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60 British slang words that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK

30 December 2024 at 06:08
sandwiches and confused person
You don't want to be described as "a few sandwiches short of a picnic."

Martin Rüßler/EyeEm/ master1305/Getty Images

  • From "chockablock" to a "full Monty," the Brits have a wide range of interesting slang words.
  • You don't want to be described as "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic."
  • If you're "zonked" or "cream crackered," you might want to take a nap. 

Brits have an interesting vernacular that includes words and phrases that might confuse many Americans. 

Some terms, like "dim," "a mug," or "a few sandwiches short of a picnic," can be used as colorful insults, while some British slang words like "cheeky" can be either negative or positive, depending on the context. 

In a business setting, you might want to avoid certain words or phrases while conversing with Brits so as not to offend them, or incorporate their terms into your presentations or marketing materials if you want to relate with British clients or customers.

Here are 60 British phrases that will confuse anybody who didn't grow up in the UK.

A few sandwiches short of a picnic
picnic
A picnic with sandwiches.

Malcolm P Chapman/Getty Images

"A few sandwiches short of a picnic" means someone who lacks common sense. The phrase was first documented in the BBC's "Lenny Henry Christmas Special" in 1987.

"She's great fun, but she's a few sandwiches short of a picnic."

Anorak
nerd fashion
Nerd.

Shutterstock

"Anorak" refers to someone who's a little bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a niche area.

Although it's more often used as a synonym for raincoat, an anorak is something slightly different in playground slang. This word probably originates from the "uncool" appearance of anorak coats and the people wearing them.

"Thomas is such an anorak when it comes to train trivia."

Bagsy
chicken dinner people eating
People grabbing chicken off a serving plate at a family-style dinner.

EyeWolf/Getty Images

"Bagsy" is the British equivalent of calling "shotgun" or "dibs" when something, like the front seat of the car or food, is offered up to a group. School kids might call "bagsy" on items in their friends' pack lunches, like an apple or a cereal bar, that the friend isn't going to eat.

"Does anyone want thiβ€”"

"Bagsy!"

Bee's knees
honey production bees
Beekeepers.

Manuel Medir/Getty Images

"Bee's knees" refers to something at the "height of cool." This phrase became mainstream in the USA in the 1920s despite its British origins, but its popularity has dwindled since the turn of the century.

When first documented in the 18th century, the "bee's knees" referred to small or insignificant details. Since then, the phrase has evolved and now refers to something popular or cool.

"The Beatles are the bee's knees."

Bender
drinking
People drinking cocktails.

HEX/Getty Images

A "bender" is an extended period of drinking, usually in excess. Someone on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief is "on a bender." Benders can last over 24 hours, and so you might say that someone is on "a weekend bender," or a "three-day bender."

"I bumped into him towards the end of his four-day bender. He was a wreck."

Bird
singing birds
Birds.

Taufik Ardiansyah/Shutterstock

A "bird" is an informal word for a girl or young woman.

While the phrase can be interpreted as misogynistic, it's still commonly used. It's usually used to describe a woman between the ages of 18 and 50, particularly one who is attractive.

"Look at that bird over there. She's fit."

Pull a blinder
people playing soccer
People playing soccer.

skynesher/Getty Images

To "pull a blinder" involves achieving something difficult faultlessly and skillfully. The phrase is most commonly used when the individual has been lucky and the person saying it is in disbelief that the first person has managed to pull it off.

"And did you see that equalizing goal in the last minute of injury time? He pulled a blinder there."

Bloody
ron weasley
Ron Weasley in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stoner."

Warner Bros

"Bloody" or "bleeding" is used to add emphasis to adjectives, similar to how "wicked" is used in New England. The origins of the word are widely disputed. Some believe it's derived from the Dutch word "blute," meaning "bare." Others believe the word is a contraction of the 17th-century phrase "by our lady," and is blasphemous.

This second theory has been disproved, however, by the slang's first documentation predating the widespread use of the phrase "by our lady."

Nowadays, "bloody" is used widely β€” it's even used in children's films such as "Harry Potter" β€” and is arguably one of the most quintessentially British words on the list.

"That was bloody good."

Bob's your uncle
snapping fingers
Snapping fingers.

Nisara Tangtrakul/EyeEm/Getty Images

"Bob's your uncle" is the very British equivalent to "hey presto!" or "et voilΓ‘!" This phrase is often used to describe a process that seems more difficult than it actually is.

