Understanding Modern Internet Slang: A Parent’s Guide

Do you know your rizz from your yap? 😅

Introduction to Internet Slang

The ever-evolving nature of language means that parents today might find themselves perplexed by the slang their children use. The digital age has accelerated this evolution, and internet slang is becoming a significant part of youth culture. Understanding these terms not only helps in bridging the communication gap but also provides insights into the world our children are navigating. Here's a guide to some of the most popular internet slang words your kids might be using.

Source: https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/people/internet-slang-words-kids-use-explained-4686575

Top 10 Internet Slang Words and Their Meanings

1. Rizz

Meaning: Short for charisma or charm, often used to describe someone who is particularly good at attracting others. For example, "He’s got serious rizz."

2. Yap

Meaning: Commonly used to refer to someone's mouth or the act of talking, sometimes excessively. For instance, "Stop yapping and listen!"

3. Cap/No Cap

Meaning: “Cap” means a lie or falsehood, derived from the phrase “no cap,” which implies honesty. Youth might say, "That’s cap," to indicate something is not true, or "No cap," to emphasise sincerity.

4. Drip

Meaning: Refers to someone's fashionable sense of style or clothing. "Check out her drip" would mean checking out her stylish outfit.

5. FOMO

Meaning: An acronym for "Fear Of Missing Out," reflecting anxiety over missing out on something exciting or interesting. "I have FOMO about the concert this weekend."

6. Sus

Meaning: Short for suspicious or suspect. It is used to describe something or someone deemed untrustworthy or dubious. "That deal sounds sus."

7. Flex

Meaning: Used to describe someone showing off their possessions or achievements. "He loves to flex his new car."

8. Ghosting

Meaning: The act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without any explanation. "She ghosted me after our date."

9. Bet

Meaning: A term of agreement or affirmation, similar to saying "okay" or "sure." "Want to go to the mall?" "Bet."

10. Mood

Meaning: Used to express that something is relatable or represents a person’s feelings. Seeing a picture of someone lounging and saying "mood" indicates that you share that feeling.

Conclusion

Keeping up with the latest slang can seem daunting, but it’s an opportunity to connect with your children and understand their world better. These terms are part of their everyday vocabulary, and knowing them can make conversations more engaging and comprehensible. So next time you hear your child mention their “drip” or call something “sus,” you'll be right in the loop!