Common Slang

1437: A numerical way of saying “I love you forever.” It’s a more cryptic way for kids to express deep feelings without being too obvious.

AF: Emphasises the truth of a statement (stands for “as f**k”).

AFK: “Away From Keyboard”; stepping away temporarily in gaming or chat.

Ate: Did an exceptional job at something.

Bae: A term of endearment for a crush or significant other. It’s a shorthand for ‘baby’ or ‘babe’ and is used affectionately.

Based: Used to show approval or agreement; describes someone unapologetically confident or authentic.

Basic: Lacking originality; mainstream.

Beige Flag: A quirky quality that isn’t quite a red or green flag.

Big Mood: A phrase expressing strong agreement or that you relate to something deeply.

Boo: A term of endearment for one’s significant other, similar to ‘bae’.

Bougie: High-class, fancy, or rich.

Bussin’: Really good, often used to describe food.

Benching: Similar to a sports term, it means putting someone on the sideline while exploring other options. It’s not a great feeling to be ‘benched’ in a relationship.

Bet: Agreement or confirmation.

Breadcrumbing: This is when someone gives just enough attention to keep someone interested, without any intention of committing. It’s a way to keep options open without fully engaging in a relationship.

Bruh: A casual way to refer to a friend, similar to “bro.”

Boo: A term of endearment for one’s significant other, similar to ‘bae’.

Boo’d up: In a romantic relationship.

Bop: A really good song or tune.

Cap: To lie or fake something.

Capper: Someone who lies frequently; often interchangeable with “cap.”

Catch Feels: To develop romantic feelings for someone, often unexpectedly.

Caught in 4K: Caught in the act.

CEO of [something]: Someone who is the ultimate example of a behaviour, skill, or vibe.

Chad: A stereotype of a confident, attractive male; often used humorously.

Cheugy: Cringey, often referencing trends from the early to mid-2000s.

Cheese: Something corny or overly sentimental.

Clapback: A sharp or witty response to criticism or insult.

Clout: Significant social influence or popularity.

Cooked: Completely overwhelmed, exhausted, or ruined; can also mean “hilariously bad.”

Core (e.g. cottagecore, clean girl core): Aesthetic or lifestyle trend defining a certain vibe or style.

Cuffing/Cuffing Season: Typically refers to the winter months when people are more likely to start a relationship to avoid loneliness during the colder, darker days.

Cursed / Cursed Image: Something disturbing, strange, or darkly funny online.

Curve: To reject someone’s advances or romantic interest.

Dank: High-quality, impressive, or cool; often used for memes.

Delulu: Short for “delusional,” usually used to describe someone out of touch with reality, often in a humorous or online context.

DM: Direct message.

Drip: Stylish or sophisticated fashion sense.

DTR (Define The Relationship): This conversation usually happens after the ‘talking phase’ and is where both parties discuss where they stand and if they’re officially in a relationship.

Ends: Referring to one’s general area or neighbourhood.

Flex: To show off.

FML: An expression used at the end of a negative story.

FOMO: Fear of missing out; anxiety about being left out of events or trends.

FR: For real; a way to agree.

FTW: For the win; expressing support.

Fugly: Extremely unattractive.

Furry: A fan of anthropomorphic animals.

FYP: TikTok’s “For You Page.”

Girl Dinner: A snack or meal put together casually, often unbalanced or minimal.

Girl Math: Humorous reasoning some women use to justify spending or lifestyle decisions.

Glow Up: Significant improvement in appearance, style, or confidence.

GOAT: “Greatest of All Time” — a term of high praise.

Ghosting: One of the less pleasant terms, it refers to ending a relationship or potential relationship by suddenly and without explanation ceasing all communication.

Gaslighting: A form of psychological manipulation where one person tries to make another doubt their own thoughts and feelings. It’s a serious issue and a red flag in any relationship.

GG: “Good Game”; used at the end of a match to show sportsmanship.

Greenflag: positive sign in a relationship.

Hard Launch: openly showing a new relationship publicly.

