Decoding 2025 Teen Slang

Decoding 2025 Teen Slang

I’m starting to feel like the old guy now as I question the slang my son throws my way daily. What happen to cool, bling, fo' shizzle, my bad, phat, tight, word, that’s hot, chill, as if? The slang terms we used, and probably still today, make sense…right?

Today, I’m here to help you navigate the ever-shifting world of teen (and younger) slang.

Rizz

A term for charisma, or the ability to effortlessly attract someone. Why it's ridiculous: So you’re telling me that after all these years, "smooth" just wasn’t good enough? Get a hobby.

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? That there fella's got so much rizz, he could charm the feathers right off a chicken.

Delulu

A shortened form of "delusional." It’s used to describe someone who is out of touch with reality. Why it's ridiculous: Back in my day, we just said someone was "off their rocker." It was shorter, simpler, and had a satisfyingly rustic ring to it.

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? Bless their heart, they're so delulu they think Kentucky gonna win another SEC game this year.

Simp

A person who is overly eager to please someone they're romantically interested in, often to a submissive degree. Why it's ridiculous: We have a word for that: desperate.

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? That young'un is a simp, followin' that girl around like a lost hound dog.

Sus

Short for "suspicious." It's used to describe something or someone that seems untrustworthy or questionable. Why it’s ridiculous: I'm not a detective, and I don't need to be. If something seems off, I'll just say it seems "fishy."

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? Well now, that whole situation is sus. Smells about as right as a polecat in a church house.

Skibidi

A nonsensical term from a viral video series that’s used to describe something chaotic, weird, or nonsensical. Why it's ridiculous: I'd rather listen to a dozen different roosters crowing at 4 a.m. than try to figure that one out.

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? Things were goin' fine 'til old Cletus decided to get on the table and dance. Then the whole thing went skibidi.

Bet

Used as a response to mean "agreed," "for sure," or "okay." Why it’s ridiculous: I have a phone full of apps that will let me place a "bet," but the only thing I'm agreeing to is watching my kids stare at their phones for another hour.

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? You wanna go get some sweet tea?" "Bet." That's like sayin' "You got yourself a deal, and I ain't even needin' to shake your hand."

No Cap 

Used to confirm that you're not lying, similar to "no joke" or "for real." Why it's ridiculous: I'm sorry, is my whole existence a "cap"? Is everything I say a lie unless I preface it with this nonsense?

Can you use that in a sentence Dude? When a kid says "no cap," they're just tryin' to tell you they're "tellin' it straight, like a Kentucky long rifle."