What Your Teens Mean When They Say These 10 Things

Ever heard your kids say things like, "Man, that girl's body count is crazy," or "can we Netflix and chill this weekend?"

You're not alone if you've heard any of these phrases and are wondering what your kids are saying. For most parents, understanding kids' lingo can be a struggle. However, this article will help you.

We've curated a list of today's most common slang so you can stay on top of your teens' conversations. This detailed list will help you spot potential disturbing words before things escalate. But before that, why do kids love slang?

Why Kids Love Slang

Slang is every generation's way of communicating, connecting and interacting with each other. And it's not surprising kids love it. 

With slang, it's easier to communicate in a fun, savvy, and coded way. For instance, when kids want to hide a secret, they can use simple, non-obvious phrases to talk. They can do this via their chats or in-person conversations.

Also, when they want to make fun of a situation, they can use slang expressions to drive humor creatively. Aside from that, slang helps them feel cool and relaxed, especially when interacting on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Below is a list of popular expressions kids say and what they mean:

1. Stan

The word "Stan" first came to be in 2001 after the rapper Eminem dropped a song titled "Stan". This song was centered on a man, an alleged fan who lost his cool over the musician's inability to reply to his letters. Unfortunately, the alleged fan became obsessed and eventually ended up being violent.

According to most people, the word "Stan" is derived from "fan" and "stalker", which is a synonym for obsessed — someone who supports, promotes and highly regards a celebrity and their art.

You can use Stan as a verb or a noun. For example, you can "stan a movie" or identify as "a stan of a lead actor".

2. Body count

Body count is the new way of asking someone how many people they've had sexual intimacy with. Rather than bluntly ask about one's sexual escapades, kids use this phrase to subtly ask. 

3. Netflix and chill

Netflix and chill is a popular social media buzzword for relaxing and watching a Netflix show. Over the years, the term has changed from its literal meaning to a more coded way of referring to sexual intimacy. 

4. Extra

The lingo "extra" means doing beyond what's expected of one or being dramatic, excessive and over the top. For example, you can say someone is extra if they're trying too hard to force a laugh or crack a joke.

5. Snatched

Snatched is Gen Z's way of saying someone or something is hot or attractive. For example, you can say, "She looks snatched," or "Those pants are snatched." 

6. On fleek

Popularly used on Instagram, on fleek is a way of saying something is on point, excellent, and stylish. For example, my makeup is on fleek, or Mandy's new hair is on fleek.

7. Flex

This phrase originated from pop music meaning "to boast" or "show off". You can decide to flex your new clothes, physique, or assets.

8. Finsta

A "Finsta" is a private Instagram account popularly known as fake Instagram and primarily used by kids. Kids use this phony account to stay out of their parent's sight. They can follow who they like and post what they want.

9. Throwing shade

To throw shades is to make side comments or rude statements about someone openly. Kids usually do this to show disdain for others.

10. Capping

This slang comes in different versions, such as to cap and no capping. To cap means to lie or exaggerate. It could also mean boasting about something. In contrast, no capping means no lies or, to be honest.

These are the most popular slang expressions right now on the internet and their meanings. Learn and use them to decipher what your kids say online and in physical conversations.