"Press down the clutch, put it into gear, then slowly ease off the clutch again. Bob's your uncle β€” you're driving!"

Bog-standard
empty dining room
Empty dining room.

Emilija Manevska/Getty Images

Something that is "bog-standard" is completely ordinary with no frills, embellishments, or add-ons. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but a "bog" is another word for a toilet in British slang, adding to the connotations that something "bog-standard" is unglamorous and unspecial.

"How was the hostel?" "Oh, nothing exciting to report. Just your bog-standard dorm, really."

Boot
car boot
Car boot.

supergenijalac/Shutterstock

The "boot" of a car is the trunk in American English. A popular pastime in the United Kingdom is attending or having your own "car boot sale," in which people usually sell knickknacks and old personal items out of the back of their cars.

"Shove the shopping in the boot."

Botch job
broken tv
A broken TV on a shelf.

rawf8/Shutterstock

A "botch job" is a repair job that's been completed in a hurry and will probably fall apart reasonably soon. A "botch job" can also refer to anything that's been done haphazardly, like a work assignment.

"Sam did a botch job on these shelves β€” they're wonky!"

Brolly
meghan harry umbrella australia
Meghan Markle holding an umbrella over Prince Harry.

Ian Vogler/PA Images via Getty Images

A "brolly" is a shortened word for an umbrella. On a rainy day in London, you would definitely want a brolly on hand.

"Grab your brolly, it's drizzling outside."

Budge up
People sharing a park bench.
People sharing a park bench.

Westend61/Getty Images

"Budge up" is similar to "scoot over" or "move over." An informal way of asking someone to make room where they are sitting for you to sit down, too, would be asking them to "budge up."

"Hey, there's loads of room on that bench. Budge up and make some room for us, too!"

Builder's tea
english breakfast tea
English breakfast tea.

Emma Fierberg/Business Insider

"Builder's tea" is the name of a strongly brewed cup of English breakfast tea with milk and sugar.

It's common courtesy to offer a laborer or builder working on your house a builder's tea while they're working β€” especially if they're working out in the cold. This is probably how the term came about.

"A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Now that's a proper breakfast."

Butcher's hook
butcher
Butcher handling sausages.

Westend61/Getty Images

"Butcher's hook" is Cockney rhyming slang for "look." Therefore, if you're "having a butchers," you're having a look at something.

"Would you take a butchers at this broken bike for me?"

Cheeky
child with marker on face
A child with marker on his face.

Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images

"Cheeky" refers to an act that could be deemed impolite or shameless but, for some reason, comes across as funny or endearing to others. "Being cheeky" means being funny or humorous, but slightly mischievous at the same time. 

"Joe's children are absolute rascals β€” they tied my shoelaces together last week!"

"Those cheeky monkeys."

Chinwag
Couple talking
A couple having a conversation.

Hinterhaus Productions/Getty Images

A "good old chinwag" is a good chat, catch-up, or gossip with someone.

The action of chatting away β€” with the jaw bobbing up and down β€” resembles a chin "wagging" like a dog's tail.

"Those two are having a proper chinwag β€” I haven't been able to get a word in edgeways for half an hour!"

Chockablock
Bumper to bumper traffic
Bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Tetra Images/Getty Images

"Chockablock" could be used to describe something that's full to the brim or rammed. This is sometimes shortened to "chocka." The phrase is most often used to describe heavy road traffic.

"We should've taken the other route. This road is chocka!"

Chuffed
happy group
A happy group of people.

Klaus Vedfelt/getty Images

"Chuffed" means overjoyed and full of pride. If you get a promotion or meet someone special, you might describe yourself as "chuffed."

"I heard you got the promotion. Congratulations! You must be chuffed."

Codswallop
lie detector
A person taking a lie detector test.

Edward Kitch/AP

"Codswallop" means something untrue, often made up for dramatic effect.

Although no one is completely sure of the word's origins, it could derive from the words "cod" and "wallop," which historically meant "imitation" and "beer" respectively β€” implying that "codswallop" is the kind of rubbish you make up when drunk.

"Oh, what a load of codswallop!"

Cream crackered
man on computer tired
A person tired at their desk.

shapecharge/Getty Images

"Cream crackered" is Cockney rhyming slang for "knackered," or incredibly tired.

