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The English language is a constantly evolving one and the people responsible for keeping track of the ever-changing lingo are continuously updating the dictionary in an attempt to keep their finger on the pulse.
In order for a word to get added to the official lexicon, it has to become part of the common parlance, which typically takes a few years. However, while the people at Merriam Webster might be the gatekeepers, there’s largely one group responsible for coining new terms: youths.
Young people have always been the Willy Wonka of lingo and are constantly coming up with new ways to make older generations feel out of touch thanks to their seemingly indecipherable slang.
There was once a time when I was on the cutting edge of the words that were hot in the streets but I’ve recently realized I’m officially washed as I continue to attempt to figure out what the hell a “yeet” is.
Thankfully, I feel much better knowing I’m not the only one.
A couple of days ago, a college student posted a few photos they took in class after their professor revealed he’d compiled a mini dictionary containing the slang words he’s picked up while teaching.
https://twitter.com/mewtailv2/status/1123292185582084096
How out of touch are you? Check for yourself by seeing how many of these you know.
- High key
- Hip/get hip
- Hop off
- I’m dead
- Jams
- Jawn
- Low key
- Mad big/big mad
- No cap
- Nunya
- Opp
- Periodt
- Pull up/come through
- Put someone on
- Rashing
- Real one
- Run that
- Secure(d) the bag
- Sis
- Slaps
- Slay
- Smacks
- Snack
- Stay up
- Sus
- Take the L
- Tea/spill the tea
- This ain’t it
I’m not going to reveal my score but I will say I just took a major L.