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You won’t find these trendy terms in the dictionary, but they’re likely all over your “FYP.”
As Gen Z comes of age right before the world’s eyes (virtually, of course) their fresh takes on the young adult lingua franca — nuanced concepts including “rizz,” “cap” and “sus” — thoroughly permeated the mainstream in 2023.
This year, Oxford University Press’ official Word of the Year is “brain rot,” a deterioration of the mind due to over-consuming “trivial” content online.
But that isn’t the only unfamiliar lingo being served on the internet lately.
“Demure,” which soared to popularity as a result of a viral video by TikTokker Jools Lebron, was crowned as Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year, which the lexicographers reported saw a 1,200% spike in use online between January and August of 2024.
The term, meaning to be modest or reserved, became a viral sensation referring to appearing sophisticated or refined, according to Dictionary.com.
Next up, is “brat,” which was named as the Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary and described as not just a Charli XCX album or buzzy term but also “a cultural phenomenon” and “way of life” as demonstrated by “brat summer.”
Thus, to be “brat” — an adjective — is not to be entitled nor spoiled, but rather a compliment, described by Collins Dictionary as “a confident, independent and hedonistic attitude.”
Other Gen Z slang that boomed in popularity this year includes the word “Ohio” as a way to say something decidedly uncool, or “the ick,” which refers to being put off by someone who does something cringe-worthy.
“Let them cook” is another phrase that has gripped Gen Z, used as a way to say, “let them do their thing” with the intention of the person succeeding.
“BFR” or “BFFR” is an acronym for “be for real” or “be f–king for real” which has surged in usage especially on TikTok, according to Daily Mail.
And, thanks to Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour, it is now commonplace to say that you’re in an “era” of your life — whether that be your “Swiftie era” or “brat era” — meant to refer to a distinct time in your life.
Most recently, a clip of a “Wicked” press junket interview went viral after a journalist informed Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo that fans of the musical were “holding space” for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity,” perplexing the internet as to what exactly the phrase “holding space” meant.
The Out magazine reporter, Tracy Gilchrist, later explained that it meant to be “physically, emotionally and mentally present with someone or something,” but not before it became an instant meme.
