575 words · Updated October 19, 2026
Plain meanings for the words kids, teens and young adults use, and how much each one matters. Usually, not at all.
Not in the guide yet. Ask us about it
Heartbreak or sadness, but young people often use it ironically for small letdowns.
no more snow days this year 💔
For parents and educators. Usually mock-sad. If it comes with real talk about a breakup or loss, take it at face value.
Also heard as: broken heart emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesCalling someone, or yourself, foolish. Often used to admit you got fooled.
I thought there was no school today 🤡
For parents and educators. Fine when self-directed. Repeated at one person in a group chat, it can be a form of mocking.
Also heard as: clown emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesUsually means laughing so hard you're crying, or being overwhelmed in a good way. Not usually sadness.
He fell off the chair 😭😭
For parents and educators. Read the words around it. Words like STOP or NOT YOU mean laughter.
Also heard as: loudly crying face
Where it came from, and sourcesBlank, stunned staring. Often read as it is what it is, accepting something weird or bad.
the bus left without me 👁️👄👁️
For parents and educators. Harmless, a meme face. Less common than a few years ago.
Also heard as: 👁👄👁, eye mouth eye emoji, it is what it is face
Where it came from, and sourcesI'm watching, tell me more. Used for gossip, drama or something interesting about to happen.
wait who did she go to the dance with 👀
For parents and educators. Harmless. Sometimes it means someone finds a person attractive.
Also heard as: eyes emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesA big sigh. Relief, exhaustion, or being impressed, like saying that took my breath away.
finally done exams 😮💨
For parents and educators. Usually harmless. It can show someone exhaling smoke, so in a vaping context it might mean that, but most of the time it's a sigh.
Also heard as: face exhaling emoji, sigh emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesPlease or thank you. Sometimes prayer or hoping hard for something.
can you cover for me at practice 🙏
For parents and educators. Harmless. Begging with 🙏🙏🙏 is a common joke.
Also heard as: folded hands emoji, praying hands
Where it came from, and sourcesYikes, awkward, or nervous. A cringe at something uncomfortable.
I forgot we had a presentation today 😬
For parents and educators. Harmless. Worth knowing so you don't send it thinking it's a smile.
Also heard as: grimacing face emoji, yikes emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesA cheeky giggle, an oops, or hinting at a secret.
I might have eaten the last cookie 🤭
For parents and educators. Harmless and playful.
Also heard as: hand over mouth emoji, giggle emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesLove, thanks and support, like making a heart with your hands.
thank you for the birthday surprise 🫶
For parents and educators. Harmless and warm. Friends use it all the time.
Also heard as: heart hands emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesSo touched I could cry. Moved by something sweet, cute or kind.
my little brother made me a card 🥹
For parents and educators. Almost always happy tears. Harmless.
Also heard as: face holding back tears emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesTotally, so true, or keeping it real. Strong agreement or approval.
school should start later 💯
For parents and educators. Harmless and positive.
Also heard as: 100 emoji, keep it 100
Where it came from, and sourcesMelting from embarrassment, overwhelm or awkwardness, while still smiling. Sometimes literally too hot.
called my teacher mom in front of everyone 🫠
For parents and educators. Usually light. Used a lot, alongside other signs of stress, it can be a way of saying things feel like too much.
Also heard as: melting face emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesA deadpan, stone-faced reaction. Unimpressed, or delivering a dry joke with a straight face.
you really thought I'd lend you my charger again 🗿
For parents and educators. Harmless. It's tied to sigma and chad memes, but usually just means no reaction.
Also heard as: moai emoji, stone face emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesSass, confidence or unbothered calm. Rarely about actual nails.
they said I couldn't finish it in time. anyway 💅
For parents and educators. Harmless, usually self-confident or playful.
Also heard as: nail polish emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesEither chef's kiss, meaning perfect, or a dramatic what are you even saying, depending on the message.
my grandma's lasagna 🤌
For parents and educators. Harmless. Read the words around it to know if it's praise or exasperation.
Also heard as: pinched fingers emoji, chef's kiss emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesYes sir, on it, or respect. Often a bit sarcastic, like accepting a doomed task.
mom says clean my room before dinner 🫡
For parents and educators. Harmless, usually good-natured.
Also heard as: salute emoji, saluting face emoji, o7
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething is so funny I'm dead. It means laughing hard, not anything dark.
Your dog in that costume 💀💀💀
For parents and educators. Not a sign of danger. Repeated under someone's photo, it can be a way of mocking them.
Also heard as: skull emoji, I'm dead
Where it came from, and sourcesTo many young people this little smile reads as fake, annoyed or barely holding it together, not happy.
oh cool, another group project 🙂
For parents and educators. When parents send it, kids usually understand you mean it kindly. When they send it, it may be sarcasm.
Also heard as: slightly smiling face emoji, smiley
Where it came from, and sourcesA fake friend, someone who betrays you or talks behind your back. Calling someone a snake means the same.
She told everyone what I said 🐍
For parents and educators. Some friend groups use it as a joke. A row of snakes under one kid's posts is a way of ganging up and calling them out.
If you’re worried. If your child is getting snake emojis piled on their posts, ask what happened in the friend group and help them mute, block or report. Kids Help Phone listens any time: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: snake, snake emoji, snakey
Where it came from, and sourcesWrapped around words to add emphasis, often sarcastic. Sometimes just cheerful.
Love having three tests on the same day ✨
For parents and educators. If the words describe something unpleasant, the sparkles mean sarcasm.
Also heard as: sparkles, sparkle text
Where it came from, and sourcesTo adults it means ok or great. Many young people read a lone thumbs up as cold, dismissive or passive-aggressive.
Me: I made the team!! Dad: 👍
For parents and educators. Not slang, just a common mix-up. If your teen shares big news, a few words land better than a thumbs up. Some kids also use it on purpose to be dry.
Also heard as: thumbs up emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesThings are going badly but I'm smiling anyway. Sarcasm, irony, or quiet frustration.
my phone died right before the bus came 🙃
For parents and educators. Usually light. Lots of it in a row can be a sign they're stressed and joking to cope.
Also heard as: upside down face emoji
Where it came from, and sourcesMock heartbreak or dramatic sadness, usually over something small. The new broken heart.
they ran out of fries 🥀
For parents and educators. Almost always ironic and harmless. Older teens say it makes them feel old.
Also heard as: wilted rose emoji, dead rose emoji, wilting flower
Where it came from, and sourcesA challenge to a one-on-one duel, in a game or jokingly in anything else.
You think you're faster? 1v1 me at recess.
For parents and educators. Friendly rivalry. Rarely more than bragging.
Also heard as: 1v1, one v one, 1v1 me bro
Where it came from, and sourcesA long-standing code for cannabis, and April 20 is an informal cannabis day.
For parents and educators. Very well known, including among adults, so seeing it is often just a joke or meme. Treat it as a chance to ask what your child knows about cannabis rather than as proof of use.
Where it came from, and sourcesVery smart, often said sarcastically about a clever or not-so-clever idea. 3Head means the opposite.
Hiding in the bathroom so the zombies can't find you, 5Head.
For parents and educators. Harmless teasing.
Also heard as: 5head, 3Head, big brain
Where it came from, and sourcesA meme phrase with no fixed meaning, said whenever the numbers come up, often with a hand gesture like weighing two things.
What page are we on? Sixty seven? Six seveeen!
For parents and educators. Pure silliness. Teachers hear it constantly. The joke is that adults can't make sense of it.
Also heard as: 67, six seven
Where it came from, and sourcesThe name of a violent online network, part of a wider scene called "The Com", that targets kids and teens to manipulate, threaten and extort them.
For parents and educators. Police say it reaches kids through games and chat apps like Discord, Roblox and Minecraft, then uses threats and coercion to push them into harming themselves or others. Kids who are lonely or struggling are often targeted. The OPP asks families to talk about it. A child caught up in it is a victim, not in trouble.
If you’re worried. If you see this name in your child's messages, or your child is being threatened or pressured online, keep the messages, do not confront the account, and report right away to Cybertip.ca and local police. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: The Com
Where it came from, and sources9 or CD9 ("code 9") means a parent is watching. 99 means the parent has left.
For parents and educators. Mostly a relic. Like PIR, it signals a wish for privacy rather than danger. Focus on who your child talks to rather than decoding numbers.
Also heard as: CD9, 99
Where it came from, and sources99 Nights in the Forest, a Roblox survival horror game where players team up to keep a campfire going and survive a creature in the woods.
We made it to night 40 in 99 Nights, the deer almost got me.
For parents and educators. Spooky rather than gory, but it is a horror game, so it can be too scary for younger kids. Some parent guides suggest it fits best from about 13.
Also heard as: 99 Nights in the Forest, 99 nights in the forest
Where it came from, and sourcesEnding a short text with a period can read as serious, upset or insincere to young people. Sure. feels harsher than sure.
Fine.
For parents and educators. Not slang, but a common source of mix-ups between parents and kids. Your period probably feels like a frown to them. Theirs, if they use one, may mean they're actually annoyed.
Also heard as: full stop, text period
Where it came from, and sourcesIn Roblox roleplay games, typing ABC means I'm up for it, like volunteering to play a role someone asked for.
Who wants to be my sister? ABC!
For parents and educators. Not an acronym and harmless on its own. Pay attention if strangers ask kids to ABC for roles like boyfriend or girlfriend.
Also heard as: ABC for, abc for a mom
Where it came from, and sourcesOver-the-top praise for a moment that feels like a great movie scene. Often used jokingly for something silly or dramatic.
My cat knocking the cup off the table in slow motion? Absolute cinema.
For parents and educators. Harmless. It's usually ironic.
Also heard as: this is cinema, cinema
Where it came from, and sourcesA student who crushes school through hard work and good habits. A compliment, often used jokingly about yourself.
Did all my readings before class. Academic weapon era.
For parents and educators. Positive. Some kids use it with heavy irony while procrastinating. If the study pressure behind it sounds intense, that is worth a gentle check-in.
Also heard as: academic victim, academic comeback
Where it came from, and sourcesTo bother or pester. Someone 'achalant' is annoying.
Mon petit frère est tellement achalant. (My little brother is so annoying.)
For parents and educators. Mild and common. Persistent 'achalage' by the same people can be worth a closer look.
Also heard as: achalant, achalante
Where it came from, and sourcesA stand-in for autistic, used as an insult meaning dumb, awkward or weird.
Bro answered the wrong question again, he's so acoustic.
For parents and educators. Many kids think it's just a silly word. It still turns a disability into an insult, and autistic kids hear it that way.
If you’re worried. If your child is the one being called this, or uses it about a classmate, talk about why it hurts. If it's part of ongoing bullying, involve the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: is he acoustic
Where it came from, and sourcesA hugely popular Roblox game about raising and trading virtual pets. Neon and mega neon are rarer, glowing versions of pets.
I finally got a mega neon in Adopt Me!
For parents and educators. Sweet on the surface, but trading is the heart of the game, and scams and pressure around trades are common. Common Sense Media rates it for older kids than its look suggests.
Also heard as: Adopt Me!, AM, neon pet, mega neon
Where it came from, and sourcesUsed as a compliment for something pretty and on-vibe, or as a noun for someone's personal style.
Your room is so aesthetic with the fairy lights.
For parents and educators. Harmless and usually positive.
Also heard as: so aesthetic, my aesthetic
Where it came from, and sourcesAs fuck. Makes the word before it stronger, like very or super.
I'm tired af
For parents and educators. It's a swear word in disguise, but used constantly and casually. Whether it's ok at home is your call.
Also heard as: AF, asf
Where it came from, and sourcesAway from keyboard. Not playing or not answering for a while. Also used for someone who checks out in real life.
AFK, my mom's calling me for supper.
For parents and educators. Harmless and old enough that many parents already know it.
Also heard as: afk, away from keyboard
Where it came from, and sourcesAdded after a description to say something looks or feels like it. "Horror movie ahh hallway" means a hallway that looks like a horror movie.
Final boss ahh teacher walking in with the test.
For parents and educators. Same mild word as goofy ahh. Mostly comparison humor.
Also heard as: ahh
Where it came from, and sourcesA chatbot set up to act like a friend, girlfriend or boyfriend, that chats, flirts and remembers what you tell it.
He spends more time texting his AI girlfriend than us.
For parents and educators. Common Sense Media recommends that no one under 18 use AI companion apps: testers found sexual content, harmful advice and emotional manipulation. Many teens use them for fun, but a kid who prefers the bot to real people, or who hides it, may be lonely. Ask with curiosity, not mockery.
If you’re worried. If your child seems withdrawn, very attached to a chatbot, or a bot is saying harmful things to them, talk calmly and consider their doctor. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In crisis, call or text 988.
Also heard as: AI boyfriend, AI companion, companion bot
Where it came from, and sources"All right", squeezed down. Means OK, or "it's fine, nothing special".
Aight, I'm heading home. The movie was aight.
For parents and educators. Harmless. "Ight" in a text is just a quick OK.
Also heard as: ight, iight, a'ight
Where it came from, and sourcesA cheat that aims for you in shooting games. A wallhack lets you see enemies through walls. Calling someone a hacker usually just means they seem too good.
No way he hit that shot, he's got aimbot.
For parents and educators. Mostly a complaint after losing. If your child wants to buy or download cheats, that is worth a talk: they can get accounts banned and often come with malware.
Also heard as: wallhack, walls, hacker, hacking, hacks
Where it came from, and sourcesStaying up all night, usually to study or finish an assignment, sometimes to game or party.
I pulled an all-nighter for the history project and I'm dead today.
For parents and educators. Common and often bragged about. Sleep matters for learning and mood, so a pattern of all-nighters is worth a look at workload, stress and late-night screens.
Also heard as: pull an all-nighter, all nighter
Where it came from, and sourcesA ranking of men: alphas are dominant and desired, betas are weak or overlooked. "Beta" is used as an insult.
For parents and educators. Kids often use it jokingly. The worry is when it frames relationships as a contest and girls as prizes. A good question: "Who decides who is an alpha? What does that make everyone else?"
Also heard as: beta, alpha male
Where it came from, and sourcesA second account, separate from your "main", often for a hobby, a game or close friends.
I post my drawings on my alt, not my main.
For parents and educators. Usually harmless. Having one is less important than knowing who they talk to on it.
Also heard as: alt, main
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone did something extremely well. Left no crumbs means they did it perfectly.
Her dance at the talent show? She ate.
For parents and educators. Pure praise. Nothing to do. Telling your kid they ate after a recital will get you an eye roll and probably a smile.
Also heard as: ate that, ate and left no crumbs, eats
Where it came from, and sourcesAt this point. Usually a shrug in text form, said when someone has given up or is fed up.
atp I'm just gonna redo the whole project
For parents and educators. Harmless. It can also mean a tennis league or a biology term, so context tells you which.
Also heard as: atp
Where it came from, and sourcesAn imaginary coolness score. Cool moves gain aura points. Embarrassing ones lose them.
He tripped in front of the whole class. Minus 500 aura.
For parents and educators. Harmless and mostly comedic.
Also heard as: aura points, +1000 aura, minus aura
Where it came from, and sourcesTrying to look effortlessly cool, often on purpose for the camera.
He's just standing in the rain with his hood up. Aura farming.
For parents and educators. Harmless posing, usually with a wink. Nothing to do. Asking whose aura farming is the best is an easy way to get them talking.
Where it came from, and sourcesTo be scared, to get the jitters. 'Ça m'a donné la chienne' means 'that freaked me out'.
J'avais la chienne avant mon oral. (I was so nervous before my presentation.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. A nice opening to talk about what's making them nervous.
Also heard as: la chienne m'a pogné, donner la chienne
Where it came from, and sourcesTo have a crush on someone. 'Un kick' is a crush.
Je pense qu'elle a un kick sur toi. (I think she has a crush on you.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Older than 'crusher', parents may already know it.
Also heard as: kick, avoir un kick sur
Where it came from, and sourcesRoblox's free starter hairstyle, which looks like strips of bacon. Calling someone a bacon means they are new or have no paid items.
Look at this bacon trying to trade with me.
For parents and educators. Often friendly teasing, and some players wear it proudly. Used again and again to shut a kid out for not having Robux, it is a form of exclusion worth talking about.
Also heard as: bacon, bacon head
Where it came from, and sourcesAn attractive, confident, stylish person, usually a woman. A compliment.
Your prom pics? Total baddie.
For parents and educators. A compliment. The baddie look online can push heavy makeup and filters, which is worth a gentle chat with younger kids.
Also heard as: baddies
Where it came from, and sourcesTo freak out, worry a lot, or have a bad moment. 'Je badtripe sur mon exam' means 'I'm stressing about my exam'.
Badtripe pas, ça va bien aller. (Don't stress, it'll be fine.)
For parents and educators. Almost always about stress or worry, not drugs. If your kid 'badtripe' a lot, ask what's weighing on them.
Also heard as: bad tripper, bad-triper, bad trip
Where it came from, and sourcesA sweet name for a boyfriend, girlfriend or crush. Also used for anything you love.
Pizza is bae.
For parents and educators. Harmless and a bit dated now. Teens may use it ironically.
Also heard as: babe
Where it came from, and sourcesA song that's really good and full of energy. Also any great post, video or thing.
Put that song on again, it's a banger.
For parents and educators. Harmless praise.
Also heard as: heater, absolute banger
Where it came from, and sourcesPraise for someone who says what they think and doesn't care if others disagree. Sometimes it just means good.
You told the teacher you didn't like the book? Based.
For parents and educators. Usually harmless, but in some online spaces it praises edgy or extreme opinions. Worth asking what was being called based.
Where it came from, and sourcesUnoriginal, mainstream, predictable. Said about someone who likes whatever is popular.
Pumpkin spice and a fall photo dump? So basic.
For parents and educators. A mild put-down, often teasing between friends. Kids also call themselves basic with a shrug.
Also heard as: so basic
Where it came from, and sourcesA paid bundle of rewards that unlocks as you play during one season of a game, like Fortnite. A new one comes out every season.
I have to grind the battle pass before the season ends or I lose the skin.
For parents and educators. It is designed to bring kids back every day, and the season deadline creates fear of missing out. Agreeing at the start of each season on whether the pass is worth buying works better than arguing at the end.
Also heard as: BP, season pass, the pass
Where it came from, and sourcesCheeky, mouthy, arrogant, someone who taunts or provokes.
Fais pas ton baveux avec le coach. (Don't get mouthy with the coach.)
For parents and educators. Common. Kids may describe a kid who taunts them as 'baveux', which can be a hint of ongoing conflict.
Also heard as: baveuse, faire le baveux
Where it came from, and sources'Beaucoup', a lot, in French texts. 'Merci bcp' is 'thanks a lot'.
merci bcp pour hier! (thanks a lot for yesterday!)
For parents and educators. Harmless shorthand, used by adults too.
Also heard as: merci bcp
Where it came from, and sourcesRoblox slang for getting your account hacked or your rare items stolen, usually through a scam.
I got beamed, all my limiteds are gone.
For parents and educators. Losing items can be genuinely upsetting for a kid. It usually starts with a fake free Robux offer, a link, or someone asking for a password or login code.
If you’re worried. Change the password, turn on two-step verification and report the account to Roblox. Remind your child that no real offer ever needs their password. If items or money were stolen, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Also heard as: beamed, beamer, got beamed
Where it came from, and sourcesSpending long stretches, sometimes a whole day, in bed scrolling, watching shows or snacking. Many teens frame it as self-care.
Sunday plan: bed rotting until dinner.
For parents and educators. A lazy day to recharge is normal and healthy. It is worth noticing if it becomes the default most days, or comes with skipped plans, messed-up sleep, dropping grades or pulling away from friends, since those can point to low mood. Ask what the rest gives them before asking them to get up.
Also heard as: rotting
Where it came from, and sourcesA fight, grudge or ongoing disagreement between people.
Are they still beefing or did they squash it?
For parents and educators. Usually ordinary friend drama. Pay closer attention if online beef starts spilling into threats or plans to fight in person.
Also heard as: having beef, squash the beef
Where it came from, and sourcesA quirky habit in a partner that isn't good or bad, just a little odd.
He names all his plants. Beige flag.
For parents and educators. Light and harmless. Nothing to do. Ask what their own beige flags are, and be ready to hear yours.
Where it came from, and sourcesA Québec interjection that pushes back: 'come on', 'seriously?', or 'well, obviously'. It can also just buy a second to think.
Ben là, c'est pas moi qui a mangé le dernier biscuit! (Come on, I'm not the one who ate the last cookie!)
For parents and educators. Harmless. The tone carries the meaning: a long, rising 'ben làààà' usually means 'you're exaggerating'.
Also heard as: bin là, ben voyons
Where it came from, and sourcesKeeping someone on hold as a backup, giving just enough attention to keep them around while not committing.
He only texts me when his other plans fall through, I'm getting benched.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless dating talk. It can be a way to talk about feeling used and what respect looks like.
Also heard as: benched
Where it came from, and sourcesBest friend, or a friendly way to address anyone, even a stranger.
Bestie, you dropped your keys.
For parents and educators. Friendly and harmless. Nothing to do. Kids also say it to strangers, so it doesn't always mean a close friend.
Where it came from, and sourcesOkay, sure, or I'm in. A quick way to agree.
Pick you up at six? Bet.
For parents and educators. Just a yes. Nothing to do. If your kid answers bet when you ask them to unload the dishwasher, that's a win.
Where it came from, and sourcesBe fucking for real. A strong way to say come on, I don't believe you, or that's ridiculous.
you finished the essay already? bffr
For parents and educators. It contains a swear word, but it's usually playful disbelief between friends.
Also heard as: BFFR
Where it came from, and sourcesTeasing someone for eating a lot or for their body size. Kids also say it about themselves when they grab a second snack.
Bro ordered two burgers, big back behaviour.
