15 New Slang Terms Explained

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15 New Slang Terms for 2019 Explained

If you’re planning on using the internet at all this year, or conversing with someone under the age of 35, you’ll want to take a gander at this list of the newest slang terms of 2019. With our language and culture ever-evolving—whether for better or worse—you can be hep with the kids by familiarizing yourself with some of these new terms and maybe, just maybe, avoid complete conversational embarrassment.

15 New Slang Terms for 2019

  1. Tea: If you hear someone say they’re “spilling tea”, that means they’re dishing out hot gossip or talking behind someone’s back. You can also “get tea” and “give tea”.
  2. Beat: Don’t worry, it doesn’t involve any violence. “Beat” is used to describe applying makeup. It’s also used to describe someone who has applied a lot of makeup or applied it well.
  3. Kiki: Fun to say, the meaning of “kiki” is just as fun. “Kiki” is used to describe a party or gathering though on the flip side, it can also be used to describe gossiping.
  4. Slay: A more commonly used word in casual conversation, to “slay” is to do something exceptionally well.
  5. Clock: To “clock” someone is to give an insult aggressively. Basically, hitting someone hard, but with an insult instead of fists.
  6. Dead: You would use the term “dead” when something is incredibly ridiculous or hysterical where you can barely even handle it. In a sentence: “Did you see that insane season finale? I’m dead.”
  7. Snatched: Calling someone “snatched” is quite the compliment. If you’re “looking snatched” it means you’re looking really good if not simply fabulous.
  8. Basic: Unlike snatched, you definitely do not want to be described as “basic”. Usually used with a negative connotation, “basic” describes anything mainstream or common such as drinking pumpkin spiced lattes or wearing Uggs.  
  9. G.O.A.T.: Most commonly associated with sports, (which is probably why I hadn’t heard of it before), “G.O.A.T.” is an acronym for “Greatest Of All Time”.
  10. Gucci: In essence, “gucci” means good. You can use “gucci” in a number of ways including to express a feeling or to describe something you love.
  11. Keep It 100: If someone says “keep it 100” they mean “keep it real,” be authentic.
  12. Ratchet: “Ratchet” describes someone who is obnoxious, rude, or trashy. It can also be used to describe things, as in the sentence: “The entrance to my apartment building is ratchet.”
  13. Stan: While not actually referring to a particular person named Stan, rather, “stan” refers to an overzealous and obsessive fan of a certain celebrity. I’m sure the Kardashians have a few.
  14. Low Key: “Low key” hints at something that you might kinda want, your secret desires or emotions. In a sentence: “I low key want to eat this entire bag of Doritos.”
  15. Extra: I thought I’d end on a relatively positive note. To be “extra” is to be “over-the-top” or “ridiculously excessive”. For example: “Her dress the other day was extra.”

Bonus: Deadass means “seriously” or “for real.”

So there you go. Now you will be the premier conversationalist with whoever you encounter. Or, at least, a little less confused when perusing the interwebs.

Read this next: Sign of the times: 21 new words added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary in 2018