Slang words

Beat

"Beat" can be used as a verb or adjective, and it's all about beauty. To beat is to apply makeup, and if someone is described as being "beat," it means they either applied their makeup well, or just applied a lot of it. Used in a sentence as a verb: "I have to meet the parents tonight so I'm going to beat my face."

Kiki

A kiki is a party or festive gathering, though it can be used as a verb. To kiki, for instance, has a double meaning: either to celebrate, or to share gossip. This is perfectly expressed in the Scissor Sisters music video for "Let's Have a Kiki,"

All Tea All Shade

A phrase that means the person is coming for and/or attacking someone purposely. The opposite of the phrase "No tea no shade" that basically means "No offense."Usually said after someone says "No tea no shade" as a way to say that the person is actually trying to offend someone. Alyssa: What you're wearing is all garbage, no tea no shade.Coco: All tea all shade!

Hunty

An amalgamate of honey and cunty. A demeaning term without being overly aggressive. Don't be jealous because my hair is layed, hunty

Basic

Anything mainstream is considered basic. Pumpkin spice lattes, for instance, are basic (to some).

Realness

Executive Realness A convincing drag queen with natural beauty that portrays a business formal look. OMG She is so SICKENING in that business suit, giving us executive realness. The more you mimic someone's demeanor, the closer you've gotten to achieving realness.

Low Key

For something to be low key, it must be secretive or "kinda" what you actually want. Used in a sentence: "I might order the salad, but I'm low key craving the pasta."

G.O.A.T.

Here's an easy one: G.O.A.T. is an acronym for greatest of all time. Commonly referenced in sports: When it comes to tennis, Serena Williams is the G.O.A.T.

Snatched

If a person's hair, makeup, our outfit looks particularly fab, they're snatched. In addition, it's also used as a verb to describe your reaction to something amazing: "J.Lo's performance snatched my wig."

Bye, Felicia

If you're tired of putting up with someone, tell them, "Bye, Felicia!" It's a way of dismissing them or their request.

Woke

If you've kept up with the latest political headlines and aren't afraid to have an opinion against them, you're likely "woke." "We have a moral obligation to 'stay woke,' take a stand and be active,"

Receipts

It's all about accountability here. Asking someone to show you the receipts essentially means you want proof

Lit

Often whipped out in a party context, it's now a replacement for "really good."

Slay

Slay is to do something exceptionally well. While Merriam-Webster defines it as, "to kill violently," and traces its etymology to the 12th century,

Tea

Tea is all about exchanging hot gossip. You can get tea, spill tea, and give tea. Often, the term is simply interchangeable with the letter "T."

Salty

The actual definition of the word can be used to describe something witty, racy, coarse, and humorous—and so folks use salty in relation to bitter behavior. If someone is acting salty towards you, they are likely upset.

High key

The opposite of lowkey is highkey. "I lowkey wanna eat an entire cake.""I highkey wanna eat healthy, but lowkey wanna to eat an entire cake.""I am lowkey in love with Kevin Spacey."

Gag

There are two ways to use this. First, as a synonym for a punchline or joke. For instance, "La La Land was announced as the winner of the 2017 Oscar for Best Picture, but the gag is that Moonlight actually won." The other way is based on its traditional definitions, one of which is to choke. If someone is so good, or so shocking, you'll gag over it: "Look at Meghan Markle in that tuxedo jacket. I'm gagging!"

On Fleek

This can be used as a replacement for "on point," meaning something has been immaculately executed.Specifically, a 2014 Vine video in which a woman describes her eyebrows as "on fleek" is what brought it into the mainstream. Today, it's used far beyond the context of eyebrows.

Ratchet

This is generally used to describe someone as obnoxious, rude, or trashy, though it's also interchangeable with "cool" in a different context.

No Cap

This is used to emphasize that a statement isn't a lie or hyperbole, so think of it as a synonym for the word seriously. Used in a sentence: Your Halloween costume is incredible, no cap.

