Quick Summary
Feeling lost in the sea of new-gen slang? You’re not alone! Explore the latest buzzwords, and discover what they reveal about today’s youth culture.
While at the gym, I overheard a younger crowd speaking a language I could not decipher. A sudden realization loomed over me: I am no longer hip. I am sure a lot of us are in the same boat. To better serve our patrons, it would be good to understand this new language. It turned to eLibrary Minnesota for help.
In “Today's Teen Slang Is Pure Poetry,” Stephen Marche defines several terms:
Mid
Describes something that is not exceptionally bad, but also nothing special to rave about. Literally middle of the pack when compared to others in the same category.
Ex: Romance novels are mid. (Just my opinion.)
Cringe
Labels behavior or people that appear disingenuous, fake, or even “weird.” A very subjective phrase, it is often applied to discredit the sincerity of a person, an action, or a message, reducing efforts to something that can make someone physically “cringe.”
Reading manga is cringe. (Personally, I love it.)
Based
Describes a person or message that is “Based in fact/reality.” A generation often presented with false information, this is used to commend instances of authenticity, or takes that can be backed up with facts.
The Minitex Messenger is based. (Fact.)
Glazing
Used when praise towards someone or something becomes too much, to the point it becomes absurd or annoying.
Libraries changed my life. (Glazing libraries is not at all cringe.)
Marche suggests that these terms reflect the state of society and the feelings young people share. Most new slang phrases have negative undertones, and express disillusionment.
In “Do You Have 'Rizz'? Teen Slang Befuddles Parents – Again,” Ashley Wong focuses on a single slang term: "rizz."
Rizz
A diminutive for the word “charisma,” 'rizz' is used to describe authenticity, confidence, and the ability to charm people often without having to try very hard or in a unique way.
Ex: Jon Snow has underrated rizz.
Wong explains that this phrase in particular is one of the most common new-gen slang parents hear, and its popularity extends beyond the young.
Slang is an ever-evolving language, reflecting the changing world we live in. Just as today’s slang is strange to us, our parents were befuddled by the things we said when we were young. Soon, it will be Generation Z’s turn to wonder what their kids are talking about.
