emotional state or situation. Example: This cat picture is a mood.
55. Hypebeast: A person who follows trends in fashion, particularly streetwear. Example: He’s a hypebeast, always wearing the latest sneakers.
56. Sis: Short for sister but can refer to any close friend. Example: Hey sis, how’s it going?
57. Deets: Details. Example: Give me the deets on the party tonight.
58. Epic Fail: A spectacularly embarrassing or humorous mistake. Example: I tripped in front of everyone, it was an epic fail.
59. Pwned: To be utterly defeated by an opponent. Example: I got pwned in the game last night.
60. TBH: To Be Honest. Example: TBH, I don’t like that movie.
61. RT: Retweet or agree. Example: RT, I totally agree with that statement.
62. Whip: A car. Example: Check out my new whip.
63. Curve: To reject someone romantically. Example: I tried to ask her out, but she curved me.
64. Fam: A term used to address a close group of friends that are like family. Example: What’s up, fam?
65. Cringe: Embarrassing, awkward, or hideous enough to make you cringe. Example: His dance moves were so cringe.
66. Throw Shade: To give a dirty look, publicly criticize or disrespect. Example: She threw shade at me during the meeting.
67. OTP: One True Pairing, a person’s favorite fictional romantic relationship. Example: Harry and Hermione are my OTP.
68. DM: Direct Message, private communication on social media. Example: DM me when you get the details.
69. Poggers: An expression of excitement or celebration often used in gaming communities. Example: We won the match, poggers!