Your Guide to 40 of the Most Prominent Internet Slang Terms
If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly at a tweet or comment section wondering, “What does that even mean?” — you’re not alone.
The internet has created a whole new language. And just when you think you’ve caught up, a new slang term pops up that makes you feel like you missed a memo. Whether you're trying to keep up with Gen Z, communicate better online, or just enjoy a good meme, this guide will help you decode 40 of the most popular internet slang terms you’re likely to come across in 2025.
Let’s dive in — and don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun and easy.
🤯 1. Based
Used to describe someone who is confidently themselves and unapologetically honest. Originally the opposite of “cringe.”
“She spoke her mind and didn’t care what anyone thought. So based.”
😂 2. LOL
Short for Laugh Out Loud. It’s one of the OG internet acronyms, still going strong.
“That video was hilarious LOL.”
💀 3. Dead / I’m Dead
Not literally — this means something is so funny, it “killed” you (in a good way).
“That meme? I’m dead. 💀”
👀 4. Sus
Short for “suspicious” or “suspect.” Became popular thanks to Among Us.
“He said he wasn’t lying, but he was being super sus.”
📱 5. DM
Direct Message. It refers to private messaging on social media platforms.
“She slid into my DMs.”
😩 6. Mood
Used when something totally captures how you feel.
“Mood.”
🧢 7. Cap / No Cap
“Cap” means a lie. “No cap” means you’re being honest.
“That movie was the best of all time. No cap.”
🔥 8. Fire
Used to describe something amazing, cool, or top-tier.
“That new album? Fire.”
💅 9. Slay
To absolutely crush it — with style, attitude, or confidence.
“She slayed that outfit.”
💀 10. Cringe
Something awkward, embarrassing, or trying too hard.
“He made a TikTok dance to a breakup video. Cringe.”
🧍 11. Simp
Someone who tries way too hard to impress or please someone they like, often to a fault.
“He bought her flowers after one date? Simp.”
🚩 12. Red Flag
Used to call out warning signs in behavior, especially in dating.
“He doesn’t like dogs? Red flag.”
🏁 13. Green Flag
The opposite of a red flag — signs that someone is a keeper.
“He listens without interrupting. Major green flag.”
🧠 14. Big Brain
Used ironically (or seriously) to praise smart thinking or clever solutions.
“You taped your charger so no one borrows it? Big brain move.”
🥱 15. Mid
Describes something average or underwhelming.
“Everyone hyped up the new show, but it was kinda mid.”
🎯 16. Ratio
On Twitter/X, if a reply gets more likes than the original post, it's called a "ratio." It's often used to indicate disagreement or dunking on someone.
“You just got ratioed.”
📉 17. L / W
“L” stands for loss, “W” for win. Used to describe anything negative or positive.
“Missing that concert was a major L.”
“Free pizza at work today — W!”
🗣️ 18. Say Less
Used to show you get the point and are ready to act. It’s like saying “Got it.”
“Pizza tonight?” “Say less.”
🧍♂️ 19. NPC
Non-playable character. Used to describe someone who seems like they're not thinking for themselves or just following the crowd.
“He only talks in TikTok catchphrases. Total NPC.”
💣 20. Bombastic Side Eye
A playful or dramatic expression of judgment. Usually used sarcastically.
“You wore socks with sandals?” “Bombastic side eye.”
🍿 21. It’s Giving
Used to describe the vibe or energy something gives off.
“That outfit? It’s giving 90s supermodel.”
😬 22. Main Character
Someone who lives like they’re in a movie — bold, confident, and in the spotlight.
“She walked in like she owns the place. Total main character energy.”
🧃 23. Thirsty
Desperate — usually for attention or affection.
“He liked all her pics in one night. Thirsty.”
👏 24. Periodt
An emphatic way to end a statement. Meant to shut down any debate.
“Respect is non-negotiable. Periodt.”
😮💨 25. Bet
Used to express agreement or acceptance.
“Wanna hang later?” “Bet.”
🔁 26. IYKYK
“If You Know, You Know.” A way of referencing something that only certain people understand.
“That hidden café on 6th? IYKYK.”
🔇 27. Ghosting
Disappearing from someone’s life or conversations without warning.
“We went on three dates and now he’s ghosting me.”
📢 28. Receipts
Screenshots, proof, or evidence (especially in drama or arguments).
“She said she didn’t say that, but I’ve got the receipts.”
👑 29. Queen / King
Used to hype someone up — usually for being confident, kind, or stylish.
“She runs her business and takes care of her fam. Queen.”
🧊 30. Icy
Cool, often used to describe someone’s fashion or demeanor.
“That chain is icy.”
🕵️ 31. Tea
Gossip or juicy information.
“Spill the tea — what happened at the party?”
🚨 32. Hot Take
An opinion that’s controversial or goes against the norm.
“Hot take: pineapple absolutely belongs on pizza.”
📈 33. Glowed Up
A major improvement in appearance, lifestyle, or confidence.
“She glowed up since high school.”
🛑 34. No One: / Literally No One:
A format to highlight when someone says or does something unprovoked.
“No one: Literally no one: Him: I only drink water from mason jars.”
📱 35. Touch Grass
A way of telling someone to go offline and reconnect with real life.
“You argued about potato rankings for 4 hours. Go touch grass.”
🧂 36. Salty
Irritated or bitter — usually over something minor.
“He lost the game and now he’s salty.”
🔄 37. Vibe Check
A quick read of someone’s energy or mood.
“He walked in yelling. Instant failed the vibe check.”
🤫 38. Lowkey / Highkey
Lowkey = subtle or secretly. Highkey = boldly or obviously.
“I lowkey want to leave early.” “I highkey love this playlist.”
💀 39. BOOMER
Used sarcastically to describe someone who’s acting old-school or out of touch, regardless of actual age.
“You printed out MapQuest? Okay, boomer.”
🤹 40. Doing the Most
Being extra or over-the-top in a dramatic or unnecessary way.
“He wore a tux to a coffee date. Doing the most.”
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — your cheat sheet to the wonderful, weird, ever-evolving world of internet slang! Whether you're decoding TikToks, interpreting memes, or just trying to keep up with your group chat, now you’ve got the lingo to stay in the loop.
Remember, slang is always changing — and that’s part of the fun. So stay curious, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and most importantly... never stop vibing.
Did we miss one of your favorite slang terms? Drop it in the comments — we’re always here for more tea.