For parents and educators. Often said as a joke between friends, and some kids laugh it off. Others find it hurtful, and it is a form of body shaming. Aimed again and again at one kid, it is bullying.
If you’re worried. If your child seems upset about their body or food after being teased, talk calmly and without judgment. Their doctor is a good next step. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: big backing, unbig your back
Where it came from, and sourcesReally angry or annoyed, often more than the situation deserves.
He lost one round and got big mad.
For parents and educators. Usually teasing. Saying it to someone who is upset can make things worse.
Where it came from, and sourcesThat's so relatable. Said about a feeling, picture or situation you completely identify with.
A cat asleep on a pile of homework? Big mood.
For parents and educators. Harmless. A quick way of saying same.
Also heard as: mood, same mood
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething is really embarrassing or cringey. A stronger "yikes".
He sent the text to the wrong group chat? Big yikes.
For parents and educators. Mild. Can be a small put-down if aimed at someone's post.
Also heard as: yikes
Where it came from, and sourcesA high school or university course that is known to be easy to pass.
I need one more credit, any bird courses next semester?
For parents and educators. Harmless. A handy opener for talking about course choices.
Also heard as: birdy, birder
Where it came from, and sourcesTo trash-talk someone, often behind their back. It can also mean griping or venting about people.
Elles ont passé le dîner à bitcher sur la nouvelle. (They spent lunch trash-talking the new girl.)
For parents and educators. Venting is normal. If your child is the target of a group's bitchage, in person or in a group chat, that's worth a calm conversation about how it's affecting them.
Also heard as: bitchage, bitcher dans le dos
Where it came from, and sources'Ma blonde' means 'my girlfriend' (or partner) in Québec, whatever her hair colour.
Ma blonde pis moi, on va au cinéma. (My girlfriend and I are going to the movies.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. The female counterpart of 'chum'.
Also heard as: ma blonde
Where it came from, and sourcesWelcome to Bloxburg, a long-running Roblox life simulation where players build and decorate houses, take jobs and hang out.
I spent all weekend building my Bloxburg mansion.
For parents and educators. Creative and mostly calm. It costs Robux to get in, and like any Roblox game it has chat with other players, so the usual Roblox settings apply.
Also heard as: Welcome to Bloxburg, bloxburg house
Where it came from, and sourcesThe number of people someone has had sex with.
For parents and educators. Often used to shame girls, and sometimes to pressure boys. Ask where your child has heard it, and talk about why someone's worth is not a number.
Where it came from, and sourcesQuébec slang for a student who is very smart and gets great grades. Can be admiring or a light tease, like brainiac.
Ask her for help, she's such a bollée in science.
For parents and educators. Mostly friendly. Like nerd in English, it can turn into teasing if used to single someone out.
Also heard as: bolé, bolée, une bolle
Where it came from, and sourcesOne of the best-known Italian brainrot characters: a crocodile that is also a bomber plane, with a robotic fake-Italian voiceover.
He drew Bombardiro Crocodilo on every page of his notebook.
For parents and educators. Absurd humor. Some of the original voiceovers include crude Italian lines, so younger kids may repeat words without knowing what they mean.
Also heard as: Bombardino Crocodilo, Boneca Ambalabu
Where it came from, and sourcesAn extra dramatic sideways look that says "I don't believe you" or "that was weird."
He said he studied all night. Bombastic side eye.
For parents and educators. Playful. Just a way to show doubt.
Also heard as: side eye, criminal offensive side eye
Where it came from, and sourcesAn affectionate word for a boyfriend, girlfriend or crush. "Boo'd up" means being in a relationship.
Can't hang Friday, she's with her boo.
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: my boo, boo'd up
Where it came from, and sourcesUsually a catchy song that makes you want to dance. Some kids also use it as an insult to judge a girl for how she dates or dresses.
This new song is such a bop.
For parents and educators. About music, it's harmless. If you hear it aimed at a person, it's a put-down worth talking about, the same way you would any name meant to shame someone.
Also heard as: a bop, certified bop
Where it came from, and sourcesA real player who plays so badly or predictably they seem like a computer-controlled character. Also used for anyone acting clueless.
I stood in the open like a bot and got eliminated.
For parents and educators. Common, mild trash talk. Different from bot accounts on social media.
Also heard as: bots, you're a bot, botting
Where it came from, and sourcesSilly, low-quality online content, and the foggy feeling from watching too much of it. Kids often use it about themselves with humor.
I watched cat videos for three hours. Pure brain rot.
For parents and educators. Kids use it knowingly. It can open a relaxed talk about screen time without lecturing.
Also heard as: brainrot
Where it came from, and sourcesA carefree, messy, confident attitude. Brat summer meant having fun without worrying about being perfect.
Staying out late and wearing lime green? Very brat.
For parents and educators. A 2024 term that has mostly faded.
Also heard as: brat summer
Where it came from, and sourcesBe right back. Stepping away from the chat or game for a moment.
brb my mom's calling me
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless.
Also heard as: BRB
Where it came from, and sourcesSending just enough small signs of interest, like a random "hey" or a like, to keep someone hooked without ever committing.
He leaves me on read for days then likes my story, classic breadcrumbing.
For parents and educators. Harmless as a word. If your teen keeps getting breadcrumbed, they may need help seeing that they deserve clearer interest.
Also heard as: breadcrumbs, breadcrumbed
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for brother. A friendly way to address anyone, or to talk about someone ("bro really thought..."). Kids use it with girls too.
Bro, you left your lunch on the bus again.
For parents and educators. Harmless and everywhere. Kids may even call parents "bro" as a joke.
Also heard as: vro, bro really said
Where it came from, and sourcesThe unwritten rules of loyalty between guy friends, like not dating your friend's ex.
You can't ask her out, that's his ex. Bro code.
For parents and educators. Mostly about loyalty and said with a grin. Some versions lean on put-downs of girls, which is worth talking about.
Also heard as: breaking bro code, against the bro code
Where it came from, and sourcesA huge Roblox roleplay town where kids pick houses, cars and jobs and act out family or school life together. Often described as a digital dollhouse.
Join my Brookhaven server, I got the mansion.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless pretend play. Common Sense Media rates it 13+ because strangers can join public servers, and some ask for boyfriend or girlfriend roleplay. Private servers help.
Also heard as: Brookhaven RP, bhaven
Where it came from, and sourcesAn Italian brainrot character: a tree-monkey creature with giant feet, known for its chant-like name.
My cousin just yells brr brr patapim whenever he's bored.
For parents and educators. Nonsense fun, often collected alongside the other characters in games and toys.
Also heard as: Brr Brr Patapim Patapim
Where it came from, and sourcesLike dude or bro, but often said with a sigh of disbelief or annoyance.
Bruh, you forgot the snacks again?
For parents and educators. Harmless, and used with everyone, parents included. Nothing to do. A bruh aimed at you usually means mild disbelief, not disrespect.
Where it came from, and sourcesBe so for real. A way of saying are you serious? or come on.
You want me to do all the slides? bsfr.
For parents and educators. Mild exasperation between friends. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesBy the way. Brings up something new.
btw the test got moved to Friday
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless.
Also heard as: BTW
Where it came from, and sourcesThe opposite of a nerf: to make something stronger or better.
Mom buffed my allowance, let's go.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Not the same as buff meaning muscular, although kids use both.
Also heard as: buffed, got buffed
Where it came from, and sourcesA loser or failure, someone who is bad at something or not worth much.
You lost to a bot? Bum.
For parents and educators. Common trash talk in gaming and sports. Mild, unless it's aimed at one kid over and over.
Also heard as: you're a bum, bum behaviour
Where it came from, and sourcesA temporary or anonymous account made so nobody knows who is behind it.
Somebody made a burner just to comment on my posts.
For parents and educators. Teens often want privacy for normal reasons. Burners can also be used to dodge parental controls, or to bully someone without being caught. If your child is being harassed by one, that is worth acting on.
Also heard as: burner, throwaway account, sockpuppet
Where it came from, and sourcesReally good, usually about food.
These tacos are bussin.
For parents and educators. Still understood everywhere, but now sounds a bit 2021. Saying it to your kid will probably get a laugh.
Also heard as: bussin bussin, bussin'
Where it came from, and sources'It hits hard'. Said about strong music, a spicy dish, a powerful moment.
Le drop de cette toune-là, ça fesse. (The drop in that song hits hard.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Close to 'hits different'.
Also heard as: ça fesse fort
Where it came from, and sourcesTo call someone, often a video or voice call. 'Caller la shot' means to be the one who decides.
On se call ce soir? (Want to call tonight?) / C'est elle qui call la shot. (She's the one calling the shots.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. A late-night 'call' is just a voice or video chat, but it's worth knowing who they talk to.
Also heard as: caller la shot, caller quelqu'un
Where it came from, and sourcesHiding in one spot and waiting for opponents to come by. Spawn camping means waiting where players reappear so they lose right away.
Stop camping in the corner and fight me.
For parents and educators. Seen as cheap but totally harmless. Expect complaints, not danger.
Also heard as: camper, camp, spawn camping, spawn kill
Where it came from, and sourcesPublicly turning against someone, often a celebrity, over something they said or did. Being "canceled" means losing support. A "callout" is a public post accusing someone.
He got canceled over an old video.
For parents and educators. Some see it as holding people accountable, others as mob behaviour. Among teens it can turn into a whole class dropping one kid over a rumour. A good talk: what is fair criticism, and what is piling on?
Also heard as: canceled, cancelled, callout, call-out culture
Where it came from, and sourcesWhat officially happens in a story, as opposed to what fans imagine. Kids also use it for things that are "official" in real life.
Wait, is it canon that they're brothers?
For parents and educators. Harmless. See also canon event, a related meme.
Also heard as: canonically, non-canon
Where it came from, and sourcesA painful or awkward experience everyone seems to go through, as if it was meant to happen.
Getting your first bad haircut is a canon event.
For parents and educators. Harmless, and often a gentle way to shrug off a bad day. If your kid calls something hard a canon event, it can open a talk about what happened.
Where it came from, and sourcesCrazy, wild, unexpected. 'C'est capoté' means 'that's insane', usually impressed. Calling a person 'capoté' means they're a bit wild.
As-tu vu le but qu'il a compté? C'est capoté! (Did you see that goal? That's insane!)
For parents and educators. Mostly positive. Like 'crazy' in English, it can be teasing when aimed at a person.
Also heard as: c'est capoté, sauté
Where it came from, and sourcesTo freak out, either in a good way (super excited) or a bad way (panicking or losing it). 'Capoter sur' something means being obsessed with it.
Je capote, on a des billets pour le show! (I'm freaking out, we got tickets to the show!)
For parents and educators. Context tells you which kind of freaking out it is. Usually it's just excitement.
Also heard as: je capote, capoter sur
Where it came from, and sourcesTo do most of the work for the whole team. Being carried means someone else did it for you.
Thanks for carrying our group project, I owe you.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Comes up a lot about group projects.
Also heard as: carried, hard carry, carrying
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who uses a fake identity online, often pretending to be a teen of a similar age, to start a relationship or get something from the other person.
I think that account is a catfish, the photos are from a model's page.
For parents and educators. Kids often use it jokingly about edited selfies. The serious version is an adult posing as a peer, which research from Thorn shows is common in grooming and sextortion. Warning signs include someone who moves the chat to a different app quickly, asks for secrecy, or asks for photos. Ask your child: "Have you heard of catfishing? How would you tell?"
If you’re worried. Report suspicious adults to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In an emergency, call 911.
Also heard as: catfishing
Where it came from, and sourcesCaught red-handed doing something embarrassing or contradictory, with proof so clear you can't deny it.
You said you hate that show, but you're watching it right now. Caught in 4K.
For parents and educators. Usually lighthearted teasing. The proof might be a screenshot, so it's a good moment to talk about how screenshots last.
Also heard as: caught in 4K 🤨📸
Where it came from, and sourcesAn idiot, or someone gullible who gets fooled easily. Also an adjective: 'c'est cave' means 'that's dumb'.
J'ai été cave, j'ai cru à son poisson d'avril. (I was dumb, I fell for his April Fools' joke.)
For parents and educators. Often aimed at yourself. Like any insult, watch for it being used over and over on the same person.
Also heard as: un cave, fais pas ton cave
Where it came from, and sources'Coucou', a friendly 'hey!' to start a conversation in French texts.
cc! tu fais quoi en fin de semaine? (hey! what are you doing this weekend?)
For parents and educators. Just a greeting. Not the email 'cc'.
Also heard as: coucou, cc ça va
Where it came from, and sourcesIn Québec, the college students attend after high school and before university, or for a technical diploma.
Next year I'm at the cégep, no more uniforms.
For parents and educators. Just the name of a school level. In Québec, students usually finish high school at Secondary 5 and go on to cégep.
Also heard as: cegep, CEGEP, le cégep
Where it came from, and sourcesThe best at something, or the person who started it. Can be praise or a sarcastic jab.
She's the CEO of showing up late with snacks.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Read the tone: CEO of being wrong is a joke at someone's expense, usually light.
Also heard as: the CEO of, ceo
Where it came from, and sourcesA stereotype of an attractive, confident man that women supposedly all want. "Stacy" is the female version.
For parents and educators. As a meme it is mostly harmless, often used to praise something bold. Inside incel and manosphere spaces it comes with the belief that only looks matter and most men are doomed, which is worth gently questioning.
Also heard as: Stacy
Where it came from, and sourcesThe made-up opposite of nonchalant: openly caring, showing interest and making an effort.
I need someone who's chalant, text me back.
For parents and educators. A healthy idea. It's a nice opening to talk about what good friendships and relationships look like.
Also heard as: chalance, be chalant
Where it came from, and sourcesA car, in Québec French. 'Un char de' can also mean 'a ton of'.
Mon père me prête son char ce soir. (My dad's lending me his car tonight.)
For parents and educators. Just the normal spoken word for car. Useful to know when teens start talking about getting their licence.
Also heard as: mon char, un char de
Where it came from, and sourcesAddressing friends or an imaginary audience as if you were a streamer talking to viewers.
Chat, should I study or play one more round?
For parents and educators. Harmless. It shows how much kids watch streamers.
Also heard as: chat, is this real?
Where it came from, and sourcesWinning with a cheap trick that skips the intended challenge. Also used for any shortcut that feels a bit unfair.
He cheesed the boss by hiding behind a wall.
For parents and educators. Harmless. In school talk it can mean finding a loophole, so it can open a chat about where clever ends and cheating starts.
Also heard as: cheesed, cheesy, cheesing
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething is perfect. Often said along with the gesture of kissing your pinched fingertips and flicking them away.
The way you timed that joke? Chef's kiss.
For parents and educators. Adults use it too. It can be sincere or sarcastic.
Also heard as: chef's kisses
Where it came from, and sourcesOut of date or trying too hard, often aimed at older millennial styles.
Live, laugh, love signs are so cheugy.
For parents and educators. Mostly faded among teens. You are not behind if you never heard it.
Where it came from, and sourcesTo complain, whine or gripe nonstop. A 'chialeux' is someone who's always complaining.
Arrête de chialer, c'est juste un devoir. (Stop whining, it's just homework.)
For parents and educators. Harmless and very common. Parents get accused of chialer too.
Also heard as: chiâler, chialeux, chialeuse, chialage
Where it came from, and sourcesA fight or argument, especially between kids or friends. 'Se chicaner' is to argue; 'être en chicane' is to be on the outs with someone.
Je suis en chicane avec ma meilleure amie depuis lundi. (I've been fighting with my best friend since Monday.)
For parents and educators. Normal. A long 'chicane' in a friend group, especially if it spills into group chats, is worth checking in about.
Also heard as: se chicaner, être en chicane, pas de chicane dans ma cabane
Where it came from, and sourcesA Minecraft baby zombie riding a chicken. Shouting it became a meme from A Minecraft Movie.
Every time the chicken came on screen the whole row yelled chicken jockey.
For parents and educators. Pure fun. Some theatre screenings got rowdy, with popcorn thrown, so a reminder about manners at the movies doesn't hurt.
Also heard as: CHICKEN JOCKEY!, I am Steve
Where it came from, and sourcesA cartoon dog in a sweater with his hands in his pockets who stands for not caring about anything. Saying you're "just a chill guy" means you're relaxed, usually as a joke.
Forgot my homework, but I'm just a chill guy.
For parents and educators. Harmless. The joke is often ironic: the dog stays calm while doing something he clearly shouldn't.
Also heard as: just a chill guy, my new character, chill girl
Where it came from, and sourcesTo relax or hang out doing nothing much. 'C'est chill' means it's fine or easygoing, and a 'chill' person is laid-back.
On a juste chillé chez Max après l'école. (We just hung out at Max's after school.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. A Radio-Canada podcast even named Québec's young speakers 'les jeunes chilleurs'.
Also heard as: c'est chill, être chill, chilleur
Where it came from, and sourcesAn Italian brainrot character: a chimpanzee inside a banana, said in a sing-song voice.
Chimpanzini Bananini! That's my favourite one.
For parents and educators. Silly and harmless.
Where it came from, and sourcesUgly or badly done, often about a haircut or outfit. A choppelganger is a less attractive lookalike.
My little brother cut his own bangs and it's chopped.
For parents and educators. Can be playful, but it is often aimed at someone's looks. If your kid is being called chopped a lot, it may be teasing that has turned mean.
Also heard as: choppelganger
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who spends so much time online that their jokes, opinions and outrage all come from the internet. Used as a light insult or a self-label.
Only someone chronically online would get mad about a cereal ad.
For parents and educators. Usually a gentle roast. Kids often say it about themselves with a laugh. It can be a nice opening to talk about screen time without lecturing.
Also heard as: terminally online, extremely online
Where it came from, and sourcesHow 'je suis' (I am) sounds and gets texted in Québec. 'Chu down' is 'I'm in', 'chu mort' is 'I'm dead (laughing)'.
Chu en route, j'arrive. (I'm on my way.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Just the way Québec speech gets typed.
Also heard as: chui, j'suis
Where it came from, and sourcesAn insult for someone seen as gross, unpleasant or trollish online.
Ignore that guy in the comments, he's a chud.
For parents and educators. Not a slur, but it is a real insult and often has a political edge.
Where it came from, and sourcesIn Québec, 'mon chum' usually means 'my boyfriend' (or partner), not just a buddy. Sometimes it still means a friend.
Mon chum vient souper ce soir. (My boyfriend is coming for dinner tonight.)
For parents and educators. Harmless, but easy to misread if you're an English-speaking parent.
Also heard as: mon chum
Where it came from, and sourcesA mocking name for robots, chatbots and other machines that act human.
The self-checkout told me to wait for help again. Clanker.
For parents and educators. Aimed at machines, not people. Some comedy sketches use it to stand in for real slurs, which is worth talking about if you see that.
Where it came from, and sourcesUgly or badly put together. Also, getting beaten badly in a game.
Those shoes are clapped, bro.
For parents and educators. A put-down about looks. Fine as banter about shoes, hurtful when aimed at a kid's face or body.
Also heard as: you're clapped
Where it came from, and sourcesA polished, natural-looking style: glowing skin, light makeup, slicked-back bun, gold hoops.
Slick bun and lip gloss, I'm going clean girl today.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless. It looks effortless but takes a lot of products and effort, which can add pressure on skin and looks.
Also heard as: clean girl aesthetic
Where it came from, and sourcesDoing or saying something shocking or dramatic on purpose so it gets clipped and goes viral. Usually a put-down.
He's not even mad, he's just clip farming.
For parents and educators. A useful word for a talk about staged drama online. Kids who pick it up are learning to spot fake outrage.
Also heard as: clip farm, clip farmer, clip farmers
Where it came from, and sourcesSave that moment as a short video. Said after an amazing play, or something funny or embarrassing someone said.
Did you just say you're scared of geese? Clip it.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless. Some kids record friends' embarrassing moments in voice chat or real life, so it is worth reminding them that clips can travel far.
Also heard as: clip that, clipped, someone clip that
Where it came from, and sourcesTo notice something, or catch the real reason behind it. Also used to agree with a sharp point.
He said he wasn't upset, but I clocked it.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Nothing to do. It means they noticed something, often something an adult hoped they wouldn't.
Also heard as: clocked, I clocked that
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who does anything for attention or followers, or sticks close to popular people. Clout is online status.
He only hangs with them for the clout.
For parents and educators. Worth watching if a teen takes risks on camera to chase clout. Most of the time it's just a dig.
Also heard as: clout, clout chasing, for the clout
Where it came from, and sourcesComing through at the last moment when it matters most. To clutch is to win from a losing spot.
Finished my essay right before the deadline. Clutch.
For parents and educators. A compliment. Also used for anything handy at the right time, like a clutch snack.
Also heard as: clutched, clutch up, clutch play
Where it came from, and sourcesA high school or college course where students earn credits by working at a real workplace. Very common in Ontario.
I can't hang out Tuesday mornings, I have co-op at the vet clinic.
For parents and educators. Usually a great experience. Placements are unpaid, so check transportation and who supervises your teen at the workplace.
Also heard as: co-op placement, coop, cooperative education
Where it came from, and sourcesAdded after a word to say something gives off that vibe. 'Disney princess coded' means it feels like a Disney princess.
Bringing snacks for everyone is so mom-coded.
For parents and educators. Harmless. It works a lot like the suffix -core.
Also heard as: coded, girl-coded, main character coded
Where it came from, and sourcesA collaboration. When creators, artists or brands make something together. Also a verb.
Want to collab on a Minecraft video this weekend?
For parents and educators. Harmless. If an adult stranger offers your child a collab, it is worth checking who they are before anything moves to private chat.
Also heard as: collabs, collabed, collabo
Where it came from, and sourcesRoblox slang for user-made games built for sexual roleplay, which break Roblox's rules. Roblox removes them, but new ones keep appearing.
Some kid in chat kept asking if anyone wanted to go to a condo.
