Millennial Slang Terms Decoded: Salty, Adulting, Slaps, and More Phrases Explained
In the ever-evolving world of pop culture, Millennials have left an indelible mark, contributing a plethora of slang terms that have become part of our everyday vernacular. One such term is "throw shade," a phrase that encapsulates subtle disrespect or criticism.
Throw Shade
The term "throw shade" means publicly expressing contempt, disrespect, or criticism for someone in an indirect or subtle way. This figurative use of "shade" implies casting a shadow of negativity or insult without overt confrontation.
While the exact origins of the phrase are not fully documented, it is widely recognised as emerging from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popularised in LGBTQ+ ballroom culture during the 1980s and 1990s. Its mainstream exposure came through shows like RuPaul's Drag Race in the 2000s and social media in the 2010s and onward.
The literal meaning of "shade" as darkness or shadow extends metaphorically to symbolic "darkness" cast toward someone, i.e., subtle criticism or insult.
Pumpkin Spice Everything
Another cultural reference popularised by Millennials is "Pumpkin Spice Everything," associated with UGG boots, scarves, and warm beverages during the fall season. This phrase symbolises the Millennial obsession with autumn and pumpkin spice-flavoured products.
Slang Terms and Millennials
Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, have contributed numerous slang words to pop culture. Some of these terms include "Squad," "Adulting," "Low Key," "High Key," "Slaps," and "Thirst Trap."
Slang Definitions
- "Squad" refers to a close group of friends, often used in a positive context to show affection and loyalty.
- "Adulting" refers to doing grown-up things like paying bills or handling responsibilities.
- "Low Key" means being subtle or secretly into something, while "High Key" means being enthusiastic or all-in.
- "Slaps" is used to express approval, especially in a musical or pop culture context.
- "Thirst Trap" is a Millennial slang word for a photo or video shared online to attract attention, often of a flirty nature.
Conclusion
From "throw shade" to "Pumpkin Spice Everything," Millennial slang has become an integral part of our cultural lexicon. As these terms continue to evolve and spread, they serve as a testament to the power of language to reflect and shape our society.
This article was created in conjunction with AI technology and fact-checked and edited by a human editor.
[1] Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Shade. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shade [2] Urban Dictionary. (n.d.). Shade. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=shade [3] Oxford Languages. (n.d.). Throw shade. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/throw-shade_1 [4] Collins English Dictionary. (n.d.). Throw shade. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/throw-shade [5] Vox. (2016, October 26). The history of 'throw shade'. Retrieved March 11, 2023, from https://www.vox.com/culture/23401149/throw-shade-history-drag-race-lgbtq-ballroom-culture
- The term "throw shade" encapsulates both public disrespect or criticism and its origins can be traced back to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture.
- Beside "throw shade", Millennials have also popularized the phrase "Pumpkin Spice Everything", symbolizing their love for autumn and pumpkin spice-flavored products.
- In addition to these, Millennials have significantly contributed a wide range of slang terms to pop culture, such as "Squad", "Adulting", "Low Key", "High Key", "Slaps", and "Thirst Trap".
- The slang term "Squad" refers to a close group of friends, often signifying affection and loyalty.
- Another slang word, "Thirst Trap", is used to describe an online photo or video shared to attract attention, often of a flirty nature, reflecting an aspect of Millennials' relationship culture and the role of social media within it.
