Getting left behind in a conversation because of all the millennial talk? Generation Z is definitely creating abbreviations and shortcuts by the dozen, and they have influenced how we use technology in our everyday lives. Here are a few terms worth remembering in the hopes that we can all decode the language of the youth.
 

  1. Woke – this is a term used to describe someone who is aware of all the latest trends and updates in the millennial world (or in some cases, someone who is fully aware of the issues and problems of society)
  2. Fleek – an adjective to describe eyebrows, mostly. This means that your brows (or outfit or anything worth mentioning) are on point and worth complimenting.
  3. Lit – when someone says that the event or place is lit, it basically means that it is exciting and fun.
  4. Throwing shade – people who “throw shade” are those who indirectly criticize or insult others.
  5. Extra – being called as someone who is “extra” is not necessarily a good or bad thing, it just means that you may have gone a bit over the top in let’s say, your outfit or party, causing you to be extravagant.
  6. Shook/t – basically, shocked or shaken up.
  7. Fam – a shortcut for family, millennials call their group of friends their “fam”
  8. Gucci – “that’s so gucci!” they say. The expression means that something is luxurious or of high quality or in a more casual sense, “it’s gucci” means that it is “all good”.
  9. Salty – an adjective to describe someone who is bitter
  10. V – a shortcut for “very”. For example, “you look v cute in that dress!”

 
Hopefully these millennial hacks will come in handy the next time you encounter your nieces, nephews and children! Yes, it may be a little weird if you start adapting their lingo in the hopes to seem like a cool adult, but it does help to still understand what goes on in their minds sometimes.