11 Everyday SLANG terms you should know

These terms highlight the diversity and creativity in contemporary slang, enriching our everyday language with new and expressive ways to communicate.

1. LIT

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As a slang term, lit has a few related meanings, all of which convey excitement and excellence:

• Exciting or Fun: : Used to describe an event or situation that is full of energy and enjoyment. Example: “The concert last night was lit!”
• Excellent or Impressive: Used to praise something that is exceptionally good or impressive. Example: “Your outfit is lit!”
• Intoxicated: Sometimes used to describe someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Example: “He got so lit at the party.”

Overall, lit is a versatile term that generally conveys a positive and enthusiastic vibe.

Fun fact about LIT

The slang term lit is that its origins date back to the early 20th century. Initially, lit was used as a slang term for being intoxicated by alcohol. This usage can be found in literature and music from the early 1900s. Over time, especially in the 21st century, lit evolved to describe anything that is exciting, excellent, or impressive, especially in social settings like parties or events.

This evolution showcases the dynamic nature of language and how slang terms can shift in meaning and expand in usage over decades. Today, lit is widely used in pop culture, particularly in music and social media, where it often conveys high energy and positivity.

How to use LIT in a conversation

2. SALTY

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As a slang term, salty means feeling bitter, upset, or annoyed, typically over something minor or petty. It describes a person’s attitude when they are holding onto a grievance or showing irritation about something that happened.

Here are a few nuances to the meaning of salty:

• Bitter: Feeling resentful or holding a grudge. Example: “She’s still salty about losing the game.”
• Annoyed: Being easily irritated or annoyed by something small. Example: “Why are you so salty just because we didn’t go to your favourite restaurant?”
• Jealous: Sometimes implies jealousy or envy. Example: “He got salty when he saw his ex with someone new.”

Overall, salty conveys a sense of lingering negative emotion that might be disproportionate to the situation.

Fun fact about SALTY

A fascinating aspect of the slang term salty is its maritime origins. Originally, salty was a term used among sailors and seafarers to describe someone with extensive experience at sea, often indicating toughness, resilience, and a deep understanding of maritime life.

Over time, this term transitioned into broader usage to describe someone who is bitter, resentful, or irritable, perhaps drawing on the image of the sea’s saltiness as a metaphor for someone’s mood.

This transformation from a nautical term to a colloquial expression illustrates how language evolves and adapts, often drawing from diverse sources and contexts to convey new meanings and nuances.

3. THROW SHADE

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As a slang term, throw shade means to make a subtle, indirect, or clever remark that criticises, insults, or disrespects someone. It involves delivering a comment or gesture that conveys disapproval or contempt without being overtly aggressive or direct. The intent is to undermine or belittle someone in a way that is often witty and sly, making the criticism less obvious but still understood by those who catch the nuance.

• Subtle Criticism: The criticism or insult is not direct and can sometimes be veiled or sarcastic.
• Indirect: Instead of outright saying something negative, the person implies it.
• Witty or Clever: Often involves a level of cleverness or sarcasm, making it more about the art of the insult than the insult itself.

Fun fact about THROW SHADE

The slang term throw shade is that it originates from drag ball culture, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s. The term gained mainstream recognition largely thanks to the documentary “Paris Is Burning,” which explored the vibrant drag ball scene in New York City.

In this context, shade originally referred to the art of insult and was part of a larger tradition of verbal sparring known as reading. While reading was a more direct and often humorous form of insult, throwing shade involved a more subtle, sophisticated, and witty critique. This nuanced form of expression has since been adopted widely in popular culture, becoming a staple in reality TV, social media, and everyday conversation.

4. GHOST

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As a slang term, ghost means to suddenly cut off all communication with someone without any explanation. This often happens in the context of romantic relationships, but it can also occur in friendships or other social interactions. When someone ghosts another person, they stop responding to messages, calls, and other forms of contact, leaving the other person wondering what happened.

• Sudden Disappearance: The person cuts off all communication abruptly.
• No Explanation: There is no warning or reason given for the sudden silence.
• Common in Dating: Frequently used to describe the end of a romantic relationship where one person disappears without a word.

