These 8 Slang Terms Will Confuse and Impress Everyone
Language is a living thing—it shifts, evolves, and occasionally, straight-up makes you feel old. If you’ve ever overheard teenagers talking and thought, “Are they speaking English?”, you’re not alone. This slang is their way of connecting with their peers. Let’s go through some modern slang terms you’ll want to know, whether you’re trying to keep up or just not look clueless.
Pull
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When someone says, “He’s got pull,” they’re not talking about physical strength (though that helps in a gym). Pull means having enough charm or swagger to attract someone romantically, usually someone above your league. It’s essentially like telling someone they’ve got game, but with a little extra pizzazz.
Gas Up
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Gassing someone up is about boosting their confidence with genuine or exaggerated praise. Unlike shallow flattery, this phrase often carries a sense of camaraderie or encouragement. It might be as simple as telling a friend they’re about to ace a presentation or hyping up their new haircut.
IGL
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“IGL” stands for “In Game Life,” the online world’s response to IRL (In Real Life). It’s used to describe everything that happens in a virtual universe. For instance, “In my IGL, I’m a billionaire wizard. IRL? I forgot to pay my Wi-Fi bill.” It’s a neat way to separate the epic life you live in a game from, you know, reality.
Delulu
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“Delulu” is a fun, tongue-in-cheek take on the word “delusional.” It’s often used to poke lighthearted fun at someone with wildly unrealistic expectations, like believing their favorite celebrity might notice their comment on Instagram. It’s cheeky, but it rarely comes across as mean.
Curve
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When someone gets “curved,” it’s not a harsh rejection—it’s more like being politely redirected. If someone changes the topic after a romantic hint or brushes off a text with vague enthusiasm, they’ve curved the situation. It’s subtle and often leaves the other person wondering if they’ve been turned down at all.
Lit
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“Lit” has been around for a while, and it’s come a long way from describing lightbulbs. It’s now the go-to word for anything thrilling or exceptional. That concert? Lit. Your friend’s house party? Super lit. That time you nailed a perfect parking job on the first try? Okay, maybe not lit, but it sure felt like it.
G.O.A.T.
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Standing for “Greatest of All Time,” G.O.A.T. isn’t a term to throw around lightly. This is for legends—people, things, or achievements that set the gold standard. LeBron James? G.O.A.T. Your grandma’s secret cookie recipe? Absolutely G.O.A.T. If someone’s called the G.O.A.T., they’ve achieved a level of excellence that’s hard to beat.
Bae
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Bae means “before anyone else,” but it’s really just a shorter way of saying “babe.” It’s used to describe someone you adore, whether that’s your partner, best friend, or even your pet. Fun fact: it sounds cute, but say it enough, and you’ll hear at least one person ask, “Isn’t that the Danish word for poop?”
Gucci
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When someone says, “It’s all Gucci,” they don’t mean they’re decked out in designer gear (though, flex if you are). Gucci is slang for “everything’s good” or “we’re fine.” It’s a breezy, optimistic way to let people know there’s no drama—just chill vibes and good times.
Sip Tea
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To “sip tea” is to sit back and observe, usually while some drama unfolds. It’s like someone quietly enjoying their drink while watching a heated discussion—unbothered, but clearly tuned in. It’s a phrase that perfectly captures those moments when you’re happy to stay out of the fray but can’t help but take it all in.
Juul/Juuling
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This term, derived from the popular e-cigarette brand, highlights how certain products shape culture. “Juuling” refers specifically to vaping, particularly with a Juul device, but it’s become synonymous with the broader trend. Whether you’re in favor of it or not, the term is firmly embedded in modern slang.
Swole
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If you’ve spent any time in a gym, you’ve probably heard “swole.” It’s used to describe someone whose muscles are, well, hard to miss. It’s not just a physical descriptor—it also acknowledges the effort and discipline that went behind maintaining that level of fitness.
Beige Flag
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A beige flag is a harmless quirk that might make you go, “Huh?” It’s not a red flag (run!) or a green flag (go for it!), just something odd but endearing. For instance: “He collects spoons from every restaurant he visits.” Strange? Sure. But enough to call it off? Nah.
Throw Shade
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Throwing shade involves delivering a subtle insult or critique, often laced with wit. It’s not about being confrontational but about making your point with finesse. This term has roots in drag culture and has since become a go-to word in everyday conversations.
Swerve
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To swerve is to avoid something—whether that’s a person, an awkward conversation, or even a pothole. It’s about dodging what you don’t want with style. The term is casual and often used humorously in conversations.