The term probably came about because it rhymes with "knacker." A "knacker" was the person who slaughtered worn-out horses in the 19th and 20th centuries for their meat, hoofs, and hides. So, if you're "ready for the knacker's yard," you're exhausted beyond relief.

"This week's done me in already, and it's only Tuesday. I'm cream crackered."

Dench
Spaghetti alla carbonara
Spaghetti alla carbonara.

Nattaphat Littlekop/Getty Images

"Dench" is an adjective used to advocate something that is impressive or agreeable. Dench is also the equivalent of "solid" or "cool" when used in response to someone else.

Its reported creator, British rapper Lethal Bizzle, elusively told The Guardian that the word "means anything you want." 

"I'm going to make us spaghetti carbonara for dinner."

"Dench."

Dim
dim lightbulb
A dim lightbulb.

Oleksandr Filon/Getty Images

"Dim" refers to someone who lacks common knowledge. On the other hand, someone who's intelligent might be described as "bright."

"She's a bit dim."

Doddle
Math homework
A person doing homework.

NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty

A "doddle" is an easy task. The word could be a variation of "toddle" β€” like a young child's first steps.

"This will be a doddle."

Dog's dinner
dog toilet paper mess
A dog making a mess.

Shutterstock

A "dog's dinner" is a mess or fiasco. It is also sometimes referred to as a "dog's breakfast."

"You've made a dog's dinner of that paint job."

Faff
Ordering food cell phone on couch
A person sitting on a couch on their phone.

Oscar Wong/Getty Images

To "faff" or "faff about" is to waste time doing very little. "Faff" comes from the 17th-century word "faffle," which means to flap about in the wind.

"What did you do on your day off from work?"

"We were just faffing about."

Fit
zac efron
Zac Efron.

Brendon Thorne/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures

"Fit" is used to describe someone physically attractive, usually referring to their physique. If you see someone you find attractive, you would call them "fit."

"He's fit."

Flog
Selling old books
A woman browses a box of old books.

Westend61/Getty Images

To "flog" means to sell something, usually quickly and cheaply.

"Flogging" also refers to whipping a racehorse in order to make it move faster, so there is some speculation into whether you flog goods in order to make them shift faster, too. However, there is no proof for this theory.

"I'm trying to flog my old sofa. Do you know anyone who might be interested?"

Full Monty
british roast dinner
British roast dinner.

Emma Farrer/Getty Images

A "full Monty" refers to pursuing something to the absolute limits.

After "The Full Monty" film was released in 1997, there was some international confusion over the phrase, which was taken as a euphemism for stripping. However, "the full Monty" now usually refers to taking something as far as it can go, similar to "the whole nine yards."

"The full Monty" historically refers to an old tailor called Sir Montague Burton. Going "the full Monty" meant purchasing a full three-piece suit, a shirt, and all of the trimmings.

"Our Christmas dinner had everything from sprouts to Yorkshire puddings. If you're going to have a roast, have the full Monty!"

Full of beans
Spectators at the Gay Pride Parade in Greenwich Village.
Spectators at the Gay Pride Parade in Greenwich Village.

DanielBendjy/Getty Images

"Full of beans" can be used to describe someone who's energetic, lively, or enthusiastic. This phrase could be a reference to coffee beans, although these claims have been disputed.

"Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!"

Gaff
house with artwork
A house with artwork and decorations.

Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images

"Gaff" is an informal word for "home." Although the origins of this phrase are largely unknown, a gaff in the 18th century was a music hall or theater, and so it's believed to derive from this.

"What are you up to this weekend? We've got a party at our gaff, if you fancy it?"

Geezer
man business suit texting
A man in a business suit texting.

Shutterstock

A "geezer" is a man who could be described as "suave" or "dapper," and is often suited and booted. Men from east London are also commonly referred to as "geezers," where the term is more interchangeable with "lad."

Geezer is thought to stem from the 15th century "guiser," which meant well-dressed.

"That guy's got such swagger β€” he's a proper geezer."

Gutted
Sad children
A sad child.

Ute Grabowsky / Contributor/Getty Images

"Gutted" means devastated or extremely upset. If your favorite football team were to lose, you'd be "gutted."

"I was absolutely gutted."

Innit
friends hanging out outside
Friends hanging out outside.

iStock

"Innit" is an abbreviation of "isn't it," most commonly used among teenagers and young people. This phrase is used to confirm or agree with something that another person has just said.

"It's really cold today."

