Even though I am a young adult, I often get totally lost in the confusing lingo and hip catchphrases that the kids are using these days. Bae? Fleek? Ship? Like, what the heck does that mean?! HELP! All I know is that most of this "modern" teen language is annoying, but hey, we gotta learn it to survive nowadays. It's a dawg-eat-dawg world out there, and us "oldies" gotta stick together. I have taken the bullet for the rest of you, and have immersed myself into this strange culture. By using these words in my vocabulary for a short time, I have gathered their proper applications, and experienced firsthand the thrill of being "hip with the kids." The guide that follows is composed of the most common words, phrases, and references that this new generation uses. I have also included a guide on hash-tagging. You're welcome.
1. "On fleek"
What it means: Typically used when describing one's eyebrows, this phrase means that you look great! Perfection, well done, commendable. Also an odd phrase; but I am here to report, not to judge.
Other uses: I believe that this phrase can also be applied to describing one's outfit, hair, and/or makeup. Use with caution.
How to use it in a sentence: "Hey girl, your eyebrows are on fleek today!" OR in a Snapchat selfie, captioning, "Face on fleek doe!*"
** doe = an abbreviated way to say "though"
2. "Basic"
What it means: This word is used to describe someone who enjoys the simpler things in life: usually Starbucks, Ugg boots and North Face jackets. "Basic" is used to reference the obvious fact that a person looks generic, cookie-cutter.
More information: My Starbucks barista said the following to me, which made me probe the meaning of the word even more: "Iced drinks are great, but I can't wait for hot drinks again. It's almost Fall! I swear I'm not basic or anything, I just really love Fall and the cold weather." Could "basic" refer to every normal Washingtonian?? What about enjoying Fall and crisp leaves and pumpkin spice lattes is such a crime?? Only time and further investigating will tell.
How to use it in a sentence: "OMG, she is so basic, look at her selfie with her Starbucks cup and her messy bun and her Ugg boots and her totally content life."
3. "Bae"
What it means: Before anyone else. Apparently it also synonymous with "babe," or "lovebug." This word is probably the worst of the entire bunch of words, and when people use it, I cringe. However, the youth of today think this word is totally on fleek. (?) But alas, I digress.
More information: In my observations, I find that "bae" can also be used to describe food, clothes, celebrities, and pretty much anything else. It is also rumored to be a German word for "poop." Fascinating.
How to use it in a sentence: "Brad Pitt is tooootally bae." OR "Look at this picture of bae, s/he is just sooo cute!" OR (my personal favorite) "Avocado is bae."
4. "I ship them"
What it means: This phrase is popular in the world of TV and books. It means that you want two people to be together, or you support two characters being in a relationship, perhaps even two unlikely ones. Fanfiction (the world of fan-created stories about book/TV characters) is full of "ships."
What it doesn't mean: Sending two people on a cruise.
How to use it in a sentence: "I just watched "Once Upon A Time," and I so ship Hook and Emma." OR "OMG, don't judge me, but I totally ship Draco and Hermione."
5. "OTP"
What it means: One true pairing. Similar to the previous phrase, "I ship them," yet this abbreviation gets slightly more intense. From hours perusing Pinterest, I have determined that "OTP" is the best way to express your desire for a couple to be together until the end of time.
Other applications: OTP can also be used to talk about a couple that is already together, like Ron and Hermione, or Mary and Watson.
How to use it in a sentence: "AGHHH MY OTP HAS TO BE TOGETHER...THE WAY THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER IS PERF*, I KNOW THEY LOVE EACH OTHER!" OR "My OTP is will always be Katniss and Peeta<3"**
*perf = perfect
**<3 = heart
6. "I can't even"
What it means: You've got a lot going on, maybe too many exciting/overwhelming things are happening at once and you JUST CANNOT EVEN HANDLE IT RIGHT NOW.
Even cooler: Some bold teens will shorten this phrase to simply "I can't," to place extra emphasis on whatever dramatic events are taking place. Only do this once you have mastered the original phrase.
How to use it in a sentence: "Zayn left One Direction ANDDDDD I have a huge test today. Ugh, I can't even." OR "Zac Efron chopped his hair off. I literally can't, right now. Girl, I can't."
7. "SMH"
What it means: Shaking my head. You do not really have to be shaking your head in order to use this slang. Similarly to how people often say "LOL" without really laughing at all. However, feel free to shake your head if that is what floats you boat.
When to use it: SMH should not be used in everyday conversation; instead, save it for texting and even Facebook, if you feel up to it. Maybe even Tweet about your head shaking, if you feel up to it.
How to use it in a sentence on Facebook: *Someone posts something political that you cannot refrain yourself from commenting on* You: "Wow....SMH lol!!*"
8. "Toats"
What it means: Totally, but shorter and with sass. Not to be confused with "tote," which is a handbag.
Add pazazz to the phrase: "Toats" is pretty snazzy by itself, but let's say you are feeling extra sassy today. Well, saying "toats ma goats" is an acceptable way to express your sassiness. There is not much to explain here. Yes, goats like the animals. No, it is not short for anything...it just rhymes and it's cool.
How to use it in a sentence: "You look toats adorbs* today!" OR "Toats ma goats, sure you can take my car for a joy ride!"
*adorbs = short for adorable
9. "Slay"
What it means: Used to describe someone who is really excelling at something, or just plain killin' it. You are telling the other person to keep their excellence up! It's meant as a compliment for others, so make sure you don't use it to describe yourself. That would result in social media backlash against you. Also, it should be used as a verb!
More information: "Slay" is often reserved for people like Beyonce and Taylor Swift, i.e. those who emit confidence and extreme exuberance. Using it ironically may not be well received. You'll probably just sound weird.
How to use it in a sentence: "Taylor Swift completely slaaaaaaayed last night at her concert!" OR "OMG, slay girl! SLAAAAYYY!"
10. "YAAAAASSSSSSSS"
What it means: It's like saying yes, but with a lot more excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Exclamation points are optional, as the amount of added s's pretty much sums up the excitement level. But who am I to stop you from using 800 s's followed by 30 exclamation points. There is no hate around here.
Pairs well with: "Slay," "I can't even," and related words/phrases that can have one letter drawn out and still make sense.
How to use it in a sentence: "There is no wait for Space Mountain! YYAAAASSSSS!!!!!" OR "Emma Watson is bae. Look at her red carpet outfit! Yaaassssssssss, girl!! SLAAAAAAY!!"
#BONUS! Hashtagging in 3 simple steps:
1. Log onto your social media account.
2. Create a post (or tweet, or status, depending on the site).
3. Include a popular word that is completely irrelevant* to your post, and put the hashtag symbol (#) before it.
*Kidding..kind of. The word can fit with your post, too! Do not get confused when you see posts like the examples I've included. If the hashtagged word is irrelevant, it typically means that person is trying to get more followers/views by including a popular hashtag that will attract more people.
Example: Today I went to the store and bought groceries! #blessed
Example: Just watched a generic romance movie with a cute boy who falls in love with a cute girl who wasn't really cute at first but then the makeover scene happened and now they both are perfect and in love. #goals
Now, get to work practicing those hashtags! I believe in you. #belieber
All this new information might seem overwhelming to you, but it will be okay. Take it one tweet at a time. This is the world now, so embrace it! If you really want to go the distance, perhaps learn the lyrics to a popular Taylor Swift or One Direction song, take a selfie, and then hashtag some of the lyrics along with some irrelevant words, like iPhone and eyes. Don't forget your emoji! Your coolness level will be through the roof! If that is a bit too extreme, at least try incorporating this new vocabulary into your everyday life. You might even surprise yourself at how hip you are. #theend
