Decode your kid: A Grown-Up’s Guide to the Online Slang Kids Are Using
You’re not out of touch—you’re just not on TikTok 3 hours a day. That’s okay.
Kids and teens have always had their own language. Whether it was ‘rad’ in the ’80s or ‘as if!’ in the ’90s, slang is just a snapshot of the culture they’re living in. Todays kids are no different, and slang terms shape the way kids interact both online and “IRL” (in real life - there’s term number one for you).
If you're a parent, teacher, or just a curious adult, understanding online slang isn’t about staying “cool.” It’s about context. Knowing what certain terms mean can help you navigate conversations, flag red flags, and occasionally—just maybe—get a laugh when your teen realizes you know what "rizz" actually means.
⚠️ Warning: For the good of your child, please resist the urge to start using this slang yourself. Nothing ends a trend faster than a well-meaning parent saying "that slaps."
Online Slang Terms Kids Are Using Right Now
Here’s your crash course in the current teen/tween dictionary. Disclaimer: By the time you read this, some of these may have had their time in the sun. These terms are always changing.
RIZZ: Short for charisma or charm, often in a flirty context. ("He’s got rizz.")
SUS: Suspicious or shady. ("That’s kinda sus.")
SLAP(S): Something that’s really good, usually music or food. (“This burger absolutely slaps.”)
BET: Agreement or confirmation, like saying “okay” or “sure.”
CAP/NO CAP: "Cap" means a lie. "No cap" means for real. ("That’s no cap.")
NPC: Someone who seems basic or lacking independent thought—like a “non-playable character” (NPC) in a game.
MID: Something average or underwhelming. ("That movie was mid.")
SKIBIDI: Nonsense word tied to a viral meme trend—used humorously or randomly. Doesn’t really mean anything, just a way to make noise.
I’M DEAD: Used when something is really funny—equivalent to “LOL.”
SHOOK: Shocked or surprised. ("I’m shook.")
SIMP: Someone who’s overly invested in someone they like—usually in a one-sided way.
MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY: Acting like you’re the star of the story, in a confident (or dramatic) way.
W/L: "W" for a win, "L" for a loss. Simple rating of a situation.
BUSSIN’: Really, really good (especially for food).
So… Now What?
You don’t need to use this language—just knowing it puts you in a better position to connect, understand, and engage with the digital world your kids are growing up in. Slang evolves fast. What’s hot now will be cringe in six months. But staying curious? That never goes out of style.