We’re back — here with the annual slang glossary to help all the old folks stay cool with the latest, hip lingo! As always, special thanks to Facebook and my friends’ teenaged kids for their assistance in my very important research.
I should add that I did consider adding terminology like “Latinx” and “Womxn” or a number of terms having to do with Gender Identity, but decided finitely that I am still in a place of learning myself and am not the person to educate anyone in those spaces. However I am happy to encourage and direct you over to Well + Good, PFLAG and Planned Parenthood for further information there.
Moving on….
And that’s on: To add further emphasis. (More on this later.)
Bet: Many uses here. It can be used in lieu of the word “okay” or “yes,” but can also be used as a response when someone challenges you, instead of saying “watch” or “we’ll see.” i.e., “Got your text. See you at the club later.” / “Bet.”
Big Mad: This feels a little self-explanatory. It means you’re pretty pissed off. The way it’s stated if a little unique, though. i.e., “I’m big mad that we got that pop quiz in class today.”
Big Yikes: A more intense version of the word “yikes” because something is so very embarrassing that another, much larger “yikes” is needed.
Bruh: This is obviously used like “bro,” but is also often used as an acknowledgement. i.e., “Mac and cheese for dinner tonight.” / “Bruh.” (Don’t ask me to explain it. I’m just here to inform.)
Bussin: Really good. Usually associated with food. Not unlike smacking, I guess?
Cap/No cap: To lie about something – but, confusingly, “no cap” means to tell the truth. i.e.,
“What you said is the biggest cap I’ve heard in a minute.”
CD9: Breaker, breaker. This one may take you back to the walkie-talkie days of your youth. If you lived that kind of youth. CD9 stands for Code 9 as in, “Can’t talk! My parents are here!”
CEO of…: Typically seen in the comments section. If you see someone nailing something? Well, they’re the CEO of THAT.
Curve: This is slang for rejecting someone romantically or sidestepping their advances. You might see it on social media or in a text as a hastag, referencing ignoring a text or come on with “#curve.”
Drop the addy: A command to give your location or address.
Drop your Snap: A command to give out your Snapchat ID.
Floof: Perhaps my favorite and most often used slang term, meaning SUPER DUPER FLUFFY! You know it when you see it. A floofy puppy is the bestest. (P.S. My scientific research, AKA my friend Ky, tells me “Floof” is also used for floofy kitties.)
Glow up: I don’t know how I’ve not included this in previous entries as it’s one I actually use, but anyway, it means when someone’s gone from ugly duckling to gorgeousness. They’ve had a glow-up.
LMIRL: Let’s meet in real life. Use with caution, kids.
Mittens: Inspired by – you guess it! – all of the Bernie Sanders memes. “Mittens” now serves as a descriptive term for something that was not quite amazing, but, not bad either. This is my favorite. Because I was among the meme obsessed. And I’ve never done this before but I’d like to dedicate this glossary entry to my friend Tara, who had a Bernie Mittens coffee mug delivered to me. It’s delightful.
Nah, fam: Simply a way to say “no, thank you.”
OP: “Open pad.” To ask if anyone have a house we can go hang out at.
Periodt: Used at the end of a sentence, it is meant to add emphasis to a point that has been made. It is often regarded as a more extreme or intense version of “period.” It is also often preceded by “and that’s on” to add further emphasis. i.e., “This is the best flick of all time, and that’s on periodt.”
Plots: The plans, the schedule, the desitantion. i.e., “What are the plots?” or “What’s the plot tonight?”
POS: Nope, this is not for “piece of shit” — if you’re around my age, your mind may have gone there. Nowadays, POS is a quick acronym for texting or messaging that means “parents over shoulder.” As in, “not the time to send that dick pic, bruh.”
Pretty sus: Pretty suspicious. You know who you are.
Protecc: The highest form of protection! Though per Urban Dictionay, it’s done “with just and gentle grace.” (Why TWO C’s, I wonder?)
Pull up: Step up and fight!
Scoop: You want me to scoop you? Pick you up in my car? HMU in the comments….
Simp: Basically, a new way to call someone a schmoozer, to describe people (typically those who identify as male) who are willing to do anything to get somebody to fall in love with them.
Sksksksk: This phrase is somewhat versatile, but is mostly a filler expression of excitement. Imagine smashing your keyboard at random because you’re so amped. It’s popular among VSCO girls (if they are still a thing?) who use it to express their joy. i.e., “Are you going to the party tonight?” / “SKSKSKSK YES!” (And insert my eye roll here.)
Smack: For us children of the 80s who attended many a D.A.R.E. lecture, Smack is a synonym for Heroin. But in this instance, it’s as “slaps” is to music – “This burger smacks.”
Tendies: Since Robin Hood recently rose in popularity, you may have spotted this term, which is gains earned from an investment. Collect your tendies, people!
Wig: Used to refer to something that is amazing, from the idea that what you saw was so amazing, your wig flew right off.
Your mom: I was not set on including this but many of the young people surveyed in my research suggested it, so there it is. We all know how this is used, right?
Emojis: This is not a slang term issue, but I am here to make you all cool and hip as older people so I must bring you this bit of tragic news as well. You see, it seems that emojis are not “it” anymore. My friend’s teenaged daughter and a recent CNN investigation found teens calling certain emojis “overused” and “bland.” Will you abide by this new vibe?
Personally, I’ve always thrived on breaking from convention. 😜👈🏻🖕🏻
OKAY, KIDS AND GROWN UPS, WHAT DID I MISS?
TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS SO I CAN ADD IT TO THE NEXT ROUND!
For previous editions, click: VOLUME I // VOLUME II // VOLUME III // VOLUME IV
