Home Schools & Teachers 100 Teen Slang Words and Phrases To Know in 2024

100 Teen Slang Words and Phrases To Know in 2024

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When I first started teaching, I let my students pick their team names for an activity we were doing in class. One team chose “Netflix and Chill” as a team name. I loved it. I got excited when they announced their team name and responded, “I love to Netflix and chill! My husband and I Netflix and chill every night!” The class erupted. They laughed immediately and collectively—the kind of laughter that I love. This time, I knew that I had obviously said something inappropriate. So, I did what you do to diffuse an awkward moment and started river dancing. With the help of Urban Dictionary, I learned that “Netflix and chill” did not mean what I thought it meant. I decided I would refrain from incorporating teen slang into my lessons until I was certain I knew what it meant.

Whether you are a parent or teacher, I’d like to pass on what I’ve learned so that you can decode teen slang conversations around you or maybe even throw some teen slang into your classroom instruction and join me in the cringiest-teacher-of-all club. 

General Teen Slang

1. Bet

Bet

OK! For sure. All right. (Usually said in response to a question or statement.)

Example

Teacher: OK, you guys have 10 minutes to finish this assignment.

Student: Bet.

2. Rizz

Rizz

Your ability to flirt, to charm guys or girls effortlessly

Example

Student 1: Who are you taking to homecoming this weekend?

Student 2: You know I’ve got a lot of options because I’ve got mad rizz.

3. Bussin

Bussin

Very good (usually refers to food)

Example

Student: This McFrappe is bussin.

4. Glow up

Glow Up

A physical or emotional makeover, a positive transformation

Example

Student: Did you see who moved back in? She really had a glow up since 9th grade.

5. Cap

Cap/Kizzy Cap

You’re lying. That’s not true.

Example

Teacher: We have a quiz today.

Student: That’s cap.

Teacher: No cap, we have a quiz today.

Student: That’s kizzy cap.

Teacher: No, it is not kizzy cap. We have a quiz today.

6. GOAT

GOAT

Greatest of all time

Greatest of all time

Example

Michael Jordan is the GOAT!

7. Drip

Drip

Clothing, shoes, accessories

Example

Student: Love the drip today.

Teacher: Thank you. I got it on sale at Target.

8. Slay

Slay

You are doing an excellent job.

Example

Teacher: What do you need in your body paragraphs to support your reasons?

Student: Evidence?

Teacher: Slay.

9. Lowkey

Lowkey

An opinion that you’re trying to be subtle about

Example

Student: Lowkey, I actually like the school buffalo chicken dip.

Student: The buffalo chicken dip smacks.

10. Smacks

Smacks

An indication that something is very good

Example

Student: The buffalo chicken dip smacks.

11. Extra

Extra

Going over the top

Example

Student: *sees Valentine’s Day headband on my head* Mrs. Naumoff, why you gotta be so extra today?

12. Tea

Tea- teen slang

Fresh gossip

Example

Student 1: Can I spill the tea for you?

Student 2: Not unless it’s piping hot tea.

Student 1: This is the freshest tea.

Student 2: Spill.

13. Gucci

Gucci

All good

Example

Student 1: Are we Gucci, brah?

Student 2: We Gucci.

14. Take several seats

Take several seats

You’re out of line and need to sit down.

Example

Student 1: I obviously will get the highest grade on this test.

*Student 1 gets test back and receives a 40%.*

Student 2: Take several seats.

15. Yeet

Yeet- Teen Slang

Throw something

Example

Student: *frustrated with the Chromebook* Can I just yeet my computer out the window?

Teacher: No, I am afraid you cannot throw the computer out of the window. Try turning it off and back on again. That is my go-to solution for all computer problems.

16. Flex

Flex

Bragging about something

Example

Student 1: I never pop my zits. I just leave them there for the world to see.

Student 2: Weird flex, but OK.

17. What a Chad

What a chad- Teen Slang

Typical cocky male

Example

Student 1: I just got to 400 on COD last night.

