Sara Bentley
Teen Talk: Deciphering the Secret Code (Without Feeling Totally Decrepit)
Ever feel like your teenager speaks a different language? You’re not alone! Between TikTok trends, celebrity lingo, and regional slang, keeping up with teen speak can feel like solving a high-stakes puzzle blindfolded.
But fear not, fellow adult human! This guide will be your Rosetta Stone to the fascinating (and sometimes bewildering) world of teen slang.
Think of it as your cheat sheet for translating those mumbled conversations, deciphering cryptic social media posts, and avoiding that awkward “what does YOLO mean?” moment.
Here’s the lowdown on what’s hot (and what’s not) in the linguistic landscape of your teenager’s world. So grab a cup of coffee (or a stress ball, no judgment), and let’s dive in!
**(P.S. No need to try and use these yourself, trust us. Leave the “bussin'” and “sheesh” to the pros.) **
SNACC:
The slang word “snacc” is often used to describe someone who looks really attractive or appealing, especially in a cute or sexy way. It’s like saying someone is so good-looking, they’re like a tasty snack!
For example, imagine you’re scrolling through social media with your friends, and you see a picture of someone who looks really attractive. You might comment, “Wow, he’s such a snacc!” This means you think he looks really good.
For parents, think of it like this: back in the day, people might have said someone was “easy on the eyes” or “eye candy.” It’s just a modern, slangy way of saying the same thing—someone is good-looking or attractive.
So, when teenagers use the word “snacc,” they’re basically saying, “Hey, that person looks really cute or hot!” It’s just a fun and playful way of complimenting someone’s appearance.
ATE:
Ate That Look!” Slang Your Way to Praise Like a Pro
Forget clapping emojis and tired “you go girl” comments. The hippest way to shower someone with admiration these days is to declare they “ate that”! Confused? This isn’t about actual mealtime, but about a piping hot slang term taking over social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok.
So, what does “ate that” mean? Imagine someone pulling off an outfit so fierce it could stop traffic, slaying a performance with vocals that shake the room, or rocking a dance move so smooth it defies gravity. That, my friend, is what “ate that” celebrates. It’s like saying they devoured the challenge, leaving nothing but crumbs of amazement in their wake.
And while fashion, music, and dance are popular stomping grounds for “ate that” praise, it’s not limited to those arenas. Aced a presentation? Nailed a DIY project? Served some serious shade on Twitter? Go ahead and declare they “ate that”! Just remember, the key is genuine admiration and a touch of playful exaggeration.
So next time you see someone shining, ditch the boring compliments and unleash the power of “ate that”! They’ll know you see their awesomeness, and you’ll be speaking the language of the internet like a true pro. Now go forth and spread the #atethat love!
Bonus tips:Add fun variations like “she/he/they ATE!”, “that performance ATE”, or “work it, queen, you ATE!”. Use it with emojis for extra pizazz. Remember, context is key! Make sure your praise feels genuine and appropriate.
BASIC:
Imagine someone whose entire wardrobe came straight off a fashion billboard. Or a music playlist filled only with chart-topping hits. That’s kind of the “basic” vibe. It’s all about following the mainstream, fitting in with the trends, and maybe not rocking the boat too much. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying popular things, the “basic” label often implies a lack of originality or personal touch. It’s like a blank canvas painted by everyone else. The term “basic” emerged from pop culture, originally targeting people who blindly followed trends without much individual expression.
Bonus tip: Regardless of the approach, avoid using judgmental language like “lacks originality” or “lack of creativity.” Focus on describing the concept and providing context, leaving room for individual interpretation.
BEIGE FLAGS:
Forget green and red, there’s a new flag in town: the beige one!
Tired of the same old “good vs. bad” dating labels? Enter the beige flag, shining a light on those quirky, neutral traits in your partner that are neither deal-breakers nor love songs.
Think of it like finding a slightly mismatched sock: not quite a disaster, but definitely attention-grabbing. These are the habits that make you pause, chuckle, and maybe raise an eyebrow before carrying on with a smile.
Beige flags add a dash of humor and self-reflection to your dating journey. Instead of just swiping left or right, you get to ponder the endearing strangeness of your potential match. Maybe they collect antique spoons or have an uncanny ability to mimic animal noises. Who knows, it might even become a fun inside joke!
So, the next time you encounter a trait that’s not quite green or red, remember the beige flag. Embrace the weird, the wonderful, and the uniquely human quirks that make dating an adventure. After all, a little beige might just add some unexpected spice to your love life!
