Language shifts. It evolves. New words appear, and some become adopted over the longer term (and might become ‘word of the year’ whereas others disappear into the ether). Often new words are developed and shared by the younger generation – the digital equivalents of slang or colloquialisms, depending on the degree of impenetrability intended against outside eavesdroppers (colloquialisms are often easier to decipher).
From “finstas” to “moots”, “bussin” and “drip”, researchers have revealed the colloquialisms, slang, and abbreviations which leave modern parents baffled.
Topping the list of most digital vernacular is “finsta”, according to a recent survey (scoring 43 percent among baffled adults). The term refers to a fake, “parent friendly” Instagram account.
Why even consider a fake account? As many as 37 percent of teens suspect that their parents are trying to spy on them via social media, so much so that a fifth (19 percent) use a secondary or ‘spam’ account which they allow their parents to follow and where they carefully curate the content. One in three (34 percent) go a step further and actively adjust their privacy settings to keep their stories and posts hidden from their parents, while a quarter (26 percent) have blocked a family member from following them.
Other online and chat terms which pickle the minds of millennial and Gen X parents, include the initialism “GRWM” (39 percent), which means get ready with me and “poggers” (39 percent) which is used to show enthusiasm for something.
Other confusing phrases include “moots” (39 percent) for mutual followers, “OOTD” (37 percent) meaning outfit of the day, “CL” (37 percent) translating to ‘can’t lie’ (OR “ICL” for I can’t lie) – and “clappered” (35 percent) which means worn out.
The survey was conducted by Tesco Mobile for the UK and it has revealed that one in four (27 percent) teens admit to having a “finsta” – a hidden social media account, meaning many parents could be completely in the dark about the full extent of their children’s online presence.
Amongst the slang words which have been decoded for parents, were “N00b”, referring to a new person, “rizz”, which refers to someone’s style or attractiveness, and “aura”, referring to someone who is cool or confident.
Leading colloquialisms bouncing around cyberspace are:
- Finsta (a fake Instagram account) – 43%
- GRWM (Get Ready with Me) – 39%
- Poggers (means enthusiasm) – 39%
- Moots (means mutual followers) – 39%
- OOTD (means ‘outfit of the day’) – 37%
- CL (means ‘can’t lie) – 37%
- Ratioed (referring to a post which has more negative comments than positive ones) – 33%
- Touch grass (means spend more time outside and less time online) – 33%
- NPC (stands for non-player character which describes someone who lacks independent thought) – 32%
- ASMR (stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response which is the tingling sensation you experience in response to certain sounds or visuals) – 31%
- N00b (stands for newbie – an inexperienced person) – 31%
- Rizz (refers to someone style or attractiveness) – 28%
- Aura (someone who is cool or confident) – 28%
- Cap/No Cap (refers to telling a lie or not telling a lie) – 28%
- Goated (refers to someone that is considered the Greatest Of All Time) – 27%
- BRAT (someone who is confidently rebellious, unapologetically bold, and playfully defiant) – 26%
- Clout (someone who has power, influence and popularity)- 24%
- Bussin’ (means exciting) – 24%
- Snatched (someone who is attractive, well-styled, or amazing) – 23%
- Bet (used to express approval or agreement) – 23%
- Mid (something that is mediocre or average) – 22%
- Drip (a stylish outfit or accessory) – 22%
Emma Herridge, Marketing Director at Tesco Mobile, says in a statement sent to Digital Journal: “It’s a universal truth that parents want to keep their kids safe and it’s brilliant when TV shows spark conversation and reflect the reality that many families are dealing with. Our research shows just how much of children’s online activity goes unnoticed. By fostering open conversations, parents can feel more confident navigating the digital world with their children.”
