Are you the parent of a tween or teenager? If you are, then you probably feel like they are speaking in an entirely different language sometimes. That is because slang terms change from one generation to the next. Some slang words even change meanings over time. It’s hard to keep up with the slang of today, and it can be frustrating to not understand what your kids are saying.
Slang is basically just another language filled with words that are very informal and are more common to hear in speech than in writing. Teenagers take normal English words and turn them into something different. While it is fascinating to see how words can change over time, it’s not fun to be left behind. Read on to learn the ABC’s of slang today.
Almosts- A person you almost went out with.
“Jenny and Kevin win the cutest almosts since it never happened with them.”
Basic- A person who is only interested in popular, mainstream things.
“She only loves coffee from Starbucks because she is such a basic person.”
Bounce- To leave suddenly.
“I’m going to bounce from this boring party in a minute.”
Cancel- Rejecting a person, place, or thing.
“It’s time to cancel Katie. She does nothing but lie to my face about everything.”
Fam- People who are like your family.
“Don’t worry about it fam, I got your back!”
Gassed- A person who believes their own hype.
“He really is gassed up about all lies he is spreading around.”
Karen- An older adult who demands a lot from people.
“Did you see how she flipped out on that poor waiter? She is such a Karen!”
Ratchet- Someone trashy.
“Yuck, Emma is so ratchet for flirting with all of the guys in the room right in front of her man.”
Receipts- Keeping copies or screenshots of conversations or messages.
“Watch what you say on Facebook, Myrna keeps the receipts.”
Savage- Taking something personally or overreacting.
“Don’t get so savage over your account. It’s not a big deal.”
Shook- Very surprised by gossip.
“I was shook to hear that Mary actually showed up to the party.”
Slay- Doing really well at something.
“Katy Perry continuously slays when she is on stage.”
Snatched- Looking very cute.
“Kelly showed up to the party looking very snatched.”
Snack-cute- When a person looks good enough to eat.
“Trevor is snack-cute, even when he wears those huge shirts.”
Straight Fire- When something or someone is really good.
“That new song by Eminem is straight fire.”
Sus- Suspicious or shady.
“I don’t trust Mark. He acts sus all of the time.”
TFW- an acronym for That Feeling When
“TFW you look hot at a party and your crush shows up.”
Thirst trap- A very flirty or sexual message or picture posted on social media.
“Arial is always setting up thirst traps on Facebook.”
Thirsty- Needing attention.
“Brandy is so thirsty. It’s obvious in the way that she dresses.”
Throwing shade- Being rude or nasty to a person.
“I might not get along with her, but does she always have to throw shade at me?”
Wig snatched- Telling someone else’s secrets to expose them.
“I suppose she doesn’t know how to keep quiet cause I’m out here wig snatched.”
Take your time and go over these phrases carefully. Knowing what your teenager is saying will make it easier to communicate with them. Remember, slang words often change. You may not recognize the words your teen is using, but you can take the time to look them up and learn. It could even make your relationship a little bit better!
