Much to the chagrin of teen parents everywhere, "Rizz" was named Oxford's 2023 Word of the Year. Teens have been freely using the word Rizz, derived from the word Charisma, to refer to someone's ability to attract someone romantically. Usually, I hear kids teasing each other for not having any rizz.
Sometimes I can listen to my kids talk for a full five minutes and not understand a word they've said. Which is probably for the best, because if I were to dare try to chime in, that would be completely "sus" or "cringe!" Alas, every generation has had their own slang language. It will ever be the divide between the young and old. However, in case there are any words you would like to understand, we've put together a short crib sheet.
*But if anyone asks, you didn't get it from me. My kids are horrified at the prospect that their friends will learn I have exposed their secrets.
Ate - Used to describe having done a good job.
Basic - Plain and/or boring.
Beige Flag - Refers to flaws someone has but aren't deal breakers in terms of dating, as opposed to Red Flags.
Bussin - Refers to something that tastes good.
Cap - A lie or exaggeration. To be "cappin" is to be lying or exaggerating, and to speak the truth is "no cap."
Cringe - Awkward and/or embarrassing.
Drip - To have a cool, fashionable, style, or the items that make one fashionable.
Extra - Over the top.
Facts - Used instead of the word True.
Finsta - Refers to someone's fake or decoy instagram account.
Fire - Great, Awesome, etc.
Gas - Fire, Great, Awesome, etc.
Goals - Indicating that something is what you aspire to do or have.
Gucci - Very cool.
Highkey - Fully or seriously.
Lit - Happening, exciting, fire.
Lowkey - Not so much or moderately.
Mid - Unimpressive, blah.
Onsite - Similar to saying "It is on!"
Same - Often used to say "Me too" or "I agree."
Sold - Used when an opportunity is wasted/blown
Send - Doing something with confidence.
Sus - Suspicious
Shook - Taken aback.
Ship - To encourage or predict a romantic relationship between two others.
A couple of other terms you might want to be aware of:
The "C word" is now considered a positive word for a girl. Akin to powerful/confident.
"Two man" refers to a double hook up
"Body count" is the number of people someone has had sex with.
If ever in doubt, you can always look up the definition of a slang word at urbandictionary.com