Fun fact about GHOST

A fascinating aspect of the slang term ghost is its emergence alongside the rise of digital communication and social media. With the advent of text messaging, email, and social networking platforms, the act of ghosting became more prevalent and accessible than ever before.

One fun fact is that the term ghosting first gained popularity in the context of online dating. With the proliferation of dating apps and websites, individuals found it easier to connect with potential partners but also easier to abruptly end communication without explanation. This behavior of disappearing without a trace, akin to a ghost vanishing into thin air, led to the term ghosting being coined to describe the phenomenon.

What’s intriguing is how ghosting has since transcended its origins in dating culture and has become a widely recognised term for abruptly cutting off communication in various social contexts. Its adoption into mainstream language reflects the profound impact of digital communication on modern interpersonal relationships.

5. BAE

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As a slang term, bae is an affectionate way to refer to a romantic partner, close friend, or someone significant in one’s life. It’s often used as a term of endearment and is derived from the acronym “before anyone else” or “before anything else“. Bae is commonly used in text messages, social media posts, and casual conversations to express love, affection, or admiration for someone special.

• Term of Endearment: Used to affectionately refer to a romantic partner or close friend.
• Origin: Derived from the acronym “before anyone else” or “before anything else.”
• Common Usage: Widely used in text messages, social media, and casual conversations.

Fun fact about BAE

The slang term bae is that, in addition to its widely recognised meaning as an acronym for “before anyone else,” it also coincidentally means “poop” in Danish. This amusing coincidence has led to some humorous exchanges and memes online, especially when Danish speakers encounter the term being used affectionately in English.

Despite this, bae has remained a popular term of endearment in English-speaking cultures, particularly on social media and among younger generations, highlighting the playful and evolving nature of slang.

6. WOKE

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As a slang term, woke means being aware of and attentive to social and political issues, particularly those related to social justice, inequality, and systemic discrimination. It originally emerged from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and was used to describe someone who is conscious of the realities of racial issues and injustices.

Social Awareness: Refers to being informed and conscious of social justice issues.

Political Consciousness: Often involves awareness of systemic inequalities and a commitment to addressing them.

Fun fact about WOKE

the slang term woke is that it gained significant mainstream attention and usage through the influence of popular culture, particularly music. One notable example is the song “Master Teacher” by Erykah Badu, released in 2008, which included the line “I stay woke.” This phrase resonated with listeners and became a rallying cry for awareness and activism within the African American community.

The term saw a resurgence and further popularisation during the Black Lives Matter movement, especially following the use of the hashtag #StayWoke on social media platforms to raise awareness about police brutality and racial injustice. As a result, woke evolved from a niche term within African American Vernacular English to a widely recognised expression of social consciousness.

7. LOWKEY

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As a slang term, lowkey means subtly, quietly, or in a restrained manner. It is often used to express something that is understated, not meant to draw much attention, or something that someone wants to keep relatively private or low-profile. Lowkey can also indicate that something is somewhat true or mildly felt, as opposed to being strong or overt.

• Subtle or Quiet: Doing something without attracting attention.
• Mild or Slight: Indicating a mild or restrained degree of something.
• Understated: Not openly displayed or talked about.

Fun fact about LOW-KEY

The slang term lowkey is that its popularity surged thanks to social media platforms and internet culture, where it became a favourite among millennials and Generation Z. The term lowkey actually has roots in the early hip-hop and rap communities of the 1990s and early 2000s. It was often used in lyrics to describe something done subtly or without much fanfare.

Over time, lowkey transitioned from music into everyday slang, where it found a new life in online conversations, tweets, and memes. Its versatility and the ability to express nuanced feelings and opinions made it a hit in the digital age. Now, it’s common to see lowkey being used in various contexts, from expressing secret admiration to describing a relaxed and understated event.

8. HIGHKEY

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As a slang term, highkey is the opposite of lowkey. It means openly, obviously, or very much. When someone uses highkey, they are expressing something in a very clear, emphatic, and unreserved manner. It’s often used to indicate that the speaker is not trying to hide their feelings, opinions, or intentions.

• Openly and Obviously: Something is done or felt very openly and clearly.
• Emphatic: Strongly expressing a feeling, opinion, or intention.
• Contrast to Lowkey: Opposite of being subtle or restrained.

