There are a number of modern slang and expressions you should know, as members of each generation often develop a unique language of their own. Every decade is marked by its own special phrases that quickly become outdated for the teens of the future.
Over the years, parents have heard terms ranging from “outta sight” and “phat” to things like “sick” and “gag me with a spoon.” But slang moves fast, which means one needs to be regularly up-to-date with these modern slang and expressions that you should know.
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Modern Slang And Expressions For You To Know
1. YOLO
“You only live once” (YOLO) is a modern version of the Latin phrase Carpe diem, meaning “Seize the day.” Since you only live once, you need to live life to the fullest, even when that means embracing adverse behavioral choices that carry an inherent risk.
2. It’s giving
This is one of the modern slang expressions that you can just throw into conversation to describe the vibe something is giving you. Is a dress you’re trying on a little too long and formal? Maybe it’s giving prom. Your friends have choreographed a particularly cheesy dance? Maybe it’s giving High School Musical.
In fact, if something is just great, you can also use “it’s giving” as a standalone compliment.
3. Amped
To be amped simply means to be full of energy, especially about an upcoming event.
4. Big yikes
“Big yikes” is an informal phrase used to express strong disapproval, shock, or embarrassment in response to a situation or statement. It’s an intensified version of the term “yikes,” which itself conveys surprise or unease.
The addition of “big” emphasizes the magnitude or severity of the situation at hand.
5. Big mad
Big mad is another way of saying that you are furious with someone or something. For example, you might be big mad at your brother after he steals your favorite shirt, or you might be big mad that you didn’t get a promotion at work.
Big mad arose in popularity in 2017 along with “big yikes”. Most people use it on social media when posting about their frustration, while some may also say it aloud in person when ranting.
6. Rizz
This is one of the modern slang and expressions that was coined recently and is now especially popular. Someone who has “rizz” has great charisma.
You can use this for anyone who’s super engaging and has a particular knack for charming others (especially love interests).
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7. TBH
“TBH” is an informal abbreviation for “to be honest,” according to Merriam-Webster. The term, often spelled out in lowercase, is one of many acronyms used in texting, social media, and other parts of digital culture.
8. Fell off
Has a celeb who previously reigned supreme, really not been killing it as much lately or totally disappeared off the radar? In cases such as these, you could say they fell off.
9. Era
Think of this as a substitute for “phase”. Have you been craving fruits lately? It looks like you’re in your fruit era. Maybe a kid has been acting out recently; they are in their rebel era.
10. Slay
Slay isn’t exactly a new slang. In fact, at this point, “slay” is practically vintage slang. But she’s having a resurgence, and this time not only as a verb but also as an adjective. “She slayed that” = she killed it. “That’s so slay” = that’s amazing/cool/great.
Slay even works as just a standalone compliment: “Slay!”.
SEE: Slay Queen: Meaning, Characteristics, How to Identify One
11. Netflix and chill
Netflix is a popular TV- and movie-streaming service. Chill is a verb that, in this context, means relaxing. However, when put together Netflix and chill, as a distinct phrase, means to watch Netflix with a romantic prospect, with the eventual expectation of s3xual activity.
12. Dude
Dude is a slang greeting term between men, meaning “guy” or “man.” For example: “Dude! So, like, what’s up?” Dude is a friendly way of saying “friend” to someone who may or may not be your friend. You can even say dude to a stranger if you are in an informal setting.
It is one of the modern slang and expressions that has been popularized by movies and TV shows and has a distinctive whiff of American West Coast hippie culture to it.
13. Iykyk
This one is a pure and simple acronym. Ikyky = If you know you know. And now you know.
14. Gatekeep
This one stays pretty close to its original definition, but it’s used in a slightly different context. You don’t want to share that new cute cafe you found? Or maybe your friend is being cagey about where they got their new shirt (probably Katangua). This is referred to as gatekeeping.
And, for the record, cool people don’t gatekeep.
15. Break a leg
This is another one of the modern slang and expressions that isn’t so modern, as it originated from the days of live theater. If actors were not performing, they had to stay behind the “leg line,” which also meant they wouldn’t get paid. If you were to tell the actor to “break a leg,” you were wishing them the opportunity to perform and get paid.
The sentiment remains the same today; the term means “good luck, give a good performance.”
16. Situationship
Not just friends but also not really in a relationship? Sounds like you’ve got yourself a situationship. This is one of the modern slang and expressions that you can use for that in-betweeny zone, where you’re not quite sure where you (or another person) stand.
RELATED: What Are We? 10 Ways To Address This Scary Question In A Relationship
17. Bad take
If your friend says something or shares an opinion that makes you cringe, you might tell them it’s a bad take.
This can also apply to anything, from a poorly formed stance to a take you just totally disagree with, no matter the context. Does your friend hate plantain? That’s a bad take. I mean, who hates plantain?
18. BFF
BFF is an initialism of the phrase best friend(s) forever, and it’s a term of endearment used for selected close friends. And while it has been in use since at least the ’90s, it is still one of the modern slang and expressions in vogue.
19. Private not secret
This one is particularly relevant on social media and applies to pictures of couples where someone is being private, but not secret, about their significant other. It could be a simple shot of their hands intertwined at the dinner table or a selfie where the phone is conveniently covering their partner’s face. They’re keeping their relationship private, but it’s not a secret.
It can also be used as a verb à la, “Oh she’s private not secreting him”.
20. I can’t even
This is one of the modern slang and expressions used for saying that you are so shocked, angry, happy, disappointed, etc. about a situation that you do not know what to say. “Victoria ate all the turkey without inviting me? I can’t even!”
RELATED: 20+ Pet Peeves That Make You Want To Break Something
Wrapping Up Modern Slang And Expressions You Should Know
Some of them are new on the block, while others are getting a second wind after initially going out of fashion. And how long they will stick around is anybody’s guess. But regardless of their origin, here are some of the top modern slang and expressions that you should know.