"Innit."

Kip
Napping Airport
A person napping at the airport.

Thomas Lohnes/Getty

A "kip" is slang for a short sleep or nap. The term is usually used to refer to a nap, but it can also mean a long sleep.

"What a long day. When we get home, I'm going to take a quick kip."

Leg it
bears iraq
People run away as Kurdish animal rights activists release a bear into the wild after rescuing bears from captivity in people's homes.

Ari Jalal/Reuters

"Leg it" means to make a run for it, run away, or escape. It's used most commonly when you're trying to get out of a situation by physically running away.

"That's when all of the lights came on, and so we legged it."

Miffed
annoyed couple
An annoyed couple.

Tara Moore/Getty Images

"Miffed" means slightly irritated or annoyed and possibly derives from the German "muffen," meaning "to sulk."

"I was a bit miffed, I can't lie."

Mint
Mint
Mint.

Oxana Denezhkina/Shutterstock

"Mint" might be used when referring to something of the highest caliber. It's derived from "mint condition," which refers to something pre-owned that retains its pristine condition β€” although something that's just "mint" doesn't have to be pre-owned.

"Those shoes are mint!"

Mortal
drunk texting at the bar
A man drunk texting at a bar.

South_agency/Getty Images

"Mortal" describes someone highly intoxicated or drunk in a sloppy manner. Derived from the Newcastle sociolect, "mortal" became widely known across the country in 2011 by the reality TV show "Geordie Shore."

"Did you see Scott last night? He was mortal."

Mug
clown clown shoes
Clown shoes.

sturti/Getty Images

A "mug" is someone who has been made a fool of. "Mug" likely originated in London with Cockney slang. It means a stupid, often gullible, person who is easily taken advantage of.

"You signed that contract? You're such a mug."

Mug off
Couple cheating

Peter Cade/Getty Images

In the same vein, to "mug off" someone is to make a fool of them, usually by deceiving or cheating on them. The phrase is common on the hit British reality show "Love Island."

"He's going on a date with Amber? I feel so mugged off right now."

"You're mugging me off."

Nick
stealing purse
Pickpocketing.

Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

To "nick" something means to steal it. "The Nick" can refer to a prison. The origins of the phrase are largely debated online, however, it's believed that "to nick" as in to steal influenced the slang term for prison, as being imprisoned is similar to being "stolen" away.

"Did you just nick that?"

"Don't get caught, or you'll end up in the Nick!"

On the pull
club, dancing, edm
People dancing at a club.

Reuters

Someone who's "on the pull" has gone out, usually on a night out, with the intention of attracting a sexual partner. "Pull" can also be used as a verb. If you've "pulled," you've kissed someone.

"You look nice. Are you going on the pull?"

Pants
underwear
Underwear.

vasanty/Shuttershock

"Pants" means something is rubbish, trash, or garbage. It's most often used to say something is unsatisfactory, like "blows" or "reeks," rather than actual trash.

"That is pants."

Pea-souper
Woman smog skyline pollution mask
A smoggy city.

d3sign/Getty Images

A "pea-souper" is a thick fog, often with a yellow or black tinge, caused by air pollution. The idiom was first used to describe the thick, choking smog that settled over London as early as 1200 c.e., caused by many people burning fossil fuels in close proximity.

The smogs were compared to pea soup due to their color and density.

"Be careful when you're driving β€” it's a pea-souper out there."

Pop your clogs
morgue
A morgue.

Felipe Mahecha/Shutterstock

To "pop your clogs" means to die. This cheery phrase is widely believed to originate from Northern factory workers during the Industrial Revolution. When they worked on the factory floor, employees had to wear hard clogs to protect their feet.

The idea is when someone popped or cocked their clogs, the toes of the clogs pointed up in the air as they lay down dead.

"Did you hear what happened to John's old man? He popped his clogs, didn't he..."

Poppycock
Poppies
Poppy flower.

REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

"Poppycock" means something that is nonsense, rubbish, or simply untrue. This quintessentially British idiom does not refer to actual poppies. It derives from the Dutch "pap" and "kak," which translate as "soft" and "dung."

"What a load of poppycock!"

Quids in
british pounds money cash
British money.

Matt Cardy/Getty Images

"Quids in" means investing in something, sometimes β€” but not always β€” financially. Someone who's "quids in" has invested in an opportunity that will probably benefit them massively.