For parents and educators. Parent guides treat a child mentioning condos as a real red flag. Links to these games usually travel through TikTok or Discord rather than Roblox itself. Your child may have been exposed without meaning to, so stay calm and curious.
If you’re worried. Ask how they heard about it, without blame. Check Roblox parental controls and chat settings. If an adult invited your child or shared sexual content with them, report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In an emergency, call 911.
Also heard as: condo games, condos, Roblox condo
Where it came from, and sourcesA big house where young influencers live together and film content all day.
When I'm famous I'm moving into a content house.
For parents and educators. Fewer in the news now. Reporting has described long hours and pressure behind the fun videos, which is a good angle if your child dreams of influencer life.
Also heard as: collab house, TikTok house, Hype House
Where it came from, and sourcesIn serious trouble or done for, usually as an exaggeration. Let him cook means the opposite: let him keep going, he's doing great.
I didn't study at all. I'm cooked.
For parents and educators. Almost always dramatic exaggeration about a test or a game.
Also heard as: I'm cooked, we're cooked, let him cook
Where it came from, and sourcesJoking word for the denial or excuses someone uses to feel better after a loss. "Cope" alone is the short jab. "Hopium" is false hope.
You think your team still makes the playoffs? That's pure copium.
For parents and educators. Not about drugs. It's teasing, and often used about yourself.
Also heard as: cope, hopium
Where it came from, and sourcesA soft, romantic style with bows, lace, pink and pastel colours. In 2023 people even tied little bows on everyday objects.
I put a bow on my water bottle, it's very coquette.
For parents and educators. Harmless fashion. A few corners of it lean on very young-looking imagery, but most kids just like bows.
Also heard as: coquette aesthetic, bow trend
Where it came from, and sourcesAdded to the end of a word to name a style or vibe. Barbiecore is all pink, gorpcore is hiking gear as fashion.
My room is giving full cozycore now.
For parents and educators. Harmless and creative. New ones appear all the time, and kids invent their own.
Also heard as: Barbiecore, normcore, gorpcore, corecore
Where it came from, and sourcesA moment so memorable, funny or embarrassing that you'll never forget it.
The whole class watching the teacher's chair break? Core memory.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Often a sweet window into what mattered to your kid.
Also heard as: a new core memory
Where it came from, and sourcesCode for pornography, because the words rhyme. Also written with a corn emoji.
For parents and educators. Kids may use it to joke about something they have heard of, not something they watch. Many children see porn early, often by accident. Stay calm and curious, and talk about how porn is not a realistic picture of sex or relationships.
If you’re worried. If your child was shown sexual content by an adult or pressured to watch it, report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from, and sourcesA dreamy country-life style: flowery dresses, baking, gardening, crafts and cozy cottages.
We're doing a cottagecore picnic this weekend.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Often just a style and a hobby.
Where it came from, and sourcesExtremely good at something, usually a video game. A compliment.
She's cracked at Fortnite, she beat my whole squad alone.
For parents and educators. Nothing to do with drugs here. Kids say it about sports and school skills too.
Also heard as: cracked at, cracked out
Where it came from, and sourcesTo study hard at the last minute, right before a test.
I didn't open the book all term, so I'm cramming tonight.
For parents and educators. Everyone does it sometimes. If it is the only way your child studies, a calm chat about spreading work out, and about sleep, can help.
Also heard as: cramming, cram session, crammed
Where it came from, and sourcesTo lose your temper or make a bad, impulsive decision because you're upset.
If I get one more group project I'm going to crash out.
For parents and educators. Usually exaggeration. If a kid seems to be crashing out for real and often, that's worth a calm check-in.
Also heard as: crashout, crashing out, D1 crash out
Where it came from, and sourcesThe green Minecraft monster that sneaks up and explodes. Saying 'creeper' and getting 'aw man' back is a running meme.
Creeper! ... Aw man.
For parents and educators. Totally harmless. Outside of Minecraft, a creeper can also mean a creepy person, so context tells you which one.
Also heard as: Creeper, aw man, creeper aw man, Revenge
Where it came from, and sourcesA way of saying crying, used when something is so funny it makes you cry.
Did you see that video? I'm crine.
For parents and educators. It means laughing, not sadness. Nothing to do.
Also heard as: son I'm crine
Where it came from, and sourcesEmbarrassing or awkward, including the feeling of being embarrassed for someone else.
My dad dancing at the wedding was so cringe.
For parents and educators. Being called cringe by your teen is a rite of passage.
Also heard as: cringy, cringeworthy
Where it came from, and sourcesTo flirt with or try to win over someone you like. 'Se faire cruiser' is being hit on.
Je pense qu'il essaie de me cruiser. (I think he's trying to flirt with me.)
For parents and educators. Ordinary dating talk among teens. Worth noticing only if the person doing the cruising is much older or a stranger online.
Also heard as: crouzer, se faire cruiser
Where it came from, and sourcesTo have a crush on someone. French verb made from English 'crush'.
Je crush sur quelqu'un dans mon cours de math. (I have a crush on someone in my math class.)
For parents and educators. Normal and sweet. A good door into talking about relationships.
Also heard as: crusher sur quelqu'un, mon crush
Where it came from, and sourcesThe colder months, when single people look for someone to date so they aren't alone through the holidays. Cuffed means taken.
It's cuffing season and I'm still single, help.
For parents and educators. Mostly a joke about the calendar. Merriam-Webster has it in the dictionary.
Also heard as: cuffed, cuffing, cuffed up
Where it came from, and sourcesTo turn down someone's romantic interest, often in a soft or sideways way.
I asked her to the dance and got curved.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Being curved stings for a teen, so it can be a moment for empathy.
Also heard as: curved, got curved
Where it came from, and sourcesCute, adorable, or good-looking. Used inside French sentences, said like the English word.
Elle est ben cute ta nouvelle coupe. (Your new haircut is really cute.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Saying someone is 'cute' can also mean having a crush.
Also heard as: ben cute
Where it came from, and sourcesUsing phones, apps or games to hurt, embarrass or threaten someone, like mean comments, group chats that exclude, shared screenshots or fake accounts.
That group chat about him is straight-up cyberbullying.
For parents and educators. Kids rarely use the word itself. They say things like "drama", "getting roasted" or "exposed". Signs to look for: hiding the phone, mood changes after being online, or not wanting to go to school.
If you’re worried. Stay calm, save evidence, help your child block and report, and tell the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In crisis, call or text 988.
Also heard as: cyberbully, getting bullied online
Where it came from, and sourcesSlang for dad ('daron') or mom ('daronne'). 'Mes darons' means 'my parents'.
Ma daronne veut pas que je sorte ce soir. (My mom won't let me go out tonight.)
For parents and educators. Not disrespectful in itself. If your kid calls you 'la daronne', you've been noticed.
Also heard as: daronne, mes darons
Where it came from, and sourcesBuddy, dude. A familiar way to address a friend.
Dawg, that test was impossible.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Not an insult.
Where it came from, and sourcesYour oldest, most loyal friends, the ones who were there from the start.
New school, same day ones.
For parents and educators. A warm word about friendship.
Also heard as: day one, day 1, d1
Where it came from, and sourcesSeriously, for real. As a question, it means are you serious?
I deadass forgot my shoes for gym. / Deadass?
For parents and educators. Contains a mild swear (ass), so some families won't love it, but the meaning is just for real.
Also heard as: deadass?, dead ass
Where it came from, and sourcesA fake photo, video or voice made with AI to look like a real person. Among students, the biggest worry is fake sexual images of classmates.
Everyone's saying it's a deepfake, she never took that picture.
For parents and educators. In Canada, any sexual image of a minor is illegal, even if it is fake. Cybertip.ca handles thousands of these reports, and they are used to bully, harass and extort kids. Victims are not to blame. Tell your child that making or sharing one, even as a joke, causes real harm and is a crime.
If you’re worried. Do not share the image further. Report it at Cybertip.ca, which can help get it removed. NeedHelpNow.ca helps with removal. Tell the school and police. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: deepfake nudes, AI nudes, fake nudes
Where it came from, and sourcesA Fortnite player wearing the free starting outfit instead of a bought skin. Used as an insult meaning noob, bad at the game, or too poor to buy anything.
Don't pick him for the team, he's a default.
For parents and educators. This is the word behind a lot of pressure to buy skins. Some kids get left out of games for being a default.
If you’re worried. If your child is being excluded or mocked for what they own, talk with them and, if it happens at school, with their teacher. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: default skin, you're a default, defaults
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for delusional. Having unrealistic hopes, often about a crush or a celebrity. Often used about oneself, with humor.
I'm convinced my favorite singer will notice my comment. I know, I'm delulu.
For parents and educators. Usually self-aware and playful. Delulu is the solulu means dreaming big is the plan.
Also heard as: delulu is the solulu
Where it came from, and sourcesModest and tasteful, said as a joke about one's own polite behavior.
I only had one cookie. Very demure, very mindful.
For parents and educators. Peaked in 2024 and is mostly gone now.
Also heard as: very demure, very mindful
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for difference. Jungle diff means one team's player in that role was much better. Now used for any big gap, like parent diff or outfit diff.
We lost because of a goalie diff, not our fault.
For parents and educators. Mild banter. It is often used to shift blame onto one person, which can sting if a kid is always the one blamed.
Also heard as: jungle diff, jg diff, gap, jungle gap, coach diff
Where it came from, and sourcesA disguised spelling of dick, slang for penis. Kids drop it into jokes and memes, often with no sexual meaning intended.
For parents and educators. Crude rather than dangerous, like a swear word. It's fair to set family rules about language, and to ask what the meme was about.
Where it came from, and sourcesTo skip a class or school on purpose. Also to leave someone behind or drop a plan.
Wanna ditch gym and go to Tim's?
For parents and educators. An occasional skipped class is a familiar teen move. Regular skipping, or skipping one specific class, is worth a calm talk about what is happening there.
Also heard as: ditch class, skip, skip class, skipping, cut class
Where it came from, and sourcesDirect message. A private message on a social app. Sliding into someone's DMs means messaging them first, often to flirt.
I'll DM you the pics from the trip
For parents and educators. Normal between friends. DMs are also where strangers reach kids, so it helps to know who can message your child and whether they can block and report.
Also heard as: DMs, slide into the DMs
Where it came from, and sourcesDoing something bold or a bit wild because it will make a good story later, even if it might go badly.
Should I sign up for the talent show with no act? Do it for the plot.
For parents and educators. Mostly about harmless risks like karaoke or a weird haircut. It can also be used to brush off bad decisions, so it's worth noticing what the plot is.
If you’re worried. If it's being used to push your child toward something unsafe, talk calmly about the difference between a fun story and a real risk. Kids Help Phone is there any time at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting 686868.
Also heard as: for the plot
Where it came from, and sourcesVery bad, especially at a video game.
I was dog water in that match.
For parents and educators. Ordinary gaming trash talk, often aimed at themselves. Nothing to do unless it's always aimed at the same kid.
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen lots of people gang up on one person online at once, in comments, replies or a group chat.
One person posted it and then the whole grade started dogpiling her.
For parents and educators. Even when each comment seems small, the total can be crushing. Research links it to low self-esteem and thoughts of self-harm, especially in teen girls. Talk about not joining in, even with a single emoji.
If you’re worried. If your child is the target, help them step away from the app, save screenshots, and report or block. Tell the school if classmates are involved. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In crisis, call or text 988.
Also heard as: pile-on, dogpile, getting piled on
Where it came from, and sourcesScrolling through bad news or upsetting content for a long time, even when it makes you feel worse.
I was doomscrolling until 2 a.m. again.
For parents and educators. This is a word adults use as much as kids, which makes it an easy way in. Swapping stories about your own scrolling habits can lead to a real talk about sleep, mood and what they see online.
Where it came from, and sourcesDesperate for someone's attention or affection, usually said as a joke. Earlier it meant just struggling.
She liked my story and I've been smiling all day, I'm down bad.
For parents and educators. Mostly self-mocking. It can have a sexual edge depending on who says it.
Also heard as: so down bad
Where it came from, and sourcesPosting someone's private information online without their consent, like their real name, address, school or phone number. Kids also say "I'll dox you" as a threat.
Someone in the server threatened to dox him.
For parents and educators. Even said as a joke, it is a threat. Canadian experts say teens dox classmates and teachers, and it can bring criminal charges. Remind your child to keep their address, school and full name off public profiles.
If you’re worried. If your child has been doxxed or threatened, take screenshots, report and block the account, and contact local police if there is any threat to safety. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: doxing, dox, doxxed
Where it came from, and sourcesA Roblox fashion game. Players get a theme, put together an outfit against the clock, walk a runway and get rated by the others.
The theme was Y2K and I got first place in DTI!
For parents and educators. Mostly creative fun. Public voting can sting, some player-made outfits are not age-appropriate, and paid extras cost Robux.
Also heard as: DTI
Where it came from, and sourcesStylish clothes or a great sense of style.
Look at the drip on him for picture day.
For parents and educators. A compliment. Nothing to do. Telling them their outfit has drip will either delight or mortify them.
Also heard as: dripped out
Where it came from, and sourcesReplying with very short, flat messages like ok, ya or lol. A dry texter is someone who does this a lot.
he's such a dry texter, I asked about his weekend and he said good
For parents and educators. Teens can take it as a sign someone isn't interested. Often it just means they're busy or don't have much energy to chat. Teens also say parents are dry texters.
Also heard as: dry texter, dry text
Where it came from, and sources'Désolé(e)', sorry, in French texts. 'Déso' is the short spoken form.
dsl j'avais pas vu ton message (sorry, I hadn't seen your message)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Like 'sry' in English, it can feel a bit casual for a real apology.
Also heard as: déso, dsl!!
Where it came from, and sourcesDefine the relationship. The talk where two people figure out what they are to each other.
We need to DTR, I don't even know if we're exclusive.
For parents and educators. Harmless, and actually a healthy idea. Worth encouraging.
Also heard as: define the relationship, the DTR talk
Where it came from, and sources'So' or 'as a result'. A France-French filler that Québec teens picked up from French YouTubers, where a Québec speaker would say 'faque'.
J'ai oublié mon cell, du coup j'ai pas vu ton message. (I forgot my phone, so I didn't see your message.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. A sign of how much your kid watches creators from France.
Where it came from, and sourcesDating someone only online, through games, social media or messages, often someone you've never met in person.
She has an online boyfriend from a game server, they've never met.
For parents and educators. Many online relationships are between real teens of similar age. The risk is that you can't confirm who the person is, and adults posing as teens use exactly this route. Watch for secrecy, gifts, pressure for photos, or pushing to move to a private app.
If you’re worried. If you suspect the person is older than they say, or is asking for photos or secrecy, save the messages and report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: online boyfriend, online girlfriend, e-girlfriend, e-boyfriend
Where it came from, and sourcesA style tied to online life: dyed hair, heavy eyeliner, chains, layered clothes, often with gaming or anime interests. Can be a compliment or an insult.
She went full e-girl with the pink hair.
For parents and educators. Mostly about fashion. As an insult it can mean someone who craves online attention, so tone matters.
Also heard as: e-boy, egirl, eboy
Where it came from, and sourcesIn Québec, usually means awesome or delicious, the opposite of the dictionary meaning ('disgusting'). It can still mean disgusting or unfair, so tone matters.
Cette poutine-là est écœurante! (That poutine is amazing!)
For parents and educators. Positive most of the time. If it comes with a swear word or an angry tone, it's the bad meaning.
Also heard as: écoeurant, c'est écœurant
Where it came from, and sourcesTo bug, tease or bother someone until they get mad. 'Se faire écœurer' means getting picked on.
Il arrête pas de m'écœurer dans l'autobus. (He keeps bugging me on the bus.)
For parents and educators. Between siblings or friends it's usually normal teasing. If your child says they get 'écœuré' by the same kids again and again, that can be bullying.
If you’re worried. Ask calmly who, where and how often. Keep notes and talk to the school. Kids can reach Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: se faire écœurer, arrête de m'écœurer
Where it came from, and sourcesShort fan videos that cut together clips of a show, game, athlete or celebrity, synced to music with fast effects. Kids watch them and make their own.
My edit of the hockey final hit ten thousand views!
For parents and educators. A real creative skill. 'Thirst edits' focus on how attractive someone is, so check what your younger kids are watching.
Also heard as: edit, fan edit, velocity edit, thirst edit
Where it came from, and sourcesIn games like Fortnite, a dance or gesture your character does. On Twitch, a small picture used in chat, like a custom emoji.
He hit the emote on me right after he won the fight.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Kids copy Fortnite emotes in real life, and using one over a beaten opponent is light teasing.
Also heard as: emotes, emoting, hit the emote
Where it came from, and sourcesA joking reaction when someone gets roasted, rejected or embarrassed.
You got a B and your little sister got an A? Emotional damage.
For parents and educators. Meant as a joke. If it's always aimed at the same kid, it can be teasing that hurts.
Where it came from, and sources'A lot', or used alone as 'for sure, totally'.
Veux-tu des chips? En masse! (Want chips? Totally!) / Y'a en masse de place. (There's lots of room.)
For parents and educators. Harmless everyday Québec French.
Where it came from, and sources'En' + a Québec swear word means 'very' or 'super'. 'Bon en tabarnak' is 'really damn good'. Said alone ('chu en tabarnak'), it means really mad.
Le show était bon en esti. (The show was really damn good.)
For parents and educators. Swearing for emphasis, often positive. 'Chu en tabarnak' means very angry, so it's worth asking what happened.
Also heard as: en esti, en ostie, en crisse, en tabarnouche
Where it came from, and sources'Come on!', 'go!', 'hurry up'. Encouragement or impatience.
Enwaye, on va être en retard! (Come on, we're going to be late!)
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: envoye, awaye, enweille
Where it came from, and sourcesDumb, thick-headed. Literally 'thick'. Used for a person or for something someone did.
Voyons, t'es ben épais, c'était écrit sur la feuille! (Come on, you're so dense, it was written on the sheet!)
For parents and educators. A common, mild-to-medium put-down. Between friends it's teasing. Aimed at one kid again and again, it's name-calling.
Also heard as: épaisse, un épais, gros épais
Where it came from, and sourcesA phase of your life, good or bad, named like a pop star's album period. A flop era is a stretch where nothing goes right.
I'm in my studying era until exams are over.
For parents and educators. A light way to describe a phase. A flop era is usually self-mocking, but it can be a small window into how they're feeling.
Also heard as: in my ___ era, flop era, villain era
Where it came from, and sourcesMocking someone for a know-it-all correction, often with the nerd face and pointing finger emojis.
"Erm actually, it's pronounced gif with a hard g" 🤓☝️
For parents and educators. Light teasing. Used a lot to shut down a kid who knows a lot, so it can sting if it happens all the time.
Also heard as: 🤓☝️, nerd emoji, um actually
Where it came from, and sourcesA silly way to say "what the heck?" when something is weird or cringe.
You put ketchup on your cereal? Erm, what the sigma.
For parents and educators. Nonsense humor. The word sigma here means nothing.
Also heard as: what the sigma
Where it came from, and sourcesTo be up for something ('chu down' = 'I'm in'). Watch out: it can also mean feeling low or tired.
Poutine après la game? Chu down. (Poutine after the game? I'm in.)
For parents and educators. Usually it means yes. If your kid says 'chu down' about their mood, it means they feel low, and that's worth a gentle question.
Also heard as: chu down, t'es-tu down?
Where it came from, and sourcesTo be up for something, or brave enough to do it. 'Chu game' means 'I'm in'. 'T'es pas game' is a classic way to challenge someone.
On va glisser après l'école, t'es-tu game? (We're going sledding after school, you in?)
For parents and educators. Usually just means 'are you in?'. It's also the phrase behind schoolyard challenges, including risky online ones.
If you’re worried. If your child mentions being pushed to do something risky because they 'weren't game', talk about how saying no is the brave move. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: t'es-tu game?, chu game
Where it came from, and sourcesAn unofficial program that runs cheat code inside Roblox games. Kids who use one are called exploiters.
He's flying across the map, he's definitely using an executor.
For parents and educators. Using one breaks Roblox's rules and can get an account deleted. The bigger risk is the download itself: security companies warn that many executors carry malware that steals passwords and data from the whole computer, including a parent's.
If you’re worried. If your child downloaded one, run a security scan, change passwords on that device starting with email and banking, and turn on two-step verification. Ask calmly where they found it, so you know what else to check. If accounts or money were stolen, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Also heard as: Roblox executor, exploits, exploiting, exploiter, scripts
Where it came from, and sourcesAn anonymous account, often tied to one school, that posts embarrassing photos, rumours or secrets about students.
Did you see what the exposed page posted about her?
For parents and educators. These pages cause real harm, and some even ask students to pay to get posts removed. Running one or sending it content can get a teen suspended or charged. Ask your child if their school has one, without making them feel accused.
If you’re worried. Screenshot the posts, report the account to the app, and tell the school. If the posts include sexual images of a minor, report them to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: exposed account, expose page, tea page
Where it came from, and sourcesEasy. Typed after beating someone to say it was no challenge. GG EZ means good game, easy.
GG EZ, you didn't even hit me once.
For parents and educators. Mostly friendly trash talk between friends. Aimed at strangers or repeated at one kid, it is meant to sting, and some games even filter it out.
Also heard as: ez, too easy
Where it came from, and sourcesA guy who plays with people's feelings, chases girls and avoids commitment.
He's texting three girls at once, total f boy.
For parents and educators. Rude but common. It can open a talk about how your teen expects to be treated, and how they treat others.
Also heard as: fboy, f-boy, fuckboy
Where it came from, and sourcesThat's true, I agree completely.
Pizza is better the next day. / Facts.
For parents and educators. Harmless agreement. Fax is a playful spelling.
Also heard as: fax, big facts
Where it came from, and sourcesTo look bad, ridiculous or in rough shape. Also used for behaviour that's embarrassing or out of line.
