If you have ever nodded along to a conversation full of words like rizz, delulu, or bussin’ and quietly wondered what any of it meant, this guide is for you. Gen Z slang moves fast, borrows from everywhere, and reinvents itself every few months, which is exactly why a running dictionary is so handy. Below is a full A-to-Z breakdown of the terms you are most likely to run into online and in real life, each with a plain-English definition and an example so you can see how it actually gets used.
How to use this list: Terms are organized alphabetically. Each entry gives the meaning in one line, then a real-world example. Tap any highlighted word to hear how it is pronounced. Slang shifts constantly, so treat this as a living reference and check back as new words work their way in.
A
Ate
To perform so well that you left nothing to criticize. Full guide to Ate.
She walked out on that stage and ate the whole routine without a single wobble.
Aesthetic
A curated look or vibe someone intentionally builds around themselves.
His entire apartment leans into that warm, minimalist aesthetic with plants everywhere.
AF
An intensifier meaning “extremely,” short for “as f***.”
That final exam was brutal AF and I walked out feeling completely drained.
Aura farming
Doing something mostly to look cool or rack up social credibility.
Posting a moody gym selfie every single morning is just aura farming at this point.
A whole meal
Someone so attractive they are compared to a full course, not just a snack.
He showed up in that tailored suit looking like a whole meal.
All the tea
Every last piece of gossip about a situation.
Grab a coffee with me because I have all the tea from the reunion.
And that’s on period
A way of saying the statement is final and beyond debate.
Naps are the greatest invention in human history, and that’s on period.
Alpha
The confident, take-charge personality in a group.
He naturally slides into the alpha role whenever the team needs a leader.
Accountant
A tongue-in-cheek code word for someone who makes adult content online.
Half the internet jokes about becoming an “accountant” to pay off student loans.
App-hopping
Jumping between apps restlessly without settling on anything.
I lost two hours last night app-hopping between three feeds and remembered none of it.
AMA
“Ask Me Anything,” an open question-and-answer session.
I am doing an AMA on my story tonight, so drop whatever you are curious about.
Asl
An intensifier meaning “as hell” (also older shorthand for age/sex/location). Full guide to Asl.
I am tired asl after pulling that double shift yesterday.
A whole vibe
Something with such complete atmosphere it feels like an experience.
The rooftop at sunset with live jazz is a whole vibe.
Ate and left no crumbs
Did something flawlessly, holding nothing back.
Her keynote was so sharp she ate and left no crumbs.
Abso-lutely
“Absolutely,” stretched out for dramatic emphasis.
Are we getting tacos after this? Abso-lutely, I have been thinking about it all day.
Adulting
Handling grown-up responsibilities like bills, chores, and appointments.
Between rent, groceries, and a dentist visit, today has been peak adulting.
B
Bet
A quick “okay” or “for sure” that signals agreement.
I asked if he would cover my shift and he just said bet.
Bussin’
Extremely good, almost always about food. Full guide to Bussin’.
My grandmother’s stew is bussin’ every single time, no exaggeration.
BDE
“Big Dick Energy,” meaning quietly confident and completely unbothered.
She fielded every tough question with total BDE and never broke a sweat.
Brainrot
The mental mush that comes from consuming too much internet content.
I have watched that clip so many times it has given me full brainrot.
BBL
A “Brazilian Butt Lift,” a cosmetic surgery procedure.
She documented her whole BBL recovery for her followers.
Be so for real
A demand that someone stop exaggerating or joking.
You waited in line six hours for a sandwich? Be so for real.
Bestie
A close friend, sometimes tossed at strangers affectionately.
Bestie, that jacket was made for you, wear it everywhere.
Beta
The passive counterpart to an alpha; someone easily pushed around.
He let them take credit for his work again, total beta move.
Big yikes
An amplified reaction to something deeply awkward.
He called the teacher “mom” in front of the class, big yikes.
Bones day
A productive day, per the viral pug who decided our fates.
Feeling motivated this morning, definitely a bones day.
Bop
A genuinely great, danceable song.
This track is a bop and I have had it on loop since breakfast.
Broligarchy
The cluster of wealthy tech guys wielding outsized political and cultural power.
People keep joking that the broligarchy basically runs the timeline now.
Baddie
A self-assured, good-looking person who owns their confidence.
She strolled in like a total baddie and turned every head.
Bag
Money or a valuable opportunity; “securing the bag” means getting it.
I finally landed the bag with a job that actually pays what I am worth.
Bait
An obvious ploy for attention or a reaction.
That post is pure bait, do not waste your energy replying.
Based
Standing firmly by your own views without caring who approves.
He said pineapple belongs on pizza and refused to back down, honestly based.
Basic
Predictable and mainstream, following trends without any spark.
Ordering the same seasonal latte as everyone is a little basic, but she owns it.
