Millennials Slang Language

Millennial slang includes terms like “bae,” “TBH,” “squad,” and “basic,” which were popular during the early 2000s and early 2010s. Other examples include “low-key,” “high-key,” “lit,” and “shook.” Many of these slang terms have origins in hip-hop culture, online gaming, and social media trends. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Here’s a more detailed look at some common millennial slang terms:

Everyday Phrases:

Bae: A term of endearment, short for “before anyone else.”
TBH: Short for “to be honest.”
Squad: A group of close friends.
Basic: A term used to describe something or someone that is mainstream, unoriginal, or predictable.
Low-key: A way to express something you’re doing or feeling in a subdued or subtle way. Opposite of “high-key.”
High-key: Expressing something with enthusiasm or intensity.
Lit: Originally meant drunk, but millennials used it to mean “excited” or “awesome.”
Shook: A feeling of shock or disbelief.
Slay: To succeed in a big way.
Salty: Annoyed or bitter.
Ghosted: When someone you’re dating suddenly disappears without explanation.
Hella: A lot of.
Cool beans: A silly way of saying “cool”.
Whatevs: An abbreviated, dismissive way of saying “whatever”.
YOLO: You only live once.
Epic fail: A very big mistake.
Booyah: An expression of triumph or excitement.
Talk to the hand: A dismissive gesture. [3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21]

Internet/Social Media Slang:

Rage: A big party.
Burn: A comeback after a diss.
The bomb/Da bomb: Something extremely good or cool.
Legit: Short for “legitimate,” meaning awesome or real.
Owned: Defeated (often in gaming).
Throw shade: To subtly insult someone.
Savage: Can mean brutal or petty.
Shipping: When you want two people to be in a romantic relationship. [3, 5, 16, 22]

Enduring Terms:

Trill: A combination of “true” and “real,” often used by older millennials.
OG: Short for “original gangster” or “original gangsta,” used to describe someone who is an expert or authentic.
Rizz: Short for “charisma,” the ability to charm someone.
Mood: A way to express that something is relatable.
Receipts: Evidence of someone’s hypocrisy.
Dunzo: Something that is finished. [3, 4, 22, 23, 24, 25]