Il a fait une crise devant tout le monde, ça faisait dur. (He threw a fit in front of everyone, it was embarrassing.)
For parents and educators. Can be a dig at someone's looks or clothes. Said about a person repeatedly, it's a put-down.
Also heard as: ça fait dur, tu fais dur
Where it came from, and sourcesClose friends, the people you treat like family. Often used to address someone, like "buddy".
Nah fam, we're not doing homework at the party.
For parents and educators. Friendly and harmless. Usually not about actual relatives.
Also heard as: nah fam
Where it came from, and sourcesA fan-made video of one singer, actor or character, often a short clip set to music. Fans post them everywhere, even as replies that have nothing to do with the topic.
Someone posted a fancam under the weather update again.
For parents and educators. Harmless fan culture. Making them can be a real creative hobby.
Also heard as: fancam replies
Where it came from, and sourcesStories fans write using characters from shows, books, games or even real celebrities.
I stayed up reading a fanfic about my favourite anime.
For parents and educators. A great writing habit for many kids. Stories are labelled by rating, and some are for adults, so it's worth a chat about which ones your child picks.
Also heard as: fanfiction, fic
Where it came from, and sourcesJokingly taking a bite of a friend's food.
You got fries? Fanum tax.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Mostly a lunchroom joke.
Where it came from, and sourcesActing wild and unfiltered, or being totally obsessed with something. Feral girl summer means a messy, carefree season with no pressure to look polished.
I'm going feral over this new album.
For parents and educators. Playful. It's about letting loose, not about anything dangerous.
Also heard as: going feral, feral girl summer
Where it came from, and sourcesForfeit. A call to surrender a match that is going badly. Go next means let's give up and start a new game.
We're down by a ton, just FF and go next.
For parents and educators. Harmless. The other team sometimes types it as trash talk.
Also heard as: ff, FF go next, go next, forfeit
Where it came from, and sourcesAn account that posts videos of school fights filmed by other students.
Someone already sent the fight to the fight page.
For parents and educators. Filming and sharing fights can make kids stage them for views, and it humiliates the kids in the videos. Talk about why not to film or share, and what to do instead, like getting an adult.
If you’re worried. If your child appears in a video or is being targeted, report the account to the app and tell the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: fight account
Where it came from, and sourcesAbout to, or going to.
I'm finna start my essay.
For parents and educators. Just a way of saying going to. Nothing to do. It comes from real dialects, so it isn't bad grammar.
Where it came from, and sourcesA second, private Instagram account shared only with close friends. The name combines "fake" and "Instagram."
Don't post that on main, put it on your finsta.
For parents and educators. Usually it is a space for silly, unfiltered posts away from relatives and classmates. The concern is when it hides contact with strangers or posts your child would regret. Common Sense Media suggests building trust rather than hunting for hidden accounts, and agreeing on posting rules that apply to every account.
Also heard as: private story, priv
Where it came from, and sourcesExcellent or exciting. Something that is fire is really good.
That new song is fire.
For parents and educators. A compliment that has lasted for decades. Nothing to do. You can probably use it without embarrassing anyone.
Also heard as: 🔥, straight fire
Where it came from, and sourcesShowing off your outfit, in person or in a post, so others can rate it. 'Fit' is short for outfit.
Fit check before the dance, be honest.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Compliments on a fit are a good way into a chat about style.
Also heard as: fit, fit pic
Where it came from, and sourcesA misogynist slur for women, short for "female humanoid." It treats women as less than human.
For parents and educators. This word has no harmless version. If your child uses it, they have likely spent time in incel or looksmaxxing spaces. Stay calm and curious about where they picked it up, and be clear about why it is degrading. Lecturing tends to push kids further into these spaces.
If you’re worried. Talk to the school counsellor if you see a pattern of misogynist talk. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from, and sourcesFear of missing out. The worry that others are having fun without you.
Everyone's at the lake and I've got serious fomo.
For parents and educators. Worth noticing if social media is making your kid feel left out a lot.
Where it came from, and sourcesTotally crazy, unbelievable. Used for something wild, in a good or bad way. 'Raide' alone means 'completely'.
Il a réussi le trick du premier coup, c'est fou raide. (He landed the trick first try, that's insane.)
For parents and educators. Harmless exaggeration.
Also heard as: c'est fou raide, raide
Where it came from, and sourcesQuébec slang for skipping class or school without a good reason.
We foxed math class and went to the dépanneur.
For parents and educators. Skipping now and then is a familiar teen move. A pattern of skipped classes is worth a calm talk about what is going on at school.
Also heard as: foxer l'école, foxer un cours, foxage
Where it came from, and sourcesFor real. Used to agree strongly or to ask if someone is serious.
That test was so hard fr.
For parents and educators. Harmless texting shorthand. Nothing to do.
Also heard as: for real, frfr
Where it came from, and sourcesOffers of Roblox money at no cost, on websites, videos, apps or in messages from other players. They are almost always scams.
This guy in chat says he'll give me free Robux if I give him my login.
For parents and educators. These offers aim to steal accounts, get kids to fill in surveys that bill a phone plan, or install malware. The safe rule for kids: Robux only come from Roblox itself, a gift card, or a parent. Nobody else gets the password, not even a friend.
If you’re worried. If your child already typed their password somewhere, change it right away and turn on two-step verification. Report the account or message in Roblox. To report a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If someone used the offer to ask for photos or personal details, report it to Cybertip.ca.
Also heard as: Robux generator, free Robux generator, Robux giveaway
Where it came from, and sourcesTo French kiss, make out.
Ils se sont frenchés au party. (They made out at the party.)
For parents and educators. A normal part of teen talk about dating. Useful to recognize as a lead-in to talking about consent and relationships.
Also heard as: se frencher
Where it came from, and sources'Bro'. Used for any friend, not a real brother.
Merci frérot, t'es le meilleur. (Thanks bro, you're the best.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. The French version of 'bro'.
Also heard as: frère, mon frère, le frère
Where it came from, and sourcesQuébec pronunciation of 'froid' (cold), often meaning really cold. Kids also use it for a cold, awkward vibe between people. 'Net frette sec' means suddenly, flat out.
Il fait frette à matin. Pis l'ambiance dans le groupe était frette aussi. (It's freezing this morning. And the vibe in the group was cold too.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. If it's about a friend group being 'frette', it can be worth asking if there's a falling-out.
Also heard as: c'est frette, net frette sec
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen someone you like only sees you as a friend.
I asked him to the dance and got friendzoned.
For parents and educators. Common and mostly self-mocking. Some people use it as if a friend owes them more, which is a useful thing to gently question.
Also heard as: friendzone, friendzoned, friend-zoned
Where it came from, and sourcesMeans 'very' or 'a lot' in Québec French. 'Full cute' is 'super cute', 'full de monde' is 'tons of people'.
Ton chien est full cute. (Your dog is super cute.)
For parents and educators. Just an intensifier. Teachers and the OQLF discourage it in writing, but it is everywhere in speech.
Also heard as: c'est full, full cute, full bon
Where it came from, and sourcesTo blow a great chance, often by losing a good partner or crush through your own mistakes.
She was so nice to him and he fumbled, crazy.
For parents and educators. Harmless teasing.
Also heard as: fumbled, fumble the bag
Where it came from, and sourcesFucking with. I fw it means I like it. I fw you means I like you or I'm on your side. Don't fw me means leave me alone.
I lowkey fw this song
For parents and educators. Spelled out it's a swear, but it's usually positive. In work emails, fw just means forward.
Also heard as: FW, I fw it, I fw you
Where it came from, and sourcesFor You page. TikTok's main feed, picked by the app based on what you watch.
this showed up on my fyp three times today
For parents and educators. The word is harmless. The feed is what matters: it shows videos from people your child doesn't follow, based on what they linger on. Asking what's on their FYP lately is an easy way into their world.
Also heard as: fyp, For You page, For You feed
Where it came from, and sourcesStunned in a good way. "I'm gagged" means "I'm amazed", usually by a look or a performance.
Your prom dress? I'm gagged.
For parents and educators. Harmless praise. Nothing to do with the literal meaning.
Also heard as: I'm gagged
Where it came from, and sourcesStrictly, manipulating someone over time until they doubt their own memory or sense of reality. Teens often use it loosely for any lie or disagreement.
I never said that? Bro you're gaslighting me.
For parents and educators. Usually loose and joking. If your teen describes a partner or friend who keeps making them doubt what happened, that is worth a real conversation.
Also heard as: gaslight, gaslit, stop gaslighting me
Where it came from, and sourcesKeeping something to yourself so others can't join or copy it, like where you bought a shirt or the name of a song. "Don't gatekeep" means share it.
Where'd you get that hoodie? Don't gatekeep.
For parents and educators. Mostly playful. In fandoms it can describe kids being shut out by older fans.
Also heard as: gatekeeping, gatekeepy, don't gatekeep
Where it came from, and sourcesThe generation born from about 2010 onward, after Gen Z. Most kids in school today are Gen Alpha.
That's such a Gen Alpha thing to say, you're cooked.
For parents and educators. Neutral. Teens sometimes use it to tease younger kids for brainrot words.
Also heard as: generation alpha, gen a
Where it came from, and sourcesA blank, silent look a young person gives instead of replying, for example to a customer or teacher.
I asked if he wanted a receipt and got the Gen Z stare.
For parents and educators. People argue over whether it is rudeness, awkwardness or a reaction to a silly question. Asking your teen what they think makes a good talk.
Where it came from, and sources'Like', used as filler the same way English speakers say 'like'.
Il était genre super fâché, genre. (He was like, super mad, like.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. It can drive parents crazy, but it's just filler.
Also heard as: genre là, c'est genre
Where it came from, and sourcesGood game. Said at the end of a match. Outside games it can mean it's over, often as a joke.
forgot my lunch AND my gym clothes. gg
For parents and educators. Usually good sportsmanship. Ggez, good game easy, is a taunt to rub in a win, so it can be part of trash talk.
Also heard as: GG, ggwp, ggez
Where it came from, and sourcesTo suddenly stop replying to someone without explanation.
We texted for a week and then she ghosted me.
For parents and educators. Being ghosted by friends can hurt. It is worth asking about if your kid seems down after a group chat goes quiet.
Also heard as: ghosting, ghosted
Where it came from, and sourcesVirtual presents viewers buy with TikTok coins and send to creators during live streams. They turn into real money for the creator.
She's doing a live battle, everyone send gifts so she wins!
For parents and educators. Gifts range from tiny to very expensive, and live battles push viewers to keep sending. Canadian families have reported children spending thousands. Some creators also ask kids for gifts in return for attention or personal contact.
If you’re worried. Remove saved cards from app stores and require a password for purchases. You can review gifts sent in the account's coin history. If an adult offered contact or favours in exchange for gifts, report it in the app and to Cybertip.ca.
Also heard as: TikTok gifts, gifting, TikTok coins, send a rose
Where it came from, and sourcesA black-and-white image of an impossibly chiselled man, used to mean the ultimate confident guy. Often used as a joke compliment.
You returned the shopping cart? Gigachad behaviour.
For parents and educators. Mostly silly praise. It also feeds an unrealistic body ideal tied to looksmaxxing and alpha talk, so it's worth a chat if your child compares himself to it.
Also heard as: giga chad
Where it came from, and sourcesA joking name for a snack-plate meal thrown together just for yourself, like cheese, crackers and pickles.
Chips, a cheese stick and grapes. Girl dinner.
For parents and educators. Mostly fun. Some critics worried it made skipping proper meals look cute, so notice if it becomes a pattern of not eating enough.
Where it came from, and sourcesJoke logic for justifying spending, like "if I pay cash it's basically free."
It was on sale, so girl math says I made money.
For parents and educators. Mostly a joke. A fun opening for a real talk about money and impulse buys.
Also heard as: girl maths, boy math
Where it came from, and sourcesOnce praise for an ambitious young woman. Today it's mostly said ironically, to tease someone acting bossy or self-important.
She made a color-coded chore chart for the group project, total girlboss.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Usually affectionate teasing.
Also heard as: gaslight gatekeep girlboss
Where it came from, and sourcesA cute, friendly way to talk to or about a girl or feminine friend. "The girlies" means the friend group. "Girlypop" is an extra-sweet version.
Hi girlie! Are the girlies coming to the movie?
For parents and educators. Harmless in this sense. The word has older adult meanings too, which aren't what kids mean.
Also heard as: girly, girlypop, the girlies
Where it came from, and sourcesTo praise someone way too much, in a way that feels fake or over the top.
Stop glazing the teacher, she's not giving extra credit.
For parents and educators. Has a crude double meaning in some corners of the internet, but kids almost always use it to mean over-the-top praise.
Also heard as: glazing, glazer
Where it came from, and sourcesA big positive change in how someone looks or feels about themselves.
She had a total glow up over the summer.
For parents and educators. Usually a kind compliment. If a glow up starts to mean strict diets or constant comparing, that's worth a calm talk.
Also heard as: glow-up
Where it came from, and sourcesA request for someone to get naked on camera.
For parents and educators. Rare today, but any request like this is serious, especially from someone your child knows only online. Requests to go on camera or send images are often the first step in sextortion. Make sure your child knows they can tell you without getting in trouble.
If you’re worried. Report to Cybertip.ca. If images were shared, NeedHelpNow.ca can help with getting them taken down. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from, and sourcesThe best, or extremely skilled. GOAT stands for Greatest Of All Time.
Our coach is goated, we haven't lost all season.
For parents and educators. High praise. Nothing to do. Ask who's goated in their world and you'll learn who they look up to.
Also heard as: GOAT, the goat, 🐐
Where it came from, and sourcesBeing happily lazy, messy or self-indulgent, ignoring what you're supposed to do. Think snacks in bed in old pyjamas.
No plans this weekend, full goblin mode.
For parents and educators. A joke about taking a break from expectations. Only worth a look if it never seems to end and your child seems low.
Also heard as: going goblin mode
Where it came from, and sourcesIs really good or impressive. "That's hard" usually means "that's cool", but after bad news it can just mean "that's tough".
Your drawing goes hard. That's hard, for real.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Read the context: praise for something cool, sympathy for something sad.
Also heard as: go hard, that's hard
Where it came from, and sourcesCalling something silly, ridiculous or over the top. "Ahh" is a softened spelling of ass.
Why does my alarm make that goofy ahh sound?
For parents and educators. Mild. Some families treat it like a swear word, most just hear it as silly.
Also heard as: goofy ahh sound
Where it came from, and sourcesShocked or amazed, in a good or bad way. A close cousin of "gagged" and "shook".
She dyed her hair blue overnight? I'm gooped.
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: I'm gooped
Where it came from, and sourcesTo fiddle with something, waste time on little things, or bug someone. 'Arrête de me gosser' means 'stop bugging me'.
J'ai gossé une heure sur mon ordi pour rien. (I fiddled with my computer for an hour for nothing.)
For parents and educators. Casual and common. It is close to a rude word for testicles ('gosses'), so some adults find it a bit crude, but kids use it freely.
Also heard as: gosser après, gosseux
Where it came from, and sourcesAn online push to wipe out forced, annoying memes and bring back classic 2010s memes. Fans joked that on January 1, 2026, memes would 'reset' to 2016.
Great Meme Reset is real, my brother is posting rage comics again.
For parents and educators. Harmless nostalgia. You may suddenly recognize memes from your own twenties.
Also heard as: meme reset, meme drought, great meme reset of 2026
Where it came from, and sourcesA good sign about someone, like being kind, honest or respectful.
He remembered my exam and asked how it went. Green flag.
For parents and educators. Lovely word. Asking your teen what their green flags are is an easy, low-pressure conversation.
Also heard as: 🟩, 💚
Where it came from, and sourcesDeliberately ruining a game for other players, like destroying their builds, trapping them or blocking teammates, just to upset them.
Someone griefed our Minecraft village and burned the houses.
For parents and educators. Getting griefed once is annoying, not a crisis. If the same kids keep targeting your child, or it follows them into chats or school, it is bullying.
If you’re worried. Help your child block, mute and report the players in the game. If it continues across platforms or at school, talk to the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: griefer, grief, griefed
Where it came from, and sourcesA joke video trend where someone tastes a purple fast-food shake, then the video cuts to them lying on the floor as if it knocked them out.
We're doing a Grimace shake video, you be the one passed out.
For parents and educators. Pure comedy, nobody was hurt. The joke is the shake's weird colour. Mostly a 2023 thing now.
Also heard as: grimace shake trend
Where it came from, and sourcesRepeating the same task over and over to slowly make progress. In games, to earn points or items. In life, studying, training or working hard.
Can't come out, I'm grinding for finals.
For parents and educators. Usually positive. If grinding a game starts eating sleep or homework, that is a conversation about balance, not about the word.
Also heard as: grinding, on the grind, the grind
Where it came from, and sourcesA darkly joking way to describe a stay in a psychiatric hospital, named after the non-slip socks patients wear.
If I fail this exam I'm going on a grippy sock vacation.
For parents and educators. Usually a joke about stress, and sometimes a way kids talk openly about their own or a friend's hospital stay. Some clinicians worry the humour can make hospitalization sound trivial or glamorous. If your child uses it a lot, it can be a gentle opening: "Do you know anyone who has had to go to the hospital for their mental health?"
Also heard as: grippy sock jail
Where it came from, and sourcesA message thread with several friends, on any app. GC is the short form.
Check the gc, we're picking a movie.
For parents and educators. Where most of a teen's social life happens. It is also where drama, exclusion and piling on can start, like restarting the chat without one person. Being left out can hurt as much as mean words.
Also heard as: GC, the gc, the chat
Where it came from, and sourcesA calm Roblox farming game where you plant seeds, harvest and sell crops, and trade with other players.
My carrots are almost ready in Grow a Garden, give me a sec.
For parents and educators. Gentle and a good one to play together. Plants keep growing while the game is closed, which pulls kids back often. Trading with strangers can lead to friend requests and private chat.
Also heard as: GAG
Where it came from, and sourcesGet ready with me. A video where someone films their makeup, hair or outfit routine, usually while chatting about their day or telling a story.
GRWM for the first day of school, I changed my outfit three times.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless and social. Lots of these videos are really product ads, so it helps to talk about what's being sold and why.
Also heard as: get ready with me
Where it came from, and sourcesAn exclamation of surprise. It is often a reaction to someone's curvy body, so it has a mildly crude meaning.
Kids sometimes yell gyatt at anything surprising, like a huge slice of pizza.
For parents and educators. Not obscene on its own, but it is often aimed at bodies. Many schools discourage it.
Also heard as: gyat
Where it came from, and sourcesOfficially showing a relationship online, like posting a clear couple photo.
They finally hard launched, it's official.
For parents and educators. Harmless. For teens, going public online can feel like a big deal, so a breakup after a hard launch can sting more.
Also heard as: hard launched
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who criticizes or puts others down, usually out of jealousy. Haters gonna hate means: ignore them.
Didn't make the team? Ok hater, my tryout video still slaps.
For parents and educators. Mostly a way to brush off criticism. Calling every bit of feedback hating can make it hard for a kid to hear fair comments.
Also heard as: haters, haters gonna hate
Where it came from, and sourcesA spitting sound effect from a viral street interview. It's a crude joke about a sex act, though many kids repeat it just as a funny noise.
He said hawk tuah in class and the teacher just stared.
For parents and educators. Younger kids often have no idea what it refers to. If they ask, a short, calm answer that it's a rude adult joke is usually enough.
Also heard as: hawk tuah girl
Where it came from, and sourcesHow about you. Wbu means what about you. Turns the question back to the other person.
I'm good, just finished practice. hbu?
For parents and educators. Harmless, just keeps a chat going.
Also heard as: HBU, wbu
Where it came from, and sourcesA fan's personal idea about a story or character that isn't officially part of it.
My headcanon is that the villain secretly loves cats.
For parents and educators. A sign of imagination and close reading. Totally harmless.
Also heard as: head canon
Where it came from, and sourcesA warning that a strange or unpopular opinion is coming. As a noun, someone's "hear me out" is an odd crush, often a cartoon or game character.
Okay hear me out: pineapple on pizza is elite. Also my hear me out is the dad from that cartoon.
For parents and educators. Harmless and usually silly. The crush version is about fictional characters, not real people.
Also heard as: ok hear me out, my hear me out
Where it came from, and sourcesVery much, or openly. The opposite of lowkey.
I highkey love this song.
For parents and educators. Harmless filler, like really. Nothing to do.
Also heard as: high-key
Where it came from, and sourcesFeels unusually good or special because of the moment.
Pizza after a long practice hits different.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Nothing to do. Asking what hits different for them is a nice, easy question.
Where it came from, and sourcesHit me up. Means contact me or message me.
hmu if you want to study together.
For parents and educators. Normal between friends. Worth a look if a stranger is saying it to your kid.
Where it came from, and sourcesJoking that you're emotionally supporting something trivial, like a snack or a song. Said with exaggerated seriousness.
I'm holding space for the last slice of pizza.
For parents and educators. Harmless. The original phrase is a real counselling idea about listening without judging.
Also heard as: holding space for defying gravity
Where it came from, and sourcesA summer of feeling confident, having fun and looking good on your own terms.
Exams are done, hot girl summer starts now.
For parents and educators. Mostly about confidence and fun. It's still said each summer, often as a joke.
Also heard as: hot girl walk
Where it came from, and sourcesA slangy way to say girls, especially girls a guy finds attractive. It started as a softer spelling of 'hoes'.
He only came to the party for the huzz.
For parents and educators. Many kids say it without thinking about where it comes from, but it is a disrespectful way to talk about girls. Worth pointing that out calmly.
If you’re worried. If it's part of a pattern of putting girls down, talk about respect and how words shape how people are treated. If your daughter is being called names, Kids Help Phone can help: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: the huzz
Where it came from, and sourcesI'm speechless. Something is too funny, cute, annoying or surprising to put into words.
