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If you're on TikTok or have teenagers at home, you've probably come across words or phrases that sound like they come from another planet. Or they sound like normal words you would use in a conversation but have a completely different meaning in the context they are using them in.
You've likely heard some of these slang words casually thrown around at home. Maybe you've tried asking your teen what it means, only to get an answer that somehow makes you feel even more confused than before. “Mom, it’s obvious!” they say, but it’s really not.
And let's be real, you've probably stood there, eyes wide, wondering what in the world they're talking about. I get it—I've been there too.
Oh, and it’s not just the teens. I know kids as young as 10 who are fluent in this new language. It’s like slang has become an entirely different dialect—one that we parents desperately need a dictionary for!
Now, as parents, we’re naturally curious beings, right? We want to know what these words mean. Not because we’re trying to keep up with the latest trends (because let’s be honest, I tried using “lit” in a conversation with my son once, and I got the biggest eye-roll I’ve ever seen).
But understanding this slang isn’t just about trying to be “cool”—it’s about knowing and understanding what our kids are saying. Some words are totally harmless, but a few could raise some red flags, and we should be aware of those.
So, let me help you unlock the teen slang dictionary. You’ll be equipped with 121 words that will make decoding your teen's slang words a whole lot easier. Some of these words have been around for a couple of years now but they're still using them as far as I know.
Get ready for some eyebrow raises, confusion, and maybe a few "ah-ha" moments as we go through this list.
121 Teen Slang Words You Need To Know
1.AF – Acronym for “as [you know],” used to emphasize something (e.g., “That was fun AF”).
2. AFK – Away from keyboard, often used in gaming.
3. And I Oop – Used when something unexpected happens.
4. Bae – Term of endearment for someone you love.
5. Basic – Someone who is unoriginal or only likes mainstream things.
6. Bet – Used as a form of agreement, like saying “okay” or “sure.”
7. Big Yikes – Used to express a huge amount of embarrassment or awkwardness.
8. Bih – Short for b#^ch.
9. Boomer – Used to describe someone older or out of touch with modern trends.
10. Body Count – The number of people you've slept with.
11. Bop – A really good song.
12. Boujee – Fancy or high-class.
13. Bread – Slang for money.
14. Buggin' – Acting irrational or overreacting.
15. Buss Down – A fancy or expensive piece of jewelry, often used to describe watches.
16. Bussin’ – Really good or tasty.
17. Canceled – When someone is publicly shamed or boycotted for controversial actions.
18. Cap – A lie. “No cap” means they’re telling the truth.
19. Capping – Lying or exaggerating.
20. Clapback – A clever or sharp response to criticism.
21. Ceebs – To lose interest or can't be bothered.
22. Clout – Influence or fame, usually on social media.
23. Creeper – Socially awkward or stalker.
24. Crunk – Getting high and drunk at the same time.
25. Cuffing Season – The colder months when people seek relationships to stay warm.
26. CU46 – See you for sex.
27. Dank – Really cool or high-quality.
28. Dead – Used to express that something is so funny it “killed” you with laughter.
29. Deadass – Used to show seriousness or truthfulness.
30. Don't Trip – Don't worry or don't stress.
31. Dope – Another word for cool or awesome.
32. DM – Direct message.
33. Drip – Stylish or fashionable clothing or appearance.
34. Drip Check – Evaluating someone’s outfit.
35. Extra – Over the top, dramatic, or attention-seeking.
36. Fam – Short for “family,” but can also refer to close friends.
37. Finsta – A “fake Instagram,” often used to post personal or less-polished content.
38. Fit – Short for outfit.
39. Fire – Something that's really good or cool.
40. Flex/Flexing – Showing off, especially wealth or achievements.
41. FOMO – Fear of missing out.
42. Gas – Something that’s really good or cool.
43. Cheugy – Something that is out of style or trying too hard to be trendy.
44. Ghost – To suddenly cut off communication.
45. Ghosting – Suddenly cutting off communication with someone.
46. Glow Down – The opposite of a glow-up, used when someone’s appearance has worsened.
47. Glow Up/Glowed Up – A noticeable improvement in appearance or self-confidence.
48. GOAT – Acronym for "Greatest of All Time."
49. Gucci – Everything is good or fine.
50. Hundo P – 100 percent certain or definite.
51. Hypebeast – Someone obsessed with fashion trends, especially expensive or rare items.
52. IKR – Acronym for "I know, right?"
53. IRL – In real life.
54. It's Giving – Used to describe something or someone that embodies a particular vibe (e.g., “It's giving boss energy”).
