Say What Now??
Hey Everybody!
I came across an engrossing article by Matthew Swenson the other day that I'd like to share with y'all. It's about interpreting and understanding younger kids' or even your own grandkid's slang.
Quite an informative and enjoyable read.
Each Generation Has its Own Lingo
Much to the chagrin of anyone from the Buckeye State, "Ohio" is slang for a putdown on today's school playgrounds. The good news is that this unique replacement for "the worst" probably won't stick.
Such is the nature of slang.
Each generation has its own vernacular, much of which doesn't make sense. How children pick up the terms may be a bit dubious and many so-called new words have roots dating back centuries or even millennia. In general, this early form of youthful expression is meant in good fun.
"Interesting" might be one way older generations describe how children speak. "Confusing" could easily be another for adults over 50 trying to keep up with their young kin.
"Humans are incredibly creative. We love to toy around with language."
If "sus" and "rizz" sound familiar to you then you are not alone. They are among the most common slang terms used among today's youth. And while these words have their roots in traditional language ("suspect" and "charisma"), older people trying to use them in context can be problematic
In fact, many academics suggest grandparents – and parents for that matter – think twice before joining in the fun.
"Older generations should absolutely not try to use youth slang," says Zenzi M. Griffin, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin who studies psychological processes that result in speech. "Slang signals in-groups and grandparents are not part of youth's in-group."
*note: I don't exactly agree with the "academics" on this.
The Power of Words
Part of Hanna Kemble's unofficial job description as school counselor at Indian Hills Elementary School in Topeka, Kansas, is the unenviable task of keeping up with slang words. "I would say it changes weekly," says Kemble, a 2025 finalist for school counselor of the year. "
Then they're combining words. So then you're like, 'Wait, does that mean 'good' or does that mean 'bad?''"
Depending on parenting preferences, a significant portion of Generation Alpha – born between 2010 and 2024 – doesn't have access to a device or is blocked from certain social media channels. Yet that doesn't seem to stop the influence of YouTube and TikTok on youth. That's to be expected, notes Barrett. All it takes is a few children to adopt a word for it to spread. Young women tend to be language influencers more than boys, Barrett adds.
"They tend to be the creative driving force," he says. "Young men [tend to] do it for themselves, and women tend to be searching for collaboration and organization."
As Griffin indicated, developing a language is a common method to develop a community. For example, in-jokes can last years or longer among adults who are long-time friends. Kemble, on the frontlines of the playful banter, says most terms she hears are meant as compliments.
The following words are considered high praise:
He or she “ate” – They crushed it, or were awesome
“Slay” – A common turn of phrase among girls similar to adults saying, “You killed it.”
“Rizz” – Short for charisma or charismatic
“Bossin” or “Bussin” – Extremely good
“Sigma” – The leader, which ironically among older generations is called “The Alpha.” A second definition is “cool.”
"A lot of times [slang] is being used in fun ways," Kemble says. "Yes, they're definitely zinging each other but it's a sign of being creative."
Some less positive words include:
“Sus” – Suspect or suspicious
“Tweaking” – Behaving strangely and/or being agitated
“Sell” – To do badly at something, like a test of a subject
“Skibidy Ohio” – The worst (“Skibidy” alone means cool)
In their own class are "Gyatt" – a big backside – and "Mew" – making yourself have a sharp jawline by sucking in your mouth.
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Students Become the Teachers
Barrett, 55, says slang is born, at least in part, as a form of rebellion among an age group that's told what to do regularly. Given all that parents and guardians have to worry about already, slang is mere child's play, he adds.
Slang presents a rare opportunity for kids to be the teachers. They encourage parents and grandparents who hear words that they don't understand to ask the child to describe their meaning.
That said, he and Kemble agree slang presents a rare opportunity for kids to be the teachers. They encourage parents and grandparents who hear words that they don't understand to ask the child to describe their meaning. The intergenerational conversation builds rapport, empowers children, and lays the foundation for a stronger relationship.
"Suddenly they trust you more for a lot of other things," Barrett says of the children. "They [might] come to you later when they have a real issue or a real problem, something else that is a little more delicate or complex."
Kemble adds that if adults are concerned the slang could be offensive, there are online resources at their disposal, including the Urban Dictionary. She also regularly views social media postings by Mr. Lindsay, who has earned a large following by providing humorous children's vocabulary lessons online.
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So what do y'all think about learning alittle slang?? 👍 or 👎? Let me know down in the comments.
EM
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