That puppy in the little raincoat. I can't even.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Older teens may find it a bit dated.
Also heard as: I can't
Where it came from, and sourcesA reaction of surprise or embarrassment, like oops, when something awkward or shocking happens.
Just found out the group chat had the teacher in it. I oop.
For parents and educators. Harmless and a bit dated now. It's playful, not rude.
Also heard as: and I oop, oop
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething is so funny I'm laughing too hard to stand. It means amused, not tired or sick.
The teacher's dog walked into the video call. I'm weak.
For parents and educators. Works like the skull emoji or I'm dead. Nothing to worry about.
Also heard as: weak, I'm weak 😭
Where it came from, and sourcesI can't lie. Put before an honest opinion, like saying to be honest.
icl that movie was kind of boring
For parents and educators. Harmless. It just flags that a frank comment is coming.
Also heard as: icl
Where it came from, and sourcesLegendary, unforgettable, perfect. Used for big moments and small ones, like a friend's great comeback.
You tripping and turning it into a dance move was iconic.
For parents and educators. Harmless praise.
Also heard as: so iconic
Where it came from, and sourcesI don't care. Can be honest, careless or a bit cold, depending on the chat.
pizza or tacos? idc
For parents and educators. Most of the time it's about small choices. Said a lot about things that used to matter to them, it can be worth a check-in.
Also heard as: IDC, idgaf
Where it came from, and sourcesI don't know. Idek means I don't even know.
idk what we're doing for the project.
For parents and educators. Harmless. A string of idk to every question can just mean they're tired of questions, not hiding something.
Also heard as: idek
Where it came from, and sourcesI just burst out laughing. A stronger, more sincere version of lol.
your dog wearing sunglasses ijbol
For parents and educators. Pure laughter. Nothing to worry about.
Also heard as: ijbol
Where it came from, and sourcesI know, right. Strong agreement.
that quiz was so hard. ikr
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless.
Also heard as: IKR
Where it came from, and sourcesI love you. Ilysm means I love you so much. Friends say it to each other often.
Thanks for the notes, ilysm.
For parents and educators. Between friends this is normal and casual.
Also heard as: ilysm
Where it came from, and sourcesIn my opinion. Imho means in my honest, or humble, opinion.
imo the first movie was better
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless.
Also heard as: IMO, imho, IMHO
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "involuntary celibate," men who blame women and society for their lack of romantic success. "Blackpill" is the incel belief that nothing can change a man's fate, which can turn to hopelessness.
For parents and educators. Kids sometimes use "incel" as a playground insult. Pay attention if your child talks about themselves this way, says there is no point trying, or expresses anger at women as a group. Researchers studying these forums found frequent encouragement toward self-harm, so hopelessness here deserves a caring check-in.
If you’re worried. If your child sounds hopeless, call or text 988 any time. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. If you hear threats toward others, contact the school and police; in an emergency, call 911.
Also heard as: blackpill, black-pilled
Where it came from, and sourcesIn real life, as opposed to online.
We've only talked online, never irl.
For parents and educators. Harmless. If someone your child only knows online wants to meet irl, that's the moment to talk about it together.
Where it came from, and sourcesA live stream filmed out in the real world, walking around a city, at events or doing stunts, instead of playing a game.
That IRL streamer was at the mall, everyone was trying to get on stream.
For parents and educators. Some IRL streams are fun travel or chatting. Others bait strangers for reactions, and some streamers have been banned for harassment. Kids also get filmed without asking when a streamer shows up in public.
If you’re worried. If your child wants to stream outside, talk about never showing their home, school or regular spots live. If they were filmed and posted without consent, report the video to the platform. If they feel unsafe, call police. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: IRL streamer, IRL streaming, going live outside
Where it came from, and sourcesI swear to God. Used for emphasis or frustration.
istg if he's late again I'm leaving.
For parents and educators. Just emphasis or frustration. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesIt reminds me of, or has the vibe of. Can be a compliment or a gentle tease, depending on what follows.
That outfit? It's giving rock star.
For parents and educators. Said alone ("it's giving") it usually means something looks great.
Where it came from, and sourcesRelax, you're overthinking it. Said to yourself or to someone who seems too worked up.
Bro, it's not that deep, it was just a group photo.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless. Said to a kid who is genuinely hurt, it can feel dismissive.
Also heard as: not that deep
Where it came from, and sourcesJoking swings between doom and hope. It's so over means things went badly. We're so back means things are good again.
Missed the bus, it's so over. Wait, no class first period? We're so back.
For parents and educators. Dramatic on purpose and almost always about small things. Not a sign of real despair on its own.
Also heard as: we're so back, it's so joever, we're barack
Where it came from, and sourcesPoints out the one thing that stands out about someone or something. It can be a compliment or a playful roast, depending on the tone.
It's the confidence for me. You walked in like you owned the place.
For parents and educators. Usually affectionate teasing. Like any roast, it can sting if the group keeps picking the same kid.
Also heard as: it's the ___ for me challenge
Where it came from, and sourcesA set of surreal computer-made cartoon characters with fake-Italian names and chant-like audio. Kids quote and collect them.
My little brother keeps chanting Tung Tung Tung Sahur.
For parents and educators. Nonsense humor. Some clips include swearing in Italian, so younger kids may repeat words they don't understand.
Also heard as: Tralalero Tralala, Tung Tung Tung Sahur, Ballerina Cappuccina
Where it came from, and sourcesIf you know, you know. Points to an inside joke.
Last night's sleepover was wild. iykyk.
For parents and educators. Usually about inside jokes. Now and then it hides something kids don't want adults to understand, so context matters.
Where it came from, and sourcesBeing the funny guy on purpose to get attention from girls, as if it makes up for not being good-looking or rich.
He's jestermaxxing again, doing bits for the whole table.
For parents and educators. Often just mocking the 'maxxing' crowd. But the idea behind it ranks boys by looks and treats girls as prizes. If your son uses this kind of language seriously, it's worth a calm chat about where he's hearing it.
If you’re worried. Ask which creators he watches and what he thinks of them, without lecturing. Talk about respect and self-worth beyond looks. For support, Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: jester maxxing
Where it came from, and sourcesA kid or a young person. Also used for someone new or inexperienced, like a rookie.
Some lil jit just beat me at Fortnite.
For parents and educators. Usually light teasing, not mean.
Also heard as: lil jit, jits
Where it came from, and sourcesJust kidding.
I'm never talking to you again. jk
For parents and educators. Usually harmless. A mean comment followed by jk is still a mean comment, which is worth saying to kids who get or send them.
Also heard as: JK, jkjk
Where it came from, and sourcesA made-up online character with a man's body and a pig's head. Kids joke that he's calling them, or invent lore about him.
John Pork is calling, do I pick up? 😭
For parents and educators. Fictional and ironic. If a younger child is upset by the spooky or death jokes, reassure them it's a made-up character.
Also heard as: John Pork is calling, Free John Pork, Tim Cheese
Where it came from, and sources'J'en peux plus': I can't anymore, I can't even. Usually means laughing too hard or being fed up.
Jpp de ce prof 😭 (I can't with this teacher)
For parents and educators. Usually a joke. If it comes with other signs your child feels overwhelmed, take it seriously and ask.
Also heard as: j'en peux plus
Where it came from, and sources'Je sais pas': I don't know. The French 'idk'.
On fait quoi ce soir? Jsp. (What are we doing tonight? Idk.)
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: j'sais pas, chais pas
Where it came from, and sources'Je t'aime': I love you. Sent to friends, family or a crush.
Merci maman, jtm! (Thanks mom, love you!)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Between friends it's like 'ily'.
Also heard as: je t'aime, jtm fort
Where it came from, and sourcesA single k often reads as cold, annoyed or ending the conversation. Kk reads as a friendly, easy okay.
Can you take out the recycling? kk!
For parents and educators. If your teen seems hurt by your k, this is why. Many parents mean nothing by it. An ok or kk lands softer.
Also heard as: kk, ok.
Where it came from, and sourcesA put-down for an entitled woman, usually middle-aged, who makes a scene and asks to speak to the manager.
This lady yelled at the cashier over a coupon, total Karen.
For parents and educators. Very common, including with adults. Some find it sexist, and kids may aim it at moms or teachers. Worth a chat about the line between calling out bad behaviour and mocking a person.
Also heard as: Ken, Kevin
Where it came from, and sourcesLaughing hard, often at someone's fail. Typed in chat or shown as a laughing-face emote.
He walked straight off the cliff KEKW
For parents and educators. Harmless laughter. Spammed at one person, it can be part of a pile-on, like any laughing emoji.
Also heard as: kekw, kek
Where it came from, and sources'What's up?' or 'what's going on?'. A greeting heard among young people in Montréal.
Yo kespass, t'es où? (Yo what's up, where are you?)
For parents and educators. Just a greeting. It shows how Montréal teens borrow from the many languages around them.
Also heard as: kespasse, kes qui se passe
Where it came from, and sourcesA random string of letters typed on purpose to show a big feeling: laughing, excitement or frustration.
HE SAID HI TO ME ASDFGHJKL
For parents and educators. Harmless and usually happy. The longer the smash, the bigger the feeling.
Also heard as: asdfghjkl, keyboard smash
Where it came from, and sourcesA meme from a concert where a couple ducked and hid when the big screen caught them. Kids recreate the duck-and-hide reaction when they're caught doing something.
Teacher turned around and we did the kiss cam duck.
For parents and educators. Mostly a funny pose now. The original involved real people being shamed worldwide, which is a good opening to talk about filming and posting strangers.
Also heard as: coldplay kiss cam, caught on the kiss cam
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "kill myself." Almost always used as exaggeration for embarrassment or frustration.
I forgot my presentation at home, kms.
For parents and educators. In most texts this means "I'm so embarrassed" and is not a literal statement. Pay closer attention if it shows up often, without a funny trigger, or next to other signs like sleeping a lot, dropping friends or talking about being a burden. A low-key question works better than a reaction: "You say kms a lot lately. How are you actually doing?"
If you’re worried. Call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Where it came from, and sourcesMoney, cash. Montréal slang.
J'ai pas de kob pour le cinéma. (I don't have money for the movies.)
For parents and educators. A neutral word for money. Like 'wesh' and 'wallah', it spreads through friend groups across backgrounds.
Also heard as: kòb
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "keep parents clueless." A request to keep something away from parents.
For parents and educators. Few kids actually type this today, and it shows up more on parent lists than in real chats. The idea behind it still matters: if your child feels they have to hide things, ask what would make it easier to come to you.
Where it came from, and sourcesAn animated Netflix movie about a K-pop girl group that fights demons. Kids quote it, sing its songs and argue about the boy band of demons, the Saja Boys.
We did the Golden choreo at recess again.
For parents and educators. Harmless and a huge shared interest for younger kids. Singing along together is an easy way in.
Also heard as: KPDH, Huntr/x, Saja Boys, Golden, Soda Pop
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "kill yourself," aimed at someone else. It is used as an insult in comments, games and group chats.
For parents and educators. Some kids toss it around as harsh banter, but it is still a serious thing to say, and schools and platforms treat it as harassment. If your child receives it, especially repeatedly or from several people, treat it as bullying. If your child sends it, talk about why those words can land very differently on someone who is already struggling.
If you’re worried. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. If your child is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. Report repeated harassment to the platform and the school.
Where it came from, and sourcesL means a loss or a bad thing. W means a win or a good thing.
No school tomorrow? Huge W.
For parents and educators. Harmless scorekeeping. Nothing to do. Taking an L is just having a bad moment.
Also heard as: take the L, big L, W, huge W
Where it came from, and sourcesYour group of friends, the crew. 'Toute la gang' is everyone; 'en gang' means as a group.
On va au parc avec la gang après l'école. (We're going to the park with the crew after school.)
For parents and educators. Not about criminal gangs in this use. 'Ma gang' is simply 'my friends'.
Also heard as: ma gang, toute la gang, en gang
Where it came from, and sourcesA fuzzy toy monster with a toothy grin, collected and clipped onto bags. Often sold in mystery boxes, so you don't know which one you'll get.
I finally got the Labubu I wanted, no more blind boxes!
For parents and educators. A toy fad like Beanie Babies. The real issue is money: mystery boxes and resale prices can push impulse buying. Some online rumours called it evil, which is just a moral panic.
Also heard as: Labubus, blind box
Where it came from, and sources'Don't give up' or 'hang in there'. Literally 'don't let go of the potato'.
Encore un examen pis c'est fini, lâche pas la patate! (One more exam and you're done, hang in there!)
For parents and educators. An encouraging phrase, often said by adults and teachers. Teens may use it a little ironically.
Also heard as: lâche pas
Where it came from, and sourcesTo let loose, go wild and have fun.
Au party de fin d'année, on a lâché notre fou. (At the end-of-year party, we let loose.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Means having fun, not anything dangerous.
Where it came from, and sourcesA delay that makes a game freeze or stutter, usually from a slow connection. Kids also say a person is lagging when they are slow to catch on.
Sorry I'm lagging, I just woke up.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Blaming lag after a loss is a classic, and friends often reply skill issue.
Also heard as: laggy, lagging, I lagged
Where it came from, and sourcesPretending to be something you're not, like faking a lifestyle or interest.
He's not a gym guy, he's larping.
For parents and educators. A mild tease about acting fake. Nothing to do unless it's constant at one kid.
Also heard as: larping, larper
Where it came from, and sourcesFun, in Québec French. 'C'est l'fun' means 'it's fun' or 'that's nice', and 'avoir du fun' means to have a good time.
C'était tellement l'fun au party hier! (It was so fun at the party last night!)
For parents and educators. Completely normal everyday language. Teachers may suggest 'amusant' in writing.
Also heard as: c'est l'fun, c'est le fun, avoir du fun, ça va être l'fun
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen someone sees your message, the app shows it was read, and they don't answer.
she left me on read for the whole day
For parents and educators. It can sting a lot for teens, who may read it as rejection. Often the other person is just busy. Turning off read receipts can take some pressure off.
Also heard as: leave on read, on read
Where it came from, and sourcesExciting, fun or excellent. A lit party is a great party.
The dance last night was lit.
For parents and educators. Most teens today find it a bit old. Seeing it doesn't mean anyone was drinking.
Also heard as: it's lit, litty
Where it came from, and sourcesLaughing my ass off. Now the go-to way to say something is actually funny.
LMAOOO the teacher's face
For parents and educators. Mildly rude but completely normal. For many teens it has replaced lol as the real laugh.
Also heard as: LMAO, lmfao, lmaooo
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "let's meet in real life."
For parents and educators. Between school friends making plans it means nothing. Between your child and someone they only know online, a push to meet in person is a classic grooming warning sign. Agree as a family that any meetup with an online-only contact happens with you knowing, in a public place.
If you’re worried. If an adult is pushing to meet your child, report it to Cybertip.ca or call your local police. In an emergency, call 911.
Where it came from, and sourcesLet me know.
lmk if you're coming to the game
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless. Adults use it a lot too.
Also heard as: LMK
Where it came from, and sourcesWhat fandom and stan accounts call regular users who aren't part of their online world.
The locals are confused by our memes again.
For parents and educators. A gentle tease, not an insult. Parents are, cheerfully, locals.
Also heard as: local
Where it came from, and sourcesTo focus hard on something, like studying or a game.
Finals are next week, time to lock in.
For parents and educators. A positive word. Worth using with your kid.
Also heard as: locked in
Where it came from, and sourcesStarted as laughing out loud. For young people it rarely means actual laughter now. It softens a message, signals a joke or irony, or fills an awkward pause.
I have three tests tomorrow lol
For parents and educators. Kids show real laughter with 😭, 💀 or a keysmash instead. Lol after something sad or stressful usually means they're downplaying it, not that it's funny.
Also heard as: LOL, lolol
Where it came from, and sourcesTrying to make yourself as attractive as possible. It ranges from skincare and exercise to extreme dieting, steroids and surgery.
I'm looksmaxxing, no more junk food.
For parents and educators. A lot of it is ordinary grooming and gym talk, and "-maxxing" is often just a joke ending. The concern is the harsher side: rating faces, extreme dieting, or content that tells boys they are worthless if they are not attractive enough. Respectful curiosity works best: ask what creators they watch and how it makes them feel about themselves.
If you’re worried. If your child is restricting food, misusing supplements or very distressed about their looks, talk to your family doctor. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: softmaxxing, -maxxing
Where it came from, and sourcesA paid mystery box in a game. You don't know which item you'll get until you open it.
I opened three loot boxes and got nothing good.
For parents and educators. Loot boxes are not legally gambling in Canada, but psychologists compare them to a lottery machine. An Ontario survey found almost a quarter of students in grades 7 to 12 reported gambling while gaming, including buying loot boxes or betting skins.
If you’re worried. Set spending limits in the console or app store and talk about how random rewards are designed to keep you buying. If spending feels out of hand, your provincial health line can point you to gambling help.
Also heard as: loot boxes, loot crate, case opening, gacha
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone's backstory or personal history. A lore dump is sharing a lot of it at once.
Wait, you used to live in Spain? I need the lore.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Nothing to do. Your family stories are lore too, and kids often like hearing them.
Also heard as: lore dump, lore drop
Where it came from, and sourcesShowering someone with over-the-top affection, compliments and gifts very early, often to gain control over them.
He said he loved me after our first date, that's love bombing.
For parents and educators. It's good that teens know this word: it names a real warning sign. It is also a classic grooming pattern when an older person does it to a young teen online.
If you’re worried. If someone, especially an older person or a stranger online, is rushing your child with intense affection, gifts or secrecy, talk about it calmly. Report online exploitation at Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: love bomb, love bomber
Where it came from, and sourcesLow cortisol means calm and relaxed. High cortisol means stressed or wound up. Cortisol is the stress hormone.
Reading in a hammock is so low cortisol.
For parents and educators. Harmless joke vocabulary. It is not a medical claim.
Also heard as: high cortisol, cortisol spike
Where it came from, and sourcesA haircut name turned into an inside joke. Saying a meme is "still massive" teases anyone who keeps a joke going long after it's over.
You're still doing that dance? The low taper fade meme is still massive, huh.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Also a real, popular haircut, so it may just be a barbershop request.
Also heard as: it's still massive, imagine if Ninja got a low taper fade
Where it came from, and sourcesA little, kind of, or secretly. Softens a statement.
I lowkey want to stay home tonight.
For parents and educators. Harmless filler. Nothing to do. Lowkey can soften big feelings, so a lowkey sad is still worth a gentle question.
Also heard as: low-key, lowkenuinely
Where it came from, and sourcesA laughing emote on Twitch. OMEGALUL is the extra-hard version.
Missed every shot OMEGALUL
For parents and educators. Harmless. Like LOL, just in streaming form.
Also heard as: OMEGALUL, lul
Where it came from, and sourcesTo watch a stream, chat or group without posting. A lurker is someone who reads but rarely talks.
I'm not ignoring the group chat, I'm just lurking.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Many kids are lurkers in big group chats, which is a normal way to stay connected.
Also heard as: lurker, lurking, !lurk, just lurking
Where it came from, and sourcesActing like the star of your own life, with confidence. Can be praise or a dig at someone who acts like everything is about them.
She walked into the party like it was a movie. Main character energy.
For parents and educators. Mostly praise for confidence. Nothing to do. If it's used to mock a kid who stands out, that's the part to talk about.
Also heard as: main character, main character era
Where it came from, and sources'C'est malade' means 'that's sick', as in awesome. 'T'es malade!' can mean 'you're nuts' or 'you're amazing'.
Ton dessin est malade! (Your drawing is sick!)
For parents and educators. Positive most of the time.
Also heard as: c'est malade, t'es malade
Where it came from, and sourcesAwkward, cringey, makes you uncomfortable. The Québec go-to word for a moment everyone wants to forget.
Le prof a lu mon texto devant la classe, c'était tellement malaisant. (The teacher read my text out loud, it was so awkward.)
For parents and educators. Harmless and very common. The Office québécois de la langue française says there is no reason to avoid it.
Also heard as: malaisante, full malaisant
Where it came from, and sourcesTo get extremely angry, usually over losing a game. A mix of mad and bald, as in so mad you're losing your hair.
Lost one round and he's already malding.
For parents and educators. Teasing, not serious. A kid who is often really malding over games may need help with frustration or a break.
Also heard as: malding, malded, maldy
Where it came from, and sourcesMenty b is a playful short form of "mental breakdown." Depressy is a joking short form of "depressed."
Three tests in one day, I'm having a menty b.
For parents and educators. Mostly used for everyday stress, the same way adults say "I'm losing it." The light tone can also make it easier for a kid to hint that something is really wrong. If it comes up often, ask about it with curiosity instead of correcting the word.
Also heard as: depressy
Where it came from, and sourcesThe most effective strategy, character or style everyone is using right now. Kids also use it for whatever is trendy.
Baggy jeans are the meta this year.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Off-meta means doing your own thing.
Also heard as: the meta, off-meta
Where it came from, and sources'You bet', 'totally', 'tell me about it'. Strong agreement.
C'était bon, hein? Mets-en! (That was good, right? You bet!)
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: metsen
Where it came from, and sourcesPressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth in the belief it sharpens the jawline. Kids also do it as a silly gesture to show they cannot talk.
Can't answer, I'm mewing.
For parents and educators. For most younger kids it is a meme gesture, and researchers have heard children as young as eight use it. It can be a gentle opening to ask where they learned it and what they think about looks-focused videos.
Where it came from, and sourcesA request to turn on voice chat and talk, or to move the conversation to Discord or another app.
Mic up so we can plan the next round.
For parents and educators. Normal between friends who know each other. From a stranger, especially one who wants to move to another app, it is a step parents should know about.
If you’re worried. Agree on a rule that voice chat is only with people your child knows in real life, and use the game's settings to limit it. If an adult pressures your child to talk privately or move apps, report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: mic'd up, vc?, join VC
Where it came from, and sourcesAverage or disappointing. Not bad, but not as good as people said.