Boujee
Living a fancy, high-end lifestyle with expensive taste.
She went full boujee this year with spa weekends and designer bags.
BRB
“Be Right Back,” a quick heads-up that you are stepping away.
BRB, the pizza is here and I am not letting it get cold.
Banger
An outstanding song or piece of content.
Every song on this album is a banger, there is not a single skip.
Beg
Someone visibly desperate for attention or approval.
He keeps fishing for compliments in the comments, such a beg.
Bling
Flashy jewelry or accessories meant to show off.
The bling on that watch could probably cover my rent for a year.
Blow up
To suddenly become popular, especially online.
Her cooking account blew up overnight after one recipe went around.
Body count
The number of people someone has slept with.
Asking about someone’s body count on a first date is genuinely invasive.
Boo
A partner, crush, or sweetheart.
I am taking my boo out for a proper anniversary dinner tonight.
Breadcrumbing
Stringing someone along with minimal effort so they stay interested.
He is breadcrumbing her with a text every two weeks and nothing more.
Big mad
Genuinely, visibly angry about something.
He has been big mad since he lost the match and will not talk to anyone.
Big slay
A major win worth celebrating.
Getting into her first-choice school was a big slay and she earned it.
Binge
To consume a lot of content in one sitting.
I binged the entire series over a rainy weekend and regret nothing.
C
Cap
A lie; “no cap” means you are being completely honest.
He claims he ran a marathon without training, and that is cap.
Caught in 4K
Exposed with crystal-clear, undeniable proof.
She got caught in 4K sneaking fries off my plate on the security cam.
CEO of
Being the undisputed champion of some habit or trait.
You are the CEO of starting projects and never finishing them.
Clanker
A dismissive nickname for AI or robots, often aimed at ones replacing jobs.
Half the office jokes that a clanker is coming for their spreadsheets.
Core memory
A moment so meaningful it sticks with you forever.
That road trip is a core memory I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
Cooked
Completely done for, past the point of easy recovery. Full guide to Cooked.
I did not study at all, so I am absolutely cooked for tomorrow’s test.
Crash out
To have a stress-fueled meltdown.
One more email today and I am going to crash out entirely.
Chopped
Looking rough, usually from exhaustion or zero effort.
Three hours of sleep had me looking chopped in every photo.
Cheugy
Out of style or trying too hard to be trendy.
Apparently the shoes I love are cheugy now, but I am keeping them.
Clout
Online influence, fame, or attention.
He will post anything for clout, even stuff he clearly does not believe.
Cringe
Embarrassing enough to make you physically uncomfortable.
That video was so cringe I had to pause and look away.
Cringebag
Someone who is reliably, consistently cringe.
He recycles the same corny lines at every party, total cringebag.
Cozy vibes
A warm, comforting atmosphere made for relaxing.
Rain outside, tea in hand, blanket on the couch, pure cozy vibes.
Cancel
To withdraw support from someone over their behavior.
The brand got canceled after old, offensive posts resurfaced.
Catfish
Someone using fake photos or a false identity online.
Turns out his profile pics were a decade old, complete catfish.
Chaotic
Wild, unpredictable energy that keeps everyone on their toes.
She is chaotic in the best way, always turning errands into an adventure.
Chile
A dramatic, playful exclamation, cousin to “girl” or “honey.”
Chile, the drama in that group chat this morning was unreal.
Clapback
A sharp, satisfying comeback to criticism.
Her clapback was so clean the whole thread went quiet.
Clowntok
Ridiculous, entertaining drama or foolishness on TikTok.
This whole feud is straight clowntok, and I am here for every second.
Cake
A prominent backside.
Those jeans fit her perfectly, cake for days.
Can’t even
Too overwhelmed with emotion to finish the thought.
This puppy is so tiny and soft I literally can’t even.
Clout chaser
Someone who does anything for online fame and attention.
Do not be a clout chaser copying every viral stunt, just be yourself.
Cringe culture
Mocking people’s harmless interests just because they are not “cool.”
Cringe culture is exhausting, let people enjoy their hobbies in peace.
D
Dead
Laughing so hard it feels fatal.
That blooper reel had me dead, I could not catch my breath.
Deadass
“Seriously,” with total sincerity.
Deadass, I saw him buy ten boxes of cereal like the world was ending.
Delulu
Playfully delusional, especially about wishful thinking. Full guide to Delulu.
Believing he will text back after three months is peak delulu.
Demon time
Late-night hours when good judgment quietly clocks out.
It is demon time and we are one bad idea away from a road trip.
Doomscroll
Endlessly scrolling through depressing news you cannot look away from.
I doomscrolled until 3 a.m. and felt worse with every headline.
Drip
A great sense of style; standout fashion.
Your fit today is serious drip, everything works together.
Dub
A win, often small but satisfying.
Free lunch at the office is an easy dub for everybody.
