Slang Words - A Lexicon of Teen Slang Terms Through Time

Dive into the dynamic world of slang words, exploring how teen slang terms evolved across generations. This collection captures iconic expressions from each era, showcasing language shaped by cultural shifts, trends, and the voices of youth.

As slang words change over time, they reveal unique insights into each generation’s identity. From classic phrases to modern teen slang terms, these expressions continue to reflect societal influences, preserving the spirit of the times and highlighting the ever-evolving nature of language.

2020s

  • Used to express agreement or affirmation.

  • Extremely good, especially when describing food.

  • To withdraw support for someone or something in response to objectionable behavior.

  • Lying or exaggerating; often used in the phrase "no cap" (no lie).

  • Describes someone or something that is outdated or trying too hard, often used to describe millennial trends that are no longer in style.

  • Influence or power, often used in the context of social media popularity.

  • Used to describe something as high-quality or excellent, often in relation to memes.

  • Stylish or fashionable appearance.

  • To show off or boast.

  • Refers to someone who is perceived as flamboyant or exhibiting traits typically associated with LGBTQ+ stereotypes.

  • Acronym for "Greatest Of All Time."

  • A pejorative term for an entitled, demanding, and often rude person.

  • Honest or truthful.

  • Slang for the coronavirus.

  • Someone who does too much for someone they like.

  • Describes something as excellent or good, often music.

  • Suspicious or suspect, popularized by the video game Among Us.

  • Gossip or juicy information.

  • The atmosphere or feeling of a place, situation, or piece of music.

  • To throw something with force or excitement.

2010s

  • Someone who is unoriginal or mainstream.

  • Feeling fortunate or grateful.

  • To leave or exit.

  • A dismissive farewell to someone unimportant.

  • A quick, sharp response to criticism.

  • To reject someone romantically.

  • Acronym for "Fear Of Missing Out."

  • Ending a relationship by suddenly cutting off communication without explanation.

  • Used to describe something that is aspirational or desirable.

  • Very good, exciting, or interesting.

  • Something relatable to one's current feelings or situation

  • Proof or evidence of someone's actions or statements.

  • Bitter or upset over something minor.

  • Bold, unfiltered, and daring; often used as a compliment.

  • Subtly insulting or criticizing someone.

  • To do something exceptionally well.

  • Looking good or well put together.

  • Desperate for attention or validation.

  • Excited or having a great time, especially at a party.

  • Being aware of social and political issues, especially those related to social justice.

2000s

  • Term of endearment for a significant other.

  • Combination of chill and relax; to calm down and relax.

  • Short for crazy; extreme or out of control.

  • Cool or awesome.

  • Extremely impressive or awesome.

  • Used to describe something that goes wrong or is unsuccessful.

  • Showing off one's possessions or wealth.

  • Someone who is negative or critical of others

  • Used as a mild intensifier (e.g., heckin' good).

  • Uncool or uninteresting.

  • Exciting or excellent.

  • A newcomer or inexperienced person, especially in gaming.

  • Completely dominated or defeated, often in gaming.

  • Short for Radical. Means something is cool or awesome.

  • Unexpected or nonsensical.

  • Bitter or upset over something minor.

  • A self-portrait photograph typically taken with a smartphone.

  • Shocked or surprised.

  • Being aware of social and political issues, especially those related to social justice.

  • Acronym for "You Only Live Once," encouraging a carefree attitude.

1990s

  • Absolutely or without a doubt.

  • A sarcastic tag at the end of a statement to indicate it was false.

  • Great or excellent.

  • Proper respect or credit.

  • Someone who is undesirable or of low social status.

  • Insult or talk negatively.

  • A dismissive phrase indicating that the speaker is not listening.

  • A casual greeting meaning "What's up?"

  • Excellent or very good.

  • Agreement or acknowledgment.

  • Expression of disbelief or dismissal.

  • Expensive, flashy jewelry or accessories.

  • An exclamation of joy or triumph.

  • Acting irrational or crazy.

  • Something excellent or really cool.

  • To show disrespect to someone.

  • Stylish or attractive.

  • Dancing or having fun.

  • A close friend or buddy.

  • An admission of guilt or fault.

1980s

  • A silly or foolish person.

  • Extremely good or impressive.

  • Excellent or admirable.

  • Fake or not genuine; bad or disappointing.

  • To relax or take it easy.

  • An exclamation of excitement or happiness.

  • A person regarded as socially inept or foolish.

  • Expression of disgust or disbelief.

  • Used to describe something extreme, whether good or bad.

  • Disgusting or gross.

  • A close friend or someone from the same neighborhood.

  • A foolish or uncultivated person.

  • Someone who is clumsy or inept.

  • Excited or enthusiastic.

  • Absolutely or completely.

  • Fantastic or amazing.

  • To relax and do nothing.

  • Very good or excellent

  • A young urban professional with a well-paying job and a luxurious lifestyle.

  • To be inattentive or daydreaming.