Remember back in the day, when our parents would give us blank stares and eye rolls when we used the latest slang? Well, now it’s our turn. Middle schoolers these days have their own unique language, and it can be like deciphering a secret code. As a middle school teacher here on the Seacoast, I’ve noticed the most recent wave of slang has been particularly confusing. However, never fear – I’ve made a handy guide with some of the most common middle school slang words and phrases. Here’s a mom’s guide to understanding the lingo!
Middle School Slang Words
1. Tea
Translation: Gossip or juicy news
Example: “Spill the tea on what happened at lunch today!”
Mom’s Interpretation: When your child talks about “tea,” they’re not discussing a beverage. They’re referring to the latest gossip or news that’s circulating among their friends.
2. Lit
Translation: Exciting or fun
Example: “The school dance was so lit!”
Mom’s Interpretation: If your child describes an event as “lit,” it means they had a great time and it was very exciting.
3. Salty
Translation: Upset, irritated, bitter
Example: “She was so salty after losing the game.”
Mom’s Interpretation: “Salty” describes someone who is feeling upset, annoyed, or bitter about something that happened.
4. GYAT
Translation: G*ddamn
Example: “She has GYAT”
Mom’s Interpretation: Originally an acronym for “girl your a** thicc” it’s an expression used when seeing an person (usually woman) with a large beautiful buttocks – like a cat call. While middle schoolers might tell you it’s not bad – I advise shutting this one down.
5. Shook
Translation: Surprised or shocked
Example: “I was shook when I saw my test score.”
Mom’s Interpretation: When your child says they’re “shook,” they’re expressing surprise or shock.
6. Flex
Translation: To show off
Example: “He was flexing his new sneakers.”
Mom’s Interpretation: “Flex” means to boast or show off something, often in a way that’s meant to impress others.
7. Sigma
Translation: the best
Example: “That’s so sigma”
Mom’s Interpretation: Similar to “alpha”, it means it’s the best, the top of the pack. Usually used as a compliment. And sometimes used in a phrase of “What the sigma?” which can be translated to “What the heck?”
8. Ghost
Translation: To suddenly stop communicating
Example: “She ghosted me after the party.”
Mom’s Interpretation: “Ghosting” refers to cutting off all communication with someone suddenly and without explanation.
9. Suss
Translation: Suspicious or suspect
Example: “That new kid seems a bit suss.”
Mom’s Interpretation: If something or someone is “suss,” it means they appear suspicious or untrustworthy.
1o. Skibidi
Translation: Nonsense adjective – no true translation but can mean “cool”, “bad”, or “dumb”
Example: “That’s so skibidi.”
Mom’s Interpretation: When something is described as a “Skibidi,” it means it’s highly relatable and reflects how someone is feeling or what they’re experiencing.
How Do You Deal With It?
Looking back, I’m sure my parents had deep eye rolls back in the 1990s when I was using the terms “As If”, “Whatever”, and “Da Bomb”. It’s Gen Alpha’s right of passage to have their own slang terms as well. So how can parents cope? Here’s my advice to help you deal with your tween and teen’s middle school slang words on a daily basis.
- Listen and Observe: Pay attention to how your child and their friends use these words. Context can help you understand them better.
- Ask (Casually): Don’t hesitate to ask your child what a word means. Approach it casually, showing genuine interest rather than confusion.
- Use Sparingly: While it can be fun to use these words, remember that overusing them or using them incorrectly might come off as trying too hard. Use them sparingly for the best effect. As they will put it – “It’s mad cringe” if older generations use their slang.
- Stay Updated: Slang evolves quickly. Keeping up with the latest trends can help you stay connected with your child’s world. On social media, Mr Lindsay shares the latest slang in middle school, and is a great resource to keep you updated on the fly.
Understanding middle school slang words can be a great way to connect with your child and show that you’re interested in their world. Plus, it can be a fun way to bridge the generational gap and maybe even share a laugh or two. So next time your kid spills the tea about their lit weekend, you’ll be right there with them, rather than totally shook!
For more ways to connect, check out some of our other teen-related posts like helping your teen deal with stress or books they might enjoy!
