Do you have a hard time figuring out what the heck your teenagers are talking about when they ask you to “spill the tea” or “ send the receipt”? Well I've got you covered, since I am a teen in junior high myself. Here are 15 “slang” words that you definitely can not find in Webster's dictionary.
Snatched
I bet you’ve heard someone say the term “on fleek” before. Basically, "snatched" s the newer version that teens use when they think someone is cool or fashionable.
Example: “Girl, your outfit is snatched.”
Clap Back
Clap back is a synonym for a comeback. When teens get criticized on social media, a clap back is when they rebound and say something in defense.
Ghost
When you hear your child say he/she “ghosted someone” it means they cut off communication with someone they were talking to. Slipping out of a party or event without anyone noticing is also “ghosting.”
Basic
Basic describes someone or something who is extremely mainstream. Someone who follows all the trends and goes with the flow is basic. Things that are basic are: Starbucks Coffee, Hydroflasks, Vans and other name brand clothing.
Tea
Tea is used to mean drama or gossip, basically juicy news that includes personal information about something that happened recently. Girls typically say “that’s the tea sis” or “spill the tea.”
Suh
If you combine “sup” and “huh” you get “suh” (yes, it’s pretty pointless but somehow this word is pretty trendy.)
Stan
In 2000, the song Stan was published by Eminem about crazed or nosy fans. Now, the term Stan is used to describe someone who goes to lengths to obsess over a celebrity.
It is a combination of Stalker+Fan=Stan
Lit
This word is very commonly used and a lot of adults even know what this means. But in case you're not sure “lit” means cool or fun. Parties can be described as “Lit”, and so can high/drunk people. Parents, be warned. 👀
High Key
High key is the antonym of “low key.” Anything you are doing or saying loud and proud is high key.
GOAT
GOAT is an acronym for “greatest of all time” and is commonly used when people are talking about sports. Example: “LeBron James is the GOAT.”
Slay
To slay means to excel at something, or do a really good job. Did good on a test? You slayed it. Got a really cute outfit? You're slaying!
Shook/Sister shook
Shook is an adjective when you're shocked, surprised, or startled. Example: “When she showed up in high heels, I was absolutely shook.”
Receipt
When someone is sharing drama (or tea), a receipt is proof or evidence that it’s actually true. Texts, screenshots, or tweets can all be examples of receipts.
Fit
You probably already know that the original version of this word means to be active, or in shape. Teens have transformed this word to mean outfit.
Example: “I like the fit, sister.”
Bet
Bet is a word that has many uses. It can be used as a replacement for “okay” or “YES”, but teens use this word as a response when someone challenges them.
Example: “I dare you to ask out that new girl, she’s cute.”
“Alright, bet.”
Even when you're young it’s hard to keep up with the millennial slang. I hope this list helps you communicate with your teen better. And I also hope you use these words to embarrass your teen in front of their friends. Thank you :)
Aubrey Ault is an 8th grader in Northwest Arkansas and the oldest daughter of Macaroni Kid Fayetteville publisher Kara Ault.
