Decode Gen Z Lingo: A Parent's Guide to Understanding Teen Slang

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. 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.

Addy – Shortened form of "Address."
Example: Send me the addy and I'll meet you there.
AF – Acronym for "As f**k," used to emphasize intensity.
Example: The party was amazing AF!
Amirite – Informal contraction of "Am I right," often seeking agreement.
Example: Those tacos were incredible, amirite?
Amped – Extremely excited or enthusiastic.
Example: I'm amped for the concert tonight!
Aura – Used to describe someone’s distinctive atmosphere or quality, often implying charm or charisma.
Example: His performance on the field had an aura of excellence.
Alt – Short for "alternative," describing someone who belongs to an alternative subculture or fashion movement.
Example: Josh is alt. Recently he dyed his hair pink.
Axe – To ask a question.
Example: Can I axe you something?

Bae – Term of endearment for a significant other, like boyfriend or girlfriend.
Example: Bae is calling me right now.
Bandwagon – Refers to someone who joins a trend just because it is popular.
Example: She's suddenly into cricket just because it's the finals; total bandwagon fan.
Basic – Describes someone who is only interested in mainstream, trendy things, often seen as unoriginal.
Example: She's so basic with her obsession with pumpkin spice lattes.
BBG – Acronym for "Baby Girl," a term of endearment; also "Better Be Going," a polite way to end a conversation.
Example: You look adorable, BBG! or Example: I have to go, BBG.
BDE – Acronym for "Big Dick Energy," referring to a person who exudes confidence without arrogance.
Example: She walked into the room with such BDE and owned the meeting.
Bed rot – Spending a lot of time in bed doing relaxing activities like watching TV.
Example: After a tough week, I just want some bed rot time this weekend.
Bet – Used to express agreement or affirmation.
Example: Friend 1: Want to hang out later? Friend 2: Bet!
Body count – The number of sexual partners someone has had.
Example: She didn’t want to share her body count at the party.
Boomer/Okay Boomer – A dismissive term used to mock attitudes associated with the Baby Boomer generation.
Example: When his uncle started complaining about social media, he just said, "Okay, Boomer."
Bop – A catchy song or tune.
Example: That new song by Lady Gaga is such a bop!
Boujee – Refers to someone or something that is luxurious or fancy.
Example: You must have spent a lot to join that boujee club.
Bussin’ – Used to describe something that tastes really good or is excellent.
Example: This pizza is bussin’; I’ll definitely come back for more.
Buttah – Slang for something smooth, easy, and good.
Example: That new track you released is pure buttah.

Cap – Slang for lying or exaggerating.
Example: You didn't win the game; that's cap.
Cash – Used to describe something awesome or cool.
Example: That new song is so cash!
Catch feels – To develop romantic feelings for someone.
Example: I think she's starting to catch feels for him.
Caught in 4k – Getting caught in the act of doing something, often with clear evidence.
Example: He tried to deny it, but we have him caught in 4k.
Chad – Stereotypically refers to a confident, dominant male, often with negative connotations.
Example: He acts like he knows everything; he's such a Chad.
Chat – Refers to a group of friends or people in a conversation.
Example: Chat, do you believe what he said?
Cheugy – Describes something or someone that is out-of-date or trying too hard.
Example: Wearing skinny jeans is so cheugy now.
Cooked – Feeling exhausted or completely done.
Example: After staying up all night studying, I’m totally cooked.
Cray cray – Short for crazy.
Example: This week has been cray cray!
Cringe – A feeling of embarrassment or discomfort.
Example: Watching that awkward conversation was so cringe.
Crossfaded – Being both drunk and high at the same time.
Example: He shouldn't drive; he's crossfaded.
Cursed – Something that provokes unsettling feelings.
Example: Those photos we took at night are so cursed!
Chef's kiss – A gesture indicating something is of high quality or perfect.
Example: This meal is chef's kiss!
Chonk – A chubby or overweight animal, often used affectionately.
Example: Look at that cat, he's such a chonk!

