How learning your grandchildren’s lingo helps bridge the generation gap.
Staying connected with your grandchildren goes beyond just sharing stories or attending family gatherings. To truly bond with younger generations, mastering their slang can be a fun and effective way to show you’re paying attention to their world. Plus, using these phrases correctly can earn you some serious cool points.
Not only will they be impressed by your effort, but they’ll also feel a sense of pride teaching you. Ready to decode their language and surprise them with your savvy?
1. “No cap” means you’re not lying.
When your grandchild says “no cap,” they’re emphasizing honesty. This slang phrase is used to indicate that someone is telling the truth or being completely genuine. For example, if they say, “This pizza is the best I’ve ever had, no cap,” they’re doubling down on their statement’s sincerity. It’s the opposite of “capping,” which refers to lying or exaggerating. Learning to use this phrase in the right context will show them you’re genuinely listening and invested in understanding their way of communicating.
Next time they share something exciting or surprising, you could respond with, “No cap? That’s amazing!” Using their slang authentically, rather than forcing it, helps keep the interaction fun and natural. They’ll probably laugh (in a good way) and might even offer tips on perfecting your delivery. Mastering a phrase like this opens the door to playful banter and deeper conversations, bridging any generational gap with ease.
2. “Bet” shows you’re in agreement or ready.
“Bet” is one of those versatile phrases that can mean “okay,” “sure,” or even “challenge accepted,” depending on how it’s used. If you’re making plans with your grandchild and they reply with “Bet,” it’s their way of confirming or enthusiastically agreeing. For instance, you might suggest going for ice cream, and they’d respond with, “Bet,” signaling their excitement for the plan. This simple word carries a lot of youthful energy and can make conversations feel livelier.
You can try this out in casual settings. If your grandchild suggests watching a movie together, respond with “Bet,” and watch their face light up. They’ll love seeing you embrace their slang in a way that feels authentic.
3. “Drip” refers to stylish clothing or accessories.
When your grandchild talks about someone’s “drip,” they’re complimenting their style. “Drip” is all about fashion and the way someone presents themselves, often in trendy or eye-catching outfits. If they say, “Grandpa, that jacket’s got drip,” take it as a major compliment! They’re acknowledging your fashion sense in a way that holds weight in their world. It’s not just about clothes—it’s about confidence and how you carry yourself.
The next time you’re shopping together, mention, “I need some drip like yours!” They’ll appreciate your willingness to embrace their lingo and might even help you pick something out. This phrase is more than slang; it’s an avenue for bonding over shared interests like style or self-expression.
4. “Flex” is about showing off something impressive.
To “flex” means to showcase something you’re proud of, whether it’s a new skill, an achievement, or even a new gadget. It’s often used to highlight something cool but can also have a playful, teasing tone depending on the context. For example, your grandchild might say, “Not to flex, but I got an A on my math test.” In this instance, they’re proudly sharing their accomplishment in a way that invites admiration.
You can jump into the fun by flexing your own skills. Maybe you’re great at gardening or cooking their favorite dish—mention it playfully with, “Not to flex, but my spaghetti sauce is unbeatable.”
5. “Sus” describes something suspicious or sketchy.
When something seems off or untrustworthy, your grandchild might describe it as “sus.” This shorthand for “suspicious” or “suspect” has gained popularity through gaming culture and memes but is now widely used in everyday conversations. If they say, “That guy seems sus,” they’re indicating some level of doubt or unease about someone’s actions or intentions.
You can use this phrase to connect with them during casual chats. For example, if you’re watching a mystery movie together, you might say, “That character seems pretty sus to me.” It’s a small but impactful way to show you’re not just listening but also participating in their world.
6. “Slay” means doing something exceptionally well.
“Slay” is a high-energy compliment that signifies excellence or total domination in a particular area. If your grandchild says, “You slayed that!” they’re telling you that you excelled. Whether you’re rocking a new outfit, delivering a witty comeback, or winning at a family game night, this phrase is all about celebrating success in style.
Use “slay” to cheer them on, too. For example, after a school performance or sports game, you might say, “You totally slayed out there!” They’ll appreciate the encouragement delivered in a way that feels fresh and current.
7. “Low-key” means something understated or subtle.
If your grandchild uses the term “low-key,” they’re describing something that’s not overly dramatic or is kept quiet. For instance, they might say, “I low-key love this song,” meaning they enjoy it but aren’t making a big deal out of it. It’s a way of expressing emotions or opinions with a subtle vibe.
