From ‘Fit’ to ‘Drip’ to ‘Hundo P’ — Navigating Teen Slang

There are times when I find myself watching my son in utter confusion as he strings together words and phrases that seem completely alien. It wasn’t long ago that “legit” was a staple in his vocabulary, followed by “this is lit,” and now he’s all about “bruh” — a term he even uses when chatting with his five-year-old twin sisters. I get that “bruh” is just a casual way of saying “bro,” but why use it with your sisters?

I can’t help but point a finger at YouTube, the internet, and social media for the way my son’s lingo has evolved into something that feels like a foreign language. And the best part? He often concludes his explanations with, “You just don’t understand, mom,” using that classic teenage tone that reminds us of our age — like when I had no clue why he kept saying “salty.”

Even though I struggle to grasp some of these terms, I’ve caught myself using a few, like “legit,” in my own conversations. I cringe every time the word escapes my lips, but if my son hears it, I regain a few cool points. Teenage slang isn’t new; we used it too, and I’m sure our parents felt just as lost. However, it has certainly transformed over the years. It’s now our responsibility to stay updated, not just for the sake of coolness but to connect with our teens and understand what they’re really saying.

Keeping up with teenage slang can feel overwhelming, and it often gets pushed to the back burner. But luckily, there are comprehensive guides to help parents navigate this intricate vocabulary. For instance, I was late to grasp what “FOMO” meant, and now there’s “squad” — not the “mom squad” I’m familiar with, but rather their group of friends. Long gone are the straightforward terms like “gnarly” or “duh.” Instead, we have words like “fleek,” “Hundo P,” and “FOMO,” which are just as harmless as the phrases we used back in the ’80s and ’90s.

We live in a time where being “woke” is essential for both parents and teens. Today’s kids are more aware of the world around them, and their language reflects that consciousness. Some terms can even serve as indicators of potential issues in your teen’s life, such as dating or emotional struggles. While it may not always require immediate intervention, being aware of their slang can help foster open discussions with your teen. For instance, I’ve started asking my son about terms I don’t comprehend, like “low-key.” Although I felt a bit out of touch afterward, it’s okay — they don’t need any more reminders of how uncool we are.

According to Teen Slang: The Complete Parent’s Guide, some expressions may seem harmless, yet they can hint at more serious matters. By keeping communication lines open with our cool youngsters (even though I’m sure “cool” isn’t a word they use anymore), we can better navigate their worlds, even when they’re reluctant to “spill the tea.”

For now, my son is eager for a “bae,” and we’ve explained why he’s not quite ready for that yet. As his parents, we’ll focus on helping him be the best “bruh” he can be until he’s ready for the “bae” of his dreams and won’t “throw any shade” at his approach. Like countless parents before us, we’ll strive to keep pace with the shifting landscape of slang as our teens grow.

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In summary, understanding teen slang is essential for parents who want to connect with their children. While it can be confusing, staying informed allows for better communication and bonding. Being aware of the words your teen uses can also provide insights into their emotional state and social interactions.

Keyphrase: teenage slang
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