WatchWord · Ages 11-20 · In use
zesty
Lively 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.
Where it came from
An old word for tangy food that picked up its slang meaning on TikTok and X.
Also heard as
zesty ahh