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You'll be hard-pressed to find an entry for "yas" or "kiki" in the latest Merriam-Webster's dictionary. Yes, colloquial terms like "binge-watch" and "woo-woo" have been added to the definitive book of words, but what about the slang popping up in your DMs? With a little help from the internet, not to mention Urban Dictionary, knowing the etymology of these terms will ensure you "slay" your next conversation—and avoid cultural appropriation. You'll see what we mean soon.
Use this list as a checkpoint for your age. If you use most of these words, you’re probably a millennial. If you don’t, you’re probably older (or just out-of-touch). And if these slang words are outdated to you, you might be younger than nineteen, or you’re just ahead of the curve.
Here’s a list of modern slang words as used by some in 2019.
RIP
Yes, it still means “Rest in Peace,” but you definitely wouldn’t be saying it about someone who just died. “RIP” is used in response to an unfortunate but mild problem, and “big RIP” is used in response to an unfortunate but slightly less mild problem.
TBT
This originally meant “throwback Thursday,” but it can really be said or used any day of the week. It’s a way to bring back something that’s happened in the past to the present.
BB
The term “bb” doesn’t stand for anything. It’s basically a way to call your friend “baby.” In person, people say “bb” like “bee-bee.”
SMH
“Shaking my head” as though you disapprove of someone or something. It’s usually not capitalized, and it’s also sometimes said in person (almost always as a joke). Out loud, teens say the individual letters S, M and H.
ILYSM
I love you so much.” Pretty simple. These are casual phrases; if you really want to show someone you love them, you generally type all the words out.
TBH
“To be honest…” You’ll rarely find this phrase completely written out. It’s used almost like a confession. In person, people say the individual letters of T, B and H.
SALTY
Used to describe passive-aggressive people.
(THROW) SHADE
To make a passive-aggressive insult at someone.
WILD / WILDIN’
I personally use “wild” as a blanket reaction to anything that’s going on, but it’s most often used as a synonym for “shocking.” If describing a person, it can also mean “hilarious” or “weird.”
FIERCE
Generally used to describe people that are or look powerful, put-together and beautiful.
GET TURNT
To party hard. Normally, there’s alcohol involved.
SHIP
Short for relationship. To ship two people is to wish they were together. It’s normally meant romantically, but sometimes it can be used as a friendship if the word “friend” is specified.
GLOW UP
To “upgrade” to a better version, especially in terms of appearance.
JELLY
Short for “jealous.” Usually said in a casual tone or as a compliment. This is getting a little out-dated, but I still hear it used today, albeit ironically.
SHOOK
A reaction to someone doing something shocking. It can be used seriously or jokingly depending on the context.
FAKE FAN
When somebody says they like a popular thing, but they don’t know anything about it. Normally used jokingly.
FINSTA
Fake Instagram account. Usually, an Instagram that posts more private photos and stories that only a select few of their close friends can see.
Did youk know most of this modern slang? If you did, congrats! You’re either a teenager or a very in-the-loop adult. If not, hopefully this helped you master 2019 teenage lingo!