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. Clout
Translation: Influence
Origin: From hip-hop culture, referring to social influence or fame.
Example: She's just posting for clout, smh.
6. Doggo
Translation: Dog
Origin: Internet slang mimicking how dogs might speak if they could.
Example: Look at that smol doggo! Such a floof!
7. 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!
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
11. Lit
Translation: Exciting or fun
Origin: Originally meant 'intoxicated', now used to describe something amazing.
Example: That concert was so lit! Best night ever.
12. On fleek
Translation: Perfectly executed
Origin: Popularized by a Vine video in 2014, describing flawless eyebrows.
Example: Her makeup is always on fleek. Goals!
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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!
18. 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."
19. 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!
20. 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!
21. 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.
22. Yass
Translation: Enthusiastic yes
Origin: Popularized by the LGBTQ+ community, especially in drag culture.
Example: Yass queen! You nailed that performance!