At FlippGen, we understand that keeping up with teen slang is a big challenge, so to help parents better understand their kids and their friends, we’ve put together a list of popular slang words. This list isn’t exhaustive; our team will continue to add new words as we gather them and as slang trends evolve.
Common Slang
Bet: Agreement or confirmation. Example: “Wanna hang out later?” “Bet.”
Bruh: A casual way to refer to a friend, similar to “bro.”
GOAT: “Greatest of All Time” — a term of high praise.
Salty: Bitter or upset about something.
Boo’d up: In a romantic relationship.
It’s giving: Used to compare or highlight a resemblance, often in a positive context.
On God: A way to swear something is true; indicates sincerity.
Ratio’d: When negative feedback outweighs positive on social media.
TL;DR: “Too Long; Didn’t Read” — a summary for lengthy texts.
Ends: Referring to one’s general area or neighbourhood.
Relationship Slang
Rizz: This term is all about charisma or the ability to charm someone. It’s often used when someone has a way with words or can easily persuade or attract others.
Simping: This refers to someone who is going overboard with their affection, often without receiving the same level of interest in return. It’s not always seen in a positive light, as it can imply a lack of self-respect.
1437: A numerical way of saying “I love you forever.” It’s a more cryptic way for kids to express deep feelings without being too obvious.
Situationship: This term describes a relationship that doesn’t have clear labels or commitment. It’s more than friends but less than a defined relationship, often leaving one or both parties confused about where they stand.
Bae: A term of endearment for a crush or significant other. It’s a shorthand for ‘baby’ or ‘babe’ and is used affectionately.
Benching: Similar to a sports term, it means putting someone on the sideline while exploring other options. It’s not a great feeling to be ‘benched’ in a relationship.
Breadcrumbing: This is when someone gives just enough attention to keep someone interested, without any intention of committing. It’s a way to keep options open without fully engaging in a relationship.
Cuffing/Cuffing Season: Typically refers to the winter months when people are more likely to start a relationship to avoid loneliness during the colder, darker days.
DTR (Define The Relationship): This conversation usually happens after the ‘talking phase’ and is where both parties discuss where they stand and if they’re officially in a relationship.
Ghosting: One of the less pleasant terms, it refers to ending a relationship or potential relationship by suddenly and without explanation ceasing all communication.
Gaslighting: A form of psychological manipulation where one person tries to make another doubt their own thoughts and feelings. It’s a serious issue and a red flag in any relationship.
Ship: Short for ‘relationship’, it’s used as a verb to endorse a potential romantic relationship between two people. For example, “I ship them; they would make a cute couple.”
Catch Feels: To develop romantic feelings for someone, often unexpectedly.
Curve: To reject someone’s advances or romantic interest.
Boo: A term of endearment for one’s significant other, similar to ‘bae’.
Social Media Slang
Ate: Did an exceptional job at something.
Basic: Lacking originality; mainstream.
Beige Flag: A quirky quality that isn’t quite a red or green flag.
Bet: Equivalent to “Okay, for sure.”
Bougie: High-class, fancy, or rich.
Bussin’: Really good, often used to describe food.
Cap: To lie or fake something.
Caught in 4K: Caught in the act.
Cheugy: Cringey, often referencing trends from the early to mid-2000s.
Clout: Significant social influence or popularity.
Drip: Stylish or sophisticated fashion sense.
Flex: To show off.
FML: An expression used at the end of a negative story.
FR: For real; a way to agree.
FTW: For the win; expressing support.
Fugly: Extremely unattractive.
Furry: A fan of anthropomorphic animals.
FYP: TikTok’s “For You Page.”
AF: Emphasises the truth of a statement (stands for “as f**k”).
DM: Direct message.
IMO: In my opinion.
IRL: In real life.
IYKYK: If you know, you know.
RN: Right now.
KPC: Keeping parents clueless.
PAH: Parents are home.
PAW: Parents are watching.
PITR: Parent in the room.
POMS: Parents over my shoulder.
Tips for Fostering Open Communication
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your kids what certain terms mean. It shows you’re interested in their lives and want to understand their language.
Share Your Own Experiences: Relate their slang to your experiences, drawing parallels that can create a deeper connection.
Use Slang Sparingly: While it’s helpful to understand and occasionally use slang, overusing it can come off as inauthentic. Balance is key.
Encourage Conversations: Create an open environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their feelings, friendships, and experiences without judgment.
Navigating the world of teenage slang may seem daunting, but it’s a valuable tool for enhancing your relationship with your children. By learning these terms and understanding their context, you can foster open communication, bridge the generational gap, and show your kids that you care about their world. The more you understand their language, the more relatable you become — and that connection can make all the difference as they navigate the complexities of this digital world.