Have you ever paused mid-conversation with a millennial colleague and realised… you don't quite understand some of what they're saying? Fret not! In this article, we come to your rescue by breaking down the millennial lingo so you never have to wonder again!
While I, a millennial myself, don't claim to know all the ins and outs of my own generation's lingo, here's my best shot at detailing a few of the most common terms we use in our daily conversations.
1. Fam
What you think it means:
A shortened form of the word "family".
What it means to millennials:
A term used to address friends (or basically anyone they're talking to).
How millennials use it:
"You understand me, fam?"
"Hey fam, how're you?"
2. Upz
What you think it means:
Upstairs or up in the air.
What it means to millennials:
A term popular with Singaporean millennials in particular, the word is used to describe someone who is atas, or someone whose status or skills are perceived to be of a class above.
How millennials use it:
"Did you know she aced that test? So upz."
"Wow, this photographer's skills are so upz!"
3. Spilling tea
What you think it means:
Someone unintentionally causing tea to flow over the edge of the cup.
What it means to millennials:
Revealing secrets, gossiping.
How millennials use it:
"I heard something happened at the party you attended, spill the tea!"
"Mary got in trouble after spilling the tea on her friend, Jane."
Bonus fact! – the word "tea" cannot simply be replaced with any other beverage in this saying – there is no such thing as "spilling kopi siu dai" or "spilling Sprite"!
4. Legit
What you think it means:
A shortened form of the word "legitimate".
What it means to millennials:
Cool, awesome, wonderful, "the real deal" – anything synonymous with these terms.
How millennials use it:
"That meal was legit, man!"
"Congratulations on your promotion! You're so legit."
5. Lit
What you think it means:
Past tense of the word "light".
What it means to millennials:
Exciting, fun, "happening", pumped up – usually used to describe parties and other similar festivities. This word is not to be confused with "legit"!
How millennials use it:
"That event was lit."
"That concert was so lit, I wish I could go again!"
6. Salty
What you think it means:
Opposite of sweet; savoury. In Hokkien terms – kiam.
What it means to millennials:
Being upset over something seemingly trivial or insignificant.
How millennials use it:
"I'm so salty about losing $0.20 to the vending machine."
"Don't be so salty about losing, it's just a game!"
7. Bae
What you think it means:
… Korean actor, Bae Yong Joon?
What it means to millennials:
A term of endearment toward loved ones or beloved things; a synonym for "baby". It's also commonly known to be the acronym for "before anyone else".
How millennials use it:
"I love you, bae."
"That cake is bae, it's so good."
Bonus fact! – it's also a Danish word for poop. Go figure.
8. Throwing shade
What you think it means:
Is that even possible?
What it means to millennials:
To insult or judge somebody indirectly or discreetly.
How millennials use it:
"Are you throwing shade at me?"
"Don't throw so much shade about him, he's my brother!"
9. GG
What you think it means:
??? Is this a typo error?
What it means to millennials:
An acronym for "good game", a term used as a way of expressing one's defeat or disgust with a situation.
How millennials use it:
"The deadline is tomorrow and I haven't started working on it GG."
"GG I think I forgot to bring my wallet to work today."
10. Shook
What you think it means:
Past tense of the word "shake".
What it means to millennials:
Shocked, surprised, taken off-guard, any of the above! Usually said with a notable prolonging of the word.
How millennials use it:
"He missed that goal?! Shoooook."
"I was so shook by the Game of Thrones season finale!"
As you can tell, some of these might not make a whole lot of sense to the untrained millennial linguist, but perhaps with some practice and the occasional Google search, you'll be spouting millennial lingo to your new colleagues in no time!
Encountered a confusing millennial term that's not on this list? Tell us about it at [email protected]!