MICROCHEATING:
Navigating the Gray Area: Decoding “Micro-Cheating”
Imagine this: you scroll through your partner’s phone and see flirty texts with someone new. They haven’t crossed any physical lines, but a knot of unease tightens in your stomach. Welcome to the murky world of “micro-cheating.”
Unlike full-blown affairs, micro-cheating involves seemingly small actions that chip away at trust. It’s like nibbling at the edges of a commitment, blurring the lines of what’s acceptable. Think late-night “just friends” calls, excessive compliments to a coworker, or mysteriously hidden online chats.
While these actions might seem harmless on their own, the key lies in intention and impact. If your partner is intentionally seeking emotional connections outside the relationship, even without physical intimacy, it can erode trust and create distance.
But here’s the twist: What one person considers micro-cheating might be perfectly normal for another. It all boils down to relationship boundaries. Clear communication is crucial. Talk openly about what makes you uncomfortable, what level of interaction with others is okay, and what signifies crossing a line.
Remember, healthy relationships thrive on transparency and respect. If you’re feeling uneasy about your partner’s behavior, address it calmly and honestly. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your bond and navigate the gray areas of commitment together.
Bonus Tip: Micro-cheating can sometimes highlight deeper issues in a relationship. If communication doesn’t resolve things, consider seeking professional help to explore the root of the problem and build a stronger foundation of trust.
GIRL HOBBY:
1. Stereotypical feminine hobbies: This interpretation associates “girl hobbies” with activities traditionally seen as feminine, such as baking, crafts, fashion, or makeup. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and can be dismissive of other interests that girls might have.
2. S3xualized hobbies: In some contexts, “girl hobby” can be used to refer to hobbies that are s3xually suggestive or exploitative, particularly when used in conjunction with terms like “hot” or “spicy.” This is harmful and inappropriate, and it’s important to avoid using it in this way.
3. Hobbies reclaiming their femininity: It’s also possible that some people are using “girl hobby” in a playful and subversive way, reclaiming activities that have been stereotypically associated with girls and showcasing them with pride. However, even in this context, it’s important to be aware of the potential for misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
Recommendation:
It’s generally best to avoid using the term “girl hobby” altogether, as it can be confusing and potentially harmful. There are many other ways to describe hobbies and interests without resorting to potentially offensive or limiting language.
GIRL MATH:
Girl math” on TikTok is a humorous term used to describe lighthearted, creative, and often non-literal ways of calculating things, typically associated with women. It plays on the stereotype that women might approach math differently than men, focusing more on approximations, deals, and emotional justifications than precise calculations.
Here are some key characteristics of “girl math”:
Rounding down: A $38 shirt becomes a $30 shirt because the extra $8 “doesn’t count.”
Discounts and deals: Spending $200 at one store but not buying anything at others means you “saved money” overall.
Creative justifications: Buying something because it matches something you already own justifies the purchase.
Emotional reasoning: Feeling good about a purchase makes it “worth it” regardless of the actual cost.
Humorous exaggeration: The calculations are intentionally nonsensical and meant to be funny.
It’s important to note that “girl math” is not meant to be a serious commentary on gender differences in math ability. It’s primarily a lighthearted trend on TikTok and shouldn’t be taken literally.
Here are some examples of how “girl math” is used on TikTok:
“This dress was originally $100, but it was on sale for 50% off, so I basically got it for free, right?”
“I only bought three coffees this week, which is way less than usual, so I basically saved money, even though they were all venti macchiatos.”
“I bought new shoes because the old ones matched my outfit perfectly. Synergy baby!”
While rooted in stereotype, “girl math” can be a fun and relatable way to talk about shopping, spending, and personal finance in a humorous light. However, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a real mathematical method and shouldn’t be used for actual financial calculations.
LOUD BUDGETING:
Forget boring budgets, loud budgeting brings the fun (and accountability!)
Imagine this: instead of hiding your spreadsheet of shame under a pile of takeout menus, you’re proudly declaring your spending goals to the world. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s the essence of loud budgeting, and it might just be the key to finally sticking to your financial plan.
Think of it like this: whispering resolutions in the dead of night rarely translates to lasting change. But shouting them from the rooftops (or at least, your social media) creates a sense of accountability that can be surprisingly powerful. Suddenly, that extra latte doesn’t just drain your wallet; it becomes a potential social faux pas.
Here’s how loud budgeting can turn your finances into a feel-good story:
Embrace the transparency: Share your goals and spending habits with friends, family, or even online communities. The more eyeballs on your budget, the more likely you are to stay on track.
