If you’ve ever heard your kid say something like “That’s so mid” or “He’s got rizz” and had no idea what it meant, you’re not alone. Today’s pop culture moves fast, and kids are fluent in a whole language built from TikToks, memes, video games, and viral moments. For parents, it can feel like trying to decode a secret code—or let’s be honest, Googling it later when no one’s looking. But knowing what these phrases mean can actually help you stay connected and maybe even earn a few cool points.
“No Cap”
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This phrase means “no lie” or “I’m serious.” It originates from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and was popularized by hip-hop culture. Rappers like Future and Young Thug helped bring it into mainstream use. It contrasts with “cap,” which means a lie, so saying “no cap” emphasizes truthfulness. The term spread widely thanks to TikTok and YouTube, where influencers and gamers frequently use it. Parents might hear their kids saying, “That movie was amazing, no cap,” meaning they’re not exaggerating.
“Rizz”
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Short for “charisma,” this term refers to someone’s ability to attract and charm others. It became popular through Twitch streamers like Kai Cenat and quickly spread on social media. Kids use it to describe someone with smooth flirting skills or natural confidence. “Unspoken rizz” means someone can charm others without even trying. The term comes from shortening the word “charisma.” If a teen says, “He’s got mad rizz,” they mean he’s great at talking to people.
“Sus”
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Short for “suspicious” or “suspect,” this term became widely known from the game Among Us. In the game, players call someone “sus” if they think they’re the imposter. It quickly spread across social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. Now, kids use “sus” to describe anything that seems shady or untrustworthy. For example, if a deal sounds too good to be true, they might say, “That’s sus.” The word is often used jokingly among friends to tease someone acting strangely. Despite its gaming origins, “sus” is now a staple in everyday conversations.
“Bet”
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Instead of saying “okay” or “alright,” kids often say “bet.” It originated in Black slang and became popular in hip-hop circles. It’s used to confirm something or agree to a challenge. If a kid says, “Bet, I’ll be there,” they mean “Sure, I’ll come.” It can also express excitement, like “Bet! That’s awesome!” The term spread widely through social media and gaming communities. Parents might hear their kids using it as a quick response in everyday conversations.
“Skibidi Toilet”
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This bizarre meme series features animated heads emerging from toilets, engaging in battles. It started as a YouTube series by a content creator in 2023 and quickly gained a cult following. The humor is absurd, featuring robotic toilets fighting human characters in dystopian scenarios. Kids love it for its randomness and catchy electronic music. The meme became especially popular on TikTok, where users reenact its movements and sounds. While it may seem strange to parents, it’s just another example of internet meme culture evolving in unexpected ways.
“Yeet”
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A word used to express excitement or to describe throwing something with force. It originated from Vine videos in the early 2010s and became popular in meme culture. Kids might yell “Yeet!” when tossing an object dramatically. It’s often used humorously, like “He yeeted his phone across the room.” The term can also express approval, similar to “let’s go!” It has remained popular due to its versatility in jokes and videos. Parents might hear it in gaming streams or casual conversations.
“Slay”
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Originally from LGBTQ+ and drag culture, “slay” means to perform exceptionally well. It became popular on social media, especially among younger users. If someone says, “She slayed that outfit,” they mean she looked amazing. The term is often used to hype someone up or show admiration. It can apply to fashion, performances, or even everyday accomplishments. Kids might say, “Slay, queen!” as a form of encouragement. Over time, it has evolved into a general term for excellence and confidence.
“Bruh”
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A casual way to say “bro” or express disbelief, often used in reaction to something surprising. It became popular through memes and YouTube reaction videos. The word is commonly used to show frustration or disappointment, like “Bruh, are you serious?” It can also be used humorously to react to something absurd. Sometimes, it’s stretched out for emphasis, like “Bruhhhh.” The term is versatile and fits many casual conversations. Parents may hear it frequently in gaming or texting.
