If you’ve ever heard your teenager mention the “80/20 rule,” talk about “nerfing,” or post something as simple as “I had pasta tonight” — you might wonder if they’re speaking a different language.
They kind of are.
Teenage slang shifts daily, driven by TikTok, gaming and fast-moving online trends. And while some of these phrases are harmless, others can signal deeper worries or risky behaviour.
Parents don’t have to memorise every trend (that would be impossible), but a bit of knowledge goes a long way to help you feel connected and spot warning signs early.
Here’s a Quick Guide To What’s Trending Now:
- 80/20 Rule – The idea that 80% of women are attracted to the top 20% of men (often from online dating or social status communities)
- iSAD – Internet Separation Anxiety Disorder; anxiety when away from the internet.
- Nerf/Nerfed – Gaming term for when a developer weakens a weapon, skill, or character
- Ohio – Used to describe something strange, weird, or bad
- Bop / Huzz – Slang for a promiscuous woman
- Big back – Refers to someone perceived as overweight, or who eats a lot
- I had pasta tonight – A hidden code to express depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
Here’s a few more that have been around awhile:
- Sigma: A cool, independent leader type (sigma male).
- Gyatt: Refers to someone’s large or attractive backside.
- Dog Water: Something or someone that is very bad or low quality.
- Brain Rot: Wasting time consuming low-quality or meaningless online content.
- Fanum Tax: Stealing food from a friend.
- Cheugy: Outdated or unfashionable, behind current trends.
- Salty: Being annoyed or bitter.
- Ohio: Used to describe something weird or bizarre, referencing memes about Ohio.
- Cap / No Cap: “Cap” means a lie, “No Cap” means truth.
- Clapback: A quick, witty comeback to an insult.
- Looksmaxxing: Improving one’s physical appearance to maximise attractiveness.
- Mewing: Strengthening or improving jawline appearance.
- Sheesh: Expressing surprise or disbelief.
- Glaze: Overpraising someone to the point of cringe.
- Sus: Suspicious or questionable behaviour.
- Ate: Something impressive or outstanding.
- Skibidi: A nonsense or hype word with no fixed meaning.
- Simp: Someone who does too much for someone they like.
- Edging: Improving or enhancing something, often looks.
- Bungling: Messing something up in a cute or attractive way.
Social Media Codes Parents Should Know:
🔸 KPC – Keeping Parents Clueless
🔸 NSFW – Not Safe For Work (or minors)
🔸 PIR – Parent In Room
🔸 P911 – Parent Alert
🔸 CD9 – Code 9, parents around
What Parents Can Do
- Stay curious, not controlling – Slang is about belonging, not about shutting parents out. Ask what things mean and alway stay calm.
- Watch for context – If you see a phrase like “I had pasta tonight”, it could be a red flag — check in and offer support.
- Talk about values – Slang evolves, but respect, empathy and kindness endures.
- Be there, without judgement – Teenagers still need their parents — even if you don’t speak their language fluently.
At Synapse, we help young people build coping skills, confidence and communication — and we help parents stay engaged in a fast-changing and increasing complex world.
If you’re worried about your child feeling lost, alone, or overwhelmed call us 0204 592 1268 We’re here to help.