DM
A “Direct Message,” private messaging on social platforms.
He slid into her DMs with a surprisingly smooth opener.
DTB
“Don’t Trust Boys,” a skeptical take on romantic partners.
After that whole saga she is fully in her DTB era.
Dank
High quality, especially about a genuinely good meme.
This meme is dank, actually original for once.
Dash
To leave somewhere quickly.
I have got to dash or I will miss the train by two minutes.
Dawg
A casual “dude” or “bro” for a friend.
What’s good, dawg? Feels like forever since we hung out.
Ded
“Dead,” stylized for extra comic effect.
That caption has me ded, it is way too accurate.
Down bad
Desperate, usually in love or money.
He is texting paragraphs to someone who replies “k,” down bad.
Drippy
Extra stylish, dripping with good fashion.
That jacket and those sneakers together are so drippy.
Daddy
A confident, attractive older man.
The silver hair and calm authority give total daddy energy.
Dead chat
A group chat that has gone completely silent.
Somebody revive this dead chat, it has been quiet for weeks.
Dip
To leave abruptly, often without goodbyes.
This party is a snooze, let’s dip and find food.
Double tap
To like a photo, from the Instagram gesture.
Double tap if you also think cereal counts as dinner.
E
Era
A distinct chapter or phase of your life.
I am in my quiet, save-money-and-read-books era right now.
Extra
Over-the-top and doing far too much.
Renting a limo for a coffee run is a little extra, even for him.
Eat
To perform brilliantly, present-tense cousin of “ate.”
Watch her eat this audition, she has been rehearsing for weeks.
E-boy / E-girl
An alt internet look with dyed hair, chains, and moody styling.
His full e-boy look, chains and all, is genuinely iconic.
Edge
Straining to seem dark, cool, or mysterious.
That “nobody understands me” caption was pure edge.
ELI5
“Explain Like I’m 5,” a request for the simplest version.
Can someone ELI5 how mortgages work, the jargon is melting my brain.
Emo
Emotional, or the 2000s music-and-fashion aesthetic.
I am feeling emo tonight, digging out my old playlists.
Energy
The vibe or mood a person radiates.
He walked in with such warm energy the whole room lifted.
F
Facts
An enthusiastic “that is completely true.”
Sleep fixes almost everything? Facts, no notes.
Faded
Intoxicated, usually on alcohol or weed.
He was so faded he told the same story three times.
Fan service
Content added purely to please devoted fans.
That surprise cameo was pure fan service and the crowd loved it.
FBOI
A manipulative guy chasing hookups with no sincerity.
Do not fall for the charm, everyone says he is an FBOI.
Finna
“Fixing to,” meaning about to do something.
I am finna crash early, I have got a 5 a.m. alarm.
Finsta
A private “fake” Instagram for close friends only.
My unfiltered thoughts all live on my finsta.
Fire
Excellent, top-tier.
That new album is fire from the first track to the last.
Fit
An outfit.
Love the fit today, those colors really pull it together.
Flex
To show off possessions or achievements.
He will flex his new car in every single post if you let him.
FFS
“For F***’s Sake,” typed when you are annoyed or out of patience. Full guide to FFS.
FFS, the wifi dropped right before I hit save.
FML
“F*** My Life,” venting frustration at a bad break.
Missed my flight by five minutes, FML.
FR
“For Real,” emphasizing you mean it.
That workout wrecked me, FR, I can barely walk.
FRFR
“For Real For Real,” doubling down on sincerity.
I am done with the drama, FRFR, no more chances.
FYP
TikTok’s “For You Page,” the algorithm’s main feed.
My FYP has been nothing but cooking videos for a week.
FOMO
“Fear Of Missing Out.”
Everyone is at the show and my FOMO is off the charts.
Fam
Family, or friends who feel like it.
What’s good, fam? We need a proper catch-up soon.
Feed
The stream of posts on a social platform.
Her feed is so well-curated it looks like a magazine.
Finesse
To get what you want through charm or cleverness.
He finessed us into a sold-out show by knowing the door guy.
Flop
Something that fails to land.
The launch flopped hard despite all the buildup.
For the plot
Doing something questionable just to make life more interesting.
I said yes to the blind date purely for the plot.
Frick
A softened stand-in for a stronger curse.
What the frick just happened to my code?
Face card
A face so good-looking it never falters.
Ten years later and her face card still has not declined.
Feral
Wild, untamed, gloriously unhinged behavior.
I am feeling feral today, ready to do something spontaneous.
Finesse god
A master at charming their way into anything.
He talked his way backstage with no ticket, an actual finesse god.
G
Gas
Top-tier quality that blows past expectations.
This pizza is gas, the crust alone is worth the trip.
Ghost
To vanish from someone’s life with zero explanation.
The date went great and then he just ghosted, no word since.
