26 Jul Your Millennial Slang Translator – V2.0
You asked. We answered.
It’s been almost a year since we published our record-breaking post: Your 3-minute crash course in millennial slang. And just as I was starting to use them with confidence, words like ‘bae’, ‘lit’ and ‘salty’ are already yesterday’s news!
But luckily for me, I have some trusty millennials nearby to keep me ahead of the game.
Ready to be relevant AF? Let’s go.
Cancelled |
To dismiss or reject something or someone.
Example: A: He wore tracksuit pants to our first date… B: That’s it, he’s cancelled! |
Dead |
Describes a reaction to something extremely hilarious.
Example: A: Look at what Alicia posted on Instagram… B: OMG, I’m dead! |
Extra |
Unnecessary over-the-top behaviour or characteristics.
Example: A: Did you see Coco wearing her matching lemon pantsuit and fur coat? B: Oh, she is so EXTRA! |
Fam |
A term to address people you consider family.
Example: Can’t wait to see my fam! |
Irl |
An acronym for ‘In Real Life’.
Example: A: Ben’s such a troll on Twitter! B: I know, but he’s a massive sweetheart irl. |
JOMO |
Forget FOMO. JOMO (‘Joy of Missing Out’) is the one you’ve been waiting for!
Example: A: Peter! Where were you yesterday!? B: In bed, watching Netflix… pure JOMO. |
Legit |
Real. Totally serious. Legitimate.
Example: A: Wait… he played you a love song on his ukulele? B: Yeah, legit! |
Low-key |
To give something little emphasis. Can also be used to describe ‘modest’ or ‘quiet’.
Example: A: How are you feeling? B: I’m low-key stressed about my exams. |
Kween |
The sassy way of spelling ‘queen’. Used to describe someone who is SLAYING (aka nailing it).
Example: A: Did you see Beyoncé’s new music video!? B: Yes! What a KWEEN! |
Seened |
When someone reads your message but doesn’t reply. (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.)
Example: A: Did Jake reply to your message? B: No, he just seened me. |
Slide into DMs |
When someone flirts with you via direct message (DM) on Twitter or Instagram.
Example: A: How did you and Sean meet? B: Well it all started when he slid into my DMs. |
Smh |
When something is obvious. It’s an acronym for ‘Shaking My Head’.
Example: A: Did you know that Trump is a narcissist? B: Oh, smh. |
Suss |
Short for the word ‘suspicious.’ It can also refer to finding information.
Example: A: What’s Annie doing with Sam? B: I don’t know but I’ll suss it out. |
Tfw |
An acronym for ‘That Feeling When’. Usually used to describe a very positive or negative feeling.
Example: A: Tfw your best friend starts dating your ex. B: Legit? That’s rough, man. |
Vibing |
Describes an interest between two people.
Example: A: How are you and Chris going? B: Yeah, we’re just vibing. |
Yeet |
A way to express excitement or say ‘yes’.
Example: A: Are you ready to dance tonight!? B: YEET! |
Credits go to the wonderful Victoria Zhu and Sara Burke for helping me nut this stuff out. Their explanations were once again #onpoint.