Dank – Excellent or high quality.
Example: That movie was dank!
Dap – A friendly gesture or handshake.
Example: Give me some dap for that great game!
Dayroom – Refers to something or someone boring and uninteresting.
Example: His stories are so dayroom.
Delulu – Short for delusional, describing someone with unrealistic beliefs.
Example: His delulu ideas are entertaining but far from reality.
Dip – To leave suddenly.
Example: I’m about to dip; see you later.
DL – Short for down low, meaning something kept discreet or secret.
Example: We're seeing each other, but it's on the DL for now.
Dope – Describes something awesome or exceptional.
Example: That concert was dope!
Dox – To publish private information about someone online with malicious intent.
Example: She got doxxed after an online argument.
Drag – To mock or criticize someone harshly.
Example: He got dragged on social media for his comments.
Drip – Refers to stylish or fashionable clothing or appearance.
Example: Check out his new drip; it's on point.
DTF – Acronym for Down to f**k, indicating willingness for sexual activity.
Example: She asked if he was DTF, but he didn't know how to respond.
Dub – Short for W, meaning win or winner.
Example: Our team took the dub last night!
Deadass – Seriously or genuinely.
Example: I'm deadass not kidding about this.
Dust – To defeat someone easily, especially in a game.
Example: I dusted him in the last round.

Egirl/Eboy – Someone with an edgy, often online-inspired style.
Example: She's thinking of switching to an egirl look.
Extra – Over the top or dramatic.
Example: His reaction was so extra.

Facts – Used to emphasize that something is true or accurate.
Example: Person 1: That game was amazing. Person 2: Facts!
Faded – Being under the influence of marijuana.
Example: She was so faded at the party last night.
Fan service – Elements in entertainment meant to please dedicated fans.
Example: The latest episode had a lot of fan service for longtime viewers.
FFA – Free for all, typically used in gaming where everyone competes against each other.
Example: I prefer team play over FFA.
Finna – Abbreviation for "fixing to," meaning about to.
Example: I'm finna head out soon.
Finsta – A private Instagram account for sharing with close friends.
Example: She posted that on her finsta, not her main account.
Fire – Describes something amazing or exciting.
Example: That new track is fire!
Fit – Short for outfit.
Example: Your fit is on point today!
Flavored air – Refers to vaping.
Example: He's always puffing on flavored air.
Flex – To show off or boast.
Example: He loves to flex his new sneakers.
FML – Acronym for F**k My Life, used to express frustration or bad luck.
Example: I missed the bus and had to walk home. FML.
FR – Acronym for For Real, used to agree with someone.
Example: Person 1: That test was hard. Person 2: FR.
FRFR – Abbreviation for For Real For Real, used to emphasize sincerity.
Example: I'm so tired of waiting, FRFR!
FTW – Acronym for For The Win, used to express enthusiasm or support.
Example: This new app is FTW!
Fuhuhluhtoogan – Slang for someone good in bed, popularized by a rapper.
Example: She’s known to be a fuhuhluhtoogan.
Fugly – Slang for extremely ugly.
Example: I can't believe I wore that fugly sweater.
Furry – Someone who likes anthropomorphic animals and often dresses up as one.
Example: He’s really into the furry community.
FW – Acronym for F**k With, meaning to really like something.
Example: I usually don't like horror movies, but I really FW this one.
FYP – Stands for "For You Page" on TikTok, where personalized content appears.
Example: My FYP is full of cooking videos today.
Fax, No Printer – Means "facts, no lies" or "truth, no exaggeration."
Example: Everything she said about the concert was fax, no printer; it was amazing!
For the Plot – Doing something for the experience or story.
Example: I joined the dance class just for the plot.

Gassing – Over-praising someone.
Example: She's already confident; she doesn't need more gassing up.
Ghost – To suddenly cut off all communication with someone.
Example: We went on a few dates, and then he ghosted me.
GG – Stands for "Good Game," commonly used in online gaming.
Example: GG! That was a great match.
Giving me life – Something that is extremely exciting or uplifting.
Example: This new playlist is giving me life!
Glow-up – A significant improvement in appearance or style.
Example: She had a major glow-up over the summer.
GOAT – Acronym for Greatest Of All Time.
Example: Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball.
Granola – Someone who is environmentally conscious and loves the outdoors.
Example: She's such a granola girl, always hiking and camping.
Guap – Slang for a large amount of money.
Example: He must have spent a lot of guap on that watch.
Gucci – Means good, cool, or fancy.
Example: Person 1: How are you? Person 2: I'm Gucci.
Gyat – Abbreviation expressing admiration or excitement, often about someone's appearance.
Example: Gyat! You look amazing in that outfit!