Girl math
Playful logic used to justify a purchase.
Girl math says the dress is basically free since it was on sale.
Glow up
A dramatic upgrade in looks, confidence, or life.
Her glow up since high school is honestly inspiring.
GOAT
“Greatest Of All Time.”
My mom works full-time and still cooks every night, absolute GOAT.
Gyatt
A loud reaction to someone’s striking appearance.
Gyatt, that entrance turned every head in the room.
Gagged
Shocked speechless.
That plot twist had me completely gagged, I never saw it coming.
Gassing
Hyping someone up with lots of praise.
Stop gassing him up before the game or he will get overconfident.
Gatekeep
To hoard information or access instead of sharing.
Do not gatekeep the recipe, the rest of us want in.
Get ready with me
A content format showing someone’s prep routine.
New get ready with me video coming for date night.
Glaze
To pile on excessive, often insincere praise.
The comments are glazing him for one decent post, calm down.
Go off
An encouragement to speak passionately.
Go off, tell them exactly why the policy makes no sense.
GRWM
Short for “Get Ready With Me.” Full guide to GRWM.
Quick GRWM before the wedding, wish me luck with this eyeliner.
Girly pop
An affectionate name for a friend.
Hey girly pop, that hair is doing something magical today.
Glo up
An alternate spelling of “glow up.”
His glo up this year is real and everyone noticed.
Goals
Something aspirational you would love to have or become.
The way they support each other is genuinely relationship goals.
GNG
Short for “gang,” meaning your close friends or the people on your side. Full guide to GNG.
Proud of you, gng, you earned that spot on the team.
H
Hard launch
Publicly announcing a relationship with clear, unmistakable photos.
They hard launched with a full couple post and a soft caption.
Hawk tuah
A viral catchphrase about handling something head-on. Full guide to Hawk tuah.
The whole internet quoted the hawk tuah line for a month straight.
Healing era
A phase focused on recovery and self-improvement.
Therapy, long walks, early nights, I am deep in my healing era.
Highkey
Openly and obviously.
I highkey want to leave this movie, it is putting me to sleep.
Hits different
Uniquely powerful or affecting.
This song hits different at midnight when the house is quiet.
Holding space
Creating a safe, judgment-free room for someone’s feelings.
Thanks for holding space while I worked through all of that.
Hype
Excitement and buzz around something.
The hype for the sequel is enormous and honestly deserved.
Hypebeast
Someone obsessed with hyped brands and limited drops.
He is a full hypebeast, camping online for every sneaker release.
High key
Very much so, without any subtlety.
I am high key obsessed with this show and I am not embarrassed.
Hot girl walk
A confident outdoor walk for mood and movement.
Bad day? Time for a hot girl walk and a good playlist.
Hun
“Honey,” a casual term of endearment.
Thanks, hun, you always know exactly what to say.
I
Ick
A sudden, specific turn-off.
The way he talks to waiters gave me an instant ick.
IJBOL
“I Just Burst Out Laughing.”
That reply was so unexpected, IJBOL at my desk.
I’m deceased
So funny it “killed” you.
This comment thread has me deceased, I cannot scroll past it.
I’m screaming
A loud reaction to something shocking or hilarious.
She replied to her ex’s post in public, I am screaming.
In my ___ era
Naming your current life phase.
I am in my lazy Sunday era and the couch is winning.
IRL
“In Real Life,” offline and in person.
We have texted for months, we should finally meet IRL.
ISTG
“I Swear To God,” for emphasis or frustration. Full guide to ISTG.
ISTG if the bus is late one more time I am walking.
It’s giving
Describing the exact vibe something projects.
This outfit is giving effortless main character.
ICYMI
“In Case You Missed It.”
ICYMI, the whole recap is pinned at the top of the page.
ICYDK
“In Case You Didn’t Know.”
ICYDK, I am moving next month and could use packing help.
IYKYK
“If You Know, You Know,” pointing at inside knowledge.
That night was legendary, IYKYK.
Iconic
Unforgettable and culturally significant.
That entrance was iconic and people will quote it for years.
IDGAF
“I Don’t Give A F***,” total indifference.
IDGAF what the critics think, I loved every minute of it.
IDTS
“I Don’t Think So.” Full guide to IDTS.
Will that plan actually hold up? IDTS, too many loose ends.
Ight
“Alright,” a casual acknowledgment.
Ight, bet, see you at eight.
ILYSM
“I Love You So Much.”
Thanks for always showing up for me, ILYSM.
IMHO
“In My Humble Opinion.”
IMHO, the original is still better than every remake.
IMO
“In My Opinion.”
IMO that restaurant is overhyped and the wait is not worth it.
I can’t
Overwhelmed by cuteness, humor, or frustration.
The puppy tripped over its own ears and I can’t.
Influencer
A creator with a following and brand deals.
