Teenage slang terms evolve faster than most of us can keep up with. One minute it’s “YOLO” and the next it’s “I’m dead” (don’t worry, that just means something’s funny). Teenage slang is more than just trendy words, it’s a cultural code, a way for young people to bond, rebel, and express themselves. Understanding it helps build connection and bridges the generational gap. So, if you've ever heard your teen say something that made zero sense, don’t worry, we’ve got the translation.
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Why Slang Matters in the Teen World
Understanding Their World
Teenagers live in a fast-changing world filled with memes, reels, and emojis. Slang is their way of expressing identity, humour, and belonging. It’s not just “words”, it’s a language of connection. If you’ve ever felt like your teen is speaking in code, you’re not wrong. Understanding their lingo helps you better relate, build trust, and stay in the loop.
Avoiding Miscommunication
You might think “lit” still means candlelight but to a teen, it means something completely different. Misinterpreting slang can cause confusion or embarrassment. Learning their vocabulary doesn’t mean you’re trying to act cool, it means you’re being an informed and engaged parent.
How Slang Evolves in South Africa
Influences from TikTok, Instagram, and Pop Culture
Most teen slang travels fast through TikTok trends, Netflix shows, and global artists like Billie Eilish or Drake. These platforms create viral expressions that cross borders overnight. Whether you’re in Joburg or Cape Town, chances are your teen is hearing and using the same slang terms trending globally.
South Africanisms vs Global Trends
While local slang like “eish” or “yebo” will always be uniquely South African, today’s teens often mix in global expressions. You might hear your child say “that’s a W” (win) one minute, and “eish, that’s tough” the next. This fusion is part of their digital-first identity.
Slang Term #1: “Sus”
Short for suspicious or suspect. If someone’s behaviour seems shady, your teen might say, “He’s being sus.”
Example: “She didn’t show up for the test… kinda sus.”
Slang Term #2: “Cap / No Cap”
“Cap” means a lie. “No cap” means truth.
Example: “That story is all cap.” / “No cap, I aced that test.”
Slang Term #3: “Drip”
Used to describe a stylish outfit or look.
Example: “Did you see his shoes? That drip is fire.”
Slang Term #4: “Bet”
Used to agree, approve, or confirm.
Example: “You wanna go to the mall later?” “Bet!”
Slang Term #5: “Snatched”
Means something looks amazing, especially fashion or makeup.
Example: “Your outfit is snatched!”
Slang Term #6: “It’s giving…”
Used to describe vibes or style.
Example: “It’s giving main character energy.”
Slang Term #7: “Salty”
When someone’s acting bitter or annoyed.
Example: “She’s salty because she lost the game.”
Slang Term #8: “Rizz”
Short for charisma. Often used when someone is charming or flirty.
Example: “He’s got mad rizz with the girls.”
Slang Term #9: “Slaps”
Describes something that’s amazing, usually music or food.
Example: “This burger slaps!”
Slang Term #10: “Cheugy”
An insult for someone who’s trying too hard or is out of touch.
Example: “That Facebook post is so cheugy.”
Slang Term #11: “Ghosted”
When someone disappears from communication without warning.
Example: “He ghosted me after two chats.”
Slang Term #12: “Flex”
To show off or boast.
Example: “Posting all that gear is such a flex.”
Slang Term #13: “Vibe Check”
A quick read of the energy or mood of a person or situation.
Example: “This party failed the vibe check.”
Slang Term #14: “Shook”
Surprised or overwhelmed.
Example: “I was shook when I saw her exam marks.”
Slang Term #15: “Dead”
Means something is extremely funny.
Example: “That meme had me dead!”
Slang Term #16: “Yeet”
To throw something with force or excitement. Also used to express energy.
Example: “He just yeeted his backpack across the room.”
Slang Term #17: “Skrrt”
Refers to leaving fast, often used like “let’s go!”
Example: “Time to skrrt out of here.”
Slang Term #18: “Boujee”
Short for bourgeois, used to describe something fancy or expensive.
Example: “She only shops at Woolies—so boujee.”
Slang Term #19: “W” or “L”
“W” means win, “L” means loss.
Example: “You got front row tickets? That’s a W!”
Slang Term #20: “Main Character”
Refers to someone who acts like the hero of the story or stands out in a positive way.
Example: “Walking through Sandton in that outfit? Main character vibes.”
Slang Term #21: “Lowkey / Highkey”
Lowkey = subtle or quiet about something. Highkey = obvious or intense.
Example: “I lowkey want to skip school today.”