Hammered – Extremely intoxicated.
Example: He was so hammered at the party that he couldn't stand up.
Heated – Angry or frustrated.
Example: He got really heated during the argument.
Heem – Describes someone as the best or top-notch.
Example: That new player is heem!
Hella Skrilla – Having a lot of money.
Example: He came into some hella skrilla recently.
Here for this – Being supportive or excited about something.
Example: Your new project sounds great, I'm here for this.
High key – Something very obvious or done with a lot of intensity.
Example: I high key want to go to that concert.
Highlighter kid – A child who wears bright, neon colors.
Example: Look for the highlighter kid in the crowd.
Hits different – Something that feels special or unique.
Example: This homemade meal just hits different.
Hollywood – When someone becomes conceited after achieving success.
Example: Ever since he got promoted, he’s gone all Hollywood.
Hop off – Telling someone to stop bothering you.
Example: Can you hop off? I'm trying to concentrate.
Hot take – A controversial or strong opinion.
Example: My hot take is that pineapple on pizza is amazing.
Hagmaxxer – Someone who prefers to date significantly older partners.
Example: She's a total hagmaxxer, always dating older guys.

Ick – A feeling of disgust or repulsion.
Example: The way he eats gives me the ick.
ICYMI – Acronym for In Case You Missed It.
Example: ICYMI, here's a recap of yesterday's game.
IRL – Acronym for In Real Life, used to distinguish between online and offline interactions.
Example: I've never met my online friends IRL.
IYKYK – Acronym for If You Know, You Know, indicating insider knowledge.
Example: That inside joke is hilarious, IYKYK.
Inspo – Short for inspiration.
Example: Her Pinterest board is full of outfit inspo.

Jittleyang – A term popularized on TikTok, meaning something attention-grabbing.
Example: That new jacket is such a jittleyang!
Juul – A brand of electronic cigarettes.
Example: She always has her Juul with her.
Jomo – Joy of missing out; enjoying personal time instead of attending events.
Example: I stayed home and read a book, pure Jomo!
Jacked – Extremely muscular or fit.
Example: He’s been working out a lot and looks jacked now.
Janky – Something of poor quality or unreliable.
Example: That old bike is so janky.

KDA – Acronym for Kills/Deaths/Assists, used in gaming to measure performance.
Example: My KDA was great in that match.
Keep it 100 – To be completely honest and genuine.
Example: I appreciate friends who keep it 100 with me.
Krunk – Extremely intoxicated with a mix of alcohol and drugs.
Example: He got so krunk last night at the party.
Kicks – Refers to sneakers or shoes.
Example: Check out my new kicks!
Karen – A pejorative term for an entitled or demanding woman.
Example: She was acting like a total Karen in the store.
Kin – To relate to someone or something, often a fictional character.
Example: I kin Crowley from Good Omens.

L – Refers to a loss or a loser.
Example: We took the L in the last game.
Left on read – When someone reads a message but doesn't respond.
Example: I texted him and he left me on read.
LFG – Acronym for Let’s F**king Go, expressing excitement.
Example: Our team won! LFG!
Lit – Something exciting or excellent.
Example: The party last night was lit!
LMAO – Acronym for Laughing My A** Off, used to indicate something is very funny.
Example: That joke had me LMAO!
LMS – Acronym for Like My Status, used on social media.
Example: LMS if you agree!
LOL – Acronym for Laugh Out Loud.
Example: LOL, that meme is hilarious!
Looksmaxxing – Trying to improve appearance through various means.
Example: He started looksmaxxing with a new skincare routine.
Lewk – A distinctive or stylish look.
Example: She always has the best lewks at parties.
Low-Key – Subtly or not very obviously.
Example: I’m low-key excited about the new movie.

Mad – Used to mean very or extremely.
Example: It’s mad hot outside today.
Menty b – Short for mental breakdown.
Example: I feel like I'm on the edge of a menty b.
Mewing – A facial exercise for improving jawline definition.
Example: Her jawline looks great; she's definitely mewing.
Mid – Mediocre or average.
Example: That movie was so mid; it wasn't great or terrible.
Mogging – Outshining someone in terms of appearance or performance.
Example: He was mogging everyone else at the gym.
Munch – Someone who performs oral sex.
Example: She doesn’t want to date him because he’s just a munch.
Main Character Energy – Acting as if you are the protagonist in a story.
Example: She walked into the room with main character energy.

