Don’t Get Shook: A Crash Course in Social Media Lingo for Newbies!

It’s safe to say that today’s generation has made its way of communicating almost a whole other language altogether! You’d get confused when you look at social media comments that feel like birdspeak. However, fear no more. Today, we’ll be going through some of the common phrases online. Here’s a guide on some words you need to know today –

Feeling the Feels

• Lit: Used to describe something astonishing – “That concert was lit!”
• Shook: Used to describe astonishment (in a good way) – “Your talent got me shook!”
• Salty: Sour, upset, or generally bitter about something – “He’s salty because he lost the game.”
• Savage: Used when someone makes a witty comeback against someone -” That roast was savage!”
• Extra: Being dramatic about something generally small (in a humorous way) – “OMG, you spilled your drink? Extraaa!”
• Fire: Something cool, impressive, or delicious. – “Bro, this chicken is fire!”
• GOAT: This stands for “Greatest Of All Time” and is used when someone excels at something. “Kanye West is the GOAT of rap!”
• Cook: Doing something to an impressive degree, used mainly when someone makes a good point. – “Hold on, let him cook.”
• Sus: Short for “suspicious” – “I won’t lie, that sounds kinda sus.”
• Facts: When you agree with a statement, mostly an exclamation – “Facts, brother! So true, my friend!”

Making Connections 

• Squad/Gang: Used for a close group of friends – “‘Bout to go to the movies with my gang!”
• Bae: A casual term for someone you have a strong connection with, usually a significant other – “I’m at home with bae.”
• Lowkey/Highkey: Both used to describe how you feel about something, Lowkey being somewhat, Highkey being very – “I’m lowkey obsessed with this song.”

Going Viral

• Woke: This term has a mixed definition. Sometimes, it could describe someone who is aware of social and racial injustice; other times, it’s someone who’s caught up on current events.
• Thicc: Used in a non-offensive way to call someone curvy or have a full figure.
• Viral: Spreading rapidly online, like a virus. Described for any form of media, mostly videos and memes.

Bonus Round

• IRL: In Real Life.
• FTFY: Fixed That For You (when you correct someone, use it in a non-serious manner.)
• TBD: To Be Determined.
• IDK: I Don’t Know.

Final Words!

Social media has its language, and it’s always good to know what they mean before you hop on the internet and type away on your keyboard. When you understand the complex world of the internet, you can confidently navigate the world of the web!