Time To Update Your Vocabulary
Listening to teens talk today is like trying to decipher a foreign language. What was that word they just used? How about that one? With so much slang making its way into everyday conversation, it can be hard to keep up with these made-up words. So to boost your vocab, we've got 20 of the most common slang words used today.
1. Rizz
Short for "charisma," rizz is just popular slang to describe someone who is incredibly charming and attractive. Basically, telling someone they have rizz is the same thing as saying they've got great game. In today's generation, it's one of the highest compliments!
2. Bussin'
The next time you really want to express how good something is, try using the word "bussin'." While you can really use it to describe anything, it's most commonly used for food. Don't be surprised the next time you hear this word at the dinner table - it's a good thing!
3. Mewing
No, we're not talking about the sound cats make. Mewing is more of an action if anything. It's what people do to try and define their jawlines, usually before taking a photo. It's how people try to get their best angles.
4. Salty
If you hear someone using the word salty, chances are they're not talking about how something tastes but rather how someone is acting. Being described as this means you seem annoyed, bitter, or even resentful. Did someone steal your idea at work? We wouldn't be surprised if you were salty about that.
5. Rent-Free
While the idea of living rent free sounds absolutely amazing, having someone stuck in your mind rent-free is the complete opposite. It means you can't get them out of your thoughts, almost like you're obsessing over them. It can be anything, from a person to a thing.
6. Shook
The next time something jaw-dropping happens that seriously shakes you to your core, just use that feeling to describe it. "Shook" simply means that you're in complete awe or shock over something that just happened to you.
7. Drip
This slang word has nothing to do with water at all. "Drip" simply means very cool or stylish; if you know someone who dresses well, you might say their outfit is "drippy" or "drippin'." You might not be a fashion connoisseur, but using this word might make you sound like one (at least to the teens).
8. Pog
Another way to say awesome, amazing, or super cool, pog is probably one of the most used slang words today. More commonly used with gamers, this short three-lettered word is able to express so much meaning.
9. GOAT
Now here's one you might be familiar with! GOAT, or greatest of all time, is used in so many different ways. Whether you've heard it used in sports to define an unforgettable player or just used casually to describe something believed to be the best, it's woven its way into our everyday language.
10. Skibidi
Funnily enough, if you don't know what "skibidi" is, don't worry - no one else does either. In a weird way, this word essentially means nothing. It's used as an adjective, but it changes depending on how you use it. It could mean cool, bad, or dumb, but you'll never know unless there's context.
11. Let Em Cook
The next time you hear "let em cook," just know they're not talking about actual cooking. This phrase is said to someone when you want to see how their idea plays out, you think they have a good idea brewing, or you just want to let them do things their way. In a way, it simply means, you do you.
12. Delulu
Not too far off from the original word, "delulu" is just a fun of saying delusional. When you use the slang version, it does makes it feel a bit less harsh and more joking though.
13. Bet
We're not sure when okay became a word that needed to turn into slang, but what the internet came up with was bet. It's just a way to show you agree with something that was said. Try it out next time instead of saying "alright" or "I'm down."
14. Glow Up
Telling someone they had a "glow up" is a way to compliment their appearance. It means that as they've gotten older, they've become more attractive whether that's through maturing or changing up their style. It's typically seen in a positive light, so don't be afraid to use it as praise.
15. Aura
Hearing someone say, "plus 1000 aura" might sound like they're referring to a video game, but in reality, they're talking about someone's cool factor. It's basically a word meant to describe the vibe or energy someone gives off, and using plus or minus dictates if you're using it positively or negatively.
16. Cap
If you had to guess what this slang meant, just know it has nothing to do with the article of clothing. "Cap" essentially translates to "lying." The same can be said for the opposite; saying "no cap" mean you're telling the truth. It's often thrown at the end of a sentence to indicate whether what you said was true or false.
17. Face Card
Definitely one of the newer slang words created in 2024, face card simply means beyond attractive. In fact, you might be so beautiful that you can easily get whatever you want. Many use it as a way to compliment a stunning person.
18. You're Cooked
Don't mix this up with "let em cook!" While that phrase tends to have a more positive connotation, telling someone "you're cooked" means you're out of luck or done for. It can also be used to describe how you're feeling, especially if you're incredibly exhausted.
19. NPC
Calling a person an NPC (a non-player character) means they're emotionless and have no personality. If you've ever played video games before, these characters only follow a script and do as they're told. So no, NPC is not a kind slang word to use.
20. Sigma
For men of the modern generation, there's no compliment better than "sigma." Essentially the same thing as being called alpha, this is used to described someone you think is the best. It's a word generally only used for males.
