The Ultimate Guide to Teen Slang
Thanks to the influence of music, the internet, apps and celebrities, new words are constantly being introduced to our younger generation. As a result, you may feel totally lost when listening to the youth in your life!
If you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, coach, teacher etc., check out this sampling of slang words below, or click for a full printable guide to translate what teens are actually saying/posting.
Fun, Harmless, Silly
Ate/ate that/ate and left no crumbs = Used when someone does an exceptional job at something.
Bet = A response word synonymous with “Ok, for sure.”
Bop = A really good song.
Bussin’ = Really, really good, usually used for food.
Cap/No Cap = Lying, or not lying.
Cheugy = Cringey or awkward, specifically used by Gen Z in reference to trends from the early/mid 2000s.
Drip = Refers to a really cool outfit or item of clothing.
Finna = A contraction of “fixing to”, meaning “going to (do something)."
Say less = A way of saying “I understand.”
Weird flex but ok = A sassy or sarcastic response to someone showing off or bragging online.
Be Aware Of
AF = As f***
Curve = To reject someone romantically or sexually.
FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out. Many teens feel this because of social media’s ability to highlight everyone else’s activities.
Ghost = To stop responding to one’s texts, messages, posts, etc., effectively disappearing from their digital world.
Menty b = Shorthand for “mental breakdown.”
Receipts = Proof of something (like text screenshots).
Slim thick/thicc = This is the “ideal” body type in today’s culture.
Thirsty = When someone is desperate for another person. Often refers to one’s sexual appetite or desire to gain attention on social media.
Thirst trap = A sexy photograph or flirty message posted on social media that incites others to comment/DM with their interest/attraction.
Red Flags
Addy = Short for “Adderall,” a medication for treating ADHD that’s also used recreationally.
DTF = Down To F***.
FWB = Friends with benefits. This is an undefined sexual relationship that’s generally considered to be more serious than just hooking up, but less serious than an actual committed relationship.
KMS = Kill myself.
KYS = Kill yourself.
NSFW = Not Safe For Work. Used to mark something as sexually inappropriate or explicit.
Pull = A person’s ability to attract sexual partners.
Rizz = Comes from “charisma”, but refers to specifically sexual attractiveness or charm.
Smash = To have casual sex.
Xan/Xans = Short for Xanax, a sedative used to treat anxiety that’s often used recreationally. Other terms are Xanny, bars, and footballs.
© 2023 Axis
It is our hope this resource will help you discern when the kids in your life are just engaged in harmless fun and when they’re in need of intervention!
