In a world where social media and meme culture dictate our way of life, it has become essential to catch up to popular slangs of the time. Even though these words have been in our dictionaries for a long time, with social media they have gained new meanings and a whole new level of importance. So, whether you simply want to catch up with your 17-year-old or need a quick refresher, here is your go to list for the top 19 slangs of 2019.
Bounce
To “bounce” is used when one wants to leave a place or a situation to do something else, mostly something better.
Source: Urban Dictionary
Example: I have to bounce, have a party to go to.
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Breadcrumbing
The expression “Breadcrumbing” or “Hansel and Gretelling” is used when someone gives another just enough attention to keep them interested in the relationship, without actually putting much effort. You lead someone on by sending out flirtatious messages, known as “breadcrumbs”, simply for your own personal gain, such as an ego boost and luring in a stand by sexual partner. Source: Urban Dictionary
Example: I can’t believe he texted me again after ditching me the last time
Girl, he is breadcrumbing you.
Deadass
“Deadass” is slang for seriously. It simply means that you are serious about whatever it is that you are saying. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: I’m deadass telling the truth.
G.O.A.T
“G.O.A.T” is an acronym used to indicate those who are seen as “The Greatest of All Time” in their field. The slang is used for exceptional athletes, public figures, and musicians. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: Muhammad Ali is the G.O.A.T
Ghosting
“Ghosting” is when one cuts off all kinds of communication with a friend or someone they are dating without any actual warning. When someone ignores your text, phone calls, email, or any other kind of message on social media but at the same time is active in “less direct forms” such as liking a photo or commenting or updating their status they are ghosting you.
Source: Urban Dictionary
Example:
I sent her a text about meeting up over two weeks ago and there is still no reply, even though I see her meeting everyone else.
Bro, she’s ghosting you.
Hangry
The word “hangry” is used to describe when one is extremely hungry and as a result, becomes both angry and frustrated.
Source: Urban Dictionary
Example:
Why are people so dumb, irritating, slow? I mean how long does it take to get a double cheeseburger with extra fries?
He’s not slow, you are just hangry.
Lit
The phrase “Lit” was first used as a means to describe a state of mild intoxication, but today it is also used to describe something that is really exciting, good, fun, or even intense. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: This party is going to be lit.
“No cap”
This expression is slang for “No lie” or “for real”. According to dictionary.com, one uses “no cap” to emphasize when they are not exaggerating over something that is hard to believe.
Example: No cap he ate the entire 18-inch pizza himself.
OG
“OG” short for Original Gangster is a term that is used for someone who is very “exceptional, authentic, or old-school”. It has its origins in gang language and hip-hop. Its variations such as “real OG and triple OG” have come to indicate someone that has “made it out of the hood and become a success”, but at the same time is still connected to their roots. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: Bro, Kanye West is so cool!
Oh please, Eminem is the OG
Snatched
“Snatched” is slang for when someone in terms of their physical appearance or outfit looks ‘fierce’ or ‘on point’. The phase “snatched” comes from black drag culture, where performers wear weaves, which is artificial hair. It is usually said, “if something is absolutely amazing, it might just snatch your weave off”. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: That outfit is snatched.
Sliding into DMs
To “slide into DMs” is slang for sending someone a private message on social media such as Instagram, Facebook, or twitter with smooth confidence or “suave” most commonly for the purpose of initiating a romantic relationship.
Source: Dictionary.com
Example: All these creeps don’t stop sliding into my DMs.
Stan
As described in the Urban Dictionary, “Stan” is used to describe a very obsessed fan that goes to great lengths, above and beyond an average fan to obsess over and show their loyalty to a celebrity. The term became popular after Eminem’s song Stan was released and today it is usually used in a more hyperbolic manner, implying that one gives an individual their undivided loyalty and support.
Example: I am a Kanye West stan
Tea
“Tea” is slang for gossip that is usually shared between friends. One “spills the tea” over someone one knows, or celebrities and Internet scandals. Source: Urban Dictionary
Example: Give me all the tea from your date last night.
This ain’t it chief
“This ain’t it, chief” is a phrase that is used to describe a statement that is absolutely wrong, perhaps even idiotic. While ‘This ain’t it’ voices disagreement, ‘chief’ is used to address someone in a condescending way. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: Old milk is actually not that bad…
This ain’t it, chief.
Vibe Check
The phrase “vibe check” has multiple definitions. According to Urban Dictionary, a vibe check is a “spontaneous and usually random time where someone checks your vibe”; they read your mood or aura. Or, it can be when you punch or ‘smack’ someone who says something unnecessary when you are ‘on a vibe’.
Example: Vibe check on that dog casually ignoring everyone.
Low key and High Key
“Lowkey” is used to describe something subtle, not very assertive and modest. “Highkey” is the opposite of “lowkey” – It is more definitive, straight up and visible. If lowkey is something more casual and secretive, Highkey is intense, more noticeable and out in the open. Source: Dictionary.com
Example: I am lowkey jealous of him.
Weird flex but OK
“Weird flex but OK” slang is a snarky, mocking response to when someone brags about something that is bizarre or questionable. As “flex” is slang for showing off, the phrase is used to mock something that even though presented as positive, or something extravagant is actually perceived as a negative or strange. Source: Dictionary.com
For example: Spent $1000 at the hotel minibar? Weird flex but OK.
Woke
Woke, also commonly used as ‘stay woke’ is to keep informed of the real world and your surroundings, especially in times of conflict. According to dictionary.com, ‘Woke’ means being conscious of racial discrimination and other forms of injustices in society.
Example: Climate change is real, so stay woke everyone.
Yeet!
The expression “Yeet!” is used to describe excitement, approval, surprise, or a whole lot of energy when doing a dance move or throwing something. “Yeet!” can be seen in a similar light as “Hell Yes!” as both resonate excitement and fun.
Source: Howtogeek.com
Example: My professor, to wake me up in the class, yeeted his chalk right on me.
(With Inputs from Vrinda Batra)