She went full-time influencer and travels almost every week now.
It’s the ___ for me
Calling out one standout detail, good or bad.
It is the confidence for me, she runs every room she enters.
J
JK
“Just Kidding.”
You are the worst, JK, I would be lost without you.
Jelly
Jealous.
Do not be jelly of the trip, you are always welcome next time.
JOMO
“Joy Of Missing Out,” happily skipping the event.
Everyone is out tonight and my JOMO has never felt better.
JP
“Just Playing,” like JK. Full guide to JP.
I ate your leftovers, JP, they are safe in the fridge.
Jit
A young or inexperienced person.
These jits act like they invented staying up late.
K
K
“Okay,” but often passive-aggressive.
She replied to my paragraph with just “k,” so she is definitely annoyed.
Karen
An entitled person who demands to see the manager.
She went full Karen over a two-minute wait for coffee.
Kiki
A fun, gossipy hangout with friends.
Let’s have a kiki this weekend, snacks and all the updates.
Killed it
Did something exceptionally well.
You killed it up there, the whole room was hooked.
KMS
“Kill Myself,” used hyperbolically for embarrassment rather than anything literal.
I called my boss “mom,” KMS. (Pure slang exaggeration, not a real statement.)
Kween
A playful respelling of “queen” as a compliment.
Yas kween, that confidence is unmatched.
L
L
A loss or failure.
We prepped for weeks and still took the L, brutal.
Lit
Exciting and full of great energy.
The show last night was lit from the opening song.
Living rent free
Stuck in your head with no effort at all.
That jingle has been living rent free in my brain all week.
Lock in
To focus intensely and block out distractions.
Phone away, notifications off, time to lock in and study.
Lore
The backstory behind a person or thing.
Tell me your lore, I want the full origin story.
Lowkey
Subtly or secretly.
I lowkey love this cheesy rom-com even if I pretend otherwise.
L + ratio
A taunt that someone lost an online argument badly.
That take aged terribly, L + ratio.
LFG
“Let’s f***ing go,” a hype cheer. In games it also means “looking for group.” Full guide to LFG.
We got the tickets, LFG!
LMAO
“Laughing My A** Off.”
LMAO, that reply completely caught me off guard.
LMFAO
A stronger version of LMAO.
LMFAO stop, I am actually crying over this clip.
LOL
“Laugh Out Loud.”
LOL you really thought you would win this round?
Left on read
When your message is seen but not answered.
He left me on read for three days, message received.
Lewk
A striking, attention-worthy look.
She served a full lewk tonight, every detail intentional.
Living
Thriving on or thoroughly enjoying something.
I am living for this drama, keep it coming.
M
Main character energy
Moving through life like you are the star of the story.
Sunglasses on, coffee in hand, pure main character energy.
Make it make sense
A plea for logic in an illogical situation.
He is mad at me for the thing he did, make it make sense.
MBN
“Must Be Nice,” dropped with a hint of envy.
You got the whole week off? MBN.
Mid
Thoroughly average, neither good nor bad.
The sequel was mid, not terrible, just forgettable.
Mood
Something instantly relatable.
A cat ignoring everyone at the party is a whole mood.
Mother
An icon who commands total admiration.
She released three flawless albums in a row, mother is mothering.
Moots
Mutual followers who regularly interact.
Shoutout to my moots who show up in my comments every time.
Main
Your primary, public social account.
Post it on your main so everyone actually sees it.
Mans
A guy, or a boyfriend.
Who was that mans you were laughing with all night?
Menty b
A mental breakdown, said lightly.
Three deadlines in one day gave me a small menty b.
Mutuals
People who follow each other.
Are we mutuals yet? I could have sworn I followed you back.
Main squeeze
Your primary romantic partner.
Bringing my main squeeze so you can all finally meet them.
Mewing
A jaw-positioning technique people claim sharpens the jawline. Full guide to Mewing.
He is mewing in every selfie chasing that perfect angle.
N
No cap
“No lie,” completely honest.
That was the best meal I have had all year, no cap.
No thoughts, just vibes
A blissfully empty, relaxed headspace.
Beach day, warm sun, no thoughts, just vibes.
NPC
Someone who seems to follow trends without an original thought.
He repeats whatever is trending like a total NPC.
NSFW
“Not Safe For Work,” inappropriate for public or professional settings.
That link is NSFW, do not open it in the meeting.
Naur
“No,” stretched out for dramatic or comic effect.
Naur, you did not just spoil the finale.
NGL
“Not Gonna Lie.”
NGL, I am a little jealous of your vacation photos.
No bones day
A slow, rest-it-all day, per the famous pug.
It is a no bones day, I am canceling everything and staying in.
Normalize
To make something more socially accepted.
Let’s normalize taking real rest without guilt.
Not it
Wrong, off, or unacceptable.
