Social media moves fast, and so does the language that comes with it. If you’ve heard your child say something like “6-7”, “Skibidi”, or even “brain rot” and felt completely lost, you’re not alone. Every generation creates its own way of talking, but today’s slang spreads quicker than ever through short-form videos, memes, and online challenges.
These words often sound confusing at first, yet most of them are harmless jokes or part of internet humor. Still, they can reveal how kids connect, express identity, and navigate life online. Understanding what your child is saying doesn’t mean keeping up with every new trend. It means staying curious and involved in the world they’re growing up in.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most common teen slang phrases in 2026, explain where they come from, and explore what they say about how children experience digital culture today.
Why Teen Slang matters
When your child starts using words you have never heard before, it can feel confusing or even a little worrying. Slang gives kids a way to connect, express humor, and build their own culture. It has always been a part of growing up, but today it spreads faster than ever through short videos, memes, and online trends.
Most slang is harmless and often just funny or creative. Still, these words can show what children find entertaining, what they value, and how they see themselves in the digital world. Understanding them can make it easier to talk about what happens online instead of guessing or reacting.
Originating from the mega popular platforms like Tiktok, Instagram and even the popular streaming platforms like Twitch and Kick. A lot of todays teen slangs comes from the online platforms which our kids are using on a daily basis, it highlights the importance of safe tech for kids and mitigating early exposure as much as possible so it doesnt take over every day life.
Popular Teen Slangs in 2026
To help all parents understand the many different teen slangs that our kids could be saying we have compiled a list of some of the most used erms among kids and teens today, along with what they typically mean.
6-7 - viral phrase that popped up in early 2025, often used in jokes or as an inside code. It doesn’t carry a consistent meaning, its value lies in participation.
Skibidi - A playful, absurd word used to describe something cool, strange or fun. Its origins tie back to meme culture and kids use it mostly for humour.
Brainrot - Also known as doomscrolling in some cases refers to the idea of consuming too much trivial or repetitive content online feeling mentally drained after long scrolling sessions.
Rizz - Short for charisma. Someone with “rizz” is seen as smooth, confident or socially skilled in the teen world.
Gyatt - Used chiefly on TikTok and messaging platforms, this word references appearance, often implying admiration for curves or a striking figure.
Sigma. Sigma as F*CK - Describes a person who is independent and strong, operating outside typical social hierarchies. It carries a tone of admiration for being self reliant.
It Slaps / Smacks - Means something is excellent or very enjoyable, an eample is “that song slaps” means it really stands out.
What does it mean something is "Mid?" Describes something average or unimpressive. If something is “mid,” it fails to excite.
Drip - Refers to someone’s style or outfit. A person with “drip” looks sharp and on trend.
Bet - Used in response to “Okay,” “Let’s do it,” or “Sure.” It marks agreement or acceptability.
Pretty "Sus" - Short for being suspicious or someone that seems off, untrustworthy or misleading.
What does tea mean? Like Gossip or the latest drama. To “spill the tea” means to share what’s happening.
You're Delulu - Short for “delusional,” often used humorously when someone imagines something unrealistic—especially around relationships.
"We'll send it" - To go all in aka Full send. Term describes giving it your all without regret.
Cap / No Cap - Saying something is “cap” means it’s a lie or exaggeration, while “no cap” means it’s the truth.
Clout / Clout Chasing - “Clout” refers to online fame or influence. “Clout chasing” means trying to gain attention by copying trends or famous people.
Slay - Used to celebrate success or confidence. When someone “slays,” they’ve done something exceptionally well or look great doing it.
AF - Short for “as f***,” used to emphasize something. For example, “That exam was hard AF.”
FOMO - “Fear of Missing Out.” The anxious feeling that everyone else is doing something fun without you, often triggered by social media.
Ghost - To suddenly stop responding or disappear from communication without explanation.
Ick - A quick feeling of discomfort or loss of attraction toward someone, often over something small or strange.
Salty - used when someone feels annoyed, bitter, or jealous about a situation.
Ate / Ate and left no crumbs - Used when someone absolutely nailed something, performed perfectly, or looked amazing doing it. Saying “she ate” means they crushed it.