You can incorporate “low-key” when you want to connect on their level. For example, if you’re planning a relaxed weekend, you could say, “Let’s keep it low-key and hang out at home.”
8. “Vibes” refers to the energy or atmosphere of a person or place.
“Vibes” is shorthand for the emotional or atmospheric energy that someone or something gives off. For example, if your grandchild describes a location as having “good vibes,” they mean it feels positive, welcoming, or uplifting. Conversely, “bad vibes” suggest discomfort or negativity. The phrase captures an intuitive feeling rather than something explicitly stated.
You can use this term to engage in conversation about shared experiences. For instance, if you’re visiting a park together, you could say, “This place has such relaxing vibes.”
9. “Sheesh” expresses surprise or amazement.
“Sheesh” is an exclamation of astonishment, typically used in a playful or exaggerated way. You’ll hear it when your grandchild sees something particularly impressive or surprising, like a stunning view, an incredible skill, or even a high price tag. It’s often drawn out—“Sheeeesh!”—for dramatic effect, making it both a reaction and a joke.
You can join in on the fun by trying it out in similar moments. For example, if they show you an impressive TikTok trick or a fancy new gadget, exclaim, “Sheesh!” in response. They’ll find it hilarious and charming that you’re catching on to their trends.
10. “Ghosted” means someone suddenly stopped communicating.
To be “ghosted” is to have someone suddenly cut off all communication without explanation. Your grandchild might use this term when a friend stops responding to texts or calls. For example, they could say, “I thought we were close, but she ghosted me.” It’s often associated with hurt feelings or confusion, especially in friendships or relationships.
You can use this term in conversations to empathize with their experiences. If they mention a situation where they’ve been ghosted, say something like, “That’s rough. Being ghosted feels so unfair.” By showing you understand the term and their feelings, you create a safe space for deeper discussions about relationships and emotions.
11. “Lit” means something is exciting or amazing.
If your grandchild describes an event, place, or moment as “lit,” they’re saying it’s incredibly fun, lively, or exciting. For example, they might say, “The concert was so lit last night!” It’s a term full of energy, used to highlight the best moments of an experience.
You can use this term to express excitement about shared plans. For instance, if you’re heading to a family party together, you might say, “This party’s going to be lit!” They’ll likely laugh and appreciate your effort to relate. Using “lit” adds a playful tone to your conversations, making your time together feel more dynamic and connected.
12. “Mood” expresses relatability to a feeling or situation.
When your grandchild says “Mood,” they’re expressing that they deeply relate to a specific feeling, action, or scenario. For example, if they see someone relaxing with a cup of tea on a rainy day, they might say, “That’s such a mood.” It’s a way of identifying with an emotion or vibe in a simple yet impactful way.
You can try this phrase when bonding over shared experiences. For instance, if you’re both laughing at a silly meme, you could say, “That’s a total mood!”
13. “Shook” means feeling shocked or overwhelmed.
“Shook” is all about being emotionally or mentally rattled, whether from surprise, fear, or excitement. Your grandchild might say, “I was so shook when I saw that twist ending!” It captures a moment of intense reaction to something unexpected.
Use “shook” to share your own moments of surprise. For example, if they tell you an unbelievable story, respond with, “I’m shook!” They’ll find it fun and engaging that you’re willing to use their language. Plus, it’s a great way to make your conversations feel fresh and lively.
14. “Extra” describes someone being over-the-top.
If your grandchild calls someone “extra,” they’re saying that person is acting exaggerated or over-the-top, often in a dramatic or unnecessary way. For example, they might say, “She’s so extra with her decorations,” referring to someone who went all out for a holiday. It’s not always negative—it can also be used playfully or as a compliment.
You can incorporate this term into lighthearted conversations. If you’re decorating a birthday cake together and go all out with candles, sprinkles, and designs, you might say, “I know this is extra, but it’s fun!” They’ll enjoy seeing you embrace the term in a positive and relatable way.
15. “Tea” means gossip or juicy information.
When your grandchild says, “Spill the tea,” they’re asking for gossip or juicy details about a situation. It’s a fun and lighthearted way of talking about drama or interesting stories. For instance, they might say, “What’s the tea on their breakup?” to inquire about the latest relationship news.
You can use this phrase to engage in playful conversations. If they start telling you about their day, you could jokingly say, “Okay, spill the tea!” It’s a way to add some humor and encourage them to share more. They’ll love your effort to connect through their lingo, and it might even become a running joke between you.