When I first started teaching, I had my students choose their own team names for an activity that we did in class. One team chose “Netflix and Chill” as their team name. I loved it. I was excited when they announced their team name and replied, “Me Love to Netflix and chill! My husband and I Netflix and chilling every Night!” The class erupted. They laughed immediately and together. The kind of laughter I love. However, this time I knew I had obviously said something inappropriate. So I did what you do to dispel an awkward moment and started flow dancing. Then, with the help of Urban Dictionary, I found out that “Netflix and chill” did not means what I thought it meant. I decided not to incorporate youth language into my classes until I was sure I knew more about teenage slang.
I’ve learned a lot over the years, and now I want to pass on the teenage slang I’ve decoded so you too can decode the conversations around you – or maybe even throw it into your class and join me Cookiester- Teachers of Everything Club.
(Some of these terms are older than others and some may be regional. Please feel free to share other teenage slang words used in your classroom in the comments.)
bet
Definition: OK! Certainly. In order. (Usually said in response to a question or statement.)
Example
Teacher: OK, you have 10 minutes to complete this assignment.
Student: Bet.
Rizz
Definition: Your ability to flirt, effortlessly charm a guy or girl
Example
Student 1: Who are you taking home this weekend?
Student 2: You know I have a lot of options because I have crazy rizz.
The bus
Definition: Very good (usually refers to food)
Example
Student: This McFrappe is Bussin.
light up
Definition: A physical or emotional remodeling, a positive transformation
Example
Student: Did you see who moved back in? She’s really had a glow since 9th grade.
Beanie / Kizzy Beanie
Definition: You lie. That is not true.
Example
Teacher: We have a quiz today.
Student: That’s cap.
Teacher: No cap, we have a quiz today.
Student: That is quirky Lid.
Teacher: No, it is not quirky Lid. We have a quiz today.
kizzy
Definition: A shortened version of kizzy cap, meaning I don’t lie.
drops
Definition: clothing, shoes, accessories
Example
Student: I love the drip today.
Teacher: Thank you. I have it on sale at Target.
Slay
Definition: You do an excellent job.
Example
Teacher: What do you need in your body paragraphs to support your reasons?
Student: Evidence?
Teacher: Kill.
Unobtrusive
Definition: An opinion where you try to be subtle
Example
Student: Lowkey, I actually like the school’s buffalo chicken dip.
Student: The Buffalo Chicken Dip smacks.
smacks
Definition: An indication that something is very good
Example
Student: The Buffalo Chicken Dip is delicious.
Extra
Definition: Going over the top
Example
Student: *sees Valentine’s headband on my head* Mrs. Naumoff, why do you have to be so extravagant today?
tea
Definition: Fresh gossip
Example
Student 1: May I spill the tea for you?
Student 2: Not unless it’s hot tea.
Student 1: This is the freshest tea.
Student 2: Play.
Gucci
Definition: All good
Example
Student 1: Are we Gucci, Brah?
Student 2: We gucci.
Take multiple seats
Definition: You are out of line and need to sit down.
Example
Student 1: Of course I will get the best grade in this test.
*Student 1 gets test back and gets 40%.
Student 2: Take multiple seats.
But
Definition: Throw something
Example
Student: *frustrated with the Chromebook* Can I just throw my computer out the window?
Teacher: No, I’m afraid you can’t throw the computer out the window. Try turning it off and on again. This is my solution to all computer problems.
To bend
Definition: To brag about something
Example
Student 1: I never pop my pimples. I just leave them there for the world to see.
Student 2: Weird flex, but OK.
What Chad
Definition: Typical cocky man
Example
Student 1: I just hit 400 via COD last night.
Student 2: What Chad.
How many of these teenage slang words did you know? Test your knowledge with our TEACHER QUIZ: How well do you know school language?
Need help deciphering teen slang that’s not on this list? Join our… WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook and ask!
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