Slang is a very informal language. It can offend people if it is used about other people or outside a group of people who know each other well. We usually use vocal words in speaking rather than writing. Slang changes quickly, and vocal words and expressions can disappear from the language.
Vocal words may be confusing to those not in the know, but most are harmless and a part of a teen’s identity. Kids use these words to exert independence, sound cool, and/or fit in with their peers. They seek to differentiate themselves from their parents and want to feel unique, free, and even revolutionary. Using slang helps teens do that while also bonding with friends.
Here is a list of Vocals that are used by a people of everyday lingo for the young and hip:
- Basic – One who is “basic” is unimpressive or boring, typically conforming to mainstream trends like pumpkin spice. “God, he comes to every party in the exact same outfit. He’s so basic.”
- Chillax – Chillax is a portmanteau, fusing the words “chill” and “relax.” The combination means just to calm down. “Don’t worry about the exam, just chillax and come to the party.”
- Destroy – Much like “sick” below, “destroy” is a slang term with an opposite meaning. To destroy a thing means to do very well. “I destroyed that exam! A plus, baby!”
- Extra – To be “extra” is to be flamboyant or over the top. “Coming to the prom in white tie, tails and a top hat? He’s so extra.”
- Ghost – To suddenly ignore someone, often on social media or the Internet generally. “Breaking up is one thing, but you can’t just ghost her. That’s not cool.”
- Glow-up: A major improvement in someone’s looks or overall mood. Glow-ups are often given to or with friends. “We got to give Kim a major glow-up before the party. She looks so tired after work.”
- Mood – Something relatable, something the speaker can empathize with. “Jake sleeping with his work uniform still on is such a mood.”
- Receipts – No less than with the IRS, if you’ve got receipts, you’ve got proof. “Oh, he’s trying to say he wasn’t hitting on Sara last night? Because I got receipts on Insta.”
- salty – Upset, grouchy, annoyed. “He always gets so salty when he loses at League of Legends.”
- Shade – “Shade” is subtle, understated disrespect, or to show such disrespect. Showing such disrespect can be phrased as “throwing shade” or just “shading.” “He went for the kiss and she shook his hand instead! That is such shade.”
- Shook – If you’re “shook,” you’re unsettled, discomfited, off your game. “That movie got me shook! I’m sleeping with the lights on.”
- Sick – Slang words often mean the opposite of their conventional meaning. In this case, something “sick” is actually cool or good. “This neighborhood is sick! There are so many great clubs out here.”
- Slaps – When something is cool or good, it “slaps.” Usually, it’s a song that slaps, but anything sufficiently cool can do so. “You, did you see Ashton’s new car? That thing slaps!”
- Slay – If you “slay,” you’re doing great at something or succeeding spectacularly. It’s always a verb: one is not “slay,” one “slays.” “Slay, girl! Your dress looks amazing!”
- Snack – Also spelled “smack,” this one applies to a person who looks good. It’s generally a romantic rather than friendly observation, so slang carefully. “Jake is such a snack in his new shirt and tie!”
