Understanding Millennial & Gen-Z Slangs

What Did S/he Say?

By Sofia Ayesha Mariska De Leon, Grade 8

‘Sup y’alls! Homegirl here to spill the tea so y’alls will be woke!”—Wait. What did I just say?

Our language seems to evolve so fast. A lot of terms are now made popular by masses and various influencers. I remember the word “YOLO” wasn’t even a thing back then. With the highly advanced technologies we live with, things can go viral overnight. We can pick up new things and share them with others in an instant because of the internet. But who exactly makes these viral?

Millennials and Gen Zs. People born from 1980 to 1994 are considered Millennials. Meanwhile, people born from 1995 to 2015 belong to Generation Z. They’re the ones who constantly come up with these new terms and slangs that apply to both internet and verbal use.

Now, let me take you to a journey in learning some of these popular slangs. And let us connect with the Millennials and Gen Zs.

COMMON TERMS AND SLANGS

#1 Basic

You’ve probably heard this a lot if you play online games like ML (Mobile Legends) or DOTA (Defense of The Ancients). Your winning opponent may boast “basic” and this means your skills or opinions are not at par with theirs.

#2 Slay

This is the millennial counterpart for A+ performance. When you’re doing an awesome job at something, you “slay”! 

#3 Lit

When you find something awesome or amazing, this is one good way to describe it.

TEXTING SLANGS

#1 Explain Like I’m 5

This first started as a meme. Now, it is used to ask people to explain a certain topic in layman or simple terms.

#2 Code 9 and Code 99

Ever had that moment when you’ve called a friend for a really big secret when your parents suddenly arrived? Then you have no idea how to tell your friend to stop? It used to be a medical emergency term alone. Now, that’s when Code 9 saves the day. Then you tell your friend Code 99 to resume.

#3 Tea

“Spill the tea” means to spill the gossip, personal information, or a scoop on someone. Often the “tea” involves problematic and controversial issues. The term took on a funnier meaning when an advertisement of Lipton with Kermit the Frog saying “but that’s none of my business” was released. People started using this line for call – outs and for spreading “tea”.

SLANGS FROM TWITTER

#1 @ me next time

A phrase commonly used online to tell someone not to subtweet or talk behind your back. Instead, you’re telling them to speak upfront. This can be used online and in real life.

#2 Facepalm

A reaction to something so shameful or cringy online and in real life. It describes the action of putting your hand to your face in frustration.

#3 Shade

It is a subtle insult said between the lines. An example is when Kanye West mentioned that “Beyonce had the best video ever” while Taylor Swift was coming up to get her award of Best Music Video.

SLANGS IN ABBREVIATION

#1 FOMO

A common word that is seen online that means “Fear of Missing Out”.  For example, you may be reading this because you have FOMO!

#2 ICYMI

Often used on social media when posting or alerting someone of something that isn’t new but that the person you are talking to may not know about. It stands for “In Case You Missed It”. This is one way of also telling someone that he or she is way too oblivious about things.

 #3 SMH

A reaction meaning “Shaking My Head”. It is commonly used when someone did or said something you don’t approve of or find faults in.

Man! That’s a lot of words, but who knows you might be able to use these? I wouldn’t recommend using these daily, but it is good to know what these words mean. Hopefully, you learned something new today and stay lit fam!

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