Most Common Teenage Slang Words
[Updated for 2023]
Slang is the informal teenage language that is more popular in speaking than in writing. It is the new way of speaking of the young that has been quite a trend for a few decades. It consists of a vocabulary often times unknown to the elders.The slang terms created by sometimes recycling the old words, making abbreviations or giving new meaning to the already existing words. Some of these slang examples have found their way into the English dictionaries. There are also dictionaries for slang language available online. This is the way languages are revolutionized. Who knows that the words we call slang today may become part of the regular English someday and may come into writing as well.
Why Teenagers use Slang words ?
Teens use slang words for a variety of reasons. Some of the main reasons include:
- Expressing individuality: Slang words are often used by teens to express their individuality and set themselves apart from their peers.
- Group identity: Teenagers often use slang words as a way to identify with a specific group or subculture.
- Inclusivity: Slang words are often used as a way to create a sense of inclusivity and belonging among a group of teens.
- Convenience: Slang words are often shorter and easier to say than formal words, making them more convenient for teens to use in conversation.
- Rebellion: Teens may use slang words as a form of rebellion against societal norms and expectations.
- Coolness: Many teens use slang words because they believe it makes them appear more cool or trendy.
Overall, slang words are often used by teens as a way to express themselves, connect with others, and assert their independence.
Here is a list of some most common slang words used everyday and also trending among teens nowadays. This may help the parents to decipher the foreign language of their teenagers and not be in a state of total disillusionment.
Teen 2023 Slang Words New List:
- GOAT – Greatest Of All Time
- Dope – Awesome.
- Sic/Sick – Next Level Cool.
- Lit – Amazing or exciting.
- Gucci – Good or going well.
- Salty – Bitter or angry
- Litty again – exciting or wild once more.
Slang Words Teens and Gen Zers Are Using
We have looked widely everywhere for the best Gen Z slang used by generation on internet. We got help from reddit slang community and also talked to our local teenagers for compiling the most used Gen Z terms into this comprehensive teen slang list guide.Here are latest 2023 Teenage and Generation Z slang words:
Sus
It means suspect or suspicious.
Dope
It means Awesome or cool.
Fam
Shorter form of word family.
Bruh
It is a slang to call bro or brother.
Bop
It is typically used for good song like “jam.”
Finna
It is a replacement for fixing to or going to.
Get Lit
It is used to say “party hard”.
YOLO
Means “You-Only-Live-Once”.
Extra
To react unnecessarily over on some thing.
Glow Up
It means upgrade appearance to a better version and enhance looks.
OG
It means original gangsta. But it is used for someone who is quite popular and famous among the group or at school. It is used in a positive way as a sign of respect.
Throw shade
Its meaning is quite opposite from its literal one. It means to disrespect someone.
Jelly
It is to say “jealous.” not in a negative way but said as a compliment. It is quite outdated but still in.
Roasted
This means to argue with someone verbally to the extent that they are somewhat defeated in your quick tongue battle.
Lit
Gen z peep used it to express something amazing or awesome, something that is exciting and wild.
Thirst/ Thirsty
It is to represent “wanting to have s**” Like: “Sara is so thirsty for Jack it’s weird.”
Fierce
When someone is looking so beautiful and powerful at the same time then this word is used to describe that feeling. Like “Oh my gosh Amy was so fierce in the concert”.
Thicc
It is latest slang came up and used to describe people having bigger body parts that are bigger than usual. Normally describes someone’s b**ty.
Salty
Means little angry, annoyed bitter or upset.
Get Lit
It is used to say “party hard”.
It is used to express crying. To show sarcastic expression.
Finsta
This is slang for “Fake account of Instagram”.
YAAAS
As per Gen Z squad it is an overwhelming or excited way to say “YES”. Like OMG this pizza yaaas. Its amazing.
Is That A Thing
This is a teen expression to confirm something is taking place. Like, I heard that john has started playing football again after retirement, is that a thing ?
FAM JAM
Shorter form of family get together. We are having lil fam jam on coming weekend.
Can I Get An Amen
It is and expression where teenagers ask for appreciation for what they have said or done.Means they are asking for good response on their awesome thing.
Sorry But Not Sorry
It is used by teens when they don’t mean to say sorry.
Killing It
Teens Love this phrase nowadays which means to express something doing awesome.
TURNT
It means excited and having great time.
Fire
Slang used for showing extremely good, cool and amazing thing.
Tea or T
Tea is also used as a gen z slang that means gossip, and “spilling the tea” is the act of gossiping.
Sips Tea
Teen slang used on social media for gossiping. It also meaning mind your own business.
Go Off
it is a slang to express support to someone’s action mostly used for humorous act.
Slaps
This slang is used for communicating about anything cool but in a positive manner.
Stan
It is actually a short form of “stalker fan”
Vibe
Slang to show someone’s mood overall
Yee
It is variation of Yes
Swoop
It means to pick up. I am going to swoop you in 10 min.