"Quid" is British slang for "pounds." For example, "five quid" means Β£5.

"If it all works out as planned, he'll be quids in."

Shirty
Angry man arguing during conference call on laptop
Angry businessman arguing during video call over a computer.

skynesher

"Shirty" could be used to describe someone who is short-tempered or irritated. The meaning of this slang has been debated at length.

The word "shirt" is derived from the Norse for "short," hence short-tempered. However, other people believe that "shirty" has connotations of being disheveled.

"Don't get shirty with me, mister."

Skew-whiff
crooked picture art
Crooked picture frame hanging on the wall.

dja65/Getty Images

"Skew-whiff" means askew. It means literally tilted on one side rather than slightly off or uneasy, as askew can mean in the US.

"Is it just me or is that painting a bit skew-whiff?"

Skive
thorpe park
Thorpe Park theme park.

ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

To "skive" is to avoid work or school, often by pretending to be ill. "Skive" is derived from the French "esquiver," meaning "to slink away."

"He skived off school so we could all go to Thorpe Park on a weekday."

Smarmy
smirking man
A smirking man.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

"Smarmy" is used to describe someone who comes across as scheming or untrustworthy.

Although the adjective's origins remain largely unknown, early documented uses seem to use the word as synonymous with "smear," further suggesting that someone who is "smarmy" is also "slick" or "slippery."

"Don't trust him β€” he's a smarmy geezer."

Take the biscuit
tea and biscuits
Tea and biscuits.

Shutterstock /mcmc

"Take the biscuit" is used similarly to "take the cake and is the equivalent of taking the nonexistent medal for foolishness or incredulity.

If someone has done something highly irritating or surprising in an exasperating fashion, you might say that they've "taken the biscuit."

"I could just about deal with the dog barking at 5:30 a.m., but the lawnmower at 3 a.m. really takes the biscuit."

Take the Mickey
mickey mouse happy disney world reopen
Mickey Mouse leaps in the air while crossing the street with a fan in Toronto.

Andrew Francis Wallace/Toronto Star via Getty Images

To "take the Mickey" means to take liberties at the expense of others. It can be used in both a lighthearted and an irritated fashion.

"Take the Mickey" is an abbreviation of "taking the Mickey Bliss," which is Cockney rhyming slang for "take the p***."

"Hey! Don't take the Mickey."

Waffle
waffle and berry
Waffles.

Rachel T./Yelp

To "waffle" means to talk at length while not getting to the point. When someone makes a great speech while skirting around a subject or saying little of any value, you might say that they're talking "waffle " or "waffling."

In the 17th century, to "waff" meant to yelp, and that quickly evolved to mean to talk foolishly or indecisively.

"I wish he'd stop waffling on."

"What a load of waffle!"

Wally
silly, goofy, young, surprise
Two people making silly faces.

iStock

A "wally" is someone silly or incompetent. Although its origins are largely debated, the term's meaning has evolved over the last 50 years alone. In the 1960s, someone who was unfashionable might be nicknamed a "wally," Dictionary.com reported. 

"Don't put down a leaking mug on top of the newspaper, you wally!"

Whinge
crying
Clare Crawley on "The Bachelorette."

The Bachelor/ABC

To "whinge" means to moan, groan, and complain in an irritating or whiny fashion. It is often deemed as unnecessary or over-the-top. 

"Quit whinging."

Wind your neck in
giraffe and calves
A giraffe.

brytta/Getty Images

"Wind your neck in" means to mind your own business. If you want to tell someone to not concern themselves with issues that don't directly affect them, you might tell them to "wind their neck in."

This classic phrase is another way of telling someone that their opinion is not appreciated in the given scenario.

 "Wind your neck in and stop being so nosy!"

Zonked
Family sleeping in bedroom
A family sleeping.

Ray Kachatorian/Getty Images

"Zonked" means exhausted or tired. It can also refer to someone already asleep or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

"I was going to go out tonight, but when I finished work, I was absolutely zonked."

"When I got home, he was already zonked."

An earlier version of this story was written by Bobbie Edsor.

Read the original article on Business Insider

15 slang words Gen Zers are using in 2024 and what they really mean

6 December 2024 at 07:26
A group of young people sitting on a staircase and looking at a phone.

FG Trade/Getty Images

  • Just like the generations before them, Gen Z has an extensive list of slang words.
  • "Bussin'," "ick," and "mid" are popular among Gen Zers.
  • Social media helps slang spread rapidly, but proper credit is often lost along the way.

