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. Binge-watch
Translation: Watch multiple episodes in succession
Origin: Popularized by Netflix and streaming culture.
Example: I binge-watched the entire series over the weekend.
5. Bruh
Translation: Bro or expression of disbelief
Origin: Internet slang, variation of "bro."
Example: Bruh, I can't believe you did that.
6. 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!'
7. CEO of
Translation: The best at something
Origin: Social media slang for being exceptional.
Example: She's the CEO of being late.
8. 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.
9. Clout
Translation: Influence
Origin: From hip-hop culture, referring to social influence or fame.
Example: She's just posting for clout, smh.
10. Cool cat
Translation: A stylish or hip person
Origin: Borrowed from earlier generations, revived by Millennials.
Example: He's such a cool cat.
11. Cowabunga
Translation: Expression of excitement
Origin: Popularized in the 1990s, still used by Millennials.
Example: Cowabunga! Let's hit the beach!
12. Cray
Translation: Crazy
Origin: Short for "crazy," popularized by Kanye West song.
Example: That party was cray!
13. Dead
Translation: Finding something hilarious
Origin: Social media slang for laughing hard.
Example: I'm dead, that meme is too funny!
14. Doggo
Translation: Dog
Origin: Internet slang mimicking how dogs might speak if they could.
Example: Look at that smol doggo! Such a floof!
15. Epic Fail
Translation: Major failure
Origin: Internet meme culture from the 2000s.
Example: Trying to jump that fence was an epic fail.
16. 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!
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Goals
Translation: Aspirational or ideal
Origin: Social media slang for something to aspire to.
Example: Relationship goals! They're so cute together.
20. Guap
Translation: Money
Origin: Hip-hop slang for cash.
Example: I'm making guap at my new job.
21. Gucci
Translation: Good or cool
Origin: From the luxury brand, meaning high quality.
Example: Everything's Gucci, no worries.
22. 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
23. I Can't Even
Translation: Overwhelmed or speechless
Origin: Social media expression of being unable to cope.
Example: That dress is so beautiful, I can't even!
24. Lame
Translation: Boring or uncool
Origin: Continued from Gen X.
Example: That movie was so lame.
25. Legit
Translation: Legitimate or real
Origin: Short for legitimate, meaning genuinely good.
Example: That restaurant is legit amazing.
26. Lit
Translation: Exciting or fun
Origin: Originally meant 'intoxicated', now used to describe something amazing.
Example: That concert was so lit! Best night ever.
27. Netflix and Chill
Translation: Hang out romantically
Origin: Internet slang with romantic implications.
Example: Want to come over for Netflix and chill?
28. OMG
Translation: Oh my God
Origin: Text messaging acronym popularized in the 2000s.
Example: OMG, I can't believe that happened!
29. On fleek
Translation: Perfectly executed
Origin: Popularized by a Vine video in 2014, describing flawless eyebrows.
Example: Her makeup is always on fleek. Goals!
30. Ratchet
Translation: Messy or low-quality
Origin: Hip-hop slang for something unrefined.
Example: That party got ratchet real quick.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. Shipped
Translation: Wanting two people to be in a relationship
Origin: Fan culture, short for "relationship."
Example: I ship those two characters so hard!
34. Shook
Translation: Shocked or surprised
Origin: Internet slang for being rattled.
Example: I'm shook by that plot twist!
35. Sick
Translation: Cool or awesome
Origin: Slang meaning the opposite of its literal definition.
Example: That skateboard trick was sick!
36. Sksksk
Translation: Expression of laughter or excitement
Origin: Internet slang, keyboard smashing.
Example: Sksksk, that's so funny!
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. 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!
40. 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."
41. Swag
Translation: Style or confidence
Origin: Hip-hop culture, meaning stylish confidence.
Example: He's got swag for days.
42. Talk to the hand
Translation: I don't want to hear it
Origin: Carried over from Gen X, used by Millennials.
Example: Talk to the hand, I'm done listening.
43. TBH
Translation: To be honest
Origin: Social media acronym.
Example: TBH, I didn't like that movie.
44. Thirsty
Translation: Desperate for attention
Origin: Slang for someone seeking validation.
Example: He's so thirsty, always posting selfies.
45. 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!
46. Troll
Translation: Provoke or harass online
Origin: Internet culture term.
Example: Don't feed the trolls in the comments.
47. 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!
48. V
Translation: Very
Origin: Abbreviation popularized on social media.
Example: I'm v tired today.
49. Weak
Translation: Funny or pathetic
Origin: Slang for finding something hilariously bad.
Example: That joke was weak, but I still laughed.
50. 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.
51. Yass
Translation: Enthusiastic yes
Origin: Popularized by the LGBTQ+ community, especially in drag culture.
Example: Yass queen! You nailed that performance!
52. Yasss
Translation: Emphatic yes
Origin: Extended version of "yes," from drag culture.
Example: Yasss! Let's do this!