“Mid”
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A term used to describe something as mediocre or average. It became popular in sports debates and hip-hop discussions before spreading to general pop culture. If someone says, “That movie was mid,” they mean it wasn’t particularly good or bad. The term is often used dismissively to downplay something that others might hype up. It gained popularity on TikTok and Twitter, where users debate whether certain music, movies, or games are “mid” or exceptional. Some people use it jokingly to downplay even great things. Overall, calling something “mid” implies that it’s underwhelming and doesn’t live up to expectations.
“GOAT”
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An acronym for “Greatest of All Time,” often used in sports and music discussions. It became mainstream thanks to rapper LL Cool J, who used it in the early 2000s. Kids use it to praise someone’s exceptional skills or achievements. For example, “LeBron is the GOAT” means he’s considered the best basketball player of all time. The term is also widely used in gaming and pop culture debates. It emphasizes someone’s legendary status in their field. Whether discussing athletes, musicians, or influencers, calling someone the “GOAT” is the highest compliment.
“It’s Giving”
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A phrase used to describe the vibe or impression something gives off. It originated in Black LGBTQ+ culture and became mainstream on TikTok. People use it to express a strong feeling about something, like an outfit or a situation. For example, “It’s giving summer vibes” means something feels summery. It can also be used sarcastically, like “It’s giving broke” to mock something cheap. The phrase is often paired with exaggeration for humor. Its flexibility makes it a favorite in online conversations.
“Vibe Check”
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A “vibe check” is a way to assess the mood of a person or situation. It started as internet slang but quickly became a common phrase among teens. Someone might ask, “Vibe check?” to see if their friends are feeling good. The phrase is often used jokingly, especially when someone’s energy is off. Memes featuring “failed vibe checks” became popular on Twitter and TikTok. Parents might hear their kids using it to gauge the atmosphere of a room or a group hangout.
“On God”
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This phrase is used to emphasize sincerity and truthfulness. It’s similar to saying, “I swear” or “I promise.” If a kid says, “That was the best food ever, on God,” they mean they’re not exaggerating. The term has roots in hip-hop and internet culture, where it’s often used to reinforce a statement. It’s commonly seen in tweets, TikTok comments, and conversations among teens. Some use it casually, while others use it seriously to stress honesty. Parents might hear their kids say it when they’re trying to prove a point or emphasize a strong opinion.
“Gyatt”
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“Gyatt” is a slang term used to express excitement or admiration, especially toward someone’s appearance. It was popularized by streamer YourRage and quickly spread across social media platforms like Twitch and TikTok. Originally, it was used as an exaggerated reaction to seeing an attractive person. Over time, the term became a meme, often used in a playful or ironic manner. Kids might yell “Gyatt!” when reacting to something impressive or surprising. Though it may sound random to parents, it’s simply a way for kids to hype up a moment. The term continues to evolve, being adapted into different internet jokes and trends.
“Dank”
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Originally, “dank” was used to describe high-quality marijuana with a strong smell. Over time, the term evolved to mean something cool, funny, or impressive. It became widely used in meme culture to refer to edgy or highly amusing jokes. If someone says, “That meme is dank,” they mean it’s exceptionally funny or clever. The term is often associated with internet humor that is absurd or ironic. It gained popularity on Reddit and other online forums before spreading to mainstream social media. Today, kids use it casually to describe anything they find hilarious or impressive.
“Core”
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This suffix is added to words to describe specific aesthetics or subcultures. It originated from the term “hardcore” in music genres but has since expanded into fashion, lifestyle, and internet culture. For example, “cottagecore” refers to an aesthetic centered around rural, cozy living, while “goblincore” embraces a love for nature and odd trinkets. The trend became mainstream through TikTok, where users categorize styles using “-core.” People use it to define everything from personal style to niche internet interests. New variations continue to emerge, making it a flexible and evolving term. If a teen says, “That outfit is very Y2K-core,” they mean it embodies early 2000s fashion.
“Based”
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This term is used to describe someone who is confident in their opinions and doesn’t conform to popular views. It originally came from hip-hop, with rapper Lil B popularizing the term “Based God.” Over time, it evolved into internet slang meaning someone is unapologetically themselves. If a person makes a bold statement and refuses to back down, they might be called “based.” It can be used as a compliment, like “That take is so based,” meaning it’s refreshing and fearless. However, it can also be used sarcastically to mock extreme opinions. The word is commonly seen in memes and social media debates.