Netflix and chill – Euphemism for hooking up while watching Netflix.
Example: Do you want to come over and Netflix and chill?
NGL – Acronym for Not Gonna Lie, used to admit something honestly.
Example: NGL, I wasn't impressed with that movie.
NSFW – Acronym for Not Safe For Work, used to label explicit content.
Example: I can't open that link here, it's marked NSFW.
No Cap – No lie or for real.
Example: That was the best concert ever, no cap.
NFT – Non-fungible token, often used in digital art or collectibles.
Example: He just bought an expensive NFT.
Naur – A playful way of saying "no" with an exaggerated accent.
Example: Naur, I don't want to go to the party!

OMG – Acronym for Oh My Gosh/God, used to express surprise.
Example: OMG, I can't believe that happened!
OML – Acronym for Oh My Lord, an exclamation of shock or excitement.
Example: OML, you scared me!
OMW – Acronym for On My Way.
Example: OMW, see you in 10 minutes.
ONG – On God, used to emphasize agreement.
Example: That was the best concert I've ever been to, ONG.
On fleek – Perfectly done or exactly right.
Example: Your makeup is on fleek today!
On point – Accurate or perfect.
Example: Her presentation was on point.
Only in Ohio – Used to describe strange or bizarre things.
Example: A kangaroo in the backyard? Only in Ohio.
OTP – Acronym for One True Pairing, referring to a favourite couple.
Example: Those two are my OTP in the series.
OK Boomer – A dismissive response to an older person's outdated views.
Example: OK Boomer, we get it, you don't like social media.

Periodt – Emphasizes the finality of a statement.
Example: She is the best singer, periodt.
Poggers – Expression of excitement or amazement, often used in gaming.
Example: That game-winning move was poggers!
Pressed – Feeling annoyed or stressed.
Example: Why are you so pressed about it?
Pulling – Attracting romantic interest.
Example: He was pulling a lot of attention at the party.
Put on blast – To publicly embarrass someone.
Example: He was put on blast for his comments online.
Pwn – To dominate or defeat someone, especially in gaming.
Example: I totally pwned him in that match.
Pick Me – Someone who seeks attention or approval by undermining others.
Example: She’s such a pick me, always agreeing with the guys.
Pop Off – To become angry or start an argument.
Example: I told her to stop, and she popped off on me.

Queen – Term of admiration for someone who is confident and powerful.
Example: You handled that presentation like a queen!
Quaking – Extremely shocked or surprised.
Example: I was quaking when I heard the news.
Quiet Flex – Subtly showing off one’s achievements or possessions.
Example: She’s always quiet flexing with her new gadgets.

Rad – Awesome or very good.
Example: That skateboarding trick was rad!
Ratchet – Someone who is wild or out of control.
Example: That party got ratchet real quick.
Read – To criticize or point out someone's flaws publicly.
Example: He read her for filth during the argument.
Real – Serious or genuine, often used in phrases like "be real."
Example: Are you serious about this plan? Be real.
Rent free – When something is constantly on someone's mind.
Example: That comment lives in my head rent free.
Rizz – The ability to attract or charm potential romantic interests.
Example: He’s got so much rizz, he never fails to impress.
ROTFLMAO – Acronym for Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A** Off.
Example: That joke was so funny, ROTFLMAO!
Roast – To mock or criticize someone playfully.
Example: My friends love to roast me about my old photos.
RN – Abbreviation for Right Now.
Example: I’m busy RN, can I call you later?
RPG – Acronym for Role-Playing Game.
Example: She’s really into RPGs lately.

Salty – Feeling upset or resentful.
Example: He was so salty after losing the game.
Savage – Fierce or bold.
Example: Her comeback was savage!
Say less – Used to indicate understanding or agreement.
Example: Say less, I’m on it.
Sending me – Indicates extreme amusement.
Example: That meme is sending me!
Shade – Subtle disapproval or criticism.
Example: Did she just throw shade at me?
Ship – To support a romantic pairing.
Example: I totally ship them together!
Shook – Shocked or surprised.
Example: I’m still shook by the news!
Shorty – An attractive person.
Example: Hey, shorty! Want to grab a drink?
Sick – Cool or awesome.
Example: That trick was sick!
Sigma – A successful, independent person who doesn’t seek validation.
Example: He’s such a sigma male, always doing his own thing.
Simp – Someone who is overly eager for romantic attention.
Example: Stop being such a simp and focus on yourself.
Slap – Describes something excellent or enjoyable.
Example: This song really slaps!
Slay – To do something exceptionally well.
Example: You slayed that presentation!
Smash – To hook up or have casual sex.
Example: She said she would totally smash that actor.
SMH – Acronym for Shaking My Head.
Example: He missed the bus again, SMH.
Smut – Sexually explicit written content.
Example: That novel is basically smut.
Snatched – Looking great or perfect.
Example: She was looking snatched at the event.
Sneaky link – A secret romantic encounter.
Example: We were sneaky links last summer.
SO – Acronym for Significant Other.
Example: My SO and I are going on a trip next month.
Stan – A super fan or someone obsessed with a celebrity.
Example: I used to stan that band in high school.
Stoked – Very excited.
Example: I’m stoked for the concert tonight!
Sus – Suspicious or questionable.
Example: Why are you acting so sus?
Swerve – To avoid someone or something.
Example: I had to swerve to avoid my ex at the party.
Swole – Having large muscles.
Example: He’s been hitting the gym and is looking swole.
Swoop – To pick someone up or give them a ride.
Example: Can you swoop me on your way home?