That excuse was not it, try again with the truth.
NPC behavior
Acting scripted and unoriginal.
Copying every trend with zero personality is NPC behavior.
NTA
“Not The A**hole,” a Reddit verdict that you are in the right.
Based on all that, NTA, you set a fair boundary.
Netflix and chill
A euphemism for hooking up under the pretense of watching something.
He suggested “Netflix and chill,” and we all know what that means.
No shade
A polite disclaimer before a bit of criticism.
No shade, but that color really is not working for the room.
O
Oof
A sympathetic reaction to something unfortunate.
Oof, failing a test you actually studied for stings.
Oomf
“One Of My Followers,” referencing someone indirectly.
Oomf posted something wild on their story and I have questions.
Opp
An opponent or rival.
He is firmly on my opp list after sabotaging the project.
Out of pocket
Wildly inappropriate or out of line.
That joke was out of pocket and the room went silent.
Obsessed
Intensely into something.
I am obsessed with this show, already on my second rewatch.
OD
“Overdoing it,” taking something to excess. Full guide to OD.
You are OD-ing over a tiny scratch, it is genuinely fine.
OFC
Short for “of course,” a quick and friendly yes. Full guide to OFC.
Ofc I’ll save you a seat, what time are you coming?
OK Boomer
A dismissive reply to out-of-touch, older-generation takes.
He complained that phones ruined everything, OK Boomer.
On fleek
Perfectly done, especially eyebrows.
Her brows are on fleek, that shape is flawless.
On god
“I swear,” emphasizing honesty.
On god, I locked the door, I remember doing it.
On period
Emphasizing that a statement is final.
She is the best in the league right now, on period.
Oof size large
An especially big mistake or hurt.
He got turned down in front of everyone, oof size large.
P
Periodt
“Period” with an added T for extra finality.
I am right about this, periodt, no further discussion.
Phantom ping
Feeling a notification that never actually happened.
I keep getting phantom pings even though my phone is on silent.
Pookie
A sweet nickname for a partner or close friend. Full guide to Pookie.
Come here, pookie, you look adorable today.
POV
“Point Of View,” setting up a scene or scenario.
POV: it is 3 a.m. and your brain refuses to shut off.
Pressed
Annoyed, often out of proportion.
Why are you so pressed over a harmless joke?
Preppy
A polished, colorful, classic aesthetic.
Her whole wardrobe is preppy, all pastels and neat collars.
Plug
A reliable source for goods or hookups (often tickets).
I know a plug for face-value concert tickets.
Peep
To look at or notice something.
Peep this fit, I put real effort in today.
Peg
To read or figure out someone’s vibe.
I cannot quite peg him, friendly but a little mysterious.
Period
The final word on a matter.
This is the best track on the album, period.
Pick me
Someone chasing validation by claiming to be “not like the others.”
Constantly saying she is “so different” reads a bit pick me.
Piggyback
To build on someone’s idea.
To piggyback on that, we should also think about the timeline.
Pinned
A saved post or comment kept at the top of a profile.
The rules are in the pinned comment, read them first.
Popping
Lively and busy with good energy.
This spot is popping tonight, great crowd and better music.
Paper
Money.
Head down, save the paper, the goals will follow.
Phubbing
Snubbing someone in person to stare at your phone.
Quit phubbing me mid-conversation and look up for a second.
Pushin P
Keeping things genuine and positive. Full guide to Pushin P.
We are pushin P this year, all good energy and no fakeness.
Q
Crying eyes, expressing sadness or emotion.
That ending had me QQ, actual tears on the couch.
Queen
An empowered woman who earns admiration.
Yas queen, that talent deserves every bit of applause.
Quiet quitting
Doing only the minimum a job requires, nothing extra.
He is quiet quitting, strictly clocking in and clocking out.
R
Ratio
When a reply outperforms the original post, signaling an unpopular take.
That opinion got ratioed into oblivion within an hour.
Real
Genuine and trustworthy.
You showed up when it counted, you are a real one.
Rizz
Charm and flirting ability.
He has got rizz for days, conversation just flows around him.
Rizz god
Someone whose charm seems almost supernatural.
He had her number in two minutes, an actual rizz god.
Rent free
Occupying your thoughts without any effort from you.
That embarrassing memory lives rent free in my head.
Receipts
Proof, usually screenshots.
I have got the receipts, the whole conversation is saved.
Rizzler
A person reliably blessed with rizz.
He is the group’s certified rizzler, charm on autopilot.
ROFL
“Rolling On the Floor Laughing.”
ROFL, that reaction was way too much and I love it.
Rookie
A beginner prone to newbie mistakes.
I am a total rookie at this game and it shows.
Rizzing
Actively flirting and charming someone.
He is over there rizzing her with smooth compliments.
S
Say less
“I am sold, no more convincing needed.”
