YOUTH VERNACULAR

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to finish off the year with the gift of the gab, a roundup of the top 10 youth buzzwords taking over the timelines and TikToks of young people all over the world.

So if you’re still using bae and not bussin’, slay and not sheesh, lean in and prepare to level up your conversations this Christmas.

WORD

MEANING

CAN YOU PUT IT IN A SENTENCE PLEASE?

RIZZ

Short for charisma and also Oxford
University Press’ literal word
of the year! Often linked to
attractiveness and the ability
to attract…

“I was chatting to her last week and I had mad rizz!”

NPC

Non player character, a background
player in a video game. When
used to describe somebody in
real life, you’re basically saying
they’re bland and irrelevant.

“This party is full of NPCs, let’s leave.”

BUSSIN’

When something is INCREDIBLY
good.

*Takes first sip at Christmas party…
“This cocktail is bussin’”

SHEESH

Dammmnnnnn!

*Your crush walks into the room
“Sheesh – they looking fine!”

DRIP

A term that compliments somebody
who is cool and stylish.

You see his trainers? He has some serious drip.

SIMP

Somebody who does waaaayyyyyy
too much for somebody they like.

GUY: *buys partner house, car, new wardrobe, holiday
FRIEND: bro you a simp

MID

Describing something that is
disappointing or average.

I waited for that movie for months but it was mid

SALTY

To be upset over something trivial.

Lol he was so salty when he lost Mario Kart!

IT’S GIVING

When somebody embodies a
particular style or mood.

*Friend arrives dressed in pink.

ME: “It’s giving Regina George energy

OOF

When you don’t really care
but you feel you need to say
something.

FRIEND: “So I broke up with him, after nearly 4 years”
ME: “oof”

BRAND TAKEOUTS

Words have consequences. Use them right, they can do wonders for your brand, use them incorrectly and honestly, game over.

We hope you thought this issue of 52INSIGHTS was bussin’. See you next week!