Student 2: What a Chad.

18. Big yikes

Big yikes

Something embarrassing

Example

I just accidentally sent the red heart emoji to my crush. Big yikes. 

19. Poggers

Poggers

Really excited

Example

Did you hear we’re going on a field trip today for English? It’s poggers. 

20. Gas

Gas

Really good- Teen Slang

Really good

Example

Did you listen to Taylor Swift’s new vault tracks? They are gas. 

21. Straight fire

Straight fire

Really good, better than the rest

Really good, better than the rest

Example

Chris Stapleton singing “The Star Spangled Banner” was straight fire. 

22. Pick-me girl

Pick-me girl

A girl who constantly wants sympathy (I do feel bad for this girl and this phrase, for the record. Maybe let’s find out why she is seeking out sympathy to begin with?- Teen Slang

A girl who constantly wants sympathy (I do feel bad for this girl and this phrase, for the record. Maybe let’s find out why she is seeking out sympathy to begin with?)

Example

I wanted to bring Starbucks with me after my appointment today but did not want to look like a pick-me girl.

23. Dead

Dead

That joke was so funny that I just died, or that was so shocking I am now dead.

That joke was so funny that I just died, or that was so shocking I am now dead.

Example

Student reads a funny or embarrassing story in a message and responds, “I’m dead.” Or they just send the dead-face emoji.

24. Aesthetic

Aesthetic

That’s a vibe, a cute artistic little vibe.

That’s a vibe, a cute artistic little vibe.

Example

I love that Google Slides aesthetic. It’s so 1990s. 

25. Era

Era

A phase that someone is in

A phase that someone is in

Example

I’m in mini-van mom era and loving every minute of it. 

26. Delulu

Delulu

An abbreviated version of “delusional”- Teen Slang

An abbreviated version of “delusional” 

Example

Call me delulu but I actually think that if I met Taylor Swift, we would be friends. 

27. Oof

Oof

A sound from Roblox that can be synonymous with “oops” or to express discomfort for yourself or another person

A sound from Roblox that can be synonymous with “oops” or to express discomfort for yourself or another person

Example

Student 1: I sent him 2 texts back-to-back last night and he never responded.

Student 2: Oof.

28. Ate that

Ate that

“And left no crumbs” to be used when someone does an excellent job at something.

“And left no crumbs” to be used when someone does an excellent job at something.

Example

Did you see my score on that exam? I ate that. 

29. Basic

Basic

Someone who is boring and conforms to trends- Teen Slang

Someone who is boring and conforms to trends

Example

Student 1: If you carry a Stanley and wear Uggs, you’re basic. 

Student 2: I feel attacked. 

30. Fam

Fam

Family but also friends who feel like family

Family but also friends who feel like family

Example

This quizlet deck is lit, fam.

31. Cheugy

Cheugy

A term used by Gen-Z to describe the habits and trends of a millennial

A term used by Gen-Z to describe the habits and trends of a millennial

Example

So, are low-rise jeans cheugy or are they Gen-Z? 

32. Bruh

Bruh

Stands for bro. If you interact with a teen at any point, you likely have been called this name.

Stands for bro. If you interact with a teen at any point, you likely have been called this name.

Example

Bruh, is our essay seriously due tomorrow?

33. Hits different

Hits different

Something that impacts you in a bigger way than other things- Teen Slang

Something that impacts you in a bigger way than other things

Example

Usher’s Confession album just hits different when you watch him at the Super Bowl in your 30s.

34. Roman Empire

Roman Empire

What you spend a significant amount of time thinking about 

Example

My Roman Empire is Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen.

35. Fit

Fit

Short for “outfit”

Short for “outfit” 

Example

Love the fit, girl. Slay. 

36. It’s giving …

It’s giving ...

An expression used to compare what something looks like to something else- Teen Slang

An expression used to compare what something looks like to something else 

Example

It’s giving Troop Beverly Hills and I am here for it. 