Everyone hyped that movie but it was mid.
For parents and educators. A mild put-down. Kids use it about food and movies more than about people.
Where it came from, and sourcesThe little silence at the start of a video before the person starts talking. Younger people tease adults for doing it.
Mom, you did the millennial pause again.
For parents and educators. Friendly generational teasing. Laughing along works fine.
Where it came from, and sourcesMurder Mystery 2, a Roblox game where each round one player is secretly the murderer, one is the sheriff and the rest try to survive.
I was murderer three times in a row in MM2!
For parents and educators. The name sounds alarming, but it is cartoon-level, like a tag game. Rare knives and guns are traded for real value, so the same trading scams as other Roblox games show up.
Also heard as: Murder Mystery 2, murder mystery
Where it came from, and sourcesA loud, glamorous style: big hair, fur or faux fur, animal print and lots of gold, like the wives in old gangster movies.
Grandma's leopard coat is giving mob wife.
For parents and educators. Just a fashion look. Some people point out it glamorizes crime shows, which can be a fun thing to talk through.
Also heard as: mob wife aesthetic, mob wife era
Where it came from, and sourcesTwo meanings. A moderator who keeps a chat, stream or Discord server in order. Or a fan-made change to a game, like a Minecraft mod.
Can the mods ban this guy? He keeps spamming.
For parents and educators. Being made a mod in a friend's server is a small honour kids enjoy. Downloading mods is usually fine from well-known sites, but random files can carry malware.
Also heard as: mods, modded, modding, mod me
Where it came from, and sourcesAn online match that someone has tampered with, often offered as a shortcut to unlock ranks, items or money in games like Call of Duty or GTA Online.
A guy in my DMs says he can get me into a modded lobby for 2K.
For parents and educators. Joining or paying for one breaks the game's rules and can get an account banned or wiped. Some are run by people who sell fake access, or who use them to damage or take over other players' accounts.
If you’re worried. If your child paid someone or shared login details, change the password, turn on two-step verification and report the seller to the game or console maker. Report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
Also heard as: modded lobbies, mod lobby, hacker lobby
Where it came from, and sourcesOutshining someone, usually by being better looking or taller. To get "mogged" is to be made to look worse next to someone.
He stood next to the basketball team and got mogged.
For parents and educators. Often a playful jab between friends. It comes from a culture that ranks people by looks, and therapists note it can feed insecurity. If your child uses it about themselves, ask how they feel about how they look.
Also heard as: mog, mogged
Where it came from, and sources'My guy', 'buddy', 'my man'. A friendly way to address a friend, or a parent addressing a son.
Bien joué, mon gars! (Nice one, buddy!)
For parents and educators. Warm and harmless, like 'bro' in English.
Also heard as: le gars, mes gars
Where it came from, and sourcesNervous, tense, sweating it. Used when something stressful or scary is happening.
One HP left and three guys coming monkaS
For parents and educators. Harmless. It is about game tension, not real anxiety, most of the time.
Also heard as: monkas, monkaW
Where it came from, and sourcesLiterally 'uncle', but used to tease someone for acting old-fashioned or corny. 'Matante' (auntie) is the female version.
Arrête de faire des jokes de mononc'. (Stop making dad jokes.)
For parents and educators. Gentle teasing. If your teen calls you 'mononc'', you're being roasted affectionately.
Also heard as: mononcle, matante, ti-mononc'
Where it came from, and sourcesA baby pygmy hippo from a zoo in Thailand who became a meme for looking grumpy or horrified. Kids use her to say 'that's my mood'.
Me when my alarm goes off: full Moo Deng.
For parents and educators. Completely harmless. Her zoo used the fame to talk about saving an endangered species.
Also heard as: moo deng hippo
Where it came from, and sourcesCalling someone, usually a woman, a role model who does things with total confidence and style. Mothering means doing something amazingly well.
Did you see her solo at the concert? Mother.
For parents and educators. Pure praise. It is often said about singers and celebrities, and kids use it for friends too, boys included.
Also heard as: mothering, mother is mothering, mama
Where it came from, and sourcesPerson, people, someone. Montréal slang from Haitian Creole.
Y'avait full de moune au parc. (There were tons of people at the park.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. A sign of how Haitian Creole shapes the way Montréal kids talk.
Also heard as: moun
Where it came from, and sourcesShouted in a long, dramatic voice at random moments, copying a rap song. It doesn't mean the condiment.
The teacher said "any questions?" and the whole class yelled MUSTAAARD.
For parents and educators. Harmless hype. The song itself has explicit lyrics, if that matters to you for younger kids.
Also heard as: Mustaaard, MUSTAAAARD
Where it came from, and sourcesA cocky, joking way to say you'd beat any challenge, no matter how hard.
A pop quiz on a Monday? Nah, I'd win.
For parents and educators. Harmless bragging, usually ironic.
Also heard as: nah I'd win
Where it came from, and sourcesNo big deal. Can be sincere or sarcastic.
got the top mark in the class, nbd
For parents and educators. Harmless. When it's used about bad news, it can be a way of brushing off something that does bother them.
Also heard as: NBD
Where it came from, and sourcesTo make something weaker. Games nerf characters or items that are too strong. In daily life, any rule or change that makes something less good.
They nerfed recess, it's way shorter now.
For parents and educators. Harmless. A fun one to use back at them.
Also heard as: nerfed, got nerfed
Where it came from, and sourcesNot gonna lie. Introduces an honest opinion.
ngl that movie was better than I expected.
For parents and educators. Harmless texting shorthand. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesTo fool around or waste time, or to tease someone. 'Tu me niaises?' means 'Are you kidding me?'
Tu me niaises? On a un exam demain? (Are you kidding me? We have a test tomorrow?)
For parents and educators. Mostly playful. 'Se faire niaiser' can mean being made fun of, so listen for who is doing it.
Also heard as: tu me niaises, niaise pas, niaisage
Where it came from, and sourcesSilly, dumb, goofy. A mild insult, often used between friends.
Arrête de faire le niaiseux pis viens-t'en. (Stop being goofy and come on.)
For parents and educators. Mild. Parents use it too. Repeated at one kid, it can be part of putting them down.
Also heard as: niaiseuse, niaiseries
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for nicotine, usually in vapes or pouches.
For parents and educators. Kids often use it when talking about vaping, cravings or feeling irritable without it. That last part is a sign of dependence. Approach it as a health conversation, not a punishment.
If you’re worried. Your family doctor or school counsellor can help with quitting. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from, and sourcesA corner of TikTok that tries to have weirder, more obscure memes than everyone else. Its memes often make no sense unless you've seen the trend.
You wouldn't get it, it's a NicheTok meme.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless nonsense. If a meme confuses you, asking your kid to explain it is a fun conversation.
Also heard as: niche memes, niche tiktok, that's niche
Where it came from, and sourcesCap means a lie. No cap means for real, no lie. Calling cap means you think someone is exaggerating.
That was the best game I've ever played, no cap.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Kids say it constantly, often about tiny things.
Also heard as: cap, capping, 🧢
Where it came from, and sourcesNo way. Shows disbelief or amazement.
No shot you got tickets. Are you serious?
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Where it came from, and sourcesActing cool and unbothered, like nothing gets to you. In dating talk it means someone who hides their feelings or replies slowly on purpose.
He left me on delivered for hours, he's so nonchalant.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless. Some kids feel they must always look like they don't care. That's worth gently questioning.
Also heard as: nonchalant dreadhead, being nonchalant
Where it came from, and sourcesDummy, silly person. A gentle Québec insult, almost affectionate.
Ben voyons, nono, c'est l'autre porte. (Come on, dummy, it's the other door.)
For parents and educators. Very mild, the kind of thing siblings say.
Also heard as: nounoune
Where it came from, and sourcesA beginner, or someone who plays badly. Used for any new or clumsy person, not only in games.
Don't laugh, I'm a total noob at skating.
For parents and educators. A UK survey found it was the gaming word parents heard most from kids. Usually light teasing. Used to pile on one player again and again, it becomes a put-down.
Also heard as: newbie, newb, nub, n00b
Where it came from, and sourcesStands for "non-playable character" from video games. Calling a person an NPC means they seem boring, robotic or unable to think for themselves.
He just copies whatever everyone else says, total NPC.
For parents and educators. Often a light joke, and kids also use it about themselves when they feel awkward. Used repeatedly against one child, it is a way of saying they do not matter. Ask who gets called that at school and how they react.
Where it came from, and sourcesNot safe for work. A warning that a link, picture or message has something you wouldn't want others to see over your shoulder.
don't open that meme in class, it's kind of nsfw
For parents and educators. It can cover anything from swearing or gross jokes to violent or sexual content. Seeing it on a message isn't proof of anything, but it's a fair question to ask what was being shared.
Also heard as: nsfw
Where it came from, and sourcesNude or sexual photos of oneself. "Noods" is a deliberate misspelling used to get past filters.
For parents and educators. Many teens are asked for nudes, often by peers, and some feel pressure to send them. Images of anyone under 18 can spread fast and be used for blackmail. Talk about it before it happens, without shame: it is okay to say no, and if something has already been sent, you will help.
If you’re worried. NeedHelpNow.ca helps youth and families get images taken down. Report threats or adult requests to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: noods
Where it came from, and sourcesApps or sites that use AI to make a fake nude image from a normal photo of someone.
Some guys in our grade were passing around a nudify app.
For parents and educators. The photos are often taken from public social media. Using one on a classmate creates illegal material in Canada, even if it is fake, and it is used to humiliate and extort. Talk with your child before it comes up, including boys, who are often the ones pressured to share.
If you’re worried. If your child is targeted, keep calm, do not share the image, and report to Cybertip.ca and the police. NeedHelpNow.ca helps with getting images removed. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: nudify app, undress app, nudifier
Where it came from, and sourcesNever mind. Forget what I just said.
can you send me the homework? nvm found it
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless.
Also heard as: NVM, nm
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for obstacle course. A Roblox game where you jump, climb and race to the finish.
Can you help me beat this obby? I keep falling on level 40.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Obbies are a nice game to try together.
Also heard as: obbies, obstacle course
Where it came from, and sourcesIn Roblox, OD means online dating and an ODer is someone looking for a Roblox boyfriend or girlfriend. Here OD has nothing to do with overdose.
Ew, that guy keeps asking everyone gf? He's such an ODer.
For parents and educators. Kids often mock ODers, which is a good sign. Parent guides warn that adults pretending to be kids use online dating requests to find lonely or vulnerable children.
If you’re worried. Ask calmly who they talk to in games, and make sure they know they can tell you without losing the game. If an adult has asked your child to date, keep secrets, send photos or move to another app, report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. In an emergency, call 911.
Also heard as: OD, ODing, online dater, bf?, gf?
Where it came from, and sourcesWeird, chaotic or cringe. Not about the actual state.
A guy was walking a goose on a leash at the mall. Only in Ohio.
For parents and educators. A running joke, not about real people from Ohio. Nothing to do.
Also heard as: only in Ohio, Ohio-coded
Where it came from, and sourcesA dismissive reply to an older person whose views seem out of date.
You think video games are a waste of time? OK boomer.
For parents and educators. Mostly replaced by unc. You can stop worrying about this one.
Where it came from, and sourcesA style that copies rich families: neutral colours, cashmere sweaters, blazers, loafers, nothing with a big logo.
Navy sweater, white pants, very old money.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless fashion talk. It can feed pressure to look rich, so it's a good chance to talk about money and status.
Also heard as: old money aesthetic, quiet luxury, stealth wealth
Where it came from, and sourcesOn my way.
omw, save me a seat
For parents and educators. Everyday and harmless. Sometimes sent before actually leaving.
Also heard as: OMW
Where it came from, and sourcesI swear it's true. Used to add weight to a claim.
I finished all my homework, on God.
For parents and educators. Mostly used casually, not as a religious statement.
Also heard as: ong, on gang
Where it came from, and sourcesOne of my followers, or one of my friends. A way to mention someone without naming them.
oomf just posted the funniest video.
For parents and educators. Sometimes used to talk about a person indirectly, so it can be a sign of drama.
Also heard as: oomfie
Where it came from, and sourcesOutfit of the day. A photo or video showing what someone is wearing.
ootd for the first day back, rate it
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless. Worth knowing these posts are often public, so they're a good moment to talk about who can see their account.
Also heard as: ootd
Where it came from, and sourcesOverpowered. Something so strong it feels unfair. Also praise for anything really good.
This new pencil case is OP, it has a calculator.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Different from OP meaning original poster on forums.
Also heard as: overpowered
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "opponent" or "opposition." It means an enemy or rival.
Why are you sitting with the opps?
For parents and educators. Most kids use it jokingly about a rival friend group or the other team. It is worth asking more if it comes with talk of real fights, threats or one group targeting another.
Also heard as: opps
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen someone stops talking to you but still watches your stories and likes your posts.
He ghosted me but views every story, he's orbiting.
For parents and educators. Harmless as a word, though it can be confusing and hurtful for the person being orbited.
Also heard as: orbiter
Where it came from, and sourcesOne of the most common Québec swear words (from 'hostie', the communion wafer). Used for frustration, surprise or emphasis. Often typed as 'sti'.
Osti, j'ai oublié mon lunch. (Damn, I forgot my lunch.)
For parents and educators. It's swearing, so it's about your house rules. It's not aimed at anyone, unlike an insult. 'Sti' in a text is the same word.
Also heard as: esti, ostie, stie, sti
Where it came from, and sourcesOne true pairing: your absolute favourite couple in a show, book or game. OT3 is a favourite trio.
These two are my OTP, I don't care what the show says.
For parents and educators. Harmless fan talk. In a texting context, OTP can also mean "on the phone."
Also heard as: one true pairing, OT3
Where it came from, and sourcesWildly inappropriate, out of line or totally unexpected. Said about a comment or behaviour that goes too far.
What he said about her mom was so out of pocket.
For parents and educators. Kids often use it to call out behaviour they don't like, which is a good sign. It can also just mean something was shockingly funny.
Also heard as: outta pocket
Where it came from, and sources'Not at all' in Québec French. 'Pas pantoute' is a strong no.
J'ai pas aimé le film pantoute. (I didn't like the movie at all.)
For parents and educators. Everyday Québec French, used by kids and grandparents alike. Nothing to worry about.
Also heard as: pas pantoute, pantoutte
Where it came from, and sourcesA one-sided bond with someone who doesn't know you exist, like a streamer, an influencer, a fictional character or an AI chatbot.
Okay my love for this streamer is getting a little parasocial.
For parents and educators. Kids often use it to tease themselves, which is healthy. It's worth noticing if a creator or chatbot starts to replace real friendships.
Also heard as: parasocial relationship, parasocial bond
Where it came from, and sourcesLiterally 'not worse', but it means 'pretty good' or 'not bad'. Often an understated compliment.
Pis, ton exam? Pas pire! (So, your test? Pretty good!)
For parents and educators. Harmless. An English-speaking parent may hear it as negative, but it's usually positive.
Also heard as: pas si pire, pas trop pire
Where it came from, and sourcesThe absolute best. "This is peak" means something is as good as it gets. Can also be used ironically.
The new episode? Peak. I screamed.
For parents and educators. Harmless praise.
Also heard as: this is peak, peak fiction
Where it came from, and sourcesQuébec word for a school day with no classes, when teachers do training and planning. Kids just know it as a day off.
No school Friday, it's a pédago!
For parents and educators. Harmless. Mostly useful for parents new to Québec schools.
Also heard as: journée pédago, journée pédagogique, PD day
Where it came from, and sourcesA teasing label for a guy whose hobbies and style seem chosen to impress girls, like carrying a tote bag and a matcha latte.
He's reading poetry on the quad with a matcha. Performative male.
For parents and educators. Mostly a joke, but it can be used to mock boys for having soft or artsy interests.
Where it came from, and sourcesSaid at the end of a statement to mean end of discussion. Adds emphasis.
She's the best singer in the school. Periodt.
For parents and educators. Just emphasis. Nothing to do.
Also heard as: periodt, and that's on period
Where it came from, and sourcesProfile picture. Less often, picture for proof, a demand for a photo to prove something.
new pfp, thoughts?
For parents and educators. Usually just about profile pictures. If a stranger is asking your child for a pfp as proof of who they are, that's worth a gentle conversation.
Also heard as: PFP
Where it came from, and sourcesAn insult for someone seen as trying too hard to win approval, often a girl accused of putting other girls down to impress boys.
She said she only has guy friends, such a pick me.
For parents and educators. It is mostly used to mock, and it often lands on girls who are a bit different from their peers. If your child is called one, it can hurt more than the silly phrase suggests. If your child uses it, it is a good moment to talk about judging other people's personalities.
Also heard as: pick-me girl, pick-me boy
Where it came from, and sourcesHow fast your connection talks to the game server. High ping means delay and lag. In team games, to ping can also mean marking a spot for teammates.
I didn't die because I'm bad, my ping was insane.
For parents and educators. Harmless. High ping is the standard excuse after a loss, and sometimes a hint that someone else is streaming video on the Wi-Fi.
Also heard as: high ping, my ping, pinging
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for "parent in room." A warning to the other person to be careful what they say.
Can't talk, PIR.
For parents and educators. Wanting privacy from parents is normal and is not a sign of trouble on its own. It matters more when paired with secret accounts, a new older friend online, or pressure to hide a conversation.
Where it came from, and sources'Pourquoi', why, in French texts.
pk t'as pas répondu? (why didn't you answer?)
For parents and educators. Just shorthand. A bare 'pk' can sound blunter than the kid meant.
Also heard as: pq, pk?
Where it came from, and sourcesBoring, or too bad. 'C'est plate' means 'that's boring' or 'that's a shame'.
Le cours d'histoire était plate à mort. (History class was so boring.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. 'À mort' here just means 'extremely'.
Also heard as: c'est plate
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who can get you something, most often a drug dealer. It can also mean a regular source for anything, like sneakers or concert tickets.
For parents and educators. Context matters a lot: "my sneaker plug" is harmless. If it comes up about vapes or drugs, especially someone who sells through social media, it is worth a direct, calm conversation. Drugs bought online can contain things the buyer does not expect.
If you’re worried. If someone may have taken something and feels unwell, call your provincial poison centre (in Québec, the Centre antipoison du Québec), or 911 in an emergency. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from, and sourcesUsually pisses me off. It can also mean put me on, asking someone to share a song, show or tip.
people who walk slow in the hallway pmo
For parents and educators. Mildly rude but harmless. Context tells you which meaning: complaining or asking for a recommendation.
Also heard as: PMO
Where it came from, and sourcesLame, bad, sucks. 'C'est poche' means 'that sucks'. 'T'es poche' means 'you're bad at this'.
C'est poche, le party est annulé. (That sucks, the party's cancelled.)
For parents and educators. Mild. Common in gaming chats ('t'es poche'). The noun also has a crude meaning, which kids may joke about.
Also heard as: c'est poche, t'es poche
Where it came from, and sourcesAwesome, exciting, hype. Pog is the short version, said when something great happens.
You got the last ticket? POG.
For parents and educators. Harmless excitement. A bit dated with older teens, still common with younger gamers.
Also heard as: pog, Pog, PogChamp, poggies, pogging
Where it came from, and sourcesMany meanings: to catch or grab, to 'get' a joke, or to be popular ('ça pogne' means 'it's taking off'). 'Être pogné' means stuck, or shy.
Sa vidéo a full pogné sur TikTok. (Her video totally blew up on TikTok.)
For parents and educators. Harmless and very common in everyday speech.
Also heard as: ça pogne, être pogné, pogné
Where it came from, and sourcesTo lose your temper, get worked up. 'Pogne pas les nerfs' means 'calm down'.
Pogne pas les nerfs, c'était une joke. (Don't get mad, it was a joke.)
For parents and educators. Ordinary expression. Kids may also use it to brush off someone who's upset about being teased.
Also heard as: pogne pas les nerfs
Where it came from, and sourcesQuébec word for a public high school, often a big one. Kids shorten it to la poly.
My cousin goes to the poly across town.
For parents and educators. Just a school word. Hearing la poly means high school.
Also heard as: la poly, poly
Where it came from, and sourcesA cute nickname for a close friend or partner.
Thanks for the snack, pookie.
For parents and educators. A sweet nickname for friends as much as crushes. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesPoint of view. Used at the start of a video or caption to set up a scene from someone's perspective.
POV: you just remembered the homework is due today.
For parents and educators. Harmless video format. Nothing to do. Many POV videos are little comedy skits, and some kids love making them.
Also heard as: POV
Where it came from, and sourcesTo get drunk, go on a bender.
Ils ont pris une brosse après le bal. (They got drunk after prom.)
For parents and educators. Adults use it too, so hearing it doesn't prove anything. If your teen talks about 'brosses', it's a good moment to talk about alcohol and getting home safe.
Also heard as: virer une brosse, brosser, être sur la brosse
Where it came from, and sourcesTo take a big fall, wipe out. Also means to fail at something.
J'ai pris une méchante débarque en skate. (I wiped out hard on my skateboard.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Common in skate and sports videos.
Also heard as: une débarque
Where it came from, and sourcesUpset, annoyed or bothered, often over something small. Why are you so pressed means calm down, it's not a big deal.
It was a joke, why are you so pressed?
For parents and educators. Can be teasing or dismissive. Stay pressed is a comeback to someone who is annoyed with you.
Also heard as: stay pressed, why are you so pressed
Where it came from, and sources'Pété de rire': dying of laughter. A France-French version of 'lol' that Québec kids picked up online.
Ptdr ton chat dans la boîte (lol your cat in the box)
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: xptdr, mdr
Where it came from, and sourcesTacky, cheesy, outdated. Close to 'cringe' for clothes, music or decor.
Ses lunettes sont tellement quétaines. (Those glasses are so tacky.)
