Slang and Pop Culture Vocabulary Hub
Modern internet language with context for social media, branding, and youth communication.
Use this hub to understand current slang and choose safer alternatives when writing for broad audiences.
Gen-alpha core
High-frequency meme-era terms.
rizz
The ability to attract a love interest, usually female; charm or attractiveness.
gyatt
Goddamn! Wow!
skibidi
A nonsense word, used in an ironic or humorous manner or to mock, or in reference to, the perceived slang utilised by Generation Alpha or the generation itself.
sigma
Possessing characteristics of a sigma male.
delulu
Delusional.
fanum tax
Jokingly taking a bite or share of someone else's food.
ohio
A state of the United States. Capital and largest city: Columbus.
brainrot
Alternative form of brain rot.
Social media staples
Cross-platform shorthand.
fyp
Initialism of final year project.
ratioed
Modified or multiplied by a ratio.
viral
Of or relating to a biological virus.
main character energy
Confident, cinematic, center-of-attention vibe.
soft launch
The launch of a missile in such a way that the rocket motor ignites outside of the launch tube, ejecting the missile non-explosively.
hard launch
The launch of a guided missile in such a way that the missile's rocket engine is ignited while still inside the launch assembly or tube.
dupe
A person who has been deceived.
rent-free
Without a rent payment.
Conversation shorthand
Casual agreement and reaction terms.
bet
Expression of general agreement or acceptance.
cap
Initialism of Common Agricultural Policy.
no cap
Used to emphasize that one is telling the truth.
sus
Suspicious; having suspicions or questions.
mid
Occupying a middle position; middle.
based
Founded on; having a basis; often used in combining forms.
cringe
Synonym of cringeworthy or uncool, inducing awkwardness or secondhand embarrassment.
goated
Being or considered the greatest of all time; the best.
Professional alternatives
Safer phrasing for formal contexts.
charisma
A female given name from Ancient Greek.
suspicious
Arousing suspicion.
influential
Having or exerting influence.
mediocre
Not excellent or outstanding, usually disappointingly so.
overhyped
That has been promoted or publicized excessively.
emerging
Becoming prominent; emergent; rising.
notable
Worthy of note; remarkable; memorable; noted or distinguished.
strong
Capable of producing great physical force.
Best Use Cases
- Brand voice tuning
- Social copy review
- Cross-generational communication
Key Takeaways
- Match slang intensity to audience and channel.
- Translate slang into neutral equivalents for formal writing.
- Track lifespan: some terms decay quickly.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Using trend words in legal, HR, or investor documents.
- Assuming all audiences share the same slang context.
- Overusing meme terms in evergreen content.
Micro Practice Drills
Prompt
Rewrite: "That campaign was mid."
Sample upgrade
The campaign underperformed against baseline engagement targets.
Prompt
Rewrite: "She has rizz."
Sample upgrade
She communicates with strong confidence and social presence.
Related Guides
Expand This Vocabulary Set
Related terms from our lexical graph that pair naturally with this hub:
Contrast terms that help avoid tone or meaning drift: