Lost in Translation? A Parent’s Guide to Teen Texting Slang

Introduction: Cracking the Code of Teen Texting

Need help to understand your teens? You are not the only one. Keeping up with teen slang these days can feel impossible. With the rise of social media and texting, how teenagers talk has evolved a lot, and a whole new set of languages has come, which is slang. This new language isn’t just trendy words but quick and creative. Studies show that over 72% of teens use slang every day. Almost 64% of parents often have no idea what their kids are saying. Plus, 95% of teens have a smartphone, making texting and social media their main ways of talking.

But if you take a little time to learn and understand this teenage slang, you will connect better with your kids and have more open conversations. Knowing their social media slang gives you insight into what’s important to them, like the latest trends and social issues.

Use this guide to understand what’s popular right now so you can decode what teens are saying.

Most Commonly Used Slang

To help you understand the often confusing messages from your teenager, we’ve put together a detailed list of popular slang teens use. Below, teenage slang words are divided into different categories, making them easier to grasp. These most common teenage slang words can help bridge the communication gap with your teen. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the vocabulary your teen might be using:

Positive Expressions

These terms are used to express positivity, excitement, or admiration. They often highlight something or someone in a favorable light.

• Lit – Used to describe something exciting or excellent.
• GOAT – Greatest of All Time. To praise someone who is considered the best in their field.
• Snatched – Means something looks excellent or perfect, often used to describe someone’s appearance.
• Slay – To do something exceptionally well or to look great.
• Savage – Acting without regard to consequences, often excellently or impressively.
• Stan – To be a devoted fan of someone or something, derived from the song Stan by Eminem.
• Bae – The term of endearment is short for before anyone else. Used to refer to a significant other.
• FTW – For The Win. This term is used to show excitement or support for something.

Descriptive Terms

These words describe qualities, behaviors, or styles and are used to add detail or emphasis in conversations.

• Low-key – Something that is quiet, modest, or not very noticeable.
• High-key – The opposite of low-key, meaning openly or obviously.
• Flex – To show off or boast about something.
• Extra – Over-the-top or excessive behavior.
• Woke – Being aware of social issues and injustices.
• Fam – Short for family, but used to refer to close friends.
• Snack – Someone who looks good, often used to compliment someone’s appearance.
• Mood – Something that is relatable or expresses how one feels.
• Vibe – The atmosphere or feeling of a place or situation.
• Main Character – Feeling or acting like you are the protagonist of a story.

Negative Expressions

These terms convey negative emotions, criticisms, or disapproval.

• Salty – Bitter or upset about something.
• Thirsty – Desperate for attention or affection.
• Shade – An insult or criticism, often done subtly.
• Sus – Short for suspicious or suspect.
• Big Yikes – A strong expression of embarrassment or awkwardness.
• Cancel – To reject or stop supporting someone/something due to objectionable behavior or opinions.

Communication and Interaction

These slang terms are commonly used in digital communication, making them crucial for understanding your teen’s online interactions.

• Tea – Gossip or news.
• Ghost – To suddenly cut off all communication with someone.
• Ship – To support or hope for a romantic relationship between characters or people.
• BRB – Be Right Back.
• BTW – By The Way.
• DM – Direct Message.
• FYI – For Your Information.
• GTG – Got To Go.
• IDC – I Don’t Care.
• IDK – I Don’t Know.
• IMO – In My Opinion.
• IRL – In Real Life.
• JK – Just Kidding.
• LMIRL – Let’s Meet In Real Life.

Reactions and Responses

These phrases are all about how teens react and respond in conversations, often showing their feelings:

• LMAO – Laughing super hard, almost uncontrollably.
• LOL – Laughing out loud to show something is funny.
• NBD – No big deal, meaning something isn’t a big problem.
• NM – Not much, used when there is little to update or report.
• OMG – Oh my gosh, showing surprise or disbelief.
• ROFL – Rolling on the floor laughing when something is amusing.
• SMH – Shaking my head, used when disappointed or annoyed.
• TBH – To be honest, used to start a truthful or straightforward statement.
• TFW – A description of a specific experience usually follows that feeling.
• TL;DR – Too long; didn’t read, used when something is too lengthy to read in full.
• TMI – Too much info, used when someone shares more details than you need.
• Yolo: You only live once, so this reminds you to take chances and enjoy life.

Social Media and Online Terms

These terms are often used in the context of social media and online interactions.

• S/O –  Shout Out.
• Squad – A group of friends.
• Clout – Influence or power, especially in social media.
• Cap – A lie or exaggeration.
• No Cap – No lie, for real.
• Receipts – Proof or evidence, often used in the context of showing messages or screenshots.

Pop Culture and Style

These terms are linked to fashion trends, behaviors, and expressions influenced by popular culture, especially from platforms like TikTok.

• Eboy/Egirl – A trend usually seen on TikTok, featuring specific fashion and style choices.
• Yet – To throw something energetically and with confidence.
• AF – A way to say “as heck/as f*ck,” used for emphasis.

Texting Etiquette

It’s equally important to understand the rules of texting while using slang. Here are some essential tips to help you:

• Timing and Response Expectations:  If you take too long to respond, they might think you’re not interested or even ignore them, as teens usually expect quick replies to their texts. It’s good to remember this to avoid any mix-ups or hurt feelings.
• Texting vs. Calling: A lot of teens like texting more than calling because it’s less in-your-face and more accessible for them to handle. They can text while doing other things and reply when they want. Understanding this can help you pick the best way to chat with your teen.
• Group Chat Dynamics: Group chats have their own set of unspoken rules. For example, there might be certain people who usually initiate conversations, and discussions are expected to be inclusive. Understanding these dynamics can help you better interpret group interactions and help your teen navigate them.

Understanding Context

Slang usage varies significantly depending on the context. Recognizing when and how these terms are appropriate is essential for effective communication and understanding:

• Situational Use of Slang: Teens change the words they use depending on who they’re talking to. The slang they use at school might differ from what they use on social media or in private conversations. Knowing this can help you get a better sense of what they mean.
• Formal vs. Informal Communication: Slang is excellent for casual chats but not usually used in formal stuff like schoolwork or job emails. Helping your teen understand when to use slang and when to stick to a more formal tone can improve their communication skills in different situations.

Safety and Privacy

Understanding slang is essential, but ensuring teens’ safety and privacy in their online communications is equally important.

• Protecting Personal Information: Parents should educate teens about the importance of not sharing sensitive personal information online, as sharing data can allow online predators to identify and locate them.
• Recognizing Inappropriate Content: Make sure your teen knows what is inappropriate online. This includes spotting cyberbullying, avoiding sharing explicit material, and knowing how to report or block anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.

Bridging the Gap

Parents can monitor their teen’s activity using tools like TiSPY to keep up with teen slang and online lingo. They can also stay engaged with what’s trending, talk openly with their teen, and use resources to better understand their digital world.
By familiarizing yourself with the language and trends your teen uses, you can foster more open communication, strengthen your relationship, and help them feel understood and supported.