For parents and educators. Mild. Parents probably said it too.
Also heard as: kétaine
Where it came from, and sourcesKeep it quiet, or don't spread this around.
I'm planning her surprise party, so quiet on the creek.
For parents and educators. Harmless, usually about surprises or gossip. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesOnline posts made on purpose to make people angry so they comment and share.
Don't reply to that video, it's rage bait.
For parents and educators. A useful phrase for media literacy talks. Kids who use it already know outrage is often manufactured.
Where it came from, and sourcesQuitting a game suddenly out of anger. Now used for any dramatic, angry exit.
I rage quit my math homework and went to bed.
For parents and educators. Everyone rage quits sometimes. If it happens often, with yelling or broken controllers, it can help to talk about frustration and breaks.
Also heard as: rage quitting, ragequit, rage quitted
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen a streamer ends their stream and sends all their viewers to another streamer's channel at once.
A big streamer raided me last night and my chat went crazy!
For parents and educators. Usually a friendly gesture between streamers. Hate raids, where accounts flood a chat with abuse, also exist, so a child who streams should know where the chat protection settings are.
Also heard as: raided, raiding, raid train
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen a reply gets more likes than the post it answers, the original poster has been "ratioed." Saying "ratio" in a reply is a way of mocking someone and inviting others to pile on.
L + ratio, you fell off.
For parents and educators. Usually playful trash talk between friends or about celebrities. It can turn into group pile-ons when a whole class targets one kid's post. If your child seems upset after posting, ask how it went rather than whether they were bullied.
Also heard as: L + ratio, ratioed
Where it came from, and sourcesA one-word reaction meaning "so true, I relate". "So real for this" praises someone for being honest and down to earth.
"I need a nap after every class." "Real."
For parents and educators. Harmless agreement.
Also heard as: so real, so real for this, real for this
Where it came from, and sourcesProof, usually screenshots of messages, used to back up a claim or catch someone in a lie.
She says she never said it? I have receipts.
For parents and educators. Screenshots get passed around fast. A good reminder for kids that private messages rarely stay private.
Also heard as: got receipts, show the receipts
Where it came from, and sourcesIn manosphere circles, a red circle in a profile or comment can signal that someone sees themselves as red-pilled.
For parents and educators. A red circle almost always means nothing special. It only matters alongside other red-pill language or content. Do not read meaning into a single emoji; read the content around it.
If you’re worried. If you see a pattern of misogynist content, talk with your child and the school counsellor. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from, and sourcesA warning sign about someone, especially a crush or partner. A "walking red flag" is someone with lots of them. Often typed as 🚩.
He checks her phone? Red flag 🚩🚩
For parents and educators. Often used for silly things too, like liking pineapple on pizza. A great word to borrow when talking about healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Also heard as: 🚩, walking red flag, major red flag
Where it came from, and sourcesIn manosphere talk, being "red-pilled" means believing you have discovered a hidden truth that women are manipulative and that feminism oppresses men. "Blue pill" means everyone who has not.
For parents and educators. Some kids repeat it from fitness or money videos without knowing the background. Sweeping claims about how "all women" act are the sign to listen for. Internet Matters suggests letting everyone share opinions rather than lecturing, and asking where they heard an idea.
If you’re worried. If you notice growing hostility toward women or other groups, talk to the school counsellor. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: red-pilled, blue pill
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen you can't stop thinking about something.
That song has been living rent free in my head all week.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Nothing to do. If something hurtful is living rent free in their head, that's worth a gentle chat.
Also heard as: living rent free
Where it came from, and sourcesComing back to life in a game after being knocked out. To spawn is to appear in the game. Kids also say it jokingly about real life.
Hold on, I'm respawning, cover me.
For parents and educators. Pure gaming vocabulary. Some younger kids learn about death through games, so if a little one says something like 'he'll respawn' about a real loss, it is a gentle chance to explain the difference.
Also heard as: respawned, spawn, spawned, spawn point
Where it came from, and sourcesA totally loyal friend or partner who'll stick by you no matter what.
She's been my ride or die since grade three.
For parents and educators. Usually sweet. In a romance, it can sometimes be used to romanticize sticking with someone who treats you badly, which is worth gently questioning.
Also heard as: my ride or die
Where it came from, and sourcesCharm or charisma, especially when flirting. A rizzler is someone who has a lot of it.
He talked to her for two minutes and got her number. Crazy rizz.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Kids also use it jokingly about anything charming, not only crushes.
Also heard as: rizzler, unspoken rizz, W rizz, rizz up
Where it came from, and sourcesThe money used inside Roblox. It is bought with real money or gift cards. Bobux is a joking version.
I need more Robux for the game pass, it's my birthday soon.
For parents and educators. Robux is where most Roblox spending happens. Offers of free Robux from strangers or websites are almost always scams aimed at stealing accounts.
Also heard as: bobux, R$
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething you think about all the time for no good reason. "That's my Roman Empire."
That embarrassing thing I said in grade 5 is my Roman Empire.
For parents and educators. Harmless and often a nice conversation starter: ask what theirs is.
Also heard as: my Roman Empire
Where it came from, and sourcesThe people someone is talking to or interested in at the same time, before picking one.
He's not my boyfriend, he's just on the roster.
For parents and educators. Often said as a joke. A chance to talk about honesty with the people you're talking to.
Also heard as: on the roster, my roster
Where it came from, and sourcesSad, disappointed. A playful, exaggerated way to say a small letdown.
The pizza place is closed Sadge
For parents and educators. Usually about small disappointments. Many Twitch emotes use the Pepe the Frog cartoon, which some hate groups have also used, but on Twitch it is almost always just a reaction face. If it shows up all the time about real life, ask how they are doing.
Also heard as: sadge
Where it came from, and sourcesBitter or annoyed, usually about something small.
He's still salty that he lost the game.
For parents and educators. Ordinary sulking, usually over small things. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesA thoughtless, clumsy or dim person. Someone who didn't think before acting.
Quel sans-dessein, il a laissé son cell dans l'autobus. (What a dope, he left his phone on the bus.)
For parents and educators. A classic, fairly mild Québec insult that parents probably used too.
Also heard as: sans-génie, un sans-dessein
Where it came from, and sourcesSay it with full confidence, no mumbling or hedging. Often a teasing nudge to own an opinion.
You think she's the best singer ever? Say it with your chest.
For parents and educators. Harmless. It's encouragement, sometimes with a grin.
Also heard as: with your chest, say it with chest
Where it came from, and sourcesOkay, you don't need to explain. I'm in.
Want to get food after practice? Say less.
For parents and educators. Just an eager yes. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesA deliberate misspelling of "sex" used to get past social media filters.
For parents and educators. Seeing it mostly tells you your child is on platforms where sexual topics come up, which is true of almost all of them. It is a natural way into an age-appropriate talk about sex, consent and what they see online.
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething is giving me a big reaction, usually making me laugh really hard.
That video of the goose chasing the mailman is sending me.
For parents and educators. Almost always means laughter. Harmless.
Also heard as: this is sending me, sent me
Where it came from, and sourcesThe jokey illness of losing all motivation in your last year of high school or university, especially near the end.
Senioritis hit hard, I can't even open my binder.
For parents and educators. Normal and often temporary. If it comes with skipping a lot of class or a big drop in mood, look past the joke.
Where it came from, and sourcesLooking great or doing something with confidence and style. Serving looks means showing off a striking outfit or appearance.
The whole team came to the game in matching jerseys. They were serving.
For parents and educators. A compliment, close to slay and ate.
Also heard as: serve, served, serving looks
Where it came from, and sourcesBlackmail where someone threatens to share a nude or sexual image of a young person unless they pay money or send more images. Sometimes the image is faked.
For parents and educators. Teen boys aged 14 to 17 are the most common targets of the money-driven version, often by someone posing as a girl their age. Victims are not to blame and are not breaking the law. Tell your child ahead of time that if this ever happens, you will help, not punish. The advice from Cybertip.ca and NCMEC: do not pay, do not send more, stop replying, keep the messages, and report.
If you’re worried. Report right away at Cybertip.ca. NeedHelpNow.ca helps with getting images removed. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. If your child is in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
Also heard as: sexual extortion
Where it came from, and sourcesA girlfriend, crush or attractive young woman. Also a general friendly name.
That's my shawty, back off.
For parents and educators. Affectionate between couples or friends. Shouted at strangers, it works like a catcall.
Also heard as: shorty, shawty bae
Where it came from, and sourcesAn expression of being impressed or amazed, often stretched out as sheeeesh.
Sheesh, you made that shot from half court?
For parents and educators. Harmless and positive. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesTo want two people or characters to be a couple. A "ship" is the pairing itself.
I ship them so hard, they need to date already.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Kids also ship friends and classmates, which can feel like teasing to the kids being shipped.
Also heard as: shipping, shipper, I ship it
Where it came from, and sourcesShocked, surprised or rattled by something.
They cancelled the field trip? I'm shook.
For parents and educators. Usually about surprises, big or small. If it's about something scary that happened, ask what's going on.
Also heard as: I'm shook
Where it came from, and sourcesMake a move: tell a crush you like them, or ask them out, even if it might not work.
Just shoot your shot, worst case she says no.
For parents and educators. Encouraging, and also used for jobs or tryouts. A good opening to talk about asking respectfully and taking no for an answer.
Also heard as: shot my shot, shooting my shot
Where it came from, and sourcesA random detour or extra activity, often a fun one.
We were going home but took a side quest to the ice cream shop.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Nothing to do. Suggesting a family side quest is a fun way to borrow the word.
Where it came from, and sourcesA supposed type of man who is successful, independent and a loner. Among younger kids it is mostly a meme word meaning "cool."
Doing homework before it's due, so sigma.
For parents and educators. For most kids under 13 it is a silly compliment with no ideology behind it. With older boys it can come bundled with lectures about dominance and how women should be treated. Ask what a sigma is to them; the answer tells you which version they are hearing.
Also heard as: sigma male
Where it came from, and sourcesThe chorus of a catchy Russian pop song that kids sing and dance to. It pokes fun at the "sigma" idea of a lone, superior guy.
My sister won't stop singing sigma sigma boy in the car.
For parents and educators. Mostly silly and ironic. If your child also talks about being a sigma in a serious way, see the sigma entry.
Also heard as: sigma sigma boy
Where it came from, and sourcesAn insult for someone, usually a boy, seen as trying too hard to please a person they like.
You bought her lunch again? Simp.
For parents and educators. Usually light teasing. Underneath it is the idea that being kind or generous to a girl is embarrassing. It is worth asking your child what is wrong with being nice to someone you like.
Where it came from, and sourcesA romantic relationship that hasn't been defined as dating.
They're not together, it's a situationship.
For parents and educators. Common and not a warning sign. It can open a calm talk about what your teen wants from a relationship.
Where it came from, and sourcesA nonsense word that can mean cool, bad or nothing at all. Kids say it mostly to be silly.
That was so skibidi.
For parents and educators. Mostly used by younger kids. Teens now use it mainly to tease them.
Also heard as: skibidi toilet
Where it came from, and sourcesA teasing way to say you failed because you're not good enough, not because of bad luck.
You lost again? Skill issue.
For parents and educators. Friendly trash talk between friends. Can sting if aimed over and over at one kid.
Where it came from, and sourcesAn outfit or look for a game character. It changes appearance only, not how well you play.
Can I get the new skin? Everyone has it.
For parents and educators. Skins cost real money and carry social status, which is why the asking can be intense. A spending limit agreed in advance helps.
Also heard as: skins, cosmetics, outfit
Where it came from, and sourcesA random keyboard smash typed to show laughter, excitement or nervousness.
He texted me back sksksksk
For parents and educators. Harmless. Just a typed squeal.
Also heard as: sksksksk
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething is excellent. Mostly said about music, but also about food, shows or anything really good.
Put that song on again, it slaps.
For parents and educators. Nothing to do with hitting anyone. Pure praise.
Also heard as: slap, this slaps
Where it came from, and sourcesTo ease off, slow down, or loosen something. 'Slaque!' can mean 'chill, back off'. Being 'slaque' means loose or low-energy.
J'ai slaqué mes devoirs cette semaine. (I slacked off on my homework this week.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. If it's 'slaquer' at school for a long stretch, it's worth a check-in.
Also heard as: slaque, slaquer la pédale
Where it came from, and sourcesTo do something really well or look great. Pure praise.
You slayed that presentation.
For parents and educators. Widely used by adults too, so it is one of the safer words for a parent to try.
Also heard as: slayed, slaying
Where it came from, and sourcesUnderrated, overlooked. Something good that people aren't paying attention to.
This show is so slept on, nobody in my class watches it.
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: sleep on, so slept on
Where it came from, and sourcesLow-effort, mass-produced online content, especially junk images and videos made by computer programs.
My feed is all slop now.
For parents and educators. Harmless word, and a fair complaint. It can start a good talk about telling real videos from fake ones.
Where it came from, and sources'Salut', hi, in French texts. Sometimes 'bye' too.
slt, t'es-tu à la maison? (hey, are you home?)
For parents and educators. Just a greeting.
Also heard as: slt ça va?
Where it came from, and sourcesTo have casual sex with someone, or to say you would. "Smash or pass" is a game of rating whether someone is attractive.
For parents and educators. Usually crude joking rather than real plans. Smash-or-pass games aimed at classmates can turn into rating and shaming. A good talk is about how it feels to be the one being rated.
Also heard as: smash or pass
Where it came from, and sourcesShaking my head. Shows disappointment or disbelief.
He forgot his own birthday party smh.
For parents and educators. Mild disappointment. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesSurvival Multiplayer. A Minecraft world where several players survive and build together. Many popular YouTubers run their own SMPs with storylines.
Can I join my friend's SMP after supper? We're building a castle.
For parents and educators. Playing on a small server with friends you know is generally low risk. Large public SMPs bring in strangers and chat, so it helps to know who runs the server and whether there is voice chat.
Also heard as: SMP server, Dream SMP, survival multiplayer
Where it came from, and sourcesA skilled player who uses a new or borrowed account to play against beginners and win easily.
That guy is level 2 but he's cracked. Total smurf.
For parents and educators. Considered unfair but not dangerous. A smurf account in gaming is about rank, not a secret social media profile.
Also heard as: smurfing, smurf account
Where it came from, and sourcesA blue mushroom-hat cat creature paired with the song lyric "we live, we love, we lie." It pops up at the end of slideshows like a jump scare.
We live, we love, we lie 🎵 Smurf cat strikes again.
For parents and educators. An early wave of brainrot. Harmless.
Also heard as: we live we love we lie, Shailushai, Strawberry Elephant
Where it came from, and sourcesLooking amazing, perfectly styled or put together.
Your hair for picture day? Snatched.
For parents and educators. A compliment about looks. Sometimes used about a slim waist, so it can tie into body talk.
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone you are secretly hooking up with, or the secret meetup itself.
For parents and educators. Often used jokingly or in song lyrics. If it is real, the secrecy is the part to ask about: is the other person a peer, and does your child feel respected? It can open a talk about consent and healthy relationships.
Where it came from, and sourcesHinting online that you're dating someone without showing who, like posting a photo with just their hand or shoulder in it.
Did you see her story? Two drinks on the table, that's a soft launch.
For parents and educators. Harmless and pretty sweet. It can tell you your teen has someone new before they bring it up.
Also heard as: soft launching
Where it came from, and sourcesA secondary account where a teen posts random thoughts, memes or many photos for close friends. It has nothing to do with email spam.
Follow my spam, that's where the real stuff is.
For parents and educators. Mostly harmless and often more honest than a main account. It is a good conversation starter: ask what goes on their spam versus their main, and who can see each.
Where it came from, and sourcesA class period with nothing scheduled, mostly in high school. Mainly a Canadian word; Americans say free period.
I have a spare after French, want to grab food?
For parents and educators. Normal school talk. A spare can be study time, rest or a walk to the corner store, depending on school rules.
Also heard as: a spare, spare period, free period
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone clumsy or freaking out. Comes from an old slur for people with cerebral palsy.
Why are you spazzing, it's just a spider.
For parents and educators. Many kids have no idea of its history. Worth explaining calmly, especially since it's heard as offensive here.
If you’re worried. If it's used to mock a child with a disability, treat it as bullying and involve the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: spazzing, spaz out
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for special education, used as an insult when someone does something foolish.
You walked into the glass door? Such a sped.
For parents and educators. Kids in special education hear it at school and know who it's aimed at. It works the same way as the r-word.
If you’re worried. If your child uses it, ask who they think it's about. If your child receives support at school and is called this, tell the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: such a sped
Where it came from, and sourcesTo do something as fast as possible. Borrowed from playing a game start to finish in record time.
I speedran my homework so I could go to practice.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Speedrunning homework might be worth a gentle check on quality.
Also heard as: speedrunning, speed run, speedran
Where it came from, and sourcesYour group of friends. "Squad goals" is a friend group you admire.
The whole squad is going to the movies Saturday.
For parents and educators. Harmless and a little old-fashioned now.
Also heard as: squad goals, the squad
Where it came from, and sourcesTo be a big fan of someone. A stan is a devoted fan.
I stan this band so hard.
For parents and educators. Usually just being a big fan. Nothing to do. If fandom turns into piling on critics online, that's worth a word.
Also heard as: stanning
Where it came from, and sourcesThe part of social media where intense fans of singers, actors or bands gather, with their own jokes, slang and fights.
That phrase started on stan twitter, everyone says it now.
For parents and educators. Lots of today's slang starts here. It's fun and creative, but fandoms can pile on people who criticize their favourite star.
Also heard as: stan Twitter, stan X
Where it came from, and sourcesKeeping your word, following through or holding firm on what you said. Said as praise when someone backs up their words.
He said he'd finish the project tonight and he did. Standing on business.
For parents and educators. A positive phrase about responsibility. Sometimes said jokingly about tiny things.
Also heard as: stand on business, stood on business
Where it came from, and sourcesA hugely popular Roblox game where you collect meme characters called Brainrots and sneak into other players' bases to steal theirs.
Someone stole my best brainrot, I'm crashing out.
For parents and educators. No violent or mature content. The things to watch are public servers with strangers, real-money purchases, and big feelings when a prized character gets stolen.
Also heard as: brainrot games
Where it came from, and sourcesWatching someone's live stream to find them in a game and beat or bother them. For street streamers, it can mean tracking them down in person.
Some kid was stream sniping me all night, he knew exactly where I was.
For parents and educators. In games it is mostly annoying. It matters more if your child streams: what they show on screen, like their window, school logo or street, can let strangers find them.
If you’re worried. If your child streams, help them hide their real name, location and anything that shows their neighbourhood, and add a delay. If someone keeps following or threatening them, save the evidence, report to the platform and call police. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: stream sniper, stream snipe, sniping
Where it came from, and sourcesTo have a hard time. Dropped into French sentences unchanged: 'j'ai struggle' means 'I struggled'.
J'ai full struggle sur le devoir de chimie. (I really struggled with the chemistry homework.)
For parents and educators. Harmless franglais. If 'struggle' comes up a lot about school, it's worth asking where they're stuck.
Also heard as: j'ai struggle, struggler
Where it came from, and sourcesThe study side of TikTok and YouTube. Study with me videos and lives show someone quietly studying so viewers can work alongside them.
I put on a study with me live so I'd actually do my homework.
For parents and educators. Often a genuinely helpful focus tool. Some of it leans into buying aesthetic stationery or extreme study marathons, so notice whether it calms your child or adds pressure.
Also heard as: study with me, StudyTube, studygram, SWM
Where it came from, and sourcesA subscriber. On YouTube it is free, a follow. On Twitch it is a paid monthly support, and a gifted sub is one bought for someone else.
Sub to my channel, I'm almost at a hundred subs!
For parents and educators. On YouTube, harmless. On Twitch, subs cost real money, so check that payment methods on your child's accounts are protected.
Also heard as: subs, subscriber, gifted sub, sub to me
Where it came from, and sourcesA post about someone that doesn't name or tag them, so only insiders know who it's about.
That post was 100% a subtweet about me.
For parents and educators. A classic way to start drama or criticize behind someone's back while keeping deniability.
Also heard as: subtweeting, subpost
Where it came from, and sourcesSuspicious or shady.
You're being sus. Why are you hiding your phone?
For parents and educators. Harmless. Even young kids use it.
Also heard as: suspicious, kinda sus
Where it came from, and sourcesMaking a fake emergency report so police or emergency crews rush to someone's home or school.
Did you hear that streamer got swatted live?
For parents and educators. It is a crime, not a prank, and teens in Canada have been charged and jailed for it. Police have linked recent swatting to online groups that recruit young people through games and chat apps. If your child talks about it as funny, take the time to explain how dangerous it is.
If you’re worried. If your child is being pressured by an online group, or knows about a planned threat, contact local police. Report online exploitation at Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: swatted, swatter
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who takes a casual game far too seriously and tries their absolute hardest. Sweaty describes that style.
Why is everyone so sweaty in this lobby? It's just for fun.
For parents and educators. A mild jab, sometimes even half a compliment. Kids also say it about schoolwork or sports when someone goes all out.
Also heard as: sweaty, sweats, too many sweats, sweating
Where it came from, and sourcesShut your bitch ass up. A very rude way to tell someone to shut up.
sybau you did NOT win that round
For parents and educators. Friends often throw it around as a joke while roasting each other. Aimed again and again at one kid, it's put-down language and can be part of bullying.
If you’re worried. Ask who says it and how it feels when it's aimed at them. If it's constant or a group is ganging up, save screenshots and talk to the school. Kids Help Phone is there for your child: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: SYBAU
Where it came from, and sourcesA softened, family-friendly version of a strong Québec swear. It shows surprise or annoyance, like 'holy cow' or 'darn'.
Tabarouette, as-tu vu la neige à matin? (Holy cow, did you see the snow this morning?)
For parents and educators. This is the polite version. Kids often learn it from parents who don't want to swear in front of them.
