Dear Reader knows that I’ve long maligned overused modern expressions. Many originating from books written by business “experts.” 

It’s as if those terms become immediately hackneyed. “Thinking outside the box” and being “on the same page” … I’ve never thought or been either. “Low-hanging fruit,” although I’ve never picked it, “chaps my fanny,” (a phrase I dig, neither corporate nor new). And “side hustle” I adore. I’m not sure where, for me, the line gets drawn.  My threshold has no defined criteria. 

With no help from corporate smoothies, the Young People (YPs) typically devise their own lexicon entirely, more so today than ever. Here’s an exchange I had with a Young Person I see occasionally:

Me: Thanks for the help.
YP: Totally!
Me: I’m sorry I distracted you from your duties.
YP: No worries.
Me: Be safe.
YP: And you as well. 

My fave is his “Totally!” in place of “You’re welcome.” Also how he says, “And you as well,” no matter how I sign off. I could say, “Eat more pickled foods!” and he’d reply with, “And you as well,” I’m certain.

Greetings and Sign-offs have greater variety these days
People now ask less often, “How are you?” When they do, they get an honest answer. Which is rarely the old standard, “Great!” More often it’s: “Okay.” “Oh, all right.” If someone replies with “Great!”, we’re baffled and want to know more.

Currently all the rage: Deciphering what the heck the YPs are saying

Some we already knew.

“Bed Rotting” ~ Living for long hours in your bed, presumably on screens 

“Brain Rot” ~ From exposing oneself to excessive online content

“Sick” ~ Funny

“Ghosting” ~ Ditching or not responding to someone 

“It’s all good.” ~ A response to an apology, which I dislike. In general, it’s not even partially good, much less “all” good, if I’m apologizing … but okay.

Others I learned with the help of a hip local educator, a teachers’ website, and articles in USA Today (6/3/23) and the Wall Street Journal, of all places (2/5/25).

Know these terms and be less out of It – a Sampling

 “Rizz” ~ n. Charisma; v. to charm.” (also: Rizzy, rizzless)

“Say Less.” ~ I understand, no need to explain further. 

“Cap” ~  Calling someone a liar.
YP1 “I can jump higher than you!”  YP2 “That’s all cap!” or “Stop capping.”

“No cap.” ~ No lie.  “I love the way you look, no cap.”

Bet ~ I agree, understand

YP1 “Are you ready for the next slang word?”  YP2 “Bet.”

“Delulu “ ~  Delusional. (Sounds like a health drink, no?)

“Ate that (and left no crumbs).”: when someone pulled off something impressive

“They’re talking.” ~ They’re dating. (I suppose the good news is they’re actually speaking to each other).

“Drip” ~ Attire, accessories.  “Love the drip.” 

“It’s giving.” ~ Something is good, cute (a vibe or something physical).

YP1 “Do you like my fit?”  YP2 “Girl, it’s giving.” Or: “Yes, it’s giving Barbie . . . slay.” (It reminds me of a Barbie outfit; you are crushing it.) 

“It’s Serving” ~ It looks really good. Or: “It’s serving Barbie.”

“Sus” ~ A suspicious person or situation 

YP1 “Did you hear what Leah said?” YP2 “Yeah, her story sounds kinda sus, no cap.”

“Menty B” ~ Mental breakdown. (Sounds to me like a breath mint.)

“Flex” ~ Brag 

YP1 “I want to show you my shoe collection.”   YP2 “Weird flex.” 

“Left on Read” ~ Your text was marked “read” but never replied to (awww).

“Tea” ~ Hot gossip  “Spill the tea.”

Sigma/Alpha ~ Someone independent and strong. Think: “alpha dog.”

Beta ~  A weak, passive person

Omega ~ The lowest rating you can get (oof!)

Some I won’t pretend to understand
Skibidi Ohio. Beta maxing. Gyat. Gigachad. Baddie. Girl math. Yeet. Core. Kizzy Cap. Deeve. Preesh. Glazing. Fanum tax. The list—and regionalized mutations, interpretations, and spelling iterations—are endless

Sadly, by the time Dear Reader finishes this column, these terms have all fallen out of use. New ones have taken their place. How do I know this? Because I heard two used in a Hallmark movie, and that’s the kiss of death for any self-respecting YP, no doubt.

Is the elusive cleverness of all this making you “bonkers”? Are you going “out of your tree”? Have you “lost your bird”? I apologize, no cap and massive worries. Send your grievances to author@annaikens.com or  www.uppervalleygirl.com, and, by all means, have a good day.* 

*I end thusly this month because a fellow alto reports that her mother hated this common expression used in parting, and once replied to a store clerk, “I’ll have any kind of day I damn well please.”

Ann Aikens is an author, columnist, speaker, and blogger. Her darkly comical book of advice, A Young Woman’s Guide to Life: A Cautionary Tale, was published in 2023, her Upper Valley Girl column since 1996. Find events and bookshops at annaikens.com; her blog is uppervalleygirl.com.