Example: “That concert was highkey amazing!”
ALSO READ: Slay the slang – a parent’s guide to teen talk
🌍 Global Gen Z & Gen Alpha Slang
| Slang Term | Emoji(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bussin’ | 🍗🔥 | Something extremely good (often food). |
| Slay | ⚔️💖 | To excel or perform exceptionally well. |
| Delulu | 🤯 | Being delusional (in a humorous way). |
| Sigma | 👤 | Independent, non-conforming “lone wolf”. |
| Cringe / Cringy | 😖 | Something embarrassing or awkward. |
| Mid | 😐 | Average or unimpressive. |
| Hits different | ✨🔊 | Feels especially impactful. |
| Menty B | 😵 | A mild mental breakdown. |
| Brat | 😏 | Confident, bold attitude (positive). |
| Ohio | 🤷 | Used ironically to call something strange or uncool. |
| Let them cook | 🍳 | Let someone continue doing their thing (often sarcastic). |
| Ate | 🍽️✨ | Did something exceptionally well. |
| Aura / Aura points | 🪄⭐ | Social status or vibe. |
| Spilling tea | 🍵 | Sharing gossip or juicy info. |
| Stan | 🙌🎤 | A very devoted fan. |
| Skibidi | 🚽😈 | Something evil, weird or meme-related. |
| Crashy / Crunk | 🌀🍾 | Messy, extreme or chaotic behaviour. |
| Hangry | 🍽️😡 | Hungry and angry at the same time. |
| Tope | 👌🎯 | Combination of “tight” and “dope”. |
| Requestion | ❓🔁 | A question that’s asked again or rephrased. |
| Big yikes | 😬💥 | Strong cringe or awkward moment. |
Slang Tips for Parents
- Use this list as a reference not a handbook. You don’t need to use every term; understanding is key.
- Slang evolves rapidly: words like “sus,” “rizz,” “big yikes,” “drip,” and “ayoba” may shift or fade quickly.
- Teach your child strategy on when slang can be fun vs inappropriate, especially in school or professional settings.
- Avoid misusing slang in contexts it wasn’t intended for teens spot forcefully used terms instantly.
🇿🇦 South African Slang
| Term | Emoji(s) | Meaning / Use |
|---|---|---|
| Aweh | 👋 | Informal “hello”, “cool”, or “yes”. |
| Eish | 😮 | Expression of surprise or frustration. |
| Lekker | 😋👍 | Nice, good, or cool. |
| Gatvol | 😤🚫 | Fed up or tired of something. |
| Braai | 🔥🍖 | Barbecue or social cookout. |
| Bakkie | 🚚 | Pickup truck or small utility vehicle. |
| Babbelas | 🤢 | A bad hangover. |
| Ayoba | 😎 | Cool, fun or awesome. |
| Kwaai | 💯🔥 | Very cool or excellent. |
| Ubuntu | 🌍🤝 | Humanity or community togetherness. |
| Saffa | 🇿🇦 | Informal word for a South African person. |
More Tips for Parents Trying to Keep Up
Don’t Overuse the Slang
Trying to talk like your teen might backfire. They can spot a forced “rizz” a mile away. It’s more important to understand the words than to use them.
Be Curious, Not Controlling
If something your child says sounds strange or concerning, ask questions with genuine interest. This keeps the conversation open and non-judgemental.
Final Thoughts on Staying Connected
Slang changes like the wind but your relationship with your child doesn’t have to. Staying current with their language shows that you care, you’re paying attention, and you’re willing to meet them where they are. Whether it’s “vibe checks” or being “shook,” it’s all part of understanding how they see and shape the world. And let’s be honest, sometimes, it’s actually pretty fun to learn their code.
FAQs
1. Should I use these slang terms with my teen?
Not necessarily. You don’t need to talk like them, just knowing what they mean keeps you in the loop.
2. Are slang terms harmful or just fun?
Most slang is harmless and just part of growing up. Still, keep an ear out for phrases that may carry offensive or inappropriate meanings.
3. How can I tell if slang is offensive?
If a term sounds concerning, ask your child or do a quick Google search. Slang evolves quickly, and meanings can shift.
4. Do South African teens have unique slang too?
Absolutely! Expressions like “eish,” “aweh,” and “howzit” still form a big part of teen vocab, just blended now with international trends.
5. Where can I stay updated on new teen lingo?
Follow parenting sites, TikTok trends, or forums like Urban Dictionary and Reddit’s r/OutOfTheLoop to stay ahead of the slang curve.
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