This guide lists the slang words teens use most in texts, group chats and on TikTok, grouped by what they are about, with a one-line meaning for each. Print it or save it as a PDF and keep it handy. Every word links to its full meaning page with examples and how to reply.
Updated October 2026
Everyday texting shortcuts
The letters that turn up in almost every chat.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| NGL | NGL means “not gonna lie.” See how it shifts a message’s tone, when it sounds rude, how to reply, and what an… |
| FR | FR means “for real” in texts. It can ask “really?” or stress that you mean it. See fr vs fr fr, other… |
| WYD | WYD means “what are you doing?” It can also ask “what would you do?” or call you out. See how to tell… |
| ISTG | ISTG means “I swear to God.” People type it to promise something is true, to show they are fed up, or to… |
| ONG | ONG stands for "On God," similar to saying "I promise" or "I swear." People add it before or after a statement to… |
| ICL | ICL means “I can’t lie.” Learn where icl goes in a text, how it compares with ngl and tbh, the ts pmo… |
| Idek | Idek stands for "I don't even know." It is an informal reply used to show you are unsure or unaware of something,… |
| OFC | OFC means “of course.” See how its tone shifts by where it sits in a message, the ruder reading, when to type… |
| WDYM | WDYM means “what do you mean?” See how punctuation changes its tone, when wdym sounds rude, how it differs from wym, and… |
| HYD | Wondering what HYD means in texting or Snapchat? It’s short for “how you doing?” Find full meaning and examples here. |
| WYA | WYA means “where you at.” Learn what wya rn and wya?? signal, how to reply to a friend, parent, date or stranger,… |
| LMK | LMK means “let me know.” See what the sender wants from you, how to reply, when it sounds rude, what lmkwyt means… |
| ATP | Find out what ATP means in texting, social media, sports, biology, and cannabis strains with clear examples for each context. |
| TBH | TBH means “to be honest.” See how its spot in a text changes the feel, when it softens bad news, the old… |
Praise and hype
Ways of saying something (or someone) is great.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Slay | Slay means to do something extremely well or to look amazing. See how it is used in texts, its roots in ballroom… |
| Ate | What does “Ate” mean in slang, text, and viral phrases? Discover all meanings from “She Ate” to “Ate Crow” explained. |
| Bussin | Bussin means something is excellent or really good. It is a casual way to praise something as above average, such as food,… |
| GOAT | GOAT means “greatest of all time.” See where G.O.A.T. comes from, what the goat emoji and “goated” mean, and how to reply… |
| It’s Giving | “It’s giving” means something gives off a certain vibe, as in “it’s giving summer.” Learn its ballroom roots, how to finish the… |
| Tuff | Tuff means cool or impressive, a playful spelling of tough. But “that’s tuff” can mean “too bad.” Learn the clues, the 1960s… |
| LFG | LFG means “let’s f***ing go,” a hype cheer, or “looking for group” in games. See how to tell which one you got,… |
| Based | Based means saying or doing what you believe without caring what others think. See its roots with rapper Lil B, its political… |
Teasing and put-downs
Usually playful between friends, sometimes not.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mid | Mid means average, mediocre or disappointing, usually said of something others call great. See how mid is used in texts, where it… |
| No Cap | No cap means “no lie” or “for real,” and cap on its own means a lie. See how both are used in… |
| Sus | Sus is short for suspicious or suspect. See how it is used in texts, how Among Us made it popular in 2020,… |
| NPC | NPC means “non-player character.” As slang it mocks someone who acts on autopilot. See where it came from, what NPC streams are,… |
| Yapping | Yapping means talking a lot, often about nothing much. Learn what yap and yapper mean in a text, when the word sounds… |
| Unc | Unc is short for uncle and is slang for someone who seems old or out of touch. See where it comes from,… |
| Chopped | Chopped is slang for unattractive or uncool, and it is usually an insult. Learn where it comes from, what chopped and unc… |
| Glazing | Glazing means praising someone far too much. See what “stop glazing” means in a text, where the slang came from, whether it… |
| Mog | To mog someone means to outshine them, usually in looks. See where mogging comes from, its link to looksmaxxing and what parents… |