Slaps
It means catchy, hip hop song
Cap
It comes from “no cap” which generally means one is telling the truth. Its best thought of, in terms of someone removing their hat/cap to say something honest. So cap means lie or bullsh!t.
Vibe
It is slang for a woman who is attractive and fun to be around. She is a vibe.
Based
Its is a slang term by rapper Lil B for being yourself and not caring what others think of you—to carry yourself with swagger.
VSCO Girl
This slang came from the photo editing app VSCO. When a girl edit her photo and use trendy fashion outlook on social media then VSCO girl slang is used to express her as an abusive remark.
Hella
It is bay area teen slang to express ‘very’ or as an adjective in place of ‘a lot of.’
Wack
It means bad, crazy, stupid, unfashionable or of low quality.
Tryna
It means trying to
Zooming
It means online class via app zoom.
Dab
In slang dab can be a highly concentrated marijuana extract, a type of hip-hop dance, or touching the ground with your foot while you ride a bicycle.


Teen Friends & Relationship Slang Words:
“Adolescents begin to explore their emerging identities in ways that foster autonomy and connectedness”[1]
Cap
It means a lie or fake.When we say “No Cap” means no lies and Capper means liar or faker.
Snacc
To express someone’s attractiveness.
Walker
It is used for a person who walks in a particular way as an exercise. This slang is also common for a man who has relationship with older woman.
You may like to look for Best Lightweight Rollator Walker With Seat
Tight
In a close relationship or friendship
Curve
This expression means leave,exit or reject someone romantically.
Emo
This is very famous slang among teens recently.It is used for someone who is emotional or a drama queen.
Fam
It is short form for Family or close group of friends for teens.
Flex
When someone shows off physique or belongings then this term is used.Means to show off.
A Karen
This is recently appeared slang word for an angry, entitled, sometimes racist white woman.
Shook
Means amazing wow.To express that you are incredibly shocked or shaken up.
Noob
This slang is used for a newbie.A person who doesn’t know what they’re doing or who is not expert at something.
Periodt
To conclude some argument or end of statement with emphasize. i.e: “That’s the best match of season, periodt.”
Squad
This is mostly used in school colleges where a group of friends hang out together regularly.
No cap
Means it is completely true or no lie
Throw shade
To give someone a dirty look or certain type of nonverbal insult.
Tool
To represent someone who is stupid, obnoxious and under bad jokes because of stupidity.
78 Slang
It is a slang for s**ually active person. 78 came from numerology.
Bad kitty
Slang for s*xually appealing and attractive evil girl.
Victorian Slang Terms Common Among Teens
Gigglemug
It is to refer someone who is always smiling.
Sillage
It is scent fragrance trail when someone pass by and putting on perfume.
You may like this article: Most Complimented Women’s Perfumes
Sauce box
Victorian slang for mouth.
Got the morbs
It is to express temporary sadness.
Gucci gang
Group of friends who are always good or great.
Poked Up
It means embarrassed.
Tight as a boiled owl
To refer a drunk person.
Bitch the pot
It means pour the tea.
American Teenage Slang Words vs British Teen Slangs
- American: Bae (term of endearment for a significant other)
British: Babe (term of endearment for a significant other) - American: Lit (exciting, happening)
British: Wicked (cool, exciting) - American: BFF (best friends forever)
British: BFF (best friends forever) - American: YOLO (you only live once)
British: Carpe Diem (seize the day) - American: Sick (cool, awesome)
British: Sick (ill, not well) - American: Gucci (good, great)
British: Ace (excellent, great) - American: Fam (family)
British: Fam (family) - American: Basic (lacking originality)
British: Boring (uninteresting, dull) - American: Ghost (to suddenly stop communicating with someone)
British: Ghost (to suddenly stop communicating with someone) - American: On fleek (perfect, flawless)
British: On point (perfect, flawless)
Parent’s Guide to the Latest Teen Slang
Teens use social media a lot and below is a list of famous social teen slang terms to be known by parents:
53X
Short form of S*x.
Bet
Means OK or Challenge.
CU46
Means See You For S*x.
Dayger
Means for Party during the day time.
Fit
In US society it means Outfit but in British means very attractive.
Function/Func
Other word for Party.
Lewk
Other term for look or to have a deep look.
Kick back
It is used for small party.
Netflix and Chill
Inviting someone over for romantic or s*xual activity.
Netflix Cheating
Means watching ahead of your friend or partner an episode of favorite series that you used to watch together.
Netflastinate
When you use Netflix to procrastinate.
Rager
Used for big party.
Yikes
Humorous expression for undesirable results or circumstances.
Smash
Casually used in conversation among teens when they have casual s*x.
Wig
To refer something great or awesome or fabulous.
Sloshed
Means to be drunk.
The plug
Source of Liquor or someone that supplies alcohol.
Throw down
Usually teenagers used this for throwing a party.
Turnt
To be high or drunk (formerly “turnt up”).
X
Ecstasy.
