Millennial-Popular Expressions: Bitter, Managing Daily Life, Praiseworthy Actions, and Additional Terms
In the digital age, a new language has emerged, shaping the way Millennials communicate and express themselves. This modern lexicon, born from the internet, music, and various cultural influences, has become an integral part of pop culture.
One such term is "Slaps", a Millennial slang used to express something that is excellent or highly enjoyable, especially when referring to music or food. Originating from hip-hop culture, the term is used to signify approval, particularly in a musical or pop culture context. If a song "slaps", it is a banger with serious positive energy that makes you want to dance.
Another popular term is "Wig Snatched", which originated in Black drag culture and means something so amazing it figuratively snatches your wig off. The phrase expresses extreme surprise or excitement and is often used in a positive context to show affection and loyalty.
"Squad", a term used to refer to a close-knit group of friends, has also gained widespread popularity. Thanks to celebrities and social media, the term is often used to show affection and loyalty towards one's friends.
"Pumpkin Spice Everything" is a Millennial cultural reference to the widespread popularity of pumpkin spice flavored products during fall. This phrase symbolizes Millennial pop culture obsessions, especially with autumn and the infamous pumpkin spice latte. This includes items such as UGG boots, scarves, and warm beverages.
Millennials have also contributed numerous slang words to the pop culture lexicon. "Adulting" is a term used to refer to the responsibilities and challenges of being an adult. The humorous and sometimes begrudging way Millennials handle real-life duties is reflected in this term.
"Low Key" and "High Key" describe the intensity or openness of a feeling or opinion. "Low Key" means quietly or secretly, while "High Key" being very openly or obviously.
The phrase "Weird Flex, But OK" is a sarcastic or humorous way to acknowledge someone bragging about something odd. It gained traction as a witty comeback to a humble brag, often used online to roast someone's strange claim to fame.
"Salty" is a Millennial slang word used to describe someone who is upset or bitter, often over something minor.
"Thirst Trap" is a Millennial slang word for a photo or video shared online to get attention, often of the flirty variety. The term "thirst" metaphorically means desperate or eager, often for validation.
Finally, "Throw Shade" means to subtly insult or show contempt without direct confrontation. The phrase, rooted in Black LGBTQ+ ball culture, was popularized in mainstream culture in the 2000s.
These terms emerged from a mix of internet platforms (especially Twitter, Instagram, TikTok), music (hip-hop, rap), and marginalized communities, then spread into mainstream usage largely by Millennials communicating digitally and seeking playful, novel ways to express social sentiments and identity nuances.
This explanation aligns with observations from teen slang dictionaries and linguistic analyses of internet-born and AAVE-rooted expressions, highlighting how Millennial slang blends creative cultural influences into everyday language.
- The term "Slaps" is a Millennial slang used to express something that is excellent or highly enjoyable, particularly in a music or pop culture context, originating from hip-hop culture.
- Another popular term is "Wig Snatched", which originated in Black drag culture and means something so amazing it figuratively snatches your wig off, expressing extreme surprise or excitement.
- "Squad", a term used to refer to a close-knit group of friends, has also gained widespread popularity, often used to show affection and loyalty thanks to celebrities and social media.
- "Pumpkin Spice Everything" is a Millennial cultural reference to the widespread popularity of pumpkin spice flavored products during fall, symbolizing Millennial pop culture obsessions, especially with autumn and the infamous pumpkin spice latte.
