Keeping in tune with today’s slang
Q. I feel so dumb. Everyone I know seems to know slang and I have no idea. How can I keep up with slang? – 14-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: What an interesting question! I’m not surprised you’re curious about slang – it seems to change rapidly. Slang is a type of social code. It signals belonging to a group. Those who know the slang are “in” and those who do not are “out.” With young people your age, the code often excludes adults. Adolescence is a time of identity formation and using slang reinforces the “us” vs “them” of adolescent culture as teens develop and grow.
Slang isn’t new. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram accelerate the spread of slang, allowing terms to go viral quickly. Observational learning, reinforcement through likes and shares, and algorithmic promotion all contribute to the rapid adoption and evolution of slang among teens.
Here are some suggestions to keep up:
Observe and listen. The easiest way to understand new terms and words is to listen to other teens and observe their speech. Don’t be obvious; simply pay attention.
Talk with friends. You’re not the only confused person. An honest, “What does that mean?”, directed to someone you trust, can be helpful.
Search the words/terms. You have the advantage of living in a time when it’s easy to do a quick internet search. Search words you’ve heard and do not understand.
Check out resources. I was able to find a few online articles about current slang. One source I trust is a teacher group called “We Are Teachers.” I’m sure the slang may be a little dated – as I said, slang changes rapidly in today’s world – but I found this piece interesting: “100+ Teen Slang Words and Phrases To Know in 2026.” I spent a pleasant few minutes reviewing their list.
Notice the words/terms your peers are using online. You have the advantage of being 14.
Let’s talk about belonging. Groups or cliques are part of growing up, and slang can be a way to identify with a group. When you find a group of teens with whom you identify, there are ways to become part of the friendships. I suggest:
Join activities and clubs the group enjoys.
Introduce yourself to the group, starting with one or two people.
Spend one-on-one time with members of the group. It’s easier to make friends with a few people.
Be yourself. Adapting your personality to become someone else will not lead to lasting friend relationships.
If you’re local, give our Common Ground Teen Center a try. We’re at 92 N. Main Street and we’re open from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. I’m not sure how much slang our attendees use – I’ve never been the type of adult who tries to conform by adopting teen slang – but I promise you will be welcomed and treated with respect. Good luck.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.