Busted: To your grandparents, "busted" probably meant that something was
broken. To your parents, it means getting caught doing something wrong.
The latest use? As an adjective to mean "ugly."
"No, I won't go out with your little sister. She's busted."
Ride: Originally a verb for the act of being a passenger in a vehicle, this word
also evolved into a noun to describe a car. Most recently, "my rides" can
mean sneakers.
"I got new rides to match my favorite shirt."
Hip: Originally "hip" or "hep" meant someone very fashionable in the first
half of the 20th century. It evolved to mean someone into jazz and beatnik
culture in the 1940s and 50s, and changed further still into "hippie" to
describe flower children of the 60s. Today it's changed again to "hipster,"
meaning a self-aware, artsy person.
"My hip grandfather plays the sax, but my hipster brother just makes
homemade pickles."
Frenemy: This combination of "friend" and "enemy" describes a person who
is a little bit of both, perhaps a friend with whom one experiences regular
conflict.
"You'd be a lot happier if you stopped hanging out with your frenemy."
Bromance: This combination of "brother" and "romance" describes an
intense friendship between two straight men.
"I haven't seen Michael since he started hanging out with Jeremy. Their
bromance is epic."
Ginormous: This combination of "gigantic" and "enormous" means
something very large.
"You could find a parking space more easily is your car wasn't so ginormous."
BAE: A term of endearment, meaning "before anyone else," used between romantic
partners that can also be used between close friends.
"Bae, you're the best."
Basic: A put-down describing someone or something that's very common or a
conformist.
"Those women are so basic. They're only drinking pumpkin spice lattes because everyone
else is."
Bye Felicia: A fast way to tell someone to go away. This term comes from the 1995
movie Friday.
"I know you're just copying my style. Bye Felicia."
Coin: Another way to refer to money.
"She's about to earn some major coin."
Dying: Something that was so funny, you died laughing.
"OMG. This standup is hilarious. I'm dying."
Epic: If somewhat was "epic," it was highly enjoyable.
"His latest novel was epic."
Extra: If someone's "extra," it means they're way too dramatic.
"Her boyfriend was always putting her down, calling her extra."
Fierce: Usually attributed to Beyonce, "fierce" signifies a strong, independent person.
"I love her to death. She's so fierce!"
GOAT: Current usage is actually a compliment, as this is now an acronym that stands for
"greatest of all time."
"I don't care what you say, because Tom Brady is the goat."
Lit: If something is "lit," it means it's super cool or "on fire."
"Last night's party was lit."
Low key: If someone or something is "low key," it means it's being done under the radar
or they don't want anyone to know.
"I low key love Imagine Dragons, but don't tell anyone!"
On point: Outstanding, perfectly executed.
"Her accessories are on point. She looks great."
Read: To "read" someone means you're calling them out for their bad behavior.
"Wow. Stefon read Amy for filth at last night's dinner."
Salty: Angry or bitter about something.
"Why are you so salty? I said I would share if I win the lottery."
Savage: Someone who "roasts" people nonstop and doesn't care what others will say.
"Jimmy Kimmel's monologue on Donald Trump last night was savage."
Ship: Short for "romantic relationship," sometimes used as a verb.
"Everyone wants to ship Edward and bella, but they say they're just good friends.
The tea: When someone is dishing "the tea," they're gossiping, particularly with the
juiciest or most dramatic gossip.
"Let's call Wendy. She always has the tea."
Thirsty: If someone's "thirsty," it means they're a little too eager or even desperate.
"Look at the way she dressed for their second date. She's way too thirsty."
Throw shade: To "throw shade" means to insult or say something unkind about
someone.
"I can't believe he said that. He just threw some serious shade."
Woke: Slang for "awakened," as in being highly aware of social injustices.
"If you're so woke, why didn't you vote?"
YOLO: An acronym for "you only live once," encouraging people to seize the day.
"Of course you should go on that trip to Dublin! YOLO!