| Bombastic Side Eye | A bombastic side eye is a dramatic sideways look that shows judgment, disgust or disapproval. The person moves their eyes fully to… |
Dating and friendship
Crushes, relationships and best friends.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Rizz | Rizz means charm, especially the knack for attracting someone you like. See how it is used in texts, where it came from,… |
| Situationship | A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship with no label or commitment. See the signs, where the word came from and… |
| Ick | The ick is a sudden turn-off toward someone you liked, often over a small thing. See where the phrase came from, common… |
| Rent Free | Rent free means someone or something keeps taking up space in your thoughts. See where the phrase comes from, when it’s a… |
| Lowkey | Lowkey means “a little” or “secretly,” and highkey means “very” or “openly.” See how both work in texts, where lowkey came from… |
| Delulu | Delulu is short for "delusional," meaning imaginary or unrealistic. It describes thoughts or hopes based on fantasy rather than reality. The term… |
| Pookie Bear | Pookie bear is made up of two words, “pookie” and “bear.” When combined, it indicates that someone is calling a person in… |
| BSF | BSF mainly means "Best Friend" in texting. It can also stand for "Best Sibling/Sister Friend," depending on the context. Sending BSF shows… |
| BBG | BBG is a slang term that stands for “Beautiful Baby Girl” or simply “Baby Girl.” It is a sweet expression that indicates… |
Internet and meme culture
Words from games, streams and TikTok.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Aura | Aura means a cool, confident presence. See what aura points and +1000 aura mean, what aura farming is, where the slang came… |
| Brainrot | Brainrot means low-effort online content and the foggy feeling of too much of it. See why Oxford named brain rot its 2024… |
| Skibidi | Skibidi is slang used to start a conversation while you are thinking about something. It is an informal way to open a… |
| 6 7 | “6 7” is TikTok slang from Skrilla’s rap song “Doot Doot,” where it refers to 67th Street in Chicago. The rapper uses… |
| Fanum Tax | Fanum tax means jokingly taking a bite of someone’s food. Learn who Fanum is, how the AMP streams started it, when it… |
| Touch Grass | Touch grass means go outside and reconnect with real life, usually said to someone who is too online. See where it comes… |
| Mewing | Mewing means pressing the whole tongue against the roof of the mouth, just behind the upper teeth, with the lips closed. People… |
| Crash Out | Crash out means to suddenly lose control and erupt in anger or distress. See where it comes from, how serious it is,… |
Worth a calm conversation
Terms that can point to bullying, drugs or distress. Ask before you assume.
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| KYS | Learn what KYS means on TikTok and in gaming. Understand its uses, from slang to safety, with real context explained. |
| SYBAU | SYBAU is an offensive slang term which stands for “shut your b––ch a–– up,” similar to saying “don’t talk.” The use of… |
| TS PMO | Discover the TS PMO meaning, its slang usage, origin, and why it's trending online among younger internet users today. |
| Opps | Opps means the opposition, from rap rivals to a strict teacher. See the signs of a real threat, replies that fit, and… |
| Zaza | Zaza, or za, is slang for high-quality marijuana. The term describes weed with stronger effects and higher THC levels. It comes from… |
| Trap Phone | A trap phone is a cheap, prepaid, disposable phone used for a short time so calls and messages are hard to trace.… |
| FAFO | FAFO is the shorthand for f--k around & find out. It is used as a warning message in result of performing actions… |
Five tips for talking about slang
- Ask, do not quiz. “What does that mean in your group?” gets a better answer than “What is this?”
- Most slang is harmless and changes every few months. Using it yourself is usually more funny than helpful.
- Look at the whole message, not one word. The same word can be a joke between friends or an insult from a stranger.
- If something looks like bullying or a threat, keep screenshots before anything is deleted.
- If someone may be in danger, contact local emergency services or a crisis line straight away.
From SlangSense.com, the free slang dictionary. Look up any other word at slangsense.com/slang-dictionary/
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