Welcome to Hot Garbage, where we navigate the ever-evolving world of kid lingo so you can understand what the hell they’re saying. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering if you need a translator just to chat with your own kid, you’re not alone. Today, we dive into the wild world of Gen Z and Alpha slang, so you can finally decode those cryptic messages. Buckle up, because it’s about to get… lit?

1. Cap/No Cap

Translation: Lie/No lie

In Use: “That’s cap,” or “No cap, that movie was amazing.”

Explanation: This one’s all about truthfulness. When someone says “cap,” they’re calling out a lie. “No cap” means they’re serious. It’s like a verbal polygraph test, minus the wires and science.

2. Bet

Translation: Yes, okay, sure, or a challenge accepted

In Use: “Wanna go out tonight?” “Bet.”

Explanation: Forget “yes” or “okay,” those are for boomers. “Bet” is the versatile response that can mean agreement or acceptance of a challenge. So, next time your kid says “bet,” just know they’re down for whatever you just suggested.

3. Sheesh

Translation: Wow, amazing, or disbelief

In Use: “Did you see his new car? Sheesh!”

Explanation: This one’s often accompanied by a high-pitched tone and sometimes even a two-finger point. It’s the perfect way to express amazement or disbelief, replacing the more mundane “wow.”

4. Sus

Translation: Suspicious or suspect

In Use: “That guy over there is acting kinda sus.”

Explanation: Short for suspicious, “sus” is a quick way to call out anything or anyone that seems off. It’s like the verbal version of side-eyeing someone.

5. Flex

Translation: Show off

In Use: “He’s always flexing his new shoes.”

Explanation: If someone’s “flexing,” they’re showing off something. Whether it’s a new gadget, car, or even their muscles, flexing is all about flaunting what you’ve got. Humility? Never heard of it.

6. Bussin’

Translation: Really good, especially regarding food

In Use: “These tacos are bussin’.”

Explanation: If you hear someone saying their food is “bussin’,” it’s a compliment. It means it’s incredibly good, delicious even. So next time your cooking gets this reaction, take it as high praise.

7. Yeet

Translation: Throw, discard, or express excitement

In Use: “He yeeted the ball across the field,” or “Yeet! I got an A!”

Explanation: “Yeet” started as a term for throwing something with force but has evolved to express excitement or approval. It’s an all-purpose exclamation that can punctuate a moment of triumph.

8. GOAT

Translation: Greatest Of All Time

In Use: “LeBron is the GOAT.”

Explanation: When someone’s called the GOAT, it’s not an insult but the highest form of flattery. It means they are the best at what they do, the greatest of all time.

9. Low-key/High-key

Translation: Modestly or subtly/A lot or obviously

In Use: “I’m low-key excited for the weekend,” or “I high-key love pizza.”

Explanation: “Low-key” means something is understated, while “high-key” is the opposite. They’re like the volume controls for excitement or preference.

10. Tea

Translation: Gossip or juicy information

In Use: “Spill the tea about what happened last night.”

Explanation: “Tea” is all about gossip. When someone says they have tea, they have the latest, juiciest scoop on what’s going down. Just don’t forget to bring your own biscuits.

11. Drip

Translation: Stylish or fashionable

In Use: “Check out his drip.”

Explanation: “Drip” refers to a person’s style or outfit, especially when they’re looking particularly sharp or fashionable. It’s all about the swag and presentation.

12. Stan

Translation: An obsessive fan

In Use: “I stan BTS.”

Explanation: Derived from the Eminem song “Stan,” this term refers to an extremely dedicated fan. It’s like fandom on steroids.

13. Slaps

Translation: Very good or enjoyable

In Use: “This song slaps!”

Explanation: If something “slaps,” it’s really good. Typically used to describe music, it can also apply to anything that’s highly enjoyable or impressive.

14. FOMO

Translation: Fear Of Missing Out

In Use: “I’ve got FOMO from all those Instagram posts.”

Explanation: FOMO is the anxiety that arises from the feeling that you’re missing out on something exciting or interesting that others are experiencing. It’s the ultimate form of social media-induced stress.

15. Salty

Translation: Bitter or upset

In Use: “He’s salty because he lost the game.”

Explanation: When someone is “salty,” they’re bitter or upset about something. It’s the emotional equivalent of throwing a tantrum over spilled milk.

16. Vibe Check

Translation: Assessing someone’s mood or atmosphere

In Use: “He failed the vibe check.”

Explanation: This term is all about gauging someone’s energy or mood. If someone passes the vibe check, they’re cool and fit the atmosphere. Failing it means they’re bringing down the mood.

17. Big Yikes

Translation: An expression of embarrassment or cringe

In Use: “Did you see that outfit? Big yikes.”

Explanation: “Big yikes” is used to express a higher degree of embarrassment or cringe than a regular “yikes.” It’s the ultimate reaction to something awkward or embarrassing.

18. Simp

Translation: Someone who does too much for someone they like

In Use: “He’s such a simp for her.”

Explanation: “Simp” refers to someone who goes overboard in trying to win the affection of someone else, often to a ridiculous or excessive degree. It’s not exactly a compliment.

19. Woke

Translation: Socially aware, especially regarding issues of social justice

In Use: “She’s really woke about environmental issues.”

Explanation: Originally used to describe someone who is aware of social injustices and issues, “woke” has become a broader term for anyone who is socially conscious and aware.

20. Mood

Translation: A feeling or state that is relatable

In Use: “This rainy weather is such a mood.”

Explanation: “Mood” is used to express that something is relatable or represents how someone is feeling. It can be used to describe almost anything that evokes a relatable feeling or state.

Conclusion

Now that you’re armed with this handy guide, you’ll be able to decode your kid’s next conversation like a pro. Whether you choose to embrace the slang or just use it to understand what the heck they’re talking about, you’re now one step closer to bridging that generational gap. And if all else fails, just respond with “bet” and hope for the best.