Lost in Translation? A North Dakota Parent’s Guide to Teen Slang
Ever feel like kids are speaking an entirely different language these days? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Thanks to social media, gaming, and texting, the youth of today have created a slang dictionary that could leave anyone over 25 scratching their heads. But don’t worry—here’s a quick crash course to help you understand what the kids are saying thanks to Bark!
Let’s start with the basics: if you hear something described as sigma, that’s a good thing. Think of it like saying something is “cool” or “awesome.” On the flip side, if they say something is skibidi, it’s bad news. Maybe it’s a boring show, or that cafeteria food they’re complaining about.
Then there’s delulu, which is shorthand for “delusional.” For example, if your teen thinks they’ll win the lottery with a single ticket, that’s definitely delulu behavior. And if they’re talking about romance, rizz means they’ve got some serious charm. So, if they say someone “has rizz,” it’s a compliment!
Now for some old favorites: cap means “not true,” while GOAT stands for “Greatest of All Time.” A little trickier? Gyat is short for “booty,” so maybe avoid that one in conversation. Mogging refers to looking or doing better than someone else, and pookie is a term of endearment for someone you love (think “sweetie”).
Finally, if they call something SUS, it means suspicious or just plain weird.
So, next time you hear your kid say, “That sigma show had so much rizz, but the main character was kinda sus,” you can nod along confidently... well, sort of!
LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
LOOK: Baby boomer baby names that have gone out of style
Gallery Credit: Elizabeth Jackson