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17 slang words teens and Gen Z-ers are using in 2019, and what they mean

"Chill" can be an adjective to describe someone who's cool to spend time with or something that's fun to do. It can also mean to hang out, or be used as a directive to calm down

17 slang words teens and Gen Z-ers are using in 2019, and what they mean

To be "extra" is to be unnecessarily dramatic and over the top

To be "extra" is to be unnecessarily dramatic and over the top

"She celebrated her birthday for an entire month. She's so extra."

Source: Merriam-Webster

Unlike the British version of the term "fit," which means attractive, in the United States "fit" is just the shortened version of outfit

Unlike the British version of the term "fit," which means attractive, in the United States "fit" is just the shortened version of outfit

"She had on a fire fit at the party."

"Their fit was bold."

Source: Buzzfeed, Urban Dictionary

To "flex" is to knowingly flaunt and show off. As a noun, a flex is the thing being shown off

To "flex" is to knowingly flaunt and show off. As a noun, a flex is the thing being shown off

"He drove himself to school in a new car the day after he got his license. He's trying to flex."

"That car's a flex."

Source: Bustle

GOAT is an acronym that stands for the "greatest of all time," with strong roots in American hip-hop

GOAT is an acronym that stands for the "greatest of all time," with strong roots in American hip-hop

With its most notable appearance during the early aughts in LL Cool J's eighth studio album "G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time)," GOAT has popped up in various songs over the last few decades and now stands as a way to describe respected icons.

"LeBron James is the GOAT. Period."

Source: Grammarphobia

"Go off" can be used to encourage a choice, or to support a rant or ridiculous behavior that's already occurred, usually meant humorously

"Go off" can be used to encourage a choice, or to support a rant or ridiculous behavior that

*Friend rants about teacher for five minutes straight*

"Alright, go off."

Source: Urban Dictionary

"Lewk" is a variation of "look," a signature physical trait, or a specially and carefully constructed outfit or appearance

"Lewk" is a variation of "look," a signature physical trait, or a specially and carefully constructed outfit or appearance

"Their dress at prom was a lewk."

"Did you see Megan Thee Stallion's lewk in her newest video?"

Source: The Cut

"Lit" is an adjective to describe when something's amazing, exciting, high-energy, or otherwise great. It can also mean intoxicated or drunk

"Lit" is an adjective to describe when something

"That party was lit."

"I was way too lit last night."

Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

"Lowkey" is slightly, secretly, modestly, or discretely. It's the opposite of "highkey," for when you're sincerely or assertively into something

"Lowkey" is slightly, secretly, modestly, or discretely. It

"I lowkey can't wait for summer to be over."

"I highkey love snow."

Source: Business Insider

To be "salty" is to be annoyed, upset, or bitter, usually about something minor

To be "salty" is to be annoyed, upset, or bitter, usually about something minor

"You asked for a bite, but ate half my burger!"

"You salty?"

Source: Urban Dictionary

To "slay" is to do really well or succeed at something. The term first emerged during the 1970s and 80s in the midst of black drag and ballroom culture.

To "slay" is to do really well or succeed at something. The term first emerged during the 1970s and 80s in the midst of black drag and ballroom culture.

"She slayed that fit."

"I slayed that test."

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer, PushBlack Now, Business Insider

If someone's "shook," they're affected by something, usually negatively and emotionally. It can also mean shocked, surprised, or scared

If someone

"Can't believe how that movie ended. I'm shook."

Source: Urban Dictionary

"Stan" can be a noun for an overzealous and obsessive fan, or a verb meaning to be that kind of fan. It originated from an Eminem song of the same name. Someone can be a "stan" of a celebrity, or used as a verb, they can "stan" them

"Stan" can be a noun for an overzealous and obsessive fan, or a verb meaning to be that kind of fan. It originated from an Eminem song of the same name. Someone can be a "stan" of a celebrity, or used as a verb, they can "stan" them

"I stan pretty hard for Lizzo."

"Don't say that to the 'Game of Thrones' stans."

Source: Rolling Stone

"Szn" is a shortened version of the word season, often used to refer to periods of the astrological calendar.

"Szn" is a shortened version of the word season, often used to refer to periods of the astrological calendar.

"It's Leo szn."

"I highkey cannot wait for Virgo szn to be over."

Source: Urban Dictionary

"Tea" is gossip, and "spilling the tea" is the act of gossiping. We can also thank black drag culture for this iconic phrase.

"Tea" is gossip, and "spilling the tea" is the act of gossiping. We can also thank black drag culture for this iconic phrase.

"Spill the tea, what did he say?"

"Last night was a mess. Here's the tea."

Source: Merriam-Webster, Urban Dictionary

Someone is "thirsty" if they're overly eager and desperate, usually for attention, approval, or compliments

Someone is "thirsty" if they

"He's posted, like, 10 selfies in the last hour. He's so thirsty."

Source: New York Times

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