If you’ve ever overheard your teen talking and felt like they were speaking an entirely different language, you’re not alone. Today’s slang evolves at lightning speed, often leaving parents scratching their heads. To help you stay in the loop, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the most popular phrases and what they really mean.

The Ultimate Teen Slang Decoder (2025 Edition)

Here’s a breakdown of terms grouped by themes:

Compliments, Praise & Hype

• Ate (and left no crumbs): Absolutely nailed it.
• Slay: Did something exceptionally well.
• Snatched: Looking flawless (usually refers to appearance).
• Serving / It’s giving: Bringing strong vibes, confidence, or style.
  “It’s giving main character energy.”
• Hits different: Unusually good or emotional.
  “That song hits different late at night.”
• A whole meal / Snack: Very attractive person.
• Understood the assignment: Did a great job.
• Drip: Cool outfit/style.
• Lewks: Fashion looks, especially dramatic ones.
• Straight fire / Gas / Bussin / Smacks: Amazing, delicious, or high-quality.
• Go off: Encouraging someone to keep doing their thing.
• Main character energy: Acting like the star of the show.
• Rizz: Charisma, often flirtatious.

Shade, Sass & Criticism

• Glazing: Excessive praise or flattery (to the point of being cringe).
• Extra: Over-the-top behavior.
• Drag / Dragged: Publicly shamed or criticized.
• Put on blast: Called out, usually publicly.
• Read: Delivered a clever or biting insult.
• Throw shade: Subtle insult or diss.
• Salty: Bitter or annoyed.
• Side-eye: Disapproval or suspicion.
• Pressed: Clearly upset.
• Delulu: Delusional (often jokingly).
• Cheugy: Out of style or trying too hard.
• Cringe: Secondhand embarrassment.
• Giving the ick: Something that instantly makes someone unattractive.

Reactions & Emotions

• Shook: Surprised or shocked.
• TFW (That Feel When): Meme-like shorthand for emotional reactions.
• Menty b: Mental breakdown (used humorously).
• Amped: Super excited or hyped.
• Heated: Angry or upset.
• Skibidi: Meme-based nonsense phrase, used for humor or absurdity.
• Brain rot: Refers to mindless content or being overly absorbed in something dumb.
• Era: Used to describe one’s current vibe or phase.
  “I’m in my healing era.”
• High-key / Low-key: Openly intense vs. subtly true.
• Say less: Understood, no explanation needed.

Relationships, Dating & Drama

• Bae: Significant other.
• Ship: Support a romantic pairing.
• Pulling: Attracting romantic interest.
• Simp: Someone who’s overly into someone else (to the point of losing self-respect).
• Ghosted: Suddenly cut off contact.
• Flex: Show off.
• Tea: Gossip or drama.
• Receipts: Proof of gossip (screenshots, texts, etc.).

Nerdy, Internet & Niche

• Looksmaxing: Trying to improve appearance as much as possible.
• Sigma: A lone-wolf, independent (sometimes toxic) masculine archetype.
• Fein: Craving something intensely (based on “fiend”).
• Girl math: Funny rationalizations, often about spending.
  “If I return a $100 item and buy something for $90, I made $10.”
• Vibe: Mood or aesthetic.
• Mid: Mediocre, unimpressive.
• Demure: This one actually isn’t slang—just a formal word meaning reserved or modest—but some students may use it sarcastically.
• Yeet: Throw with force, or an exclamation of excitement.
• Sus: Suspicious or shady.

Quickfire Internet Speak

• Bet: OK, got it, let’s do it.
• Cap / No cap: Lie / No lie (truth).
• Facts: Agreed, 100% true.
• NGL: Not gonna lie.
• TBF: To be fair.
• FR: For real.
• IRL: In real life.
• Bruh: Expression of disbelief, annoyance, or just filler.
• GYAT: An exaggerated way to say “oh my goodness!” or react to something surprising.

How to Use This Knowledge

You don’t need to start dropping these words into everyday conversation (unless you want to earn some major eye rolls). However, understanding these terms can help you decipher what your teen is saying and engage in conversations without feeling lost.

Slang is always evolving, so don’t be afraid to ask your teen what a new word means—they might even appreciate your interest! And who knows? You might just find yourself saying, “That’s lowkey fire” without even realizing it.