Free tacos? Say less, I am on my way.
Selulu
“Delulu” plus self-love, confident manifesting.
I am not delulu, I am selulu, and my vision board agrees.
Sending me
Something so funny it wrecks you.
This clip is sending me, I have replayed it ten times.
Served
Delivered something impressive, especially in style.
She served in every single outfit change tonight.
Serving
Projecting a striking look or vibe.
He is serving quiet luxury with that whole outfit.
Shade
A subtle, clever insult.
She threw shade so smoothly it took him a minute to catch it.
Ship
To root for two people as a couple.
I ship them so hard, they would be perfect together.
Sigma
A self-reliant “lone wolf” personality.
He does his own thing, no crowd needed, real sigma streak.
Simp
Someone excessively devoted to a romantic interest.
He is simping hard, buying gifts for someone who barely replies.
Situationship
An undefined, label-free romantic gray zone.
We are in a situationship, hanging out but nothing official.
Skibidi
A nonsense Gen Alpha term with no fixed meaning. Full guide to Skibidi.
The kids keep saying “skibidi” and nobody can explain it.
Slaps
Really good, especially music.
This beat absolutely slaps, turn it all the way up.
Slay
To do something impressively well.
You slayed that interview, they would be lucky to have you.
Slay era
A thriving, everything-is-clicking phase.
New job, new confidence, she is fully in her slay era.
Snapped
Delivered outstanding, often creative, work.
You snapped with this design, it looks straight-up professional.
Soft launch
Hinting at a relationship without a clear reveal.
She soft launched him with a mystery hand in the frame.
Spill the tea
Share the gossip.
Spill the tea, I need every detail from the trip.
Stan
A devoted, sometimes obsessive fan.
I stan this band and will defend them in any argument.
Sus
Suspicious or shady.
His story keeps changing, which is a little sus.
Swag
Effortless coolness and confidence.
He carries himself with real swag, all easy confidence.
Salty
Bitter or resentful over something.
Why so salty over a friendly game, it is just for fun.
Same
“I completely relate.”
Exhausted before noon? Same, honestly.
Saucy
Bold, sassy, playfully confident.
She is feeling saucy today, comebacks at the ready.
Savage
Brutally blunt, usually in a funny way.
That roast was savage and the whole table lost it.
Say sike rn
“Please tell me you are joking.”
You lost the tickets? Say sike rn.
Secure the bag
To lock in money or a big opportunity.
Ace this interview and secure the bag.
Shaking
Trembling with excitement or emotion.
I am shaking, I actually got into the program.
Shook
Shocked by something unexpected.
That twist left me shook for the rest of the night.
Shooketh
“Shook,” with a theatrical old-English flourish.
That reveal left me thoroughly shooketh.
Sis
A sister or close friend.
Sis, you will not believe what happened at work.
Sksksk
An excited keyboard smash of enthusiasm.
I got the tickets, sksksk, I cannot sit still.
Slayyy
“Slay” stretched out for extra hype.
Yes, slayyy, that performance was untouchable.
Sleep on
To underrate or overlook something worthwhile.
Do not sleep on this artist, they are wildly talented.
Sliding
Moving into someone’s DMs to make contact.
He is sliding into her DMs with a genuinely decent opener.
Smol
Small and endearingly cute.
Look at this smol kitten, the paws are ridiculous.
Snack
An attractive person.
He walked in looking like an absolute snack tonight.
Snatched
Looking sharp and well put-together, often about a defined figure.
That dress has your waist looking snatched.
Soft
Tender, gentle, emotionally moved.
The old couple dancing got me all soft.
Spam
To post or message excessively.
Do not spam twenty photos at once, space them out.
Say that
Emphatic agreement.
You just spoke pure facts, say that.
Sheesh
An exclamation of amazement or approval.
Sheesh, that car is a work of art.
Shoot your shot
To take a chance despite possible rejection.
Just shoot your shot, the worst answer is no.
Sis really said
Reacting to a bold or surprising statement.
She wore sneakers to the gala, sis really said comfort first.
Slay the house down
To perform so well the crowd is floored.
That number slayed the house down, jaws on the floor.
Smash
To hook up with someone; expressing attraction.
He is charming enough that plenty of people would smash.
Smol bean
A small, endearing person who seems to need protecting.
Protect this smol bean, they are far too pure for the internet.
Snap
A Snapchat message, or the app itself.
Send me a snap of the outfit before you head out.
T
Tea
Gossip or drama.
What’s the tea, I have been out of the loop all week.
TF
“The F***,” surprise or disbelief.
TF is going on with this schedule, none of it lines up.
TFW
“That Feeling When.”
TFW you finally get home and peel off your shoes.
Thirsty
Desperate for attention or validation.
He is thirsty for likes, fishing for compliments every post.
Thirst trap
A deliberately provocative photo posted for attention.