55. JOMO – Joy of missing out, the opposite of FOMO.
56. Karen – A middle-aged woman who acts entitled or demanding.
57. L – Short for “loss,” used when something goes wrong or is embarrassing.
58. Lit – Something that’s exciting or fun.
59. Low-key – Something done secretly or quietly.
60. Main Character/Main Character Vibes – Someone who acts like the protagonist of a story, often confidently or dramatically.
61. Mid – Mediocre, average, or not very good.
62. Molly – Another word for MDMA, a party drug.
63. Mood – A term used to express relatable feelings.
64. No Tea, No Shade – A way to say you’re not trying to offend while still sharing an opinion.
65. Noob – Someone new to a game or activity; often used to tease someone who lacks experience.
66. NIFOC – Acronym for, Naked in front of the computer.
67. NPC – A term for someone who follows the crowd and lacks originality, like a non-playable character in a game.
68. On Fleek – Someone who's fashionable or on-point.
69. Plug – Someone who can connect you with drugs, or a dealer.
70. Pog – Excited or impressed reaction, commonly used in gaming.
71. POS – Acronym for Parent Over Shoulder or Piece Of S##t, depending on the context.
72. Pressed – When someone is upset or bothered by something trivial.
73. Pron – Porn.
74. Pull Up – To show up or arrive.
75. Ratio – When a reply gets more likes or interactions than the original post, signaling the reply was better.
76. Real One – Someone who is genuine and trustworthy.
77. Receipts – Proof or evidence, especially in arguments or drama.
78. Rizz – Short for charisma, used to describe someone with charm.
79. Salty – Bitter or upset.
80. Savage – Bold, fearless, or brutally honest.
81. Shook – Shocked or surprised.
82. Shooketh – An exaggerated way to say you’re shocked.
83. Ship – Short for relationship, often used when rooting for two people to get together.
84. Sis – A term of endearment between friends, similar to “girl.”
85. Skibidi - A filler word meaning cool, dumb, or silly depending on the context.
86. Simp – Someone who does too much for someone they like.
87. Sksksks – A way of expressing excitement or awkwardness, often used online.
88. Skurrt - To leave, or to bounce or go away.
89. Slaps – When something (usually music) is really good.
90. Slay – Doing something exceptionally well.
91. Slew – A lot of something.
92. Smash – Casual sex.
93. Snack – Someone who looks good ("tasty")
94. Snatched – Looking fabulous or fashionable.
95. Stan – A big fan of someone or something.
96. Suss/Sus – Suspicious or suspect
97. Swipe Left/Right – Terms used in dating apps, left means no, right means yes.
98. Szn – Short for “season.”
99. Tea – Gossip or news.
100. Thicc – A compliment for someone with curves in all the right places.
101. Thirst Trap – A provocative photo posted to get attention.
102. Thirsty – Desperate for attention or validation.
103. Throw Hands – To fight or engage in physical combat.
104. Throwing Shade – Subtly insulting or criticizing someone.
105. TL;DR – Too long; didn’t read.
106. TMI – Too much information.
107. Troll – Someone who deliberately tries to upset others online.
108. Triggered – To feel upset or offended, often used sarcastically.
109. Vibe Check – Testing whether someone’s mood matches the current situation.
110. Vibing – Chilling, relaxing, or enjoying the moment.
111. Viral – Something that spreads quickly, usually on social media.
112. VSCO Girl – A trendy girl who uses the VSCO app, usually associated with scrunchies and Hydro Flasks.
113. W – A win.
114. Woke – Being aware of social justice issues.
115. Wylin’ – Acting crazy or out of control.
116. Yass – Enthusiastic “yes,” often used to cheer someone on.
117. Yeet – To throw something with force, or an expression of excitement.
118. Zaddy – An attractive man with style and confidence, often used for older, stylish men.
119. Zip Ghost – Someone who's high.
120. 53X – Sex.
121. 9 or CD9 – Code for a parent is watching.
Keep this list handy, because I promise you, it’ll come in useful when your teen tosses out some new phrase that sounds like gibberish. You won’t feel as lost next time, and hey, you might even impress them by knowing what “no cap” means. Just don’t try using it... it's cringey to hear you say them!
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