Each generation has its own.Jargon— very informal language or specific words used by a specific group of people. You will typically hear slang spoken more often than written, although emails and text messages often contain a lot of slang. Slang sometimes gets a bad rap for being inappropriate or wrong, but in addition to being very creative, it shows that the English language is constantly evolving over time.
Examples of modern slang
Jargon is always changing, so it's good to understand the basics. But a list of modern slang (courtesy of Millennials andGeneration Z) can help you get started.
DARLING
DARLINGes a term of endearment meaning "above all others". It is commonly used between romantic partners, but it can also be used between close friends.
Example: honey, You are the best.
To perceive
basic
if someone isbasic, you describe them with contempt by a conformist (respnormal) or something so mundane as to be boring.
Example:People Who Only Drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes Are Like Thisbasic.
goodbye felicia
Saying "Bye, Felicia" is a quick way to tell someone to go away. It's from the 1995 movie.Freitag.
Example:I know you're just copying my style.goodbye felicia.
To die
Sometimes something is so funny it makes you burst out laughing. Not literally, of course, and the jargonTo dieIt's not literal either. it just means it's youhahahaquite.
Example:OMG this standup is hilarious! amTo die.
Epos
if something wasEpos, It went really well.
Example:This skateboard trick wasEpos!
Extra
if someoneextra, it means they are overly dramatic. You can dress up a littleextraor act a littleextra, but either way, they are a bit much.
Example:my friend is like thisextrawho bought me flowers and stuffed animals and candy and cards and jewelry, and it wasn't even a holiday.
To perceive
Feroz
the termferozmeans a strong and independent person. It can also refer to someone who dresses boldly and elegantly.
Example:I love Beyonce. she is soferoz!
GOAT
Call someonea goatIt's not a compliment but when you call herthe goat, they say they are "the best of all time". It's the perfect term for famous athletes and musicians, or just when you want to look your best.the best friendsfeel comfortable.
Example:With over 240 wins and 15 Pro Bowls, Tom Brady is truly the bestGOAT.
Illuminated
if there is somethingilluminated, is impressive or very beautiful. If something is really lit, it isdirect fire– impeccable, amazing.
Example:The party was yesterdayilluminated.
discreet
When someone or something isdiscreet, that means it's done under the radar or they don't want anyone to know about it. the opposite ishigh key: no secret, frankly.
Example:EUdiscreetI love Imagine Dragons, but don't tell anyone!
To perceive
Clock
Every generation has a way of saying cool, but the modern way of saying it isClock(orin flight). It can be applied to a great dance move, a dramatic outfit, or even perfectly manicured eyebrows.
Example:His accessories areClock. She looks fine.
file
Afilesomeone means you are blaming them for their bad behavior. you can also seefilein the phrase "leave on read": Seeing someone's text message but not replying to it.
Example:StefanfileAmy for a mess at dinner last night.
Salat
if you feelSalat, you are angry or bitter about something. the ones that are specialSalatYou can hold a grudge for a long time.
Example:Why are you like thatSalat? I said I would share if I won the lottery.
Wild
AwildThe person is not afraid of hurting others' feelings with his insults. Also known asRoast beef, this attitude can be both funny and argumentative, depending on the context.
Example:Jimmy Kimmel's monologue about the president waswild.
To perceive
barco
Sense: Short for "romantic relationship".barcois usually used as a verb meaning "to support two people in a relationship". You'll find him in intense fandoms as well as excited friends hanging out with their friends.
Example:nomouthsMike and Bella, but they say they're just good friends.
pour the tea
the termpour the tearefers to telling someone the juiciest or most dramatic gossip. You can alsodrink the tea“Enjoy the gossip without telling anyone you know.
Example:What's up with Wendy and Aaron?pour the tea!
Thirsty
if someonethirsty, means that they are overly anxious or even desperate, often related to lust. FORDurstfalleHe is a very attractive person who likes to attract attention with his appearance, especially on social media.
Example:Nellie is brunettethirstywho has profiles on ten different dating apps.
To perceive
drop shadow
Adrop shadowmeans to insult someone or say something bad about someone. It's a way ofreadinga person, but it might not be as accurate (or useful).
Example:Pablocast a serious shadowwhen he called Byron an ugly kiss.
Examples of outdated slang
Some slang words that were once popular are not so common anymore. Depending on the decade, these phrases appeared quite frequently in writing and conversation.
cat pajamas
That's itcolloquialism of the 1920sFlappers used to use this term to indicate that something was exciting, new or great. Although it doesn't make a lot of sense, it uses vivid imagery.
Example:This new phonograph is thecat pajamas.
blow your wig
When people in1930I was often excitedblow your wig. This term can be literal or figurative depending on the condition of the wig.
Example:NOblow your wig— It is easy to remove ketchup stains from fabric.
Killer-Diller
Ecat pajamasnot your speed, maybe you prefer that1940's slangExpressionmurderer Diller. It means that something is as good as it can be and no improvement is needed.
Example:These dance steps aremurderer Diller!
square
Lame, bored, killjoy: all feelings summed up perfectlyTerm of the 1950s square. Even if you can't be the big man on campus, you definitely don't want to be calledsquare.
Example:Do not besquare, Man! Come to the party tonight.
fabulous
if something wasfabulousinside1960, it was very good and also not a big problem. Pleasant and mellow, without drama, much like the feel of the flower power of the decade itself.
Example:to feelfabulousafter a date with such a beautiful girl.
sit on it
Want to tell someone to shut up without telling them to shut up? try those70's slangPhrasesit on it, popularized byHappy Days'Fonzie (although it is set in the 1950s).
Example:Do you want me to give you another ride?sit on it!
I don't have a cow
Often used to calm someone downI don't have a cowIt was popularized by the TV showThe SimpsonsEm80's slang. While you can still hear Bart say this over and over again, it's not often heard in conversation anymore.
Example: I don't have a cow, Breasts! I didn't eat all the ice cream.
speak with your hand
very cool forsit on it? Tell someone to "talk to the hand" -90's slangto "stop talking to me, I'm done with you."
Example: talk to the hand, because the guy doesn't want to listen anymore.
Jargon is constantly evolving
As each generation grows up, it adds new creative jargon to the culture. But sometimes slang is a reused word with a new meaning. For example,taken can mean "broken" or "ugly",sickcan mean "sick" or "too cool", andhipsIt can mean "in fashion" or "in fashion, not in fashion".
Although the word continues to be used, misunderstandings can arise between older and younger speakers. That's why it's a good idea to understand the latest lingo, whether you're from the younger generation or not.