You may have already memorised a couple of key expressions from your trusty English textbook, but what about the ones people are using now? Millennials love inventing new words and phrases, and you should be up on the expressions of the moment! So, here’s a taste of 10 millennial English terms you’re bound to hear everywhere:
1. Adulting
This is a millennial term if ever there was one. It refers to doing the duties and obligations that come along with being an adult.
Example:
I spent my weekend doing some serious adulting: I did my taxes and set up the new shelves I bought from IKEA.
2. Binge-watch
The world has Netflix to thank for this most popular of millennial English terms. This verb is used to denote watching all or multiple episodes of a TV show in a row.
Example:
I’m waiting until the whole season comes out on Netflix so I can binge-watch it on the weekend – I hate waiting every week for a new episode!
3. Can’t even
Used in all kinds of situations, this expression means that something is so good or bad that you “can’t even” handle it.
Example:
- Did you hear that there’s a new burger place opening up right across from work?
- Yes, I can’t even!
4. Cray
One way new words are created is by shortening already-existing words, in this case, “crazy”.
Example:
Tyler’s new girlfriend is cray – she set up a fake Facebook profile so she could stalk all his exes!
5. Keeping it 100
Often accompanied by the 100 emoticon if you’re texting, this expression means that you’re telling the truth in spite of how it might sound.
Example:
I told her that Kate was talking about her behind her back. I’m just keeping it 100.
6. On fleek
This expression was EVERYWHERE in the blink of an eye. If something is “on fleek”, it means it looks good.
Example:
Jason’s new haircut is totally on fleek. He looks like a model.
7. Party foul
You don’t want anyone accusing you of this! A “party foul” could be anything from spilling a full drink at a party to telling everyone you need to go home early and ruining the vibe.
Example:
- I can’t believe she drank the whole bottle of wine she brought before everyone else got here.
- Total party foul.
8. Salty
This is another one of the millennial English terms that you’ll hear endlessly. If someone is “salty” about something, they’re annoyed or bitter.
Example:
- Gina sure is in a bad mood today.
- I think she’s still salty about not getting the promotion.
9. Squad / #squadgoals
Your “squad” is your friend group. Made popular by pop star Taylor Swift, the term “squad” is also used often with the hashtag #squadgoals, when a group is doing something awesome that you want to copy with your own friends.
Example:
I love that the Game of Thrones cast hangs out in real life. #squadgoals
10. Woke
Think of this term as the opposite of politically incorrect. Someone who’s “woke” is enlightened about social issues.
Example:
Elise’s presentation on reducing food waste yesterday was amazing. She is so woke.
Now that you sound like a millennial, the best thing to do is head off to an English-speaking country and put your new knowledge to the test!
What do you think?