The Language of Millennials
Jayelynn Brewster, 16, Junior at Shortridge IB High School, Language and Literature A3
Every generation creates their own words to make themselves feel different, and each generation want their generation to have their own individuality from all other age groups. I have had the pleasure of being able to watch my generation form their own words, and since so many words have been created, a few come and go, but some stay, and make themselves heard, and unforgettable. So, to help you stay up to date with all these new words from selfie to lit and dab, this blog will be able to aid you. Let me begin by saying some of the words that will be discussed, will not make any sense no matter how you look at it. Most of us millennials cannot tell you the origin of a majority of the new slang words. Note: Words are not in chronological order. This means new words could be blankly mixed in with the old, forgive me. Surprisingly, origins are hard to find for millennial words. Lucky for you, these words do not have an expiration date, and are still new enough that it would not be weird if any were said in the time this article has been created.
1. Selfie (noun) - A photograph that one has taken of oneself, or with others. Tip: For social interactions, group selfie is not to be called a “groupie.”
“Before we leave, we should take a selfie.”
2. Clickbait (noun) -
2a. A text whose headline looks interesting, but when link is followed, link has very little or nothing to do about headline.
“Man, I followed a link to read an article about cucumbers and then that same link only had ads about weight loss secrets. I think it is a sign.”
2b. A text in which has no cited sources, and therefore unworthy of reading for chance the text is false.
“Don’t visit that link, it is just clickbait, there are no sources cited.”
3. F*ckboy (noun) -
A male who enjoys playing with female’s feelings.
“Man, Julia found herself another f*ckboy.”
4. Bro Hug (noun)
A friendly interaction in which two or more men hug.
“Jefferson gave Darryl a bro hug at the basketball game.”
5. Swerve (verb) -
To feel the information one was told to be unnecessary, false, ignorant.
“I swerved him so fast after he told me Donald Trump deserved to win the presidential election.”
6. Yeet (verb) -
Tip: This definition is a little more complicated than most because it does not have only one use.
6a. To take a back on word.
“Caleb asked Jacob if he wanted to go fishing, and Jacob said yes, but then Caleb yeeted him.”
6b. Another way of saying no.
“Daria asked Shaun out and he replied with ‘yeet.”
7. Turn up (verb) -
To have fun.
“Are you ready to go turn up, Jessica?”
8. Netflix and Chill (verb) -
To have sexual relations with one while Netflix is playing in the background.
“David asked Nesly to Netflix and chill with him, that is disgusting!”
9. Lit (adjective) -
To be fun, energetic.
“Victor’s party last weekend was lit.”
10. On Fleek (adjective) -
To look flawless, without imperfections.
“Her eyebrows were on fleek that night at the Grammy’s.”
11. Swag (adjective) -
Tip: “Swag” and “swagger” were not created by millennials, but we took the word “swag” and molded it into our own meaning.
To look attractive, usually by wearing snapbacks, Jordan or Nike merchandise, with a graphic t-shirt.
“Juan has so much swag with those Nike slides and socks.”
12. Amazeballs (adjective) -
A word used to describe something that is amazing or interesting.
“Cathy’s mom Ramen Noodle Soup is Amazeballs.”
13. Cray (adjective) -
A word short for crazy. Plural: Cray cray.
“Felicia is cray, stay away from her.”
14. YOLO (acronym) -
You only live once. To live life without regret, follow the heart.
“Instead of trying on English homework, I just YOLO it.”
15. LOML (acronym) -
Love of my life. Used to describe someone one is in love with.
“Tray is the loml.”
16. BAE (acronym) -
Before anyone else. Used to describe someone one puts in front of everyone else.
Tip: Synonyms could be “babe” or “baby.”
“Cassie is my bae.”
I hope these definitions and examples have helped you learn new vocabulary words! It might take some trial and error to completely understand this millennial lingo, but have faith! It takes some time for all of us to use these words correctly, even millennials still struggle with a few.
I want to thank boston.com for helping me with a few definitions that I could not explain effectively without them to lend a hand.
"Oxford’s Online Dictionary Adds 21st Century-Friendly Words." Bostoncom. N.p., 14 Aug. 2014. Web. 11 Nov. 2016.
