The Unofficial Guide to Social Media Slang (So You Can Keep Up)
Keeping up with social media lingo can feel like learning a new language. Between abbreviations, catchphrases, and new slang popping up every day, it’s easy to feel out of the loop. But don’t worry—here’s a breakdown of the most popular social media terms so you can scroll, like, and comment like a pro.
1. FOMO
What It Means: Fear of Missing Out
FOMO is the feeling that everyone is having fun or experiencing something amazing without you. It’s often used to describe the feeling you get scrolling through vacation photos or party pics.
Example: “Seeing everyone’s travel pics is giving me major FOMO!”
2. GOAT
What It Means: Greatest of All Time
GOAT is used to praise someone or something that’s the best in its field. Whether it’s a legendary athlete, an iconic musician, or your favorite food, if it’s the “GOAT,” it’s top-tier.
Example: “Beyoncé is the GOAT. No question.”
3. IYKYK
What It Means: If You Know, You Know
This phrase is used to reference an inside joke or shared experience. It’s meant for people who understand the hidden meaning behind something, usually without any explanation.
Example: “Last night’s party… IYKYK.”
4. SMH
What It Means: Shaking My Head
SMH is used to express disappointment, disbelief, or frustration. It’s like a virtual eye-roll, usually in response to something ridiculous or annoying.
Example: “They canceled my favorite show again… SMH.”
5. No Cap
What It Means: No Lie or For Real
“No cap” is used to emphasize that something is true or serious. On the flip side, saying “cap” means you think someone is lying or exaggerating.
Example: “This is the best burger I’ve ever had, no cap!”
6. POV
What It Means: Point of View
POV is often used as a storytelling format in social media, especially in video posts. It sets the scene from the perspective of the poster or viewer and often leads to a humorous or relatable situation.
Example: “POV: You’re trying to act cool, but you just spilled coffee on yourself.”
7. BOP
What It Means: A Good Song
If a song is a “bop,” it’s catchy, fun, and impossible not to move to. People often use this to describe music that’s easy to vibe with and a great listen.
Example: “The new single is such a bop—I’ve had it on repeat all day.”
8. Main Character Energy
What It Means: Acting with confidence and self-assurance, like you’re the main character in a movie.
This phrase celebrates people who own the moment and don’t let anyone dull their shine. It’s about feeling empowered and embracing the spotlight in your own life.
Example: “Walking through the city with coffee in hand—main character energy all day.”
9. Low-Key / High-Key
What It Means: Low-Key is subtly or secretly; High-Key is openly or obviously.
These terms are used to express the intensity of your feelings or interest in something. “Low-key” means you don’t want to make a big deal out of it, while “high-key” means you’re not hiding how you feel at all.
Example: “I low-key love cheesy romance movies. High-key can’t wait for the new one to drop!”
10. Extra
What It Means: Over the top or dramatic.
If someone is “extra,” they’re being a little (or a lot) over-the-top. Whether it’s in their style, reactions, or behavior, it usually involves going all out in an exaggerated way.
Example: “He threw a party with a full light show for his cat’s birthday… so extra.”
11. Stan
What It Means: A Devoted Fan
To “stan” someone is to be a dedicated, even slightly obsessive fan. Originally from Eminem’s song “Stan,” it now represents loyalty and admiration for a celebrity, show, or pretty much anything.
Example: “I stan Lizzo so hard. Her confidence is everything!”
12. TL;DR
What It Means: Too Long; Didn’t Read
TL;DR is used to summarize something lengthy or complicated. It’s popular in social media and forums, often appearing at the end of a post to give a quick summary.
Example: “TL;DR: The new movie is awesome, but the ending was confusing.”
13. Sis / Fam / Bro
What It Means: Terms of Endearment
“Sis,” “fam,” and “bro” are terms used to refer to friends or people you’re close to. It’s a friendly way to refer to someone, even if they’re not literally family.
Example: “Sis, you have to try this restaurant. It’s amazing!”
14. Ghosting
What It Means: Disappearing from Communication Without Warning
Ghosting happens when someone you were in contact with suddenly stops responding. It’s commonly used in dating but can apply to any situation where someone vanishes from communication.
Example: “She just stopped replying after three dates… total ghosting move.”
15. Flex
What It Means: Showing Off
To “flex” is to show off something impressive, whether it’s an achievement, a purchase, or a talent. It’s often used humorously or sarcastically, especially when someone is being a bit too proud of something.
Example: “Posting a selfie on vacation in Bali? That’s a flex.”
16. Vibe Check
What It Means: Assessing Someone’s Mood or Energy
A “vibe check” is all about making sure the mood is good or that someone is on the same wavelength. It’s a way of gauging if someone fits the vibe or atmosphere of the moment.
Example: “Vibe check—are we all still down for movie night?”
17. Big Yikes
What It Means: Major Embarrassment or Discomfort
When something is really cringey or awkward, “big yikes” is the go-to response. It’s used when something goes beyond a minor “yikes” moment and hits a whole new level of awkward.
Example: “He proposed at her graduation ceremony after two weeks of dating… big yikes.”
18. WYA
What It Means: Where You At?
A quick and casual way to ask someone’s location or check in. Often used in texts when meeting up or checking on a friend’s plans.
Example: “WYA? We’re waiting for you to start the movie!”
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