That beach post was a clear thirst trap and it worked.
Touch grass
Advice to log off and reconnect with the real world.
You have been online for twelve hours, go touch grass.
Tradwife
An aesthetic centered on traditional homemaking roles.
Her feed leans full tradwife, vintage dresses and fresh bread.
Twin
A friend so aligned with you they feel like a sibling.
What’s up, twin, our playlists are basically identical.
Take a seat
A dismissive “settle down.”
Take a seat, you are way too worked up over this.
Tbh
“To Be Honest.” Full guide to Tbh.
Tbh, I would rather stay in and order food tonight.
Tbt
“Throwback Thursday,” posting old photos.
Tbt to that summer road trip, easily the best week of the year.
Thx
“Thanks.”
Thx for covering my shift, I owe you one.
TMI
“Too Much Information.”
That was TMI about your surgery, I did not need the details.
Toxic
Harmful or unhealthy behavior or dynamics.
That friendship turned toxic, all drama and no support.
Trending
Popular and widely discussed right now.
The topic is trending everywhere, it is all over my feed.
Trolling
Deliberately provoking reactions online.
Ignore him, he is just trolling for a fight.
Turnt
Hyped up, in full party mode.
We got turnt at the show and danced until closing.
Tea sis
An urging to share the gossip immediately.
Tea sis, what is the latest, I need the full rundown.
That’s hot
A throwback catchphrase for something desirable.
New car, new haircut, that’s hot.
U
Unbothered
Calm and unaffected by drama or criticism.
The rumors swirled and she stayed completely unbothered.
Unhinged
Wild and chaotic, often in an entertaining way.
That post was unhinged and I could not stop laughing.
Underrated
Deserving more attention than it gets.
This artist is underrated, the talent is off the charts.
Up
Awake and available, often late at night.
You up? I cannot sleep and want to talk.
V
Vibe
The mood or energy of a person, place, or moment.
I am getting an off vibe here, let’s find somewhere else.
Vibe check
A quick read on someone’s mood or energy.
Vibe check, you seem stressed, want to talk it out?
Villain era
A phase of putting yourself first, guilt-free.
I am in my villain era, saying no without apologizing.
Viral
Spreading rapidly across the internet.
The clip went viral overnight, millions of views by morning.
W
Weird flex but ok
A reaction to an odd or pointless brag.
You own forty umbrellas? Weird flex but ok.
What’s the move
Asking about the plan for the night.
What’s the move, are we going out or staying in?
Whip
A car, usually a nice one.
Check out the new whip, I have been grinning since I picked it up.
Woke
Alert to social injustice and systemic issues.
She is woke about these issues and explains them without lecturing.
Womp womp
A mocking “sad trombone” for minor misfortune.
You forgot your umbrella on the one rainy day? Womp womp.
Word
Agreement, like “bet” or “for sure.”
Eight o’clock at the diner? Word, I will be there.
WYD
“What You Doing.”
WYD tonight, I am bored and looking for a plan.
WYF
“Where you from?” In some chats it means “what’s your favorite?” Full guide to WYF.
Love the accent, wyf?
WTW
Short for “what’s the word,” a casual way to ask what is going on or what the plan is. Full guide to WTW.
Wtw tonight, are we still going to the game?
X
XOXO
“Hugs and kisses,” an affectionate sign-off.
Loved today, XOXO, let’s do it again soon.
Y
Yaaas
An enthusiastic cheer of approval.
Yaaas, that performance was everything.
Yeet
To throw something with force and enthusiasm.
I nearly yeeted my phone across the room when it froze again.
Yikes
A reaction to something awkward or uncomfortable.
Yikes, that was a rough thing to witness in public.
YOLO
“You Only Live Once,” justifying a bold choice.
I booked the trip on a whim, YOLO.
Yassify
To glam something up with heavy editing or enhancement.
I am about to yassify this photo with every filter I own.
You good
A casual check-in on someone’s wellbeing.
You seem quiet today, you good?
YH
A two-letter way to type “yeah” in a text or chat. Full guide to YH.
Yh I saw it, that clip was so funny.
Z
Zaddy
A stylish, confident, attractive older man.
The tailored coat and easy confidence give total zaddy energy.
Zero chill
No calm or restraint whatsoever.
She has zero chill when her favorite team is playing.
Zod
Short for “zodiac,” about astrology.
What’s your zod, I want to check our compatibility.
Zooted
Heavily intoxicated.
He was so zooted at the party he lost his own keys twice.
The Bottom Line
Slang is a moving target, and by the time one term goes mainstream, a fresh batch is already bubbling up somewhere online. Use this list as a living reference: bookmark it, share it with the parents and coworkers who keep asking what these words mean, and check back as new terms work their way into the conversation. And if a friend ever hits you with a word that is not here, that is just proof the language kept moving, no cap.