37. Serving

Serving

Someone is looking really good.

Someone is looking really good.

Example

Did you see her in that homecoming dress? She was serving up looks. 

38. Stan

Stan

Superfans of a person, celebrity, group, etc.- Teen Slang

Superfans of a person, celebrity, group, etc. 

Example

Everyone knows I stan for Taylor Swift. 

39. Emo

Emo

An emotional person

An emotional person 

Example

My emo playlist includes every Dashboard Confessional album. 

40. Noob

Noob

Someone who is new like a newbie and they do not know what they are doing

Someone who is new like a newbie and they do not know what they are doing

Example

It is clear that you’re a noob at pickleball. 

41. Granola

Granola

Someone who is into the outdoors- Teen Slang

Someone who is into the outdoors

Example

I went on a hike yesterday and it made me feel so granola. 

42. High-key

High-key

Something that is obvious.

Something that is obvious.

Example

High-key, I hate MLA format. 

43. Understood the assignment

Understood the assignment

An expression that means that a person understood the expectations of the event and exceeded

An expression that means that a person understood the expectations of the event and exceeded

Example

Whoa, I see your flapper skirt. You definitely understood the assignment for this Gatsby party. 

44. Vibe

Vibe

A feeling, a look

A feeling, a look

Example

Writing papers with Adele playing in the background is such a vibe. 

45. ____________ coded

____________ coded

Fill in the blank and add

Fill in the blank and add “coded” and it means that it is a reflection of that person

Example

Going ax-throwing on your first date is so Theresa-coded. 

46. Finna

Finna

Fitting to, like going to

Fitting to, like going to

Example

I’m finna get Chipotle after school today.  

47. Say less

Say less

I understand- Teen Slang

I understand

Example

Student 1: I stayed up until two in the morning working on this assignment because my partner did nothing.

Student 2: Say less, fam. 

48. Menty b

Menty b

Short for “mental breakdown”

Short for “mental breakdown”

Example

It seems like my menty b seems to pop up every third nine weeks. 

49. Five-ever

Five-ever

Longer than forever

Longer than forever

Example

I feel like I’ve been waiting five-ever for him to post those grades. 

50. Mid

Mid

When something is subpar, less than impressive- Teen Slang

When something is subpar, less than impressive

Example

I’m just saying, the school’s fettuccine Alfredo is mid. 

51. Let him cook

Let him cook

Allowing someone to continue what they are doing, not interfering

Allowing someone to continue what they are doing, not interfering

Example

The teacher told Henry to stop playing video games in class, and the students replied, “Let him cook.” 

52. Girl dinner

Girl dinner

A meal of snacks, small portions of different food, side dishes- Teen Slang

A meal of snacks, small portions of different food, side dishes

Example

I’m just going to eat light tonight. Instead of an entree, I’ll just have pretzel bites, breadsticks, and pot stickers—a real girl dinner. 

53. Girl math

Girl math

Unconventional ways to justify a purchase

Unconventional ways to justify a purchase 

Example

Student 1: I know these jeans were $150, but if you actually divide up the amount of money I’ve spent on them per wear, it’s like less than $1 a wear, so it’s a really good deal.

Student 2: That’s girl math. 

54. Main character energy

Main character energy

Someone who is confident, embracing their natural leadership qualities, self-assured- Teen Slang

Someone who is confident, embracing their natural leadership qualities, self-assured

Example

You’re just exuding main character energy lately and I am here for it. 

55. Lewks

Lewks

A fashion moment that is very unique

A fashion moment that is very unique

Example

Your prom dress is a full lewk.

Teen Slang Used for Arguments 

56. Touch grass

Touch grass

An insult usually thrown at people to remind them to get real, spend some time outside- Teen Slang

An insult usually thrown at people to remind them to get real, spend some time outside 

Example

*Comedian reads comments from haters on Instagram and posts a story telling them to touch grass.*

57. Side-eye

Side-eye

Giving someone some negative looks

Giving someone some negative looks

Example

Teacher hands out assignment that students have to work on.

