How to Understand Millennials
So, the term millennial refers to a group of people born between 1980 and 2000. The latter end of this age group have seemingly created their own language, which can confuse the hell out of you golden oldies.
You’re on the way to the water machine or kitchen to grab a much needed drink, when you spot a group of new apprentice’s stood around chatting. You want them to feel welcome, engage in meaningful conversation, but words like “groovy” are just not going to cut it.
Well, we thought we’d help you out! Here is a quick low down on the language that millennials use, hopefully it’ll make you seem just that little but cooler… or just understand what they’re saying!
Bae
Used by those describing their girlfriend/boyfriend. Also stands for Before Anyone Else.
Turnt up
Can be a state of altered consciousness induced by alcohol or narcotics, but mainly used in the sense of something/someone being happy, excited, and energetic.
“Yo bro, last night was turnt up!”
Lit
When something is turned up.
Tony: “did you go to that party last night”
Dave: “yeah, that shit was lit”
West
Everything that is the imagination, alternative or otherwise. Often thought as crazy or weird.
“Tony mate, I think I’m going west”
Cushty
When something is nice and comfortable, a good situation.
Sick
A bit of an old school one, but sick often means cool, crazy or insane.
On fleek
Being on point, originally used on Instagram to describe good eyebrows.
“My eyebrows are on fleek today”
V
Simply used to replace the full word “very” – often used more on text.
AF
Acronym for “as fuck”.
“I’m excited af for tonight”
Curve
To deliberately ignore or sidestep an obvious expression of interest.
“I was trying to get this girl to be my bae, but she curved”
Goals
Applied to an aspirational group, person, object, or quality one aspires to have.
“Rhianna’s body is goals”
GOAT
Stands for Greatest of All Time.
“Elvis is the GOAT, no doubt about it!”
Zero Chill
Reckless or irrational behaviour, a lack of self control.
RN
Short for Right Now – mainly used on text or social media.
“I’m so turnt rn”
Ship
To endorse another couples romantic relationship
“I totally ship Lizzie and Tony’s relationship”
SMH
Stands for Shake My Head, showing disapproval or scorn in the face of perceived stupidity.
“Tony spent his whole paycheck on beer, smh”
Throw Shade
To obviously show disapproval, give side eyes or talk trash.
Thirsty
Wanting something especially bad, acting desperate and too eager.
“That girl is so thirsty”
Now, we aren’t saying that by using these terms you’ll be considered cool amongst the millennials (that’s a hard thing to achieve), but it’s always worth knowing their language as you may impress them with the knowledge one day. Or at least understand what they’re saying!
Bye Felicia!
