As a parent in the UK, keeping up with the evolving language of your children, especially the slang they use, can often feel like deciphering a complex code.
Our guide, Kids Slang 2024, offers you a lifeline in this sea of new words and phrases, which seamlessly blend pop culture references and traditional linguistic twists, creating a unique lexicon that defines their generation.
By understanding these terms, you can better connect with your children and navigate conversations with ease, proving particularly beneficial for parents aiming to bridge the generational language gap.
This guide will provide you with an insight into why teens craft their own slang, delve into general slang terms including ‘bts’, ‘bet’, ‘goat’, ‘facts’, and ‘rizz’, and explore the influence of social media on language evolution.
More importantly, for parents, it includes practical advice on using this knowledge to foster open communication and stronger relationships with your children. It’s an indispensable tool for any parent looking to stay informed and connected in 2024.
Why Do Teens Develop Their Own Slang?
Teens create their own slang for a multitude of reasons, each reflecting a facet of their journey towards identity formation and social belonging.
Understanding these reasons can bridge the communication gap between you and your children:
Identity and Coolness
- Teens often use slang to differentiate themselves from their parents, aiming to carve out a unique identity.
- Slang serves as a badge of coolness, marking the user as in tune with current trends and social dynamics.
Social Belonging
- It acts as a secret handshake, allowing teens to identify and bond with peers who share similar interests or belong to the same social circles.
- Slang terms vary greatly with context, adding a layer of exclusivity and belonging among those who understand their nuanced meanings.
Cultural and Historical Roots
- A significant portion of modern slang finds its roots in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the rich cultural and historical tapestry that language weaves.
- Understanding slang requires acknowledging its origins and respecting the struggles and resilience it represents, particularly in the face of historic racism and social struggles.
Technology and Social Media Influence
- The rapid spread of slang among young people today is largely fuelled by social media and technology, platforms where new words and phrases can go viral overnight.
- Slang reflects the latest memes, trends, and pop culture references that dominate their digital landscapes, making it a living, evolving form of communication.
Functionality in Communication
- Beyond social identifiers, slang allows teens to discuss sensitive or controversial topics in a coded language, offering a layer of discretion.
- It also serves as a form of social currency; being fluent in the latest slang is akin to holding a trendsetter status within peer groups.
Sense of Community
- At its core, teenage slang fosters a sense of community and belonging. It’s a unique language that, while confusing to outsiders, isn’t meant to alienate but to strengthen bonds within the group.
- The evolution of slang, from niche groups to mainstream acceptance, showcases its power to influence and reflect societal changes and youth culture.
Recognizing the multifaceted reasons behind the development of teen slang can empower you as a parent to approach conversations with empathy and curiosity. It’s about more than just words; it’s about understanding the world through your teen’s eyes.
Decoding the Basics: Understanding General Slang Terms
Understanding the ever-evolving landscape of kids’ slang in 2024 can be quite the task for parents.
To get you started, here’s a breakdown of 10 of the most popular slang terms and phrases that have taken root among the youth in the modern day, especially on platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and general social media, making them essential for parents to know.
General Slang Terms:
- Bet: “Ok, for sure” – A term of agreement or confirmation.
- Bruh: A modern take on ‘bro’ – Used to address friends in a casual manner.
- GOAT: “Greatest of All Time” – A term of high praise for someone’s skill or talent.
- Salty: “Bitter, angry, agitated” – Used when someone is upset or jealous.
- Boo’d up: To be in a romantic relationship.
- It’s giving: Used to make a comparison or highlight a resemblance.
- On God: A phrase used to swear on something sacred, indicating sincerity.
- Ratio’d: Having more negative feedback than positive on social media.
- TL;DR: “Too Long; Didn’t Read” – A summary for lengthy texts.
- Ends: Someone’s general area. Where they live.
These terms and many more form the backbone of communication among kids and teens in 2024, serving various purposes from expressing emotions, making social connections, to even navigating the complex world of online and real-life relationships.
As a parent, familiarizing yourself with these terms not only helps in understanding what on earth your kids are talking about but also bridges the generational gap, making communication more open and less of a decoding exercise.
Navigating Relationships Through Slang
Understanding the slang terms related to relationships can be quite enlightening and sometimes, a bit amusing.
Here’s a breakdown of some key terms that are popular among kids in 2024:
- Rizz: This term is all about charisma or the ability to charm someone. It’s often used when someone has a way with words or can easily persuade or attract others.