Fun fact about HIGHKEY

The slang term highkey is that its rise in popularity is closely tied to internet culture and social media, much like its counterpart lowkey. However, highkey has a particularly strong presence on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, where users often express their thoughts and feelings in a direct and enthusiastic manner.

The term highkey is part of a broader trend where internet users adapt and evolve language to suit the expressive needs of online communication. It reflects the way social media encourages people to share their emotions and opinions more openly and emphatically. Additionally, the use of highkey often adds a playful or humorous tone to statements, making it a versatile tool for digital expression.

Overall, highkey exemplifies how slang evolves to fit the dynamic and expressive nature of online interactions, highlighting the creativity and adaptability of internet language.

9. EXTRA

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As a slang term, extra means someone who is over-the-top, excessive, or dramatic in their behaviour, actions, or style. When someone is described as extra, it suggests that they go beyond what is necessary or expected, often in a way that draws attention to themselves.

• Over-the-Top: Going beyond what is considered normal or necessary.
• Dramatic: Displaying exaggerated behavior or emotions.
• Attention-Seeking: Often involves actions or styles that are meant to draw attention.

Fun fact about EXTRA

The slang term extra is that it has been embraced by the entertainment industry, especially in reality TV and celebrity culture, where being extra is often celebrated rather than criticised. Reality TV stars and celebrities frequently engage in over-the-top behaviours and dramatic gestures that are considered extra, which has helped popularise the term.

Additionally, the word extra has been humorously immortalised in pop culture through various memes and viral videos. One famous example is the meme featuring Kermit the Frog sipping tea with the caption, “But that’s none of my business,” often followed by a description of someone’s extra behaviour. This has contributed to the term’s widespread use and understanding across different age groups and social contexts.

10. FLEX

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As a slang term, flex means to show off or boast about something, often in a way that highlights one’s wealth, status, accomplishments, or possessions. It can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context and the speaker’s intent. When someone is flexing, they are typically displaying something with pride, but it can also come across as bragging or being ostentatious.

• Show Off: Displaying something proudly or boastfully.
• Highlighting Wealth or Status: Often involves material possessions, achievements, or personal attributes.
• Context Matters: Can be seen as positive (confident) or negative (bragging).

Fun fact about FLEX

The term flex originally comes from the word flexing, which means to show off one’s muscles. This concept of showing off or displaying something impressive gradually expanded beyond just physical strength. In the world of hip-hop and rap, flex started being used to describe showing off wealth, status, or skills. Over time, it entered mainstream slang, where it now broadly refers to any kind of boast or display of pride in one’s possessions, achievements, or abilities. The evolution of flex from a literal to a figurative expression highlights the dynamic nature of slang and how it can spread across different communities and cultures.

11. GOAT

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In slang, GOAT is an acronym that stands for “Greatest Of All Time.” It is used to describe someone who is considered the best in their field or profession. The term is often used in sports, music, and other areas of popular culture to highlight exceptional talent and achievements.

• Sports: “Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball.”
• Music: “Many people consider Beyoncé the GOAT of pop music.”

The term GOAT is used to signify excellence and unparalleled skill, and it is usually reserved for individuals who have had a significant and lasting impact in their area of expertise.

Fun fact about GOAT

The term GOAT was popularized in the mainstream by the legendary rapper LL Cool J. In 2000, he released an album titled “G.O.A.T.” which stands for “Greatest Of All Time.” The album’s title helped cement the acronym in popular culture, and it has since been widely adopted to recognize individuals who excel in their fields. LL Cool J’s influence played a significant role in making “GOAT” a common term of praise and admiration in various domains, including sports, music, and entertainment.

Embrace the Slang

Incorporating slang into your everyday conversations can not only help you stay current with contemporary language trends but also make your interactions more engaging and relatable. The 11 everyday slang terms we’ve explored—from “GOAT” to “flex“—each carry unique cultural significance and add a modern twist to how we communicate. Whether you’re trying to impress your friends, connect with younger generations, or simply keep your language skills sharp, understanding and using these slang terms can enhance your linguistic versatility. Remember, language is always evolving, so keep an ear out for new terms and trends to stay in the loop. Happy chatting!

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