Have you ever found yourself chatting with colleagues then they casually mention that they stan somebody? We’ve all been there. Emerging millennial street slang is definitely a struggle to keep up with.
Context clues may not let you in on its meaning right away, which is why we made this guide on the top 20 millennial street slang and what they mean.
Countries Using Street Slang
Social media helped spread slang worldwide. In such an interconnected world, internet lingo knows no boundaries. Many Asians from countries like the Philippines and Korea use expressions such as “flexing” daily.
This is why it’s important to brush up on street slang. If you’re traveling or conversing with foreigners, the best way to blend in is to use local slang.
Street Slang in 2020 That Made It to Our Dictionaries
Whether you’re a boomer, a Gen Z, or a millennial, read on to slay your next conversation!
1. Periodt.
Internet-savvy millennials use periodt at the end of a statement to add emphasis to what they said. Much like how a period ends a sentence, “periodt” works to emphasize a preceding statement.
2. Snatched.
Pay attention, because this one is a double-edged sword. It can either be a compliment or an insult.
You can say that someone’s “snatched” because of their beautiful outfit A snatched face is a beautiful face, as a snatched outfit is a great outfit.
Snatched is also used in support of an insult. Say person A gets insulted by person B. As a bystander, you may say that person B snatched her.
3. No cap / cap.
“Cap” basically means “lie”. When one says “no cap” they mean to say that they’re telling the truth. To cap it so lie, so no cap is usually said after a strong statement.
4. Shade.
You can use this word to refer to a sneaky act. You can take it further and use it as a verb to “throw shade” at someone. Shade has been one of the most-used internet slang on the internet. Catfights and online feuds fueled its popularity.
5. Flex
To flex is to show off. Similar to how people flex their muscles, you can flex anything under the sun. If you want to brag about something you own, you can flex it on the internet.
6. Low key
This one’s pretty straightforward but its usage can be confusing. Lowkey means discreet or modest. You can use this term when admitting a secret, or expressing something that you’re not fully admitting to yet.
7. High key
On the other hand, high key is the polar opposite. It expresses a strong affirmation or sincere feeling for something. This can be used when conveying that you’re a fan of something, or that you powerfully feel a certain way. You high key like that thing.
8. Stan
Stan is either used as a noun or a verb. A stan is an overzealous (bordering on obsessive) fan. The word “stan” can trace its roots back to an Eminem song of the same name! The song talks about an obsessed fan named Stan who wrote fan letters to the artist Eminem.
As a verb, to stan is to be a fan of something or even someone.
9. Spill the tea.
Spilling the tea is gossiping. It’s rooted in black drag culture, and the iconic phrase is used when you want to ask for the insider info. If your friend has a juicy story to tell, you can ask her “what’s the tea?” or to “spill the tea” and tell you all the details!
10. Ghost
When you ghost someone, you stop having communication with them without warning. This is usually used in dating scenarios.
11. Mood
Remember how everyone used to say “same”? Now, it’s mood. Whenever someone says something that you agree with, you can say that it’s a mood.
12. Receipts
When someone asks you for receipts, please do not take out the one you got from the grocery. Receipts are screenshots or photos that serve as evidence. This is usually used when drama or fights happen, and receipts are used as documentary evidence.
13. Shook
Shook is an adjective that means you’re surprised or shocked. A big happening or revelation can leave you feeling shook.
14. Sus
Short for suspicious, sus can be used when somebody’s acting fishy, secretive, or even shady.
15. Extra
This one doesn’t deviate too far from its dictionary definition. When you act extra, you’re being over-the-top or over-exaggerating. However, use this term carefully as it has a negative connotation.
16. GOAT
GOAT stands for greatest of all time. This is commonly used in sports and is accompanied by the goat emoji to express admiration.
17. OTP
OTP means One True Pairing, which is used when you really like a ship. You can say that Hailey and Justin Bieber is your OTP.
18. Ship
Ship is short for relationship and is often used as a verb. When you ship two people, you like them as a couple.
19. Woke
Woke can be used sarcastically or as a compliment. Being woke means that you are aware of social issues and are sympathetic towards them.
20. Basic
Being basic means liking things that are mainstream. It is an insult geared towards people who tend to follow the herd when it comes to their interests.
How does street slang improve our language?
There’s no need to roll your eyes at the use of street slang. It keeps English fresh and interesting. Since it is borne out of a specific time, it is the best way to capture current life. Slang expressions become a vivid representation of the language and words used during a period.
Do you have any favorites that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