Thirsty

To be "thirsty" is to desperately want approval. I always get thirsty looking at your fine tits

Yas

To express praise for something or someone, a simple "yas," will do."yass Gaga, you look so good."

Shook

To feel shook is to be shaken up by something, for better or worse. The 2017 clip of comedian Christine Sydelko saying "I am shooketh!" brought it into the mainstream.

Savage

To perform a savage act is to do so unapologetically. This word is used as internet slang when describing a shocking event or a careless attitude. Used in a sentence: "Did you see how Ashley Graham shut down trolls? Savage." Unfortunately, it was initially introduced as a derogatory way of describing Native Americans.

Damn, Gina

Use this phrase if you're either surprised by something or want to express approval. If someone finally earned their PhD, for instance, you could say, "Damn, Gina. Look at you!" It's a throwback to Martin Lawrence's '90s sitcom Martin, in which he'd regularly use the phrase when addressing his wife Gina

Turnt

Used as a synonym for drunk in hip-hop songs like Lupe Fiasco's "All the Way Turnt Up" and Lecrae's "I'm Turnt," this one has evolved to mean extreme excitement. If you wanted to express enthusiasm over an upcoming work project, you could theoretically say, "Our launch is gonna be turnt."

Read

Used as a verb, a "read" is essentially an insult, and a catty way of calling out someone's flaws. The slang term derives from both the Black and LGBTQ communities, and is also regularly used in Paris Is Burning. Mariah Carey's "I don't know her" line about J.Lo is the ultimate read.

Humble brag

When someone complains about their life while sneaking in a brag

Swerve

While there are several definitions, to swerve is to avoid something, or steer clear of an unwanted situation. Similarly to other terms on this list, it's been historically used in Black culture.

Gucci

Yes, Gucci is the name of a luxury Italian fashion label, but its use in hip-hop songs like D&D's "What's Gucci" has made it synonymous with "good." It can help reflect a feeling ("I'm Gucci!") or can be used as an adjective for something you love ("That's so Gucci!").

Shade

You can "throw shade" or "be shady," in other words, subtly (or indirectly) disrespect someone."Shade is, I don't have to tell you you're ugly, but I don't have to tell you because you know you're ugly." Shade.

Bruh

another way of saying really, or seriously. little brother: I want to be Snow White for Halloween!big brother: bruh.

Stan

describes a stan as an "overzealous or obsessive fan of a particular celebrity."

go AWOL

go missing

Keep It 100

it basically means to be authentic. tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. AKA "Keep it Real" or be honest with youself as well as others. I keep it 100 with all the people I come across.She's been keeping it 100 since the day I met her.

Dead

it means that something is so funny or ridiculously good it's forced you to be hyperbolic. Used in a sentence: Did you see that scene in that incredible Netflix comedy? I'm dead.

Mood

mood specifically is derived from Black culture and it's used next to a meme, video, or photo to emphasize that something is relatable. This feel-good clip of Lisa and Bart Simpson dancing, for example, is a mood.

Twerk

this phrase which describes a "sexually suggestive" way of dancing A dance that requires you to shake your booty up and down

Skrt

this word is used to describe the sound tires make when you stop unexpectedly. In conversation, it's a synonym for "stop." If a friend is gossiping and you'd like them to revisit part of the story, for example, you can quickly interject with "skrt!"

TBH

to be honest. Often, it's used for emphasis while admitting something about yourself. An example? I really love Lady Gaga, tbh.

Clock

to clock is to "hit hard." Therefore, if you clock, are clocking, or clocked, someone, you essentially strike them across the head with an insult. It's similar to a "read," but slightly more aggro

Slaps

to slap is to "strike sharply with or as if with the open hand," so the word is now colloquially used to describe something—a song, your meal, new shoes, anything—that strikes you as good, that's impressive. Used in a sentence. This new recipe from Oprah's plant-based diet slaps.

Sus

when someone says or does something gay on accident Kevin: i like his tight shortsJoe: thats sus