Millennials Slang

Millennials slang can be difficult to understand, particularly if you do not yourself belong to this generation. Below we have gathered a list of some of the most popular Millennials slang, along with translations and example sentences, so that you can enter your next Millennials conversation with confidence.

1. Adulting

Translation: Doing grown-up tasks

Origin: Originated on Twitter in 2008, used humorously to describe mundane adult responsibilities.

Example: I spent the whole weekend adulting—paying bills, grocery shopping, and cleaning. So not lit!

2. Bae

Translation: Significant other

Origin: Shortened form of 'babe' or 'baby', or an acronym for 'before anyone else'.

Example: Just had the best date night with my bae. We're so on fleek!

3. Basic

Translation: Unoriginal or mainstream

Origin: Used to describe someone who is only interested in mainstream, popular things.

Example: Pumpkin spice lattes are so basic, but I still love them!

4. Bye, Felicia

Translation: Dismissive goodbye

Origin: From the 1995 movie 'Friday', used to dismiss someone.

Example: She kept complaining, so I was like, 'Bye, Felicia!'

5. Chill

Translation: Take it easy

Origin: The word chill originates from the 14th century, but the modern informal sense of "chill" emerged much later. This usage gained popularity in American English during the late 20th century, particularly with the phrase "chill out," which became common in the 1970s and 1980s.

Example: I just posted a pic of my avocado toast on Instagram—time to chill with a pumpkin spice latte and binge-watch Netflix.

6. Clout

Translation: Influence

Origin: From hip-hop culture, referring to social influence or fame.

Example: She's just posting for clout, smh.

7. Doggo

Translation: Dog

Origin: Internet slang mimicking how dogs might speak if they could.

Example: Look at that smol doggo! Such a floof!

8. Extra

Translation: Over-the-top

Origin: Used to describe someone who is being overly dramatic or excessive.

Example: She threw a party for her cat's birthday. So extra!

9. FOMO

Translation: Fear of missing out

Origin: Acronym for the anxiety that an exciting event may be happening elsewhere.

Example: I have major FOMO seeing everyone's vacation pics on Instagram.

10. Ghosting

Translation: Suddenly ignoring someone

Origin: Became popular with the rise of online dating, describing someone who cuts off all communication.

Example: He totally ghosted me after our third date. Not cool.

11. Humblebrag

Translation: Self-promotion disguised as humility

Origin: Coined by comedian Harris Wittels, popularized on social media.

Example: Just got promoted at work, but now I have so much more responsibility. #humblebrag

12. Lit

Translation: Exciting or fun

Origin: Originally meant 'intoxicated', now used to describe something amazing.

Example: That concert was so lit! Best night ever.

13. On fleek

Translation: Perfectly executed

Origin: Popularized by a Vine video in 2014, describing flawless eyebrows.

Example: Her makeup is always on fleek. Goals!

14. Salty

Translation: Bitter or upset

Origin: Used to describe someone who is agitated or resentful.

Example: He's still salty about losing the game last night.

15. Savage

Translation: Bold or ruthless

Origin: Describes someone who is unapologetically blunt or fierce.

Example: She clapped back at the haters with a savage tweet.

16. Slay

Translation: To excel or dominate

Origin: Originally used in drag culture, now mainstream to describe doing something exceptionally well.

Example: You slayed that presentation! So proud of you.

17. Smol

Translation: Small and cute

Origin: A cutesy way to say 'small', often used to describe adorable things.

Example: Look at that smol kitten! My heart can't handle it.

18. Squad

Translation: Group of friends

Origin: Popularized by Taylor Swift and social media, referring to a close-knit group.

Example: Can't wait for the weekend with my squad. It's gonna be epic!

19. Sus

Translation: Suspicious, shady

Origin: Popularized by the game Among Us.

Example: "Why's he acting so sus lately?" "IDK, maybe he's hiding something."

20. Throw shade

Translation: Subtly insult

Origin: Originated in drag culture, now used to describe making a sly or underhanded remark.

Example: She threw shade at her ex during the interview. Savage!

21. Turnt

Translation: Excited or energetic

Origin: Derived from 'turned up', used to describe being hyped or having a good time.

Example: We're getting turnt at the party tonight!

22. Woke

Translation: Socially aware

Origin: Originally from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), now used to describe awareness of social issues.

Example: Staying woke means being aware of social injustices and fighting against them.

23. Yass

Translation: Enthusiastic yes

Origin: Popularized by the LGBTQ+ community, especially in drag culture.

Example: Yass queen! You nailed that performance!