Language has been evolving from the beginning of time and with social media and the internet, language evolvement has switched gears, doubled speed and is moving so fast that it's often hard for older people to keep up with the new definitions and uses.
This article is here to help with expanding your knowledge of millennial phrases, slang and words. Something for older people to keep in mind is that it may come across as awkward if they start to incorporate all the millennial words at once.
Adulting
Definition (verb): a word that acknowledges the trials and tribulations adults have to go through, things like cooking dinners, going to work etc.
“Taking the kids to school, adulting.” (the kids here being their siblings)
Bae
Definition (noun): the one you love “before anyone else”, it replaces baby or babe
“My Bae is the only one I love!”
Bounce
Definition (verb): the act of going somewhere (a quick speed)
“Let's bounce before it gets too late!”
Bye Felicia
Definition (phrase): a phrase to end a conversation abruptly, it is used to dismiss them out of boredom, lack of interest, disagreement.
“You owe me a ride in your car,” “Bye Felicia”
Cancel
Definition (verb): remove someone from your life ( a very literal computer term )
“It's not worth going back to friends that backstab you. Cancel them.”
Clap back
Definition (verb): getting your own back, or backing yourself after a diss or injustice done to you.
“You better clap back because that was disrespect on another level.”
Dead
Definition (adj, verb): it can be used in the context of seeing something hilarious or so good that they have died from laughter. Or it can be used in the form of something having no life and being boring. Context is key in these situations.
“I’m dead, it's too good!”
Goals
Definition (adj): quite a literal meaning, it is the goal, the aim in life. It can be anything from marriage, a new car or good grades. It is often said after seeing said thing.
*after a happy family on TV* “Goals”
Lit
Definition (adj): a word to describe amazing, fun, grand situations
“Going to Morocco with my family was so LIT!”
On Fleek
Definition (adj): attractive, beautiful, in style.
"Your outfit is on fleek today!"
Receipts
Definition (noun): the word literally means evidence
“I need receipts!”
Salty
Definition (adj): someone that is grumpy, vexed, annoyed in a bad mood (often to do with remembering an incident)
“I think she’s still salty about that job rejection.”
Savage
Definition (adj): when someone criticises and carefully thought out words that can vex or get straight to the point.
“She was savage when she replied her brother yesterday”
Shook
Definition (adj): describes a feeling of surprise, shock.
"This Baklava is amazing! I'm literally shook!"
Sipping
Definition (verb): a word used to describe a person who is not involved in conflict or drama but watching from the sidelines.
“It was none of my business, I just sipped and enjoyed.”
Swerve
Definition (verb): to avoid someone (imagine swerving as you drive)
“I swerved as soon as I saw him.”
Tea
Definition (noun): truth, story, drama
“Spill the tea,”
Trigger(ed)
Definition (verb): a word used when remembering a traumatic experience or feeling anger, anxiety.
“Your disrespectful attitude triggers me!”
Woke
Definition (verb/adj): A word to describe the state of being aware of society issues, it can also be used to describe being awake and filled with determination to change situations.
“She’s so Woke!”
So there you have it, a low down of the main words needed to fit in with the millennials. I’d suggest you learn them soon because it won't be long until you’ll find these words have become outdated. Go forth and good luck!