Just like the generations before them, Gen Z uses an extensive list of slang words like "bussin'," "ick," and "mid."

However, unlike past generations, Gen Z has social media to help slang spread rapidly.

"The emergence of social media has created a situation where the potential for slang virality has increased," John Baugh, a linguist at Washington University in St. Louis, told Business Insider last year.

Anyone with an account can share and adopt new terms with just a couple of clicks. While this can be an exciting opportunity for people to connect and bond over language, it can also lead to appropriation.

Black and LGBTQ+ communities created many of the slang words attributed to Gen Z β€” anyone born between 1997 and 2012.

However, these marginalized communities often don't receive credit for their contributions.

When their slang enters larger circles via social media, those who don't know its origins can misuse the language, which can be offputting or even offensive.

Brands and publications marketing to Gen Z should be especially careful with slang as this generation values authenticity more than older generations.

And much like fashion, slang is ever-evolving. All these words and phrases will inevitably be axed and deemed "uncool."

At least for now, though, here are 15 slang terms Gen Z is using in 2024 and what they mean.

If you're told to do something "for the plot," it means to do it for the experience.
Crowd on day two of Lollapalooza Brazil 2024.
Crowd at Lollapalooza Brazil 2024.

Mauricio Santana/Contributor/Getty Images

Saying "for the plot" is a fun way for Gen Z to encourage each other to do the wild, fun things that make storytelling fun when you're older.

Influencer Serena Kerrigan has been credited with popularizing the phrase, saying, "this is your reminder that if something works out, great, and if it doesn't, it's for the plot." In other words, your highs and lows are all shaping and contributing to your life story.

Whether you swipe right on Tinder or go out spontaneously on a Tuesday night, it's all about the plot.

Still popular from 2023, someone with "rizz" has charisma.
Gerry poses for a photo while the women of "The Golden Bachelor" stand in rows next to and behind him.
Gerry Turner and the women of "The Golden Bachelor."

ABC/Craig Sjodin

It's true; Gen Z has an affinity for abbreviations.

A person with "rizz" is confident, charming, and generally successful in romantic endeavors. The phrase officially reached the boomer generation when the Golden Bachelor announced he had rizz.

An "ick" is a turnoff.
Olivia Attwood Dack attends the TV Choice Awards 2024.
Olivia Attwood Dack helped coin the term "ick" during her appearance on season three of "Love Island."

Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Contributor/Getty Images

Ah, the ick. "Love Island" contestant Olivia Attwood (now Olivia Attwood Dack) helped popularize the phrase during season three, but "the ick" remains a staple in Gen Z's vocabulary.

If someone gives you "the ick," it means they've turned you off, either through their actions or words.

"Icks" can arise from small offenses, such as using the "wrong" emoji in conversation, or from larger issues, such as being rude to a barista.

It's all about personal preference.

If someone lives "rent-free" in your mind, you think about them a lot.
German photographer Boris Eldagsen shows a printed photograph of his work "Pseudomnesia: The Electrician" which he had created with the usage of artificial intelligence.
German photographer Boris Eldagsen created this image with artificial intelligence and won the "Sony World Photography Award" in 2023.

FABRIZIO BENSCH via Reuters

When someone or something constantly occupies your thoughts, they've taken up residence in your head without paying you a dime. In 1999, one reader attributed the phrase living "rent-free" to advice columnist Ann Landers.

Though often associated with specific people like a crush or celebrity, the phrase can also apply to positive and negative events, like an epic concert or a ridiculous AI image.

"Mother" is a popular term of endearment for female celebrities that originated in LGBTQ+ communities.
Rihanna performs during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in 2023.
Rihanna performs during the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in 2023.

Kevin Mazur/Contributor/Getty Images for Roc Nation

"Mother" is a woman deserving of your respect who's had a profound influence on your life.

For some, that's Diana Ross. For others, it's Rihanna. ReneΓ© Rapp, Mariah Carey, and Lana Del Rey have all been called mother, too.

Last year, The New York Times reported that people in the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom scene coined the term, which stemmed from the "queer subculture in which members are organized into so-called houses often led by a 'mother.'"

Michaela JaΓ© Rodriguez, who played a house mother in the groundbreaking series "Pose," told The New York Times that "anyone should be able to use a term that is trending" but that it's important to know and acknowledge where it came from.

