10 Terms Your Teen May Text
by Michele
Ranard, M.Ed.
680 words
If you live with plugged-in teens
or young adults like me, then you have likely been exposed to more text acronyms, Facebook emoticons, and Tumblr memes than you can shake a stick at (now THERE’S an
expression to annoy and stump Generation TMI!). It’s overwhelming! (In slang
terms…I can’t even!)
If, as Gen Xers, we were faced
only with learning new Millennial slang once and for all, we might actually
feel on fleek (see below). Problem is:
internet-speak and social media slang in particular not only varies from
traditional conversational language, it constantly reinvents itself. So while it
was totally safe to type “totes” a few years ago, you will totes text away your
dignity should you message it today.
Why even bother to keep up
with the slang? It’s a fun way to connect and laugh with your kids, to meet
them where they are, and to keep our aging brains massaged and sharp. Here is a
social media slang primer gleaned from my experience as the often dazed and
confused parent of swaggy kids and frequent traveler to blogland:
1.
Fleek: When
something is perfect, going right or on point, it is on fleek. Sort of
synonymous with awesome except not entirely. “Fleek” or “On fleek” can describe
beautiful eyebrows (an infamous Vine by Peaches Monroee is responsible), delicious
pancakes, Taco Bell, or exceptional greatness. Usage: Bae, you look amazing—those boots are on FLEEK!
2.
Basic:
Unoriginal, uninteresting, uncool, unsophisticated, boring or mainstream; with
transparent motives. Usage: She’s sooooo BASIC…she
just drinks pumpkin spice lattes and plays Candy Crush.
3.
Bae:
This word has infiltrated all social media and is probably on its way out so
you probably know it, but just in case: technically stands for "before
anyone else" but has been adapted to be synonymous with "baby"
or "sweetie." Usage: Liam
Hemsworth is my BAE, even though he may not know it.
4.
Mood: Mood
is a literal use of the word. Amelia Diamond of ManRepeller describes it this way: “A mood ring or one of those
curling paper fish can help you determine your emotions if you’re having
trouble and your therapist is on vacation. Usage: “Mood” accompanies a posted
photo (ironic or not) to best describe your mood.
5.
Turnt
Up: This term refers to a person’s level of hyperactivity, is
frequently associated with alcohol or drugs, and is often referenced in music. It
can also be used to describe the level of a party. Usage: Man Bro that party was TURNT UP last night!
6.
When
You ___ Like: This is a phrase to pair with an image that will act as a visual
punchline. Usage: A gif of a sleeping cat who appears dead might be accompanied
with the text: When you take too much
Nyquil like…
7.
Vibes: This
one is straightforward and seems to have enduring appeal. Refers to feelings,
atmosphere, something that makes you feel good, or a way to express sorrow for
someone when something bad has happened to them. Usage: Good VIBES from this place. Song's got a good VIBE. Sorry your cat
died, VIBES dude.
8.
Nah: A
Gangsta way to respond "No." Usage: NAH, that ain't right!
9.
Thirsty: To
crave attention; visual or verbal demonstrations of how interested you are in
someone. Often refers to trying to talk to the opposite sex. Usage: Why he so THIRSTY? He's always in my inbox
trying to talk to me!
10. Doe: An alternative term
for the word "though.” Usage: Word!
What up DOE? How u been l8ly?
Warning: Learning a list of current internet slang is a start; however, context
is everything. Let’s say, for example, your highschooler has posted an
image on social media with the sole word GOALS. Goals? She means the visual
she posted depicts something she would like to be or do. Straightforward,
right? Except the photo may actually reflect something for which she has zero
aspiration, in which case she is being ironic. Her peers will immediately
detect the irony or what she is conveying, but you doe? Nah.
Sources:
(Terms 1-3) Oshry, Claudia. The Huffington Post. December 12, 2014.
(Terms 4-6) Diamond, Amelia.
Man Repeller. December 29, 2014. http://www.manrepeller.com/2014/12/the-14-words-of-2014-best-and-worst.html
(Terms 7-10) Urban Dictionary. Urbandictionary.com
Michele Ranard would like to believe her parenting skills are on
fleek though she fails to keep up with her sons’ slang. She relishes in
breaking Millennial code every chance she gets. Find more of her articles at http://hellolovelychild.blogspot.com.