- Simping: This refers to someone who is going overboard with their affection, often without receiving the same level of interest in return. It’s not always seen in a positive light, as it can imply a lack of self-respect.
- 1437: A numerical way of saying “I love you forever.” It’s a more cryptic way for kids to express deep feelings without being too obvious.
- Situationship: This term describes a relationship that doesn’t have clear labels or commitment. It’s more than friends but less than a defined relationship, often leaving one or both parties confused about where they stand.
- Bae: A term of endearment for a crush or significant other. It’s a shorthand for ‘baby’ or ‘babe’ and is used affectionately.
- Benching: Similar to a sports term, it means putting someone on the sideline while exploring other options. It’s not a great feeling to be ‘benched’ in a relationship.
- Breadcrumbing: This is when someone gives just enough attention to keep someone interested, without any intention of committing. It’s a way to keep options open without fully engaging in a relationship.
- Cuffing/Cuffing Season: Typically refers to the winter months when people are more likely to start a relationship to avoid loneliness during the colder, darker days.
- DTR (Define The Relationship): This conversation usually happens after the ‘talking phase’ and is where both parties discuss where they stand and if they’re officially in a relationship.
- Ghosting: One of the less pleasant terms, it refers to ending a relationship or potential relationship by suddenly and without explanation ceasing all communication.
- Gaslighting: A form of psychological manipulation where one person tries to make another doubt their own thoughts and feelings. It’s a serious issue and a red flag in any relationship.
- GYATT: An expression that stands for ‘girl you’re a** thicc’ or ‘godd**n’, often used to compliment someone’s physique, although it can be seen as objectifying.
- Ship: Short for ‘relationship’, it’s used as a verb to endorse a potential romantic relationship between two people. For example, “I ship them; they would make a cute couple.”
- Catch Feels: To develop romantic feelings for someone, often unexpectedly.
- Curve: To reject someone’s advances or romantic interest.
- Boo: A term of endearment for one’s significant other, similar to ‘bae’.
Understanding these terms can offer a window into how relationships are formed, maintained, and sometimes, unfortunately, ended among the younger generation.
It’s a mix of the sweet, the serious, and the slightly silly, reflecting the complex world of modern teenage romance and friendships.
The Influence of Social Media on Slang Development
Social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram have become the main stages for the development and spread of new slang terms among kids and teens.
The influence of these platforms is undeniable, with certain users, particularly those with over 100,000 followers, shaping the linguistic landscape more through visual content than verbal.
However, this doesn’t mean linguistic inventions are absent; they’re just transmitted differently, often through captions, comments, and video content.
Here’s a closer look at how social media impacts slang development:
- Speed and Amplification: The rapid spread of slang terms is facilitated by the vast reach and immediacy of social media. A term can go viral overnight, becoming common parlance among teens across different regions. This swift transmission can sometimes bypass the traditional linguistic evolution seen in mother languages, making slang terms more fluid and dynamic.
- Visual vs. Verbal Invention: Users with large followings tend to innovate visually, which might seem to overshadow linguistic creativity. Yet, the captions, hashtags, and comments sections become hotbeds for verbal invention. Slang terms are crafted, picked up, and spread in these textual arenas, proving that language evolution on social media is not just about what’s seen but also what’s said.
- Dependence on Mother Language and Vernacular Dialects: While social media accelerates slang development, these new terms are deeply rooted in the mother language and influenced by various vernacular dialects. Each slang term is a product of its linguistic environment, reflecting the cultural and social nuances of its speakers. This means not all slang on social media is universally understood or adopted, with each term requiring individual consideration.
To help you stay ahead, here’s a list of GenZ slang terms gaining traction on social media, which you might find useful:
- Ate: Exceptional job at something
- Basic: Lacking originality, mainstream
- Beige Flag: Neither a red nor green flag, but something quirky
- Bet: Synonymous with ‘Ok, for sure’
- Bougie: High class, rich, fancy
- Bussin’: Really good, often used for food
- Cap: Lying or faking
- Caught in 4K: Caught in the act
- Cheugy: Cringey, referencing early/mid-2000s trends
- Clout: Significant social influence or following
- Drip: Sophisticated or stylish
- Flex: To show off
- FML: Exclamation at the end of a negative story
- FR: For real, agreement
- FTW: For the win, showing support
- Fugly: Extremely ugly
- Furry: A fan of anthropomorphic animals
- FYP: TikTok’s “For You Page”
- AF: To emphasize the truth of a statement (stands for “as fu%k”)
- DM: Direct message
- FR: For real
- IMO: In my opinion
- IRL: In real life
- IYKYK: If you know you know
- RN: Right now
- KPC: Keeping parents clueless
- PAH: Parents are home
- PAW: Parents are watching
- PITR: Parent in the room
- POMS: Parents over my shoulder
Numbers 25-30 are probably a little dated now, or ore likely to be used my slightly younger children, but understanding these terms and the mechanics behind their spread can help you connect better with your kids and their digital worlds.