“Bussin'”
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This term is used to describe something, usually food, that is exceptionally good. If a kid takes a bite of a delicious meal and says, “This is bussin’,” they mean it tastes amazing. The word gained popularity on TikTok and social media, where users often exaggerate their reactions to food. It originally comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has been around for years before becoming mainstream. While it’s mostly used for food, some people also use it to describe other enjoyable experiences. Parents might hear their kids saying, “This burger is bussin’, no cap,” meaning it’s incredibly tasty and they’re not exaggerating. The phrase is often used playfully or humorously in online culture.
“Touch Grass”
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This phrase is used to tell someone to go outside and take a break from excessive screen time. It originated from gaming and internet culture, where people spend long hours online. If someone is acting overly invested in an internet argument, others might say, “Go touch grass.” It suggests that the person needs fresh air and real-world experiences. The phrase became popular on Twitter and TikTok as a way to mock people who seem out of touch with reality. While often used humorously, it can also serve as a genuine reminder to step away from digital spaces. Parents might hear kids using it when jokingly telling friends to take a break from their screens.
“Moots”
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Short for “mutuals,” this term refers to online friends who follow each other on social media. It’s commonly used on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, where users interact with like-minded people. If someone says, “I love my moots,” they’re talking about their internet friends. Many users form strong connections with their moots, even if they’ve never met in real life. The term highlights the importance of online communities for today’s youth. Being moots often means regularly liking, commenting, and sharing each other’s posts. It’s a way of building a digital support system and feeling connected.
“Sigma”
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The term “Sigma male” originates from internet culture and is used to describe a lone-wolf, highly independent man who doesn’t conform to societal expectations. It contrasts with the traditional “Alpha male” stereotype, suggesting that success doesn’t require dominance over others. The concept became popular through YouTube and TikTok, often featuring figures like John Wick as examples. Kids use “Sigma” humorously to describe someone acting independent or indifferent to social norms. It has also been exaggerated into memes, portraying extreme self-reliance in ridiculous situations. While some take it seriously, most use it as a joke. Parents might hear their kids saying, “That’s such a Sigma move” when someone does something confidently alone.
“Press F to Pay Respects”
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This meme originates from the 2014 video game Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. In a cutscene, players are prompted to press the “F” key (on PC) to pay respects at a fallen soldier’s funeral. The moment felt unintentionally awkward, leading to widespread internet mockery. Over time, “Press F” became a way to acknowledge unfortunate events online in a humorous or sarcastic way. For example, if someone shares bad news, a friend might comment “F” to express sympathy in a lighthearted manner. The phrase remains popular on social media, gaming forums, and meme culture.
“Pog”
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Short for “PogChamp,” this term originates from the gaming community, particularly on Twitch. It was originally an emote used to express excitement or hype. The phrase comes from a 2010 video featuring a gamer reacting enthusiastically to a winning moment. “Pog” is often used in chat during livestreams when something impressive happens. Kids might say, “That was so pog!” to mean something is cool or exciting. While the original emote was removed due to controversy, the term remains popular in gaming culture.
“Sheesh”
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“Sheesh” is an exaggerated way to express excitement, amazement, or disbelief. It became popular through TikTok and sports culture, where people use it to hype up impressive moments. The phrase is often drawn out—”Sheeeeeesh!”—for dramatic effect. Kids might say it when reacting to something cool, like a new pair of shoes or a high test score. The trend was reinforced by viral videos where people pointed to their veins while saying it, mimicking basketball players celebrating. Though it’s been around for a while, it remains a common slang expression among younger generations.
“NPC”
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Short for “Non-Playable Character,” this term originally comes from video games. It describes characters in a game that follow scripted actions and don’t think for themselves. Kids now use it to describe people who behave in predictable, robotic, or unoriginal ways. The term gained popularity through memes and TikTok videos mocking awkward social interactions. If someone says, “He’s such an NPC,” they mean the person lacks individuality or just follows the crowd. It can be used humorously or as an insult, depending on the context. Parents might hear their kids joking about background characters in real life being “NPCs.”