Gamify it!: Set up friendly challenges with others who are also loud budgeting. Reward yourselves for milestones and commiserate over slip-ups (with kindness, of course!).
Celebrate the wins (big and small): Did you resist that impulse buy? Shout it out! Reaching your goals, no matter how seemingly insignificant, deserves a moment of fanfare.
Remember, loud budgeting isn’t about shaming yourself or others. It’s about creating a supportive environment where financial wins are celebrated.
75 COZY:
Forget “comfortable” and “relaxed,” ditch the dictionary definition! When teens say something’s “75 cozy,” they’re not talking about napping under a weighted blanket. It’s like hitting the vibe jackpot: a situation that’s chill beyond belief, laid-back with an extra layer of awesome, and comfy in a way that makes you sigh with pure satisfaction. Think warm socks on a snowy day, the feeling after acing a test, or hanging with your squad without a care in the world. It’s not just cozy, it’s cozy cranked up to eleven!
So next time you hear “75 cozy,” don’t picture a boring old armchair. Imagine the ultimate chill zone, where everything feels just right, and the good vibes flow freely. That’s the magic of this slang term – it captures a feeling that goes beyond simple words, a feeling you just gotta experience to understand.
ALMOND MOM:
The term “almond mom” is slang used to describe a parent, typically a mother, who adheres to and prioritizes strict and potentially unhealthy eating habits, often projecting those preferences onto their children. These habits can manifest in various ways, such as:
Obsessive focus on thinness and calorie counting: Almond moms might prioritize low-calorie foods, even at the expense of a balanced diet, and fixate on weight loss for themselves and their children.
Rigid dietary restrictions: They might limit food choices significantly, excluding entire categories (e.g., carbohydrates, sweets) or promoting specific “healthy” options to the exclusion of others.
Body shaming and negative self-talk: Almond moms might engage in comments about their own or their children’s bodies, fostering negative self-image and disordered eating attitudes.
Pressure to exercise excessively: They might emphasize calorie burning through exercise, potentially pushing their children beyond healthy limits.
It’s important to note that the term is often used critically and with humor, highlighting the negative aspects of diet culture and its impact on families. While some use it jokingly, it also reflects the real experiences of individuals raised with unhealthy food rules and body image pressures.
Here are some key points to remember:
“Almond mom” doesn’t imply bad intentions but rather highlights problematic behaviors regarding food and body image.
The term critiques diet culture and its influence on parent-child relationships.
If you identify with this term or are concerned about yourself or someone you know exhibiting these behaviors, seeking professional help from a registered dietitian or therapist can be valuable.
LEGGINGS LEGS:
Remember the “thigh gap” craze of the early 2000s? Well, a similar trend has popped up on TikTok called “legging legs.” This trend sees women showcasing their legs in leggings, often emphasizing a gap between their thighs, and suggesting this as the “ideal” shape for wearing leggings.
While it might seem harmless at first, the “legging legs” trend subtly promotes unrealistic and potentially harmful beauty standards. Here’s why:
It focuses on a singular body type: By suggesting there’s a “perfect” leg shape for leggings, the trend excludes and potentially shames people with different body types.
It’s based on unrealistic ideals: The gap between thighs often highlighted in the trend is largely influenced by genetics and bone structure, not achievable through healthy means.
It can negatively impact body image: By emphasizing one specific body type as desirable, the trend can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction for people who don’t fit that mold.
So, what’s the alternative? Let’s celebrate the diversity of bodies and rock our leggings with confidence, no matter their shape or size! Fashion is about expressing ourselves, not conforming to narrow beauty ideals. Remember, leggings are for everyone, and there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to rocking them with style.
Understanding the Concept of SLANGS and their Everyday Impact:
While navigating the ever-evolving world of teen slang can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics, remember it’s simply another vibrant layer of language reflecting their experiences and connections. These terms aren’t just fleeting trends, they’re whispered secrets, shared laughter, and the ever-present pulse of belonging. So next time you hear a “bet” or a “bussin’ beat,” don’t dismiss it as mere jargon. Instead, see it as a window into their world, a chance to bridge the generation gap with a smile and a simple “teach me, bruh.” For after all, language is a living tapestry, woven by every thread of expression, young and old alike. Who knows, maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two, and hey, you might just discover you’re more “woke” than you thought.
Remember, slang isn’t a barrier, it’s an invitation. Keep an open mind, a playful spirit, and who knows, you might just find yourself saying “no cap” in no time!
If you found this post helpful, I encourage you to share the information you learned with others directly. You can also provide feedback on my responses or ask me follow-up questions to deepen your understanding.