It’s not just about the words themselves but grasping the evolving nature of communication in the digital age.
From Laughter to Serious Matters: The Range of Slang
Kids slang in 2024 spans a broad spectrum, from light-hearted and humorous expressions to terms that delve into more serious and sensitive subjects.
Understanding this range is crucial for you as parents, as it can help you navigate conversations with your children more effectively.
Here’s a closer look at how slang terms can vary:
Fun and Light-hearted Terms:
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- Yeet: Used to express excitement or approval, or to describe throwing something with force.
- Sksksk: An expression of amusement or laughter.
- No cap: “Totally true” or “No lie”, asserts honesty.
- Bussin’: Describes something that is “really, really good”, often food.
Serious and Sensitive Topics:
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- Gaslighting: A form of manipulation in relationships.
- Ghosting: Suddenly ceasing all communication in a relationship without explanation.
- Catch feels: Developing romantic feelings for someone, potentially leading to vulnerable discussions.
- Simping: Going overboard with affection, touching on self-respect and unrequited love.
Slang also serves as a tool for discussing a wide array of topics, from the dynamics of relationships to pressing social issues and mental health concerns.
This versatility in language allows kids to express a range of emotions and opinions, encompassing both the positive and the humorous as well as the negative and serious aspects of their experiences.
Topics Covered by Slang:
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- Relationships: Terms like “Boo”, “Situationship”, and “DTR (Define The Relationship)” help navigate the complex world of teenage romance.
- Social Media: Phrases such as “Ratio’d” and “FYP (For You Page)” reflect the influence of digital platforms on daily life.
- Mental Health: Slang provides a way to broach sensitive subjects, offering a layer of discretion for discussing personal challenges.
- Social Issues: Terms can also reflect engagement with broader societal concerns, encouraging awareness and discussion among peers.
By familiarizing yourself with the breadth of kids’ slang, you gain insights into not only the lighter side of their communication but also the deeper, more meaningful conversations they are engaging in.
This understanding is a step towards fostering open, empathetic dialogue with your children, bridging the gap between generations and supporting them through the complexities of growing up in today’s world.
The Challenges for Parents and How to Overcome Them
Navigating the challenges of parenting teens in the digital age, especially when it comes to understanding their slang and online activities, requires a multi-faceted approach.
Here are strategies to help you stay connected with your teen while ensuring their safety and well-being:
Open Communication and Professional Support:
- Encourage open dialogues about mental health without judgement. If your teen seems withdrawn or changes their sleep patterns, it might be time to seek help from a healthcare provider or mental health professional.
- Use resources like slang guides, dictionaries, and online forums to understand the latest slang terms. This knowledge can be a gateway to discussing your teen’s feelings and behaviours, including sensitive topics like depression or bullying.
Digital Safety and Positive Online Habits:
- Discuss the importance of privacy settings, the risks of online scams, and how to interact safely online. Setting boundaries around the use of social media and digital devices can help mitigate risks.
- Monitor digital activities for signs of depression or alarming behaviour. Sentiment monitoring tools can offer insights into your teen’s emotional state based on their online activities.
- Promote quality time offline to balance the digital life. Encouraging hobbies and activities outside the screen can foster positive mental health and family connections.
Empathy, Boundaries, and Education:
- Lead with empathy and understanding in all conversations, even when discussing challenging topics. This strengthens your relationship and builds trust.
- Educate your teen on making healthy choices and resisting peer pressure. Discussing the content of R-rated movies, M-rated video games, and the portrayal of sexual situations and racial stereotypes can help teens discern media messages critically.
- Talk about the implications of bullying, both online and offline. Discuss strategies for what to do if they witness or become a target of bullying to ensure they feel supported and know how to seek help.
By integrating these strategies, you can create a supportive environment that navigates the challenges of parenting in the digital age effectively.
Engaging with your teen’s world, including understanding the slang they use, not only keeps you connected but also helps in guiding them through their formative years with confidence and care.
