Slang terms 101—for translating your tween or staying in touch with modern lingo
There are so many languages to learn—but more often than not modern slang terms are the hardest to pick up. With the constantly shifting tide in terms of which words are trendy and which are outdated (hey, bombdot.com), sometimes it feels like a scramble to stay literate—making your high school Spanish class look like the junior leagues. Seriously.
So, from “groovy” and “booyah” to the “sus” and “slay” of ~6 months ago (now already deemed “out”) and the “no cap lit on god” of the present (ah, youths!), here is your modern cheat sheet dictionary. Before you facepalm, rest assured. A lineup of OG terms are back—from “lame” to “chillin’.” (Just like fashion, slang is cyclical!)
Peruse for a smattering of words you might be seeing and hearing more of this year—whether deciphering the diction of your tween (we know “mom” is now “bruh”) or doomscrolling. So read on to keep in step with society and its ever-changing lingo. No cap.
Ate: To be very talented at something Blueprint: The Backstreet Boys are the blueprint for boys bands Bussin’: 👍👍👍👍 Cheugy: A Disney or Harry Potter-themed tattoo—nuff said (Caution: This one’s already been deemed a hard no by a group of 8th graders.) Delulu: Not using your common sense. Translation: Being delulu is not the solulu Gyat: Alexa, play “Baby Got Back”—because this one stands for: “girl your a** thicc.” Hygge: Cozy, comfy and content Main character energy: Your life is a movie—and you are the star Rizzler: Not to be confused with Twizzlers, but rather a smooth talker and successful flirt Side eye: An under-the-radar way to express judgment Simp: When a guy (really, really) likes a girl… Rent-free: Taking up space in someone’s mind Unserious: See: Nickelodeon’s Super Bowl streaming Vibe check: Make your (atmosphere or emotional state) assessment
The RM team’s fave spots to vibe and imbibe around Raleigh—bar none.
There’s no question about it: The City of Oaks boasts some pretty sensational bars to grab a boozy (or spirit-free!) bev—whether that’s a craft brewski or a carefully concocted cocktail. From OG watering holes to rising rookie oases, there’s a smattering of selections for whatever you’re craving. But we all play favorites. Here, the RM team and contribs’ go-to bars in Raleigh to grab a drink.
Fab ’fit ideas for the fashionable fundie undie runner
Have a case of the runs? For the 14th year running, kindhearted people around the country are dropping their drawers for Cupid’s Undie Run and jogging toward finding a cure for neurofibromatosis (a group of genetic conditions that lead to tumors growing on the body’s nerves) via supporting the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Starting at Durham’s Motorco Music Hall Feb. 17, participants can pregame with drinks and dancing before a mile-ish jog, then finish off the festivities with a dance party post-run.
Ready to (mostly) strip down in solidarity and support the cause? Here, your fun run outfit inspo—no side stitches allowed. See ya streakin’ across the start line? my.cupids.org
Heart Boxers Need a de-brief? Don some boxers covered in hearts—or another fun design!—to spread the joy. … We really love to see it!
Footie PJs Don’t sleep on this one. … Put your best foot forward—if you’re brave enough to get active in a onesie—and get joggin’ in a pair of jammies!
Knee Socks Fun socks 🤝 elite ’fit. Pick a pair of high-rise knee socks with a fun design to #slay your fun run. A sock star, indeed!
Tutus Stay *tutu* cool via a colorful skirt that will no doubt effortlessly elevate your stylish—and sweaty?—aesthetic.
Heart-Shaped Sunglasses Rose-colored lenses? We raise you a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses. Finish line’s so bright, you gotta wear shades.
Turns out, these are all traits that track for 20-somethings—aka (mostly) Gen Z, topping out at age 26. When it comes to relationships, per UCLA’s recent report, a whopping 51.5% of those studied (24-year-olds through teens) prefer seeing content that represents platonic relationships in lieu of romance.
“I think movies and media in general are overdoing it on romance and forcing passion into everything when it’s not needed,” laments one 23-year-old we spoke to on the topic. “Sometimes friends are simply just friends, and I wish they would show the side that emulates reality more.”