Beige Flag - A small, quirky habit or trait in someone that’s not quite a red flag but still makes you pause or laugh.
Got a boo - Means being in a relationship or clearly into someone. If two people are “boo’d up,” they’re dating or very close.
Main Character (MC) - Refers to someone who carries themselves confidently or stands out, like the star of a movie. Teens might say “main character energy” when someone looks self-assured or cool.
Lowkey - When something is done or felt quietly or secretly. Saying “I lowkey like it” means you kind of do, but don’t want to make a big deal about it.
Highkey - The opposite of lowkey. Used when you want to make something clear or emphasize it strongly.
NPC - Short for “non-player character,” meaning someone who acts predictable or lacks individuality. Often used humorously in gaming and meme culture.
Bussin - Something that’s really good, usually about food but can apply to anything great. “This pizza is bussin.”
Ohio - A meme-driven term used ironically to describe something strange, cursed, or just off. “That’s some Ohio energy” means it’s weird in a funny way.
Extra - Describes someone who’s being dramatic or doing too much for attention. “She’s so extra” means over the top.
Gas - Refers to something amazing, hype, or high quality. “That song is gas” means it’s really good.
Chopped - A newer 2025 term meaning unattractive or not looking their best. “That fit is chopped” means it doesn’t look great.
Huge W - Means a big win or success. “That’s a huge W” = “That’s awesome.”
Vibe Check - A quick way to test if someone or something fits the mood. “Does this pass the vibe check?”
Based - Used to describe someone who speaks their mind confidently or stands by their beliefs, even if unpopular.
Touch Grass - A phrase telling someone to take a break from the internet or social media and get back to reality.
Cook - To perform extremely well at something. “He’s cooking” means he’s doing great work or dominating.
No Thoughts, Head Empty - Used jokingly to say someone looks lost in thought or isn’t processing anything deep.
Gatekeep - To keep something exclusive or refuse to share knowledge, trends, or recommendations. “Don’t gatekeep that playlist.”
Simp - Someone who shows excessive affection or admiration, often for someone who doesn’t return it.
Ratio - A social-media term meaning someone’s reply or comment got more likes than the original post, often used to tease.
Bop - Refers to a good song that’s catchy and fun to listen to. “That new track is a bop.”
When Teen Slang Can Become a Problem
Most slang is simply a way for teens to connect, be creative, and express themselves. Still, there are times when certain words can hint at something deeper. It may be worth paying closer attention if you notice your child using slang that relates to risky online challenges, harmful behavior, or explicit topics.
It can also be a sign of concern if your child becomes unusually secretive about what certain words mean or starts using language that sounds aggressive or self-deprecating. In those cases, slang might reflect stress or pressure from social media rather than humor.
Instead of reacting with frustration, try to stay calm and curious. Ask where they heard the word and what it means to them. A simple question like that can often lead to a much more meaningful conversation about how they feel and who they spend time with online.
What Parents Can Do to Support Kids Through It
All children want love and attention from their parents, even if it does not always seem that way. Taking the time to learn the language they use shows that you care about their world and the things that matter to them.
You do not need to know every word or trend. Try using a few slang expressions in a fun way to make them smile. Even if you get it wrong, they will probably laugh and appreciate the effort. They might roll their eyes and call you “cringe”, but deep down they know you are trying to connect.
Showing interest in how kids communicate online helps build trust and keeps the conversation open. When parents stay curious instead of judgmental, it becomes easier for children to share what is happening in their digital lives.
Learn why social media is bad for kids.
Key Takeaway
The goal is to find balance. Teens need privacy and independence, but they also need guidance to navigate the digital world safely. Talk openly about your concerns, your family’s values, and what healthy online behavior looks like. You cannot monitor every conversation or trend your teen encounters, and that is okay. What matters most is that they know they can come to you if something online feels uncomfortable or confusing.
Encourage curiosity, set clear boundaries, and build trust through everyday conversations. When parents stay engaged and technology is designed with safety in mind, kids can enjoy the best parts of being connected while still staying protected.
For parents, it is not something we can or should completely control. However, managing screen time and setting clear boundaries that challenge children to understand what is expected of them are important steps in helping them learn what is and is not appropriate.
