10 modern English slang expressions (with meanings & examples)
English changes fast, especially online and among young people. Social media, gaming, music, and pop culture constantly bring new...
English
English changes fast, especially online and among young people. Social media, gaming, music, and pop culture constantly bring new words and phrases. Some fade away, but others stick around. Here are ten popular slang expressions. How many do you know?
Meaning
Let someone keep doing what they are doing. It might turn out well. If someone ‘cooked,’ it means they did a great job.
Example
His idea looks strange, but let him cook. It could work.
It looks like a mess right now, but let them cook and see what happens.
Why people say it
People use it to show trust or patience.
Meaning
Take a break from being online and go outside to disconnect from the digital world.
Example
You have been on social media all day. Touch grass.
Go outside and touch grass, stop fighting with people on X.
Why people say it
It is usually a joke or friendly advice.
Meaning
To suddenly feel uncomfortable or turned off by someone, usually because they did something unattractive.
Example
He was rude to the staff, and it gave me the ick.
The way he talks about himself all the time gives me the ick.
Why people say it
It is often used when talking about dating or relationships.
Meaning
Someone did something really well.
Example
Her presentation was perfect. She ate and left no crumbs.
He really ate with that outfit; he looked perfect.
Why people say it
People say this to praise a performance or when someone looks good.
Meaning
Did exactly what was asked and did a great job.
Example
His costume was perfect. He understood the assignment.
Our social media team understood the assignment with that last viral video.
Why people say it
It is a fun way to praise effort and creativity.
Meaning
Being caught doing something wrong or embarrassing, with clear proof or evidence.
Example
He said he was working, but I caught him in 4K playing games.
He tried to say he wasn’t there, but the group chat caught him in 4K with that screenshot.
Why people say it
People use it when there is video or photo evidence.
Meaning
Used to describe the feeling, vibe, mood, or style of something.
Examples
This song is giving cosy winter vibes.
The café was giving old-school charm.
Why people say it
It is a creative way to talk about impressions.
Meaning
Acting confident, happy, or like the main character in your own life. It describes someone who takes charge.
Example
She walked into the bar smiling. Main character energy.
He quit his job to travel. That is main character energy.
Why people say it
People use it to describe confidence and self-belief.
Meaning
Acting without opinions, like a background character in a video game. It means someone who lacks individuality or is unoriginal.
Example
He agrees with everyone. That is NPC behaviour.
She follows every trend without thinking. Total NPC behaviour.
Why people say it
It comes from video games and is often used jokingly.
Meaning
Having natural good looks, especially in your face. If someone is unattractive or undesirable, people might say they are ‘chopped.’
Example
She looks great even without makeup. Her face card never declines.
She woke up late but still looks amazing. Face card is working.
Why people say it
It compares beauty to a credit card that always works.
The phrase ‘brain rot’ was Oxford’s Word of the Year in 2024.
Meaning
Feeling tired, foggy, or in mental decline. Unable to focus after spending too much time online.
Example
I watched short videos all night. I have brain rot now.
That video was pure brain rot, but I couldn’t stop watching.
Why people say it
People use it to joke about spending too much time online.
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