If a person "ate," they executed something flawlessly.
Zendaya attends the 2024 Met Gala.
Zendaya attends the 2024 Met Gala.

John Shearer/Getty Images

Often associated with fashion and beauty, saying someone "ate" is a way of expressing they look amazing and did a great job.

Look at almost any picture of Zendaya on the red carpet, and it'd be correct to say, "She ate."

"Left no crumbs" is a continuation of "ate" that's used as additional emphasis.
Mona Patel on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet.
Mona Patel on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

If you hear "she ate," you may often hear "and left no crumbs" immediately after.

The additional phrase helps emphasize how perfect the person's execution was, though it can be used on its own, too.

For example, "Entrepreneur Mona Patel ate and left no crumbs at the 2024 Met Gala." That means she executed the theme perfectly β€” everything from her dress to her glam to the presentation on the red carpet was flawless.

"Bussin'" or "buss" means it's very good.
Items from Taco Bell.
Items from Taco Bell.

Rachel Murray/Stringer/Getty Images for Taco Bell

Often used to describe food, "bussin'" originated in the Black community and means extremely good or delicious, per Merriam-Webster.

So if your kid says tonight's dinner was "bussin'," just know you did a great job.

Something is "mid" if it falls short of expectations.
Kaley Cuoco attends the Critics Choice Awards in January 2024.
Kaley Cuoco attends the Critics Choice Awards in January.

Jeff Kravitz/Contributor/FilmMagic

Whether it's a dress on the red carpet, a new TV show, or a pasta recipe, something that's "mid" is mediocre.

BI reported that Kaley Cuoco's 2024 Critics Choice Awards gown missed the mark, so it could also be described as mid.

Another way to say focus is "lock in."
People studying at a library.
People studying at a library.

Dilara Irem Sancar/Anadolu via Getty Images

You can "lock in" on an assignment, cleaning your apartment, or even a video game.

"Let him cook" means don't stop him from doing his thing.
NC State forward DJ Burns Jr. played in the Elite 8 round of the 2024 March Madness Tournament.
The NC State forward DJ Burns Jr. played in the Elite Eight round of the 2024 March Madness tournament.

Lance King/Contributor/Getty Images

While NC State ultimately lost to Purdue in the Final Four, DJ Burns, Jr. was a standout in the 2024 March Madness tournament.

His coaches clearly saw how well he was performing and decided to "let him cook," giving him more playing time in their five tournament games, per ESPN.

Why call yourself delusional when you can say "delulu"?
A BookTok table at a Barnes and Noble in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A BookTok table at a Barnes and Noble in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Tali Arbel/Associated Press

As we've already established, Gen Z loves abbreviations.

"Delulu" simply means delusional, but in a way that's wacky instead of worrisome, according to The New York Times.

If you're hoping to elope with the lead in your favorite romance novel, you might be a bit delulu.

"Sus" is short for suspicious.
Among Us screenshot 5
In "Among Us," players discuss who they suspect of being an "Imposter" before ejecting them.

William Antonelli/Insider

It sounds a little sus, but this term dates back to the 1920s, per Merriam-Webster. The term originates from suss, as in, suss out whether someone is trustworthy or not.

Recently, the word reemerged thanks to the online game "Among Us," in which players try to determine who is an imposter working to sabotage their progress.

Cringe-worthy behavior may cost you "aura points."
Three portraits of blurry faces surrounded by colors
"Homage to Marcel Duchamps: Aura" by artist Susan Hiller.

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images

A kind of cosmic, karma-esque rating system of cool, aura points are won and lost through a variety of impressive and embarrassing deeds. Talked to your crush with spinach in your teeth? Your aura points just took a hit.

"It's tongue-in-cheek, and it also seems to be a sort of weird contemporary honor code," philosopher Julian Baggini told The Guardian.

"No cap" means you're telling the truth.
A person holds a white kitten on an open book
Cats are smart but not necessarily book-smart.

Ali Atmaca/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The phrase "no cap" has been around for decades and has roots in Black communities.

People often use it for emphasis, similarly to "for real." For example, "My cat is smarter than Einstein, no cap."

"No cap" is basically the opposite of "cap," which is short for "capping."

"Cap or capping has referenced bragging, exaggerating, or lying since the early 1900s," Kelly Elizabeth Wright, a language professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told TODAY.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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