Haunting: When an ex or crush engages subtly on your social media without direct contact.

Hits Different: Something that feels more impactful or emotionally stronger than usual.

IMO: In my opinion.

IRL: In real life.

It’s giving: Used to compare or highlight a resemblance, often in a positive context.

It’s Not That Deep: Something isn’t as serious or complicated as it’s being treated.

IYKYK: If you know, you know.

JOMO: Joy of missing out; enjoying being disconnected or offline.

Kittenfishing: Presenting yourself differently online, less extreme than catfishing.

KPC: Keeping parents clueless.

Let Him Cook: Allow someone to perform or take charge without interrupting.

Love Bombing: Overwhelming someone with affection, attention, or gifts to manipulate them.

Lowkey: secretly, slightly, or quietly.

Main Character / Main Character Energy: Someone who behaves or feels like the central character in a story, often highlighting confidence or uniqueness.

Mainstream / Normie: Someone who follows common trends; unoriginal or conventional.

Mid: Something average, mediocre, or unimpressive.

No Cap: Used to emphasise honesty; “no lie” or “seriously.”

NPC: Refers to someone who seems to act without independent thought, like a “non-player character” in video games.

Orbiting: When someone stops direct contact but still interacts with your social media to keep tabs on you.

On God: A way to swear something is true; indicates sincerity.

OP (Overpowered): Something extremely strong or dominant, usually in games.

PAH: Parents are home.

PAW: Parents are watching.

PITR: Parent in the room.

Pocketing: Keeping a relationship hidden from friends or social circles.

POMS: Parents over my shoulder.

Ratio’d: When negative feedback outweighs positive on social media.

Receipts: Evidence or proof, usually screenshots in online arguments.

Red Flag: warning sign.

Rizz: This term is all about charisma or the ability to charm someone. It’s often used when someone has a way with words or can easily persuade or attract others.

RN: Right now.

Salty: Bitter or upset about something.

Side Eye: Giving a suspicious, disapproving, or judgemental look.

Ship: Short for ‘relationship’, it’s used as a verb to endorse a potential romantic relationship between two people. For example, “I ship them; they would make a cute couple.”

Sheesh: Exclamation of excitement, disbelief, or approval.

Shook: Shocked, surprised, or unsettled.

Simmer Down: Calm down; used humorously online.

Simping: This refers to someone who is going overboard with their affection, often without receiving the same level of interest in return. It’s not always seen in a positive light, as it can imply a lack of self-respect.

Situationship: This term describes a relationship that doesn’t have clear labels or commitment. It’s more than friends but less than a defined relationship, often leaving one or both parties confused about where they stand.

Slow Fade: Gradually reducing communication with someone instead of ending it abruptly.

Snack: Someone attractive or appealing.

Soft Launch: subtly hinting at a new relationship on social media.

Soft Block: Blocking someone temporarily on social media to avoid them without confrontation.

Standing on Business: Confidently taking a stand; asserting authority or opinion.

Stunting: Showing off wealth, style, or romantic interest to impress others.

Say Less: Acknowledging understanding; “I got it” or “I’m on it.”

Sus: Short for “suspicious” or “suspect,” often used to describe someone or something that seems shady.

Sweaty: Someone who tries extremely hard, often excessively competitive.

Thirst Trap: A post intended to attract romantic or sexual attention.

TL;DR: “Too Long; Didn’t Read” — a summary for lengthy texts.

Touch Grass: A humorous way of telling someone to step away from the internet and engage with real life.

Tryhard: Similar to sweaty; putting in excessive effort, sometimes annoyingly.

Understood the Assignment: Fully grasped expectations or successfully achieved a goal.

Vibe Check: Assessing the mood, energy, or personality of a person or situation.

Yeet: To throw something with force or enthusiasm; also an exclamation.

Yellow Flag: minor caution in a relationship

Woke: Socially aware, especially about justice issues; can be positive or sarcastic.

Zaddy: An attractive man with style and confidence, often older.