Snatched
Means someone is looking great or wearing something very fashionable. It is also used to express an insult against someone who has lost an argument.
Parents and teenagers need to have a close relationship to find out the way forward of social media impact on mental health. [2]
So from this list and info graphics, Parents need to know the trends in 2020 for Teen Slang Terms to Keep an Eye on. Fun and Harmless Teenage Slang are good but hurtful and personality destructive slang phrases should be checked.
Adam Sandler and Idina Menzel challenge each other’s knowledge of teenage slang. From “bodega” to “yooz,” the stars of ‘Uncut Gems’ share some of their favorite hometown phrases.
“Hello we’re from New York City my name is Adam Sandler and yours is Anita.We are gonna teach you US teen slang.I don’t know how good we’re gonna do.Do you feel like you know what we were saying at all Anita ? Yeah I do. Oh well why do you do ? okay first one up is Oh Bodega about a guy like Adam Adam you got a hang-up about again but I’ll tell you. What but I’ve got God that’s good that’s good this is a store like that like a little grocery store right ? I call it a bodega yeah and you love it I got to tell you that. That wasn’t around when I was at, you know. And because it really doesn’t feel like a total oh yeah you’re right. There we go oh you know what that is me I should me oh god it’s me a cream cheese it’s not yet it should be but is this a real word in the dictionary it’s it’s like a pop Schmear ha ha Bridget tunnel which is what you are that I think that’s a little bit derogatory I think it’s fine. You do. Do you take a bridge to get to the city I need to take the tunnel the Midtown Tunnel you through the Midtown Tunnel but I feel like they sometimes refer to Bridge and Tunnel people a little bit they can be a little c-o-c-k-y attitude towards the bridge city.
yeah yeah no but you got a respect to Bridge and Tunnel from everybody oh well go on in the city oh yeah the city doesn’t want to do a whole thing on that. I don’t know you don’t care about other I don’t know if you’re in Long Island go to the city. Yes a big city how about this you’ve got to say on Long Island if that’s done that’s it Joe yeah this I don’t know what you do I never heard
that my life Beibei like oh god that’s what it is Oh God Oy Vey mere is Oh God in heaven isn’t it? I think so yeah are you vote okay Bob maybe that’s okay is that you – yes certainly doesn’t sound Irish all right.Pie a slice would have been worse yeah but that’s if you grew up with a lot of money we could all get a slice my family so let’s go to slice and that’s all we got. I’ll see you out on the stoop will place – Paul no I didn’t say Stoop that much. I mean I know what it is stupid no memory you said. I’ll do a movie with that I’m saying I’ll stoop down to that level. Hey use how he’s doing how he’s doing it’s just doing a YooZ onto a thing that’s if there’s a couple of guys around, you don’t want to shake its use not youths not like not like what Joe Pesci do youths. So all we’ve been there SOHO sets out the Houston. Yeah I lived there on Thompson and prints for a while you did that was where all the models always when I was really, no they really ran for the a year and a half I lived in their. Like let’s get out of here court Oh Bed-stuy that’s pepper stiverson and, I haven’t been there in a long time. I know that my friend Chris Rock used to live there as the village I lived there. You lived there ? yeah the village is Greenwich Village yeah Downtown 14th Street. Anything below 14th Street is now jump dude is 82 booting da Boa he’s like like I’m gonna be baking something Queens Brooklyn Queens Expressway said so much traffic. Whenever I did his head to the BQE to get some gigs. Yeah that’s a tough, it’s hot I broke down on the BQE old Underberg. Gotham got the Marne girl, I worked at that restaurant. Yeah I took reservation that’s good evening Gotham our own Grillo may I help you and then you just put them on home. SCHVITZ Sweating ? no that’s like a sieve that’s your own what is it it’s all juice and eat Alan really that’s the only yogurt – Ritz steel a wet fish yeah toilet and you take out what does not admit that okay that’s a shot this is yeah forget about it that’s right just forget about it yeah yeah oh yeah you Buggin but you’re running out by guys like you’re just freaking out no hey what’s up baby that’s before my time yeah but you’re cool with all the robbers I certainly ice we have to know what that is oh yeah I mean just admit this to the world that until recently I thought bumper-to-bumper traffic which is like Archie Bunker okay yeah was bumper-to-bumper traffic spell be um a da bumper da I totally thought this was city slang we know we did not do too well at this but I know deep in your heart while sitting in bumper-to-bumper the job that’s good.”
This slang trend has been there since the 80’s. Teens are always known to invent their own code words and phrases that have today become slang and later added in urban dictionary. Some are abbreviations like LOL or YOLO whereas others are small phrases that have very different meanings like ‘eat my shorts’ or ‘kill me’. These practices are how the languages are revolutionized and progress.[Wiki source]
Slang Sources:
Slang words are being updated so frequently and new words become popular in communication on daily basis,so it is better to get more updated info regarding slang ghetto words from online dictionary, slang dictionary , Merriam-Webster Dictionary , Slang word list and Oxford.
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