Student gives side-eye.

Teacher: “No need for that side-eye, you’ve got all period to get this finished.” 

58. Receipts

Receipts

Proof of something like texts, screenshots- Teen Slang

Proof of something like texts, screenshots

Example

I know for sure that he is talking to a new girl. I’ve got the receipts. 

59. Hot take

Hot take

A controversial opinion on something

A controversial opinion on something

Example

Hot take, school lunches are actually good. 

60. Pressed

Pressed

Being annoyed by something

Being annoyed by something

Example

I’m pressed about how much homework we have tonight.

61. Put on blast

Put on blast

To share something publicly about someone else that is most likely embarrassing- Teen Slang

To share something publicly about someone else that is most likely embarrassing 

Example

He cheated on the test! I’m putting him on blast.

62. Rent-free

Rent-free

When someone is taking up space in your mind, living in your thoughts

When someone is taking up space in your mind, living in your thoughts

Example

There is a carrot cake in my fridge right now that is living rent-free in my head.

63. Read

Read

Pointing out someone’s flaws

Pointing out someone’s flaws

Example

Student 1: Do you realize that you always argue with people just for the sake of arguing?

Student 2: Oh, you just got read, sis. 

64. Left on read

Left on read

Someone who can see that their text has been read but no one has responded- Teen Slang

Someone who can see that their text has been read but no one has responded

Example

I messaged him last night but he left me on read. 

65. Amped

Amped

Excited

Excited

Example

I’m amped about our class field trip!

66. Dragged

Dragged

To mock or humiliate someone

To mock or humiliate someone

Example

Prepared to get dragged if you come for Taylor Swift in the comments. 

67. Facts

Facts

Agreed- Teen Slang

Agreed

Example

Student 1: I feel like if you order Chipotle online and not in person, they go light on everything.

Student 2: That’s facts. 

68. Heated

Heated

When someone is mad or frustrated

When someone is mad or frustrated

Example

You don’t need to get heated just because someone beat you in euchre.

69. Go off

Go off

When someone is venting about something and you say this to encourage them to continue their rant- Teen Slang

When someone is venting about something and you say this to encourage them to continue their rant

Example

Student 1: It seems like they just up the prices on everything and then call it a sale by taking 20% off when really it is the actual price.

Student 2: Go off. 

70. Sus

Sus

Short for “suspicious,” used to describe a person or situation

Short for “suspicious,” used to describe a person or situation

Example

Student 1: He said that he had to stay home for dinner tonight, but when I checked his location, he was at a restaurant. 

Student 2: That’s sus. 

71. Shook

Shook

When someone is frightened, startled, or shocked about something

When someone is frightened, startled, or shocked about something

Example

I am fully shook when I walk up the basement stairs in the dark. 

72. Throw shade

Throw shade

To talk poorly about someone else- Teen Slang

To talk poorly about someone else 

Example

I heard them in the bathroom trying to throw shade about you. 

73. Salty

Salty

When someone has an attitude and is grouchy

When someone has an attitude and is grouchy

Example

Why are you so salty, bro? Do you need a nap?

74. Periodt

Periodt- Teen Slang

End of the conversation, like a period but with a T for emphasis

Example

Let Taylor Swift live. Periodt. 

Relationship Teen Slang 

75. Red flag

Red flag A warning, especially when concerning a person you have romantic interest in

A warning, especially when concerning a person you have romantic interest in 

Example

If he only speaks in hyperbole, that’s a red flag.

76. Green flag

Green flag Good things, hints at positives in a potential relationship

Good things, hints at positives in a potential relationship

Example

He has a clean car? It’s a green flag for me.

77. Beige flag

Beige flag

Unique things about a person who you are in a relationship with or hope to be in a relationship with; traits that are not necessarily bad or good, just ones that make you pause and think- Teen Slang

Unique things about a person who you are in a relationship with or hope to be in a relationship with; traits that are not necessarily bad or good, just ones that make you pause and think

Example

My man’s beige flag is that he puts all hot water in the tea kettle because he thinks when we microwave it for instant oatmeal, we are ruining our bodies.