Also heard as: tabarnouche, tabarnouette
Where it came from, and sourcesThe early getting-to-know-you phase, mostly texting and chatting, before two people decide whether they're dating.
We're not dating, we're in the talking stage.
For parents and educators. Normal and mostly harmless. It can drag on and leave kids unsure where they stand. If the talking is only online with someone they've never met in person, ask gently who it is.
Also heard as: talking to someone, we're just talking
Where it came from, and sourcesAnnoying, pesky. A 'tannant' kid is one who won't stop bugging you. 'Tanner quelqu'un' means to pester them.
Mon petit frère est tannant, il arrête pas de rentrer dans ma chambre. (My little brother is so annoying, he keeps coming into my room.)
For parents and educators. Mild. Often said with affection about younger siblings or pets.
Also heard as: tannante, c'est tannant, tanner
Where it came from, and sourcesFed up, sick of it, out of patience.
Chu tanné d'attendre l'autobus. (I'm sick of waiting for the bus.)
For parents and educators. Everyday Québec French. If 'chu tanné de tout' comes up a lot, it can be worth asking gently how things are going.
Also heard as: tannée, chu tanné, être tanné
Where it came from, and sourcesA silly, foolish person. A childish-sounding Québec put-down.
T'as oublié ton lunch encore, gros tata! (You forgot your lunch again, you goof!)
For parents and educators. Very common with younger kids. Not to be confused with 'tata' as a baby word for 'bye-bye' or for an aunt.
Also heard as: fais pas ton tata
Where it came from, and sourcesTo be fair. Used to give the other side of an argument.
tbf he did say sorry
For parents and educators. Harmless. Don't mix it up with tbh, which means to be honest.
Also heard as: TBF
Where it came from, and sourcesTo be honest.
tbh I don't really want to go.
For parents and educators. Harmless texting shorthand. Nothing to do.
Where it came from, and sourcesGossip or news. Spill the tea means share the gossip.
Okay, spill the tea. What happened at the party?
For parents and educators. Gossip is normal. If the tea is about a classmate being mocked, that's a chance to talk about kindness.
Also heard as: spill the tea, sis, the tea
Where it came from, and sourcesSuck-up, teacher's pet, or someone who begs for an extra mark. Can also mean fussy or slow.
Il a demandé un point de plus au prof, quel téteux. (He asked the teacher for an extra point, what a suck-up.)
For parents and educators. Mild school insult. Repeated at one kid, it's a way of singling them out.
Also heard as: téteuse
Where it came from, and sourcesAn ideal of the perfect, put-together girl: early workouts, green smoothies, journaling, a spotless room. Videos invite you to 'become that girl'.
New year, I'm finally becoming that girl.
For parents and educators. Can be motivating. Critics say it sets impossible standards and can tie into strict dieting. Watch for a child who seems anxious about routines, food or how they look.
If you’re worried. If your child seems stuck on perfect routines, food rules or their body, talk calmly and without judgment, and check in with their doctor. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: become that girl
Where it came from, and sourcesA dance where you swing your arms back and forth around your hips, like flossing your teeth with your whole body.
My little brother does the floss every time he wins at Uno.
For parents and educators. Harmless and very dated for teens, though younger kids still do it. Doing it yourself is a guaranteed eye roll.
Also heard as: floss, flossing, floss dance
Where it came from, and sourcesA sudden feeling of being turned off by someone, often over something small.
He chewed with his mouth open and I got the ick.
For parents and educators. Light and common. Nothing to do. Asking what gives them the ick usually gets a laugh.
Also heard as: ick, gave me the ick
Where it came from, and sourcesSomething doesn't add up or make sense. The math is mathing means it all checks out.
You said you were at home but you're in the background of her video? The math ain't mathing.
For parents and educators. Harmless. Mathing isn't a real word, which is part of the joke.
Also heard as: the math is mathing, not mathing
Where it came from, and sourcesAn old medical term for intellectual disability, now a slur used to call someone stupid. Regarded and restarted are deliberate misspellings that dodge filters.
He said that was a regarded take and everyone laughed.
For parents and educators. The misspellings sound like a joke, which is why kids pick them up. They carry the same slur and hurt people with disabilities and their families.
If you’re worried. Talk about the word itself and who it hurts, without shaming. If your child is targeted with it, save the messages and involve the school. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: regarded, restarted, r-slur
Where it came from, and sourcesThe extra person hanging out with a couple, feeling left out.
Third wheeling at the movies again, love that for me.
For parents and educators. Usually a light complaint or joke.
Also heard as: third wheeling
Where it came from, and sourcesA photo or video posted to get attention for looking attractive. "Thirsty" means desperate for attention, usually romantic or sexual.
That gym selfie is such a thirst trap.
For parents and educators. Common and often playful, used for celebrity posts as much as friends. It is worth talking about who can see your child's posts and how strangers may react to them.
Also heard as: thirsty
Where it came from, and sourcesLosing a game on purpose, or playing so badly it looks on purpose. Also blowing a big lead.
We were up so much and then you started throwing.
For parents and educators. Everyday gaming trash talk. Kids also use it outside games, like throwing a test or a chance with a crush.
Also heard as: throw, threw, stop throwing, you're throwing
Where it came from, and sourcesInsulting someone in a subtle, indirect way. No shade means no offence meant.
No shade, but that haircut is a choice.
For parents and educators. Mostly playful. Steady shade at one person in a group can turn into quiet bullying.
Also heard as: shade, throw shade, shady, no shade
Where it came from, and sources'All good', 'OK', 'that works'. Said when a plan is settled.
On se rejoint au dep après l'école? Tiguidou. (Meet at the corner store after school? All good.)
For parents and educators. Sounds a bit old-fashioned now. Teens mostly say it jokingly, or hear it from parents.
Also heard as: c'est tiguidou
Where it came from, and sourcesSo frustrated after losing that you start playing worse. Also used for being annoyed in general.
Lost three games in a row, I'm so tilted.
For parents and educators. Useful word to borrow: asking are you tilted? can be a calm way to suggest a break.
Also heard as: tilt, on tilt, tilting
Where it came from, and sources'T'inquiète': don't worry.
Tkt, je l'ai ton chargeur. (Don't worry, I have your charger.)
For parents and educators. Harmless.
Also heard as: tqt, t'inquiète
Where it came from, and sourcesToo much information. Said when someone overshares a personal detail.
ok tmi but my stomach has been weird all day
For parents and educators. Harmless. Teens often say it themselves before sharing something embarrassing.
Also heard as: tmi
Where it came from, and sourcesGo outside and get off the internet. A tease for someone who seems too online.
You're arguing about a cartoon at 2 a.m.? Touch grass.
For parents and educators. A tease, and not bad advice. Nothing to do. You may hear it aimed at you.
Where it came from, and sourcesHard, rough, or tough to get through. 'C'est tough' means 'that's rough'. A 'tough' person is resilient.
La semaine d'examens, c'est tough. (Exam week is rough.)
For parents and educators. Everyday word. When a kid says things are 'tough' more than usual, it can be an opening to ask how they're doing.
Also heard as: c'est tough, toffe, toffer
Where it came from, and sourcesIn gaming, players who trash talk nastily, spam hurtful messages, troll or harass others. Also used for mean people or relationships in general.
Left that server, everyone in it was so toxic.
For parents and educators. Hearing your child call a lobby toxic is often a good sign: they noticed and left. Watch for the other side too: insults, slurs or threats aimed at them, or from them.
If you’re worried. Make sure your child can mute, block and report, and use the console or game settings to limit chat with strangers. If they get threats or slurs, keep screenshots and report them. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: toxicity, toxic lobby, toxic player
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for traditional wife: influencers who show a homemaking life built on old-fashioned gender roles, often with beautiful cooking videos.
She watches tradwife videos of people making cereal from scratch.
For parents and educators. Watching for the cooking is common. Researchers note that the algorithm can push curious viewers toward more extreme ideas about women's roles, so ask what they like about it.
Also heard as: trad wife
Where it came from, and sourcesReally fun, exciting, a blast.
Le camp de jour, c'était trop trippant. (Day camp was such a blast.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. The 'trip' here means a good time, not drugs.
Also heard as: tripant, trippante
Where it came from, and sourcesTo have a great time, or to be really into something. 'Je trippe sur ce jeu-là' means 'I'm obsessed with that game'. 'C'est mon trip' means 'it's my thing'.
Je trippe solide sur les mangas ces temps-ci. (I'm super into manga lately.)
For parents and educators. Everyday word. It can also refer to a drug experience, but kids mostly use it for hobbies and fun.
Also heard as: triper, tripper sur, c'est mon trip, un trip
Where it came from, and sourcesA trade in a game like Adopt Me where one player is asked to hand over their item first, on the promise that the other will send theirs after. It is the oldest scam in Roblox trading.
She asked for a trust trade for my neon unicorn and then left the server.
For parents and educators. The trade window exists so nobody has to go first. Losing a favourite pet can feel huge to a young kid, so take the sadness seriously even if it is only pixels. Fake middlemen and trades split into several parts are related tricks.
If you’re worried. Report the player in the game. Remind your child to trade only inside the official trade window, and never move a deal to another app or chat, where strangers can also start private contact. If your child lost items or money, report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. If someone asks for photos or personal details, report it to Cybertip.ca.
Also heard as: trust trading, trust me trade
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone who tries too hard, in a game or in life, so much that it looks a bit desperate.
He brought flashcards to the class party. Such a tryhard.
For parents and educators. A mild insult. It can also be used proudly, as in being a tryhard about a goal.
Also heard as: try-hard, tryharding
Where it came from, and sourcesThis shit, or that shit. Many people read it as just this. Ts pmo means this really annoys me.
ts so hard icl
For parents and educators. Spelled out it's a swear, but younger kids often use it without thinking of it that way. Mostly harmless.
Also heard as: TS, ts pmo
Where it came from, and sources'You know'. A filler word in Québec speech and texts, often sprinkled through a sentence.
C'est pas grave, tsé. (It's no big deal, you know.)
For parents and educators. Pure filler, like 'like' or 'you know' in English. Nothing hidden in it.
Also heard as: t'sé, tsé veux dire, tsé là
Where it came from, and sourcesTalk to you later. A quick goodbye.
gotta eat, ttyl
For parents and educators. Still understood but a little old-school now. Many teens just stop replying or send a quick emoji instead.
Also heard as: TTYL
Where it came from, and sourcesCool or impressive. A playful spelling of tough.
Your new shoes are tuff.
For parents and educators. Harmless. It is a compliment, not a threat.
Where it came from, and sourcesActing strange, overreacting or saying something ridiculous.
You think I took your charger? You're tweaking.
For parents and educators. In everyday teen use it is not a drug reference. Its older meaning is why some adults find it jarring.
Also heard as: tweakin, you're tweaking
Where it came from, and sourcesA very close friend, someone so similar to you they could be your twin.
That's my twin, we do everything together.
For parents and educators. A warm word for a best friend. Nothing to do.
Also heard as: twizzy
Where it came from, and sourcesA dope, a dummy. Someone being silly or not worth taking seriously.
Arrête de faire le twit pis viens m'aider. (Stop being a dope and come help me.)
For parents and educators. Mild. Usually teasing between friends or siblings.
Also heard as: twitte, fais pas le twit
Where it came from, and sourcesA type of game, very common on Roblox, where you build a business or base and earn virtual money to grow it.
My restaurant tycoon makes so much cash now.
For parents and educators. Harmless gameplay. Many tycoons offer paid shortcuts, so it is a good place to talk about spending.
Also heard as: tycoon game, tycoons
Where it came from, and sourcesAn all-purpose "yes, exactly" or "that kind of thing". Kids often use it the way they use "bet".
Pizza after practice? Type shi.
For parents and educators. Shi is the softened spelling of shit. Mild, and about as rude as you'd expect a swear to be.
Also heard as: type shit, typa shi
Where it came from, and sourcesA stand-in word for kill, die or suicide. It started as a way to talk about death on apps that hide posts using those words, and is now everyday speech for many kids.
That show unalived my favourite character in the first episode.
For parents and educators. Most of the time it is a joke or a plain substitute word, used about video games, TV plots or history class. It is worth a calm check-in if your child uses it about themselves, especially alongside withdrawal, giving things away or saying they feel like a burden. You can ask directly: "When you say that, do you ever mean it about yourself?" Asking does not plant the idea.
If you’re worried. Call or text 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) any time. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Where it came from, and sourcesFrom "uncle." Used to tease someone for being old, out of touch, or doing something only older people do.
You still use Facebook? Okay unc.
For parents and educators. Gentle teasing, often aimed at friends who complain about their back or go to bed early. If your kid calls you unc, you are in on the joke.
Also heard as: unc status
Where it came from, and sourcesSomeone did exactly what the moment called for, and did it really well. Praise for an outfit, a performance or a clever move.
She showed up to the theme party fully dressed as a lamp. She understood the assignment.
For parents and educators. Harmless praise. It can be sarcastic, so the tone tells you which way it goes.
Also heard as: didn't understand the assignment
Where it came from, and sourcesWildly chaotic, over the top or out of control. Online it is often praise for something funny and bold, not a comment on anyone's mental health.
Your mom's voice memo to the group chat is so unhinged, I love her.
For parents and educators. Harmless in most uses. If it's aimed at one person over and over, it can turn into a way of calling them crazy.
Where it came from, and sourcesSilly and not taking anything seriously. Said fondly between friends, or as a mild put-down, especially as "deeply unserious".
You showed up to the group project with no laptop? You're so unserious.
For parents and educators. Mild. Tone tells you whether it's affection or a dig.
Also heard as: deeply unserious
Where it came from, and sourcesThe money used inside Fortnite to buy skins, emotes and the battle pass. Bought with real money or gift cards, and a few are earned by playing.
Can I get V-Bucks for my birthday? The new skin drops Friday.
For parents and educators. Mostly a spending conversation. Offers of free V-Bucks from websites, videos or strangers are a classic scam to steal accounts or payment details. The only free V-Bucks come from inside the game.
Also heard as: vbucks, free V-Bucks, V-Bucks generator
Where it came from, and sourcesSpaced out, out of it, disoriented. Montréal slang.
Chu vag à matin, j'ai pas dormi. (I'm out of it this morning, I didn't sleep.)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Montréal slang mixes Québec French, English, Haitian Creole and Arabic.
Where it came from, and sourcesA cryptic post meant to get people asking what's wrong, like a sad song with no caption.
Another vaguepost, she obviously wants someone to ask.
For parents and educators. Often attention-seeking or aimed at someone. Sometimes it really is a quiet way of saying I'm not okay.
If you’re worried. If your child or their friend keeps posting sad, vague messages, check in kindly and ask directly how they are. If you fear for their safety, call or text 988, or Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: vagueposting, vaguebooking
Where it came from, and sourcesThat makes sense, I respect that, or that's good. Used to agree with an opinion or approve of something.
You'd rather stay home than go to the party? Valid.
For parents and educators. A supportive word. Kids often use it to say a friend's feelings are okay.
Also heard as: that's valid, so valid
Where it came from, and sourcesChecking how someone is feeling, or testing whether a person or place has a good energy.
Vibe check: how's everyone feeling about the test?
For parents and educators. Harmless, and a fun one for parents to use when checking in.
Also heard as: vibe checked, passed the vibe check
Where it came from, and sourcesMaking an app, game or website by describing what you want to an AI and letting it write the code.
I vibe coded a quiz game for our science project.
For parents and educators. Can be a creative, fun project. Teachers point out that kids can skip actually learning how code works, and AI-made apps can have security holes.
Also heard as: vibe code, vibe coded
Where it came from, and sourcesThe feeling a person, place or thing gives off. "The vibes are off" means something feels wrong. "Vibing" means relaxing and enjoying the moment.
I don't know why, the vibes at that party were off. We just vibed at home instead.
For parents and educators. Harmless. If your kid says someone gives bad vibes, it's worth asking what they noticed. Gut feelings about people deserve a listen.
Also heard as: bad vibes, good vibes, the vibes are off, vibing
Where it came from, and sourcesA 2019 stereotype of a teen girl with scrunchies, big T-shirts, a metal straw and a reusable water bottle.
Old photos of my sister are so VSCO girl.
For parents and educators. Dated. Kids may use it to tease older siblings about their style back then.
Also heard as: save the turtles
Where it came from, and sourcesA streamer who appears as an animated avatar, often anime-style, that moves with their face and voice instead of showing their real face.
My favourite VTuber is doing a karaoke stream tonight.
For parents and educators. Most VTuber content is gaming, singing and chatting. A real adult is always behind the avatar, and some VTuber content is made for adults, so the cute look does not mean a channel is for kids.
Also heard as: vtuber, VTubing, vtubers
Where it came from, and sources'I swear' or 'for real'. Used to insist something is true.
Wallah, j'ai rien fait! (I swear, I didn't do anything!)
For parents and educators. Common in multilingual schoolyards, including among kids with no Arabic background. Not religious in this use, and not a warning sign.
Also heard as: wollah, wallah je te jure
Where it came from, and sourcesWoman Crush Wednesday and Man Crush Monday: posting a photo of someone you admire or have a crush on.
Posting you for WCW, don't be weird about it.
For parents and educators. Harmless, and older than most current slang. It can be a quiet way of going public about a crush.
Also heard as: MCM, woman crush wednesday, man crush monday
Where it came from, and sourcesA chant from a viral song by a father and son who review food. Kids shout "boom" to hype something up.
Pizza day at school? We bring the boom!
For parents and educators. Pure hype and silliness.
Also heard as: boom, Costco guys
Where it came from, and sourcesA casual 'hey' or 'yo', or an exclamation like 'what?!'.
Wesh, t'es où? (Yo, where are you?)
For parents and educators. Harmless. Radio-Canada reported it spreading in Québec high schools through French influencers.
Also heard as: wsh, wesh frérot
Where it came from, and sourcesA friend who helps you talk to or get closer to someone you like.
Be my wingman at the party, I'm too nervous.
For parents and educators. Harmless, and a sign of friends looking out for each other.
Also heard as: wingwoman, be my wingman
Where it came from, and sources"Agreed" or "for sure". Can also show admiration.
"That concert was amazing." "Word."
For parents and educators. Harmless. Parents may remember it from their own youth.
Also heard as: word up
Where it came from, and sourcesWhat's the word. A casual what's up, or asking what the plan is.
wtw for tonight?
For parents and educators. Harmless. It's mostly about making plans.
Also heard as: WTW
Where it came from, and sourcesWhat you doing? Wya means where you at?
wyd later?
For parents and educators. From a friend, harmless. From someone your child doesn't know well, it is worth a second look.
Also heard as: wya
Where it came from, and sourcesWhat you look like. Asking someone to describe their looks or send a picture.
wait we've never met, wyll?
For parents and educators. Between kids who already know each other it can be playful or flirty. From a stranger, or someone who keeps pushing for photos, it's a red flag.
If you’re worried. Ask calmly who is asking and how they met. Remind your child they never owe anyone a photo. If an adult or stranger is pressing for pictures, save the messages, block, and report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone is there too: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: wyll
Where it came from, and sourcesShort for 'your name'. It's a blank in fan fiction where the reader pictures themselves in the story, often next to a favourite singer or character.
Reading a Y/N story where Y/N joins the band on tour.
For parents and educators. Harmless daydreaming and often a kid's first try at writing. Some stories on open sites are written for adults, so it's fair to ask which sites they read on.
Also heard as: reader insert, x reader
Where it came from, and sourcesTalking a lot, often about nothing important.
Sorry, I was yapping for like twenty minutes.
For parents and educators. Can be self-mocking or a way to tell someone to stop talking.
Also heard as: yap, yapper
Where it came from, and sourcesTo throw something hard, or an excited shout.
He yeeted his backpack across the room.
For parents and educators. Mostly dated among teens now.
Where it came from, and sourcesSlang for cannabis, usually meaning strong or high-quality weed.
For parents and educators. Kids hear it in songs constantly, so knowing the word does not mean they use it. If it shows up in your child's own messages, ask about it plainly, and talk about why cannabis affects a teen brain differently than an adult's.
If you’re worried. Your family doctor or school counsellor can help with substance concerns. If someone feels unwell after using, call your provincial poison centre (in Québec, the Centre antipoison du Québec), or 911 in an emergency. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: za
Where it came from, and sourcesLively or flashy. Most often used to tease a boy for acting in a way others see as feminine or flamboyant.
Why are you walking so zesty?
For parents and educators. Sometimes playful, but often a way to hint someone is gay as a put-down. Repeated at one kid, it can be homophobic bullying.
If you’re worried. If your child is being called this repeatedly, or uses it to mock others, talk about why it hurts. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868. LGBTQ+ youth can also reach out there for support.
Also heard as: zesty ahh
Where it came from, and sourcesWhen someone who ghosted you comes back out of nowhere, acting like nothing happened.
He disappeared for months and now he texts "hey stranger"? Zombieing.
For parents and educators. Harmless as a word.
Also heard as: submarining, zombie
Where it came from, and sourcesA person from Generation Z, born roughly from the late 1990s to the early 2010s. A play on 'boomer'.
My older cousin is a zoomer, he still says slay.
For parents and educators. Neutral. Kids may use it teasingly for older siblings, the way they use 'boomer' for adults.
Also heard as: zoomers, gen z, gen-z
Where it came from, and sourcesA popular brand name that kids use for any nicotine pouch, a small pouch tucked between the lip and gum.
For parents and educators. Pouches are easy to hide because there is no smoke or smell. Nicotine is highly addictive for teens. Small round tins, frequent lip-tucking or mouth sores can be signs. Ask what they have heard about them before sharing your concern.
If you’re worried. Your family doctor or school counsellor can help with quitting. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Also heard as: nic pouch, zynning
Where it came from, and sourcesThe Mistlift brief covers what kids are into online, rated from harmless to serious, with what to say.