CPYU’s TEEN SLANG DICT IONARY

By Théodora Dillman
Do you ever feel like you don’t understand the language your teens are speaking? CPYU Intern
Théodora Dillman has begun compiling a dictionary of teen slang words and phrases to help.
teen The list is by no means exhaustive, but it will give you some insight into some of the vocab
slang that your children and teens are most likely familiar with. Because language and slang are
continually evolving, we’ll do our best to update this list and add more in the future.

Great, cool, or awesome.

Dope “Woah, that’s a dope new sweatshirt.”

Amazing, exciting, or cool.

Lit “You have to give a listen to this song, it’s lit.”
Crazy in a good way, trendy, “on point,” hot (not referring to temperature; and
Fire/Straight fire usually void of sexual connotation), or better than all the rest.
“Have you tried this taco dip? It’s straight fire!”

A means of saying “no lie,” “no joke,” or “for real.” If someone is “capping” they’re lying.
No cap “No cap, I almost got hit by the bus on the way to school today.”

An adjective to describe flamboyance, being over the top, too much, or excessive.
Extra “The way your outfit matches your backpack, water bottle, phone case, lunch box, earrings, and even
your hair tie is so extra.”
A means of saying “to show off.”
Flex “Wow, look, Connor’s flexing his new shoes today.”

A way of describing something that may be a mild feeling or desire, or used to proceed
Lowkey something that someone wishes to keep on the “downlow.”
“Most of this dinner is great, but I lowkey hate this broccoli, don’t tell mom.”
The converse of “lowkey”: used to describe a strong desire, or something that is
Highkey deserving of emphasis.
“I highkey can’t wait for class to be over so I can get some lunch.”
Shocked, surprised, taken aback, shaken up, emotionally affected.
Shook “The end of that movie left me so shook, I didn’t see it coming”

To be “in the know,” aware of social issues/trends, the opposite of ignorant.

Woke “He’s really in touch with what’s going on, he’s definitely a woke teacher.”

Short for “suspicious” or “suspect.”

Sus “See the kid with the dark hoodie standing away from everyone, that looks a little sus.”
 (Additional) Teen Slang
Greatest of All Time.
GOAT “She is my favorite teacher! She’s the all time GOAT.”
To cut off communication or interaction with someone, generally over
Ghosting/Ghosted social media or text.
“I haven’t heard at all from her in days. . . she’s ghosted me.”

Gossip or dramatic stories and the sharing of them. A way of saying “spill the beans.”
Tea/spill the tea “You will never believe what I just heard! I have got the TEA!”

Novice, “newbie,” someone who is new at something or who does not know what they are doing.
Noob “Yeah, he has no idea how to use it, he’s a total noob.”

Demeaning term used to refer to a white middle-aged woman who acts in an unreasonable,
Karen rude, petty and or entitled manner.
“Just let it go, it’s not worth it. Don’t be such a Karen.”
To give someone a nasty or disapproving look, expressing contempt or disgust;
Throw Shade or, to make a rude or sneering comment about someone; or to insult someone.
“Woah, did you see the look she gave you? She threw some shade your way!”
To be bitter or disgruntled and upset about something.
Salty “I’m still salty I didn’t get to play in the league playoff game this past week.”

A means of expressing approval or affirmation. Like saying “okay,” “sure,” “I’m down,” or “cool.”
Bet “‘You wanna come over tonight?’ ‘Yeah, sure!’ ‘Bet.’”

As an adjective, used to describe someone who is laid back or easy going. Can be used as a verb
Chill to mean “to hang out” or can be used in the imperative to tell someone to calm down.
“Wow, dude, your parents are so chill.”
An adjective to describe something that is really good, amazing, or excellent.
Slaps “That new dip mom made last week absolutely slaps!”

“Slim thick” most generally refers to a type of female body-shape: flat stomach,
Slim thick/thicc round rear, and full thighs. “Thicc” is more widely applicable, usually describing a
body part or thing that is larger than normal. Someone could be “thicc” meaning
they have a large rear, or a big hamburger can be “thicc.” Both terms generally have
positive connotations, but can be used offensively.
“Duuude, are you gonna eat all of that, it’s a thicc burger…”
 (Additional) Teen Slang
Refers to a person who is seen as unoriginal, who prefers mainstream trends and fashions.
Basic “I’m not trying to be basic but I really do love pumpkin spice lattes.”
A term to describe someone who subscribes to the goth or emo aesthetic and
E-boy/E-girl fashion, usually found wearing dark makeup and clothes, and increasingly
described as interested in anime and gaming.

Word play on “grow up.” Generally refers to outward appearance, and “becoming more
Glow up attractive than before.” Has little to nothing to do with “growing up” in the sense that the
term can refer to gaining maturity.
“Have you seen her lately? She definitely went through a glow up over the summer.”
Used to express something that is relatable, could be referring to a feeling, experience, or
Mood thing. It is another way to say “same,” or “I feel you,” or “wow, that’s relatable.”
“That guy sitting over there by himself, looking all tired and fed up, is such a mood.”

Main References

https://www.familyeducation.com/teens/a-parents-guide-to-the-latest-teen-slang
https://www.verywellfamily.com/a-teen-slang-dictionar y-2610994
https://slangwordlist.com/new-teen-slang/
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/flowbox/blog_posts/the-ultimate-guide-to-teenage-gen-z-slang-in-2020-90864

Quick References

https://www.dictionary.com/e/pop-culture/egirl-and-eboy/
https://www.urbandictionar y.com/define.php?term=Basic
https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/what-is-big-mood/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMood%E2%80%9D%20is%20to%20
present%20day,really%20strong%20emotion%20or%20craving.
https://www.urbandictionar y.com/define.php?term=Thicc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throw_shade
https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/bet/#:~:text=Bet%20is%20a%20slang%20term,%3A%20%22Yeah%2C%20sure.%22
https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/basic/
https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2020/jan/21/how-the-word-woke-was-weaponised-by-the-right
https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/454218/origin-of-slang-fire-meaning-cool-great-and-does-it-have-any-
relation-to

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