78. Ship

Ship

Let’s make this romantic relationship happen.

Let’s make this romantic relationship happen.

Example

Do you think the teacher put us together for this project because she’s trying to ship us?

79. Snatched

Snatched
- Teen Slang
Attractive

Attractive

Example

That outfit makes you look snatched.

80. Snack

Snack

Someone who looks attractive

Someone who looks attractive

Example

Student 1: Did you see that guy?

Student 2: Yes, he is a snack.

Student 1: No, that’s a whole meal.

Teacher: *Gags*

81. A whole meal

A whole meal

Someone who looks extremely attractive

Someone who looks extremely attractive 

Example

He’s not just a snack, he’s a whole meal!

82. Pulling

Pulling

To attract someone in a romantic way- Teen Slang

To attract someone in a romantic way

Example

Student 1: I pull more girls than anyone else in this room.

Student 1’s Wingman: Facts.

83. Bae

Bae

“Before anyone else,” used to describe a romantic partner, like “babe”

Example

Student 1: Remember bae? Before anyone else? Let’s bring that back.

Student 2: Cringe.

84. Giving me the ick

Giving me the ick

A trait that a person possesses that causes another person to lose romantic attraction to them; an ick is the quality that makes someone else disgusted

A trait that a person possesses that causes another person to lose romantic attraction to them; an ick is the quality that makes someone else disgusted

Example

When he says “cool beans,” it gives me the ick.

85. Rizz

Rizz

Excellent flirting skills

Excellent flirting skills

Example

Max has rizz. I’m just his wingman. 

86. Ghosted

Ghosted

Ending a relationship by abruptly not speaking to that person anymore- Teen Slang

Ending a relationship by abruptly not speaking to that person anymore

Example

 I’m too uncomfortable to end it with him so I’m just gonna ghost.

87. Simp

Simp

Someone who is doing too much for someone else

Someone who is doing too much for someone else

Example

He’s such a simp for his girl right now, bringing her Starbucks every day. 

88. Cringe

Cringe

Behavior that is embarrassing

Behavior that is embarrassing 

Example

Mrs., can you never say “rizz” again in class? You’re just too cringe to handle right now. 

Teen Slang Acronyms 

89. TFW

TFW

That feeling when- Teen Slang

That feeling when

Example

TFW we get out of class early. Nothing beats it.

90. TBF

TBF

To be fair

To be fair

Example

TBF, I did tell her that I liked someone else before she started dating him.

91. NGL

NGL

Not gonna lie

Not gonna lie

Example

That test was way harder than I thought it would be, NGL.

92. FYP

FYP

For You Page on TikTok- Teen Slang

For You Page on TikTok

Example

That new trend on my FYP is taking over my whole feed.

93. W

W

Win

Win

Example

I got a 97 on my last quiz. W!

94. L

L

Loss or lose

Loss or lose

Example

She didn’t like your post? L.

95. ICYMI

ICYMI

In case you missed it

In case you missed it

Example

ICYMI, I sent out a group invite for a sleepover at my house tomorrow.

96. FR

FR

For real- Teen Slang

For real

Example

I made the BEST dinner last night. FR.

97. RN

RN

Right now

Right now

Example

Come over RN!

98. TBH

TBH

To be honest

To be honest

Example

TBH, I don’t like this science unit.

99. IYKYK

IYKYK

If you know you know- Teen Slang

If you know you know

Example

The teacher was trying to use teen slang yesterday…. IYKYK.

100. IRL

IRL In real life instead of online

In real life instead of online

Example

I’ve seen those shoes so much on TikTok, but not so much IRL.

How many of these teen slang words did you know? Test your teen slang knowledge with our TEACHER QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Student Slang?

Need help deciphering teen slang not included on this list? Join our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook and ask!



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