2023 Teen Slang: Parents Weigh in on New Trends

Merriam-Webster describes slang as a type of informal language that often features newly coined words and creative expressions. Although the definition stays consistent over time, the actual slang terms are in a constant state of evolution, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and culture.

Dr. Melissa Baese Berk, a Linguistics Professor at the University of Chicago and a specialist in language, notes that each generation develops its own slang, often leaving older generations puzzled or critical of it. They may find the new terms confusing or nonsensical, but this is an essential characteristic of slang. It serves as a tool for communities to establish identity and belonging. When mainstream groups, such as parents, start using these slang terms, the original group often shifts to new expressions. This dynamic is why keeping up with slang can be a challenge as time goes on.

At LingualNeeds, a premier language platform providing English lessons for kids, we delved into the latest slang trends across the nation. To uncover these insights, we conducted a survey with parents to discover the slang their teens are using, the terms parents have adopted, and the reasons behind their efforts to stay current with evolving language.

Key takeaways

• 1 in 2 parents say they try to keep up with modern slang to keep their teen safe.
• Nearly 3 in 5 parents say they keep up with modern slang to better connect with their teens.
• The slang terms most recognized by parents include “salty” (70%), “bougie” (67%), and “sus” (62%), while the least understood are “DTB” (4%), “pushin’ P” (8%), and “cheugy” (9%).
• Nearly 3 in 5 parents say they have Googled a slang term after seeing or hearing their teen use it.
• 1 in 5 parents don’t censor what their teen says.
• 1 in 10 parents would rather their teen curse than use slang.

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Guide to slang in 2023

For anyone looking to decode modern slang, we’ve gathered a comprehensive list of popular terms along with their definitions from Urban Dictionary, all neatly organized in the table above. To explore the entries, just click to the next page or use the search bar at the top of the table to find specific terms.

The slang parents hear their teens use most

In a world filled with ever-evolving slang, our study identified the 34 most frequently used terms among teens. We surveyed parents to discover which expressions they’ve heard their children using and ranked these terms from the most to the least popular. Here’s what we uncovered!

First on our list is the term “sus,” which skyrocketed in popularity with the 2018 online multiplayer game Among Us. In this game, players must collaborate to identify the “impostor” hiding among them. As a result, phrases like “red is sus” emerged in the chat, suggesting that the player in red was acting suspiciously.

At number 2, we have the slang term “bet,” which has emerged as a modern replacement for an older expression that parents might recognize. Often used as an exclamation, “bet” serves a similar purpose to the classic slang “word!”

Feeling puzzled by teen slang? You’re not alone! In fact, nearly 60% of parents admit to Googling slang terms after hearing their kids use them. With the rapid evolution of social media, new slang pops up constantly, making it challenging for anyone to stay in the loop.

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For deeper knowledge on this topic, you can check out our article Study Reveals MLB Fans with the Worst Spelling Skills.

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Do parents understand the slang their teen uses?

While parents are familiar with the slang their teens frequently use, how well do they truly grasp the meanings behind these words? A recent survey reveals that the terms most parents claim to understand include “salty” (70%), “bougie” (67%), “sus” (65%), “bet” (63%), and “extra” (62%).

At the opposite end of the spectrum are some terms that often leave parents scratching their heads: “cheugy” (9%), “pushin’ P” (8%), and “DTB” (4%). Coined in 2021, “cheugy” describes someone or something that feels outdated or overly eager to be trendy—think of the quintessential “live, laugh, love” decor.

“Pushin’ P” is a catchy term that gained traction in 2022, thanks to Young Thug and Gunna’s hit song “Pushin’ P.” The phrase quickly became a cultural phenomenon. As reported by Seventeen, Gunna explains that it signifies “keeping it real” and embodies a positive message overall.

At the bottom of our list of well-known terms is the acronym “DTB,” which stands for “don’t trust these boys/b******.” This catchy phrase has gained popularity largely through its frequent use in music, reflecting a broader cultural sentiment.

Our research revealed that while 1 in 5 parents claim to understand the term “opp,” their definitions often miss the mark. One parent suggested it stands for “opportunity,” thinking it’s just a shorthand version. Another recalled the catchy 90s song “O.P.P.” Instead of clarity, these responses highlight a gap in understanding this modern slang.

3 in 4 parents say they use slang terms

Slang isn’t just the domain of teenagers anymore—parents are getting in on the action too! Popular terms like “sus” (29%), “salty” (25%), “bet” (25%), “extra” (23%), and “bougie” (22%) have become part of their everyday vocabulary. Interestingly, though, 60% of parents believe that the slang from their own generation was superior to what’s trending today.

Despite 1 in 5 parents claiming they don’t monitor their teen’s language, certain slang terms really get under their skin. The top five most disliked words among parents are “bussin’” (21%), “finna” (16%), “cap” (14%), “yeet” (14%), and “simp” (13%).

For many parents, slang can feel even more offensive than curse words; in fact, 1 in 10 would prefer their teen to use profanity over trendy lingo. Despite their personal dislike for modern slang, a significant 54% of parents make an effort to stay informed about it to better protect their teens.

Strengthening connections through communication

Our research revealed that just 2% of parents understand all the slang terms on our list. We aim for this study to serve as a valuable resource for parents, enabling them to stay updated on the language their kids use. This is especially important for the 60% of parents who strive to grasp current slang, as it can significantly enhance their connection with their teenagers.

Language serves as a vital tool for understanding and connecting with others, enriching our interactions in diverse ways. This challenge becomes even more pronounced when engaging with someone who speaks a different language, highlighting the beauty and complexity of cross-cultural communication.

At LingualNeeds, we recognize the power of communication in building connections. That’s why we collaborate with over 32,000 tutors across a diverse range of languages. Our extensive offerings include online Spanish classes designed to bridge gaps and foster closer relationships among people.

If you’re eager to explore the vibrant world of slang or embark on the journey of learning a new language, LingualNeeds is your go-to resource. With a wide selection of online language tutors tailored to fit your budget and schedule, achieving your language goals has never been more accessible!

Methodology

In our recent study, we gathered insights from 682 parents of teens aged 12 to 18. We explored a range of topics, including the most popular slang terms of 2023, whether parents permit their kids to use these expressions, and the motivations behind parents’ efforts to stay updated on evolving slang.