Perhaps this sentiment, shared among many Z’ers, could contribute to this summer’s blockbuster hit Barbie’s success with the younger crowd, what with its depiction of meaningful female relationships from a woman’s perspective—and less of the superficial love drama.
“We know young people are suffering an epidemic of loneliness, and they’re seeking modeling in the art they consume,” notes UCLA study co-author Yalda T. Uhls in a recent Variety article. “While some storytellers use sex and romance as a shortcut to character connection, it’s important for Hollywood to recognize adolescents want stories that reflect the full spectrum of relationships.”
Beyond wishing for more wholesomeness on the screen, the gen also continues to live with their parents well into their 20s. In fact, per a recent RentCafe study, ~87% of Gen Z’ers in Raleigh still bunk at their childhood homes, likely due at least in part to financial concerns and the housing market. Fun fact: A deep dive on LinkedIn affirms many families’ holiday dinner conversations centered around whether those in their 20s will ever be able to afford a house in their lifetime—though Raleighites may have a leg up given recent research finding Raleigh remains one of the most affordable major metros.
As far as the social life for the average “Zoomer”—the gen nickname an intentional play on the activist-meets-PC Boomers they mirror—a scad of studies reveals the iGeneration finds it harder to connect with people in-person, experiences higher rates of loneliness and is disenchanted with the current nightlife experience, never mind the pandemic effect. And now that Gen Alpha is creating its own reputation and starting to bump its elders aside in terms of “cool factor,” it leaves us to wonder—what will the 30s have in store for Gen Z? Only time will tell…
Zensational Takeaways
“Sober curious” or drinking less
More likely to feel lonely
Bunking with their parents into young adulthood
Prefers more platonic relationship portrayed on screen
Disillusioned with “going out” and opting for quieter hobbies
In honor of the most sip-sational holiday—aka National Drink Wine Day Feb. 18—we dive into everything from wineries spanning the state to local wine shops and sommeliers. How *pour* are your wine smarts?
Our fave type of red? Wolfpack red, of course! NC-based Shelton Vineyards proudly produced NC State’s Hallowed Places Collection, which debuts annual limited-edition red and white wines. Which iconic university spot does the 2023 edition highlight?
a. Carter-Finley Stadium b. Reynolds Coliseum c. Talley Student Union d. Hunt Library
Oh, grape! Vitis House became NC’s first-ever wine school when it opened in 2019. NTM owner Doreen Colondres boasts an impressive résumé, including serving as a celeb chef on which major network?
a. ABC b. Fox c. CBS d. NBC
Biltmore House boasts a winery—and estate!—attracting visitors from all over to Asheville for sips and strolls around the grounds. What type of building was the now-winery before it was converted?
a. Horse stables b. Silo c. Dairy barn d. Greenhouse
Nestled about five minutes from the Wake County border, Zinc House Winery & Brewery transports its visitors to a tranquil oasis feat. expansive vineyards of muscadine grapes. What does the winery’s name nod to?
a. The zinc coating the walls and roofs b. The zinc found in the fountains c. An elevated sense of taste and smell d. Good wine and good health
Siler City’s FireClay Cellars produced an impressive vino that earned a double gold win at the NC State Fair wine competition in 2019. Which of the family-run business’ bevs earned the prize?
a. Mulled chambourcin b. 2018 red blend reserve c. 2016 chambourcin d. 2017 chambourcin
Ciao, bella! Transport yourself to surrounds reminiscent of the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside via Raffaldini Vineyards. The philosophy of the estate is influenced by which famed poet?
a. Publius Vergilius Maro (Virgil) b. William Shakespeare c. Emily Dickinson d. Robert Frost
Hop to Chapel Hill for drinks that’ll rock your world at Rocks + Acid Wine Shop, dedicated to discovering the “most terroir-driven wines of the world.” Which esteemed publication(s) has Chief Wine Drinker Paula de Pano’s sippery appeared in?
a. Wine Enthusiast b. Wine Spectator c. Wine Magazine d. All of the above
Lexington-based Childress Vineyards opened its doors in 2004, thus fulfilling the lifelong dream of Richard Childress, who is also known for owning a team in what league?