Take a seat – Telling someone to calm down or stop talking.
Example: You need to take a seat and relax.
Tea – Gossip or news.
Example: Spill the tea, what happened at the party?
TFW – Acronym for That Feeling When.
Example: TFW you finally finish a big project.
Thirsty – Desperate for attention.
Example: He’s so thirsty, always liking my posts immediately.
Thirst Trap – A provocative post meant to attract attention.
Example: She posted another thirst trap on Instagram.
Totes – Short for totally.
Example: I’m totes down for that plan!
Touch grass – Suggesting someone spend time offline.
Example: You’ve been gaming all day, go touch grass!
Twin – A close friend who shares many similarities.
Example: What’s up, twin? Ready to hang out?
Twizzy – Another term for a close friend.
Example: Let’s hang out, twizzy!

Unc – Short for uncle, often used to refer to an older, cool person.
Example: You’ve become such an unc, always giving advice.
Understood the assignment – Excelling at a task or doing something perfectly.
Example: She totally understood the assignment with that project.
Upper decky – Slang for placing a nicotine pouch against the upper gums.
Example: He’s always got an upper decky in during meetings.
UwU – An expression of cuteness or happiness.
Example: That kitten is so cute, uwu!

V – Short for very.
Example: I’m v excited for the weekend.
Vanilla – Plain, boring, or lacking excitement.
Example: His personality is so vanilla.
Vibe – The atmosphere or feeling of a place or situation.
Example: This café has a great vibe.
VSCO girl – A young girl who follows certain fashion and lifestyle trends, often associated with the VSCO app.
Example: She’s definitely a VSCO girl with her Hydro Flask and scrunchies.
Vibe Check – A term used to assess the general mood or atmosphere of a situation or individual.
Example: Can we get a vibe check before we start the meeting?

W – Win or victory.
Example: Our team took the W last night!
Wallflower – An introverted person who avoids the spotlight.
Example: She’s always been a wallflower at parties.
Whip – A stylish car.
Example: Check out his new whip!
Whole meal – Someone who looks very attractive.
Example: He looks like the whole meal in that suit.
Woke – Being aware of social and political issues.
Example: She’s really woke about environmental issues.
WYA – Acronym for Where You At?
Example: Text me WYA when you get there.
Wildin' – Acting crazy or out of control.
Example: They were wildin' out at the party last night.

Xan – Abbreviation for Xanax, a medication often misused.
Example: Be careful with that Xan, it’s powerful stuff.
XOXO – Hugs and kisses, often used to express affection at the end of a message.
Example: Can’t wait to see you! XOXO.
Xennials – People born on the cusp between Gen X and Millennials, typically from the late 1970s to early 1980s.
Example: As a xennial, she relates to both Gen X and Millennial culture.

YAAS – An enthusiastic way of saying yes.
Example: YAAS, I love your new haircut!
Yeet – To throw something forcefully.
Example: He yeeted his backpack across the room.

Zaddy – An attractive, stylish older man.
Example: She’s dating a total zaddy now.
Zoomer – A term for members of Gen Z.
Example: Zoomers have grown up with the internet and social media.
Zonked – Extremely tired or exhausted.
Example: After that long hike, I’m completely zonked.

Understanding your kid's slang not only helps you communicate better but also shows that you care about their world. Try using these terms correctly or just have a laugh with your kids. NGL, they might think you're a bit extra, but deep down, they'll appreciate the effort.

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

Decode Gen Z Lingo: A Parent's Guide to Understanding Teen Slang

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