It's About Time
OMG – What Are They Saying?
Contributor: Cristin JordanNot long ago, my teenage brother and
I took a little road trip together. Not ten minutes into the drive,
it occurred to me that I only understood half of what the sixteen-year-old was saying. This prompted me to do some research on the
latest trends (and their meanings) in teen-speak. Hopefully, this
little glossary can help you have a better understanding – and in
turn, more meaningful conversations – with the teens and
‘tweens in your life.
411: Information or news. I
was out today -- what’s the 411 on Ms. Rucker’s class?
BFN: Bye for now; typically
used in text or online chatting. I have homework to do. BFN.
BTW: By the way; typically
used in text or online chatting. I like your haircut, btw.
Bounce: To leave. This
party is fun but I have a curfew so I’m gonna bounce.
Burn: To say something mean or
funny about someone. Did you hear that Justin Bieber haircut
burn?
Cheezin: To smile or grin.
Did you see the way he was cheezin on Facebook?
Chillaxin: A combination of
chill and relaxing, usually used to denote hanging out or taking it
easy. We aren’t going to do much this weekend, just stay at home
and chillax.
CTN: Can’t talk now; typically
used in text or online chatting. My parents are here, CTN.
Emo: Derived from the word
emotional, this term usually describes a group of youth who listen
to certain types of alternative music and dress in a particular way.
She eats lunch with the emo kids.
Fly: Pretty, attractive or
cool; a compliment. I like your jeans – they’re fly.
Hater: Someone that puts
something or someone down or doesn’t like something. The Cubs
play great baseball. Don’t be a hater.
In a minute:
Denotes a lengthy
amount of time gone by, such as weeks, months or years. She was
in my first-grade class. I haven’t seen her in a minute!
JK: Just kidding; typically
used in text or online chatting. I think you should dye your hair
pink. JK.
TTYL: Talk to you later;
typically used in text or online chatting. It’s time for dinner,
ttyl.
Up in my grill: Refers to
someone being all over another, or in one’s face. Usually this is
derogatory and often but not always denotes an incendiary event.
He was all up in my grill trying to start a fight.
Wicked: Describes something
cool. That jump shot was wicked!
Do you have a term to add to our list? Share and translate what your teens are saying in our new comments section below.
