2020s Slang: Modern Slang Words!

TikTok slang trend on how demure

The 2020s have been a wild ride so far, with slang evolving rapidly through social media and digital platforms, especially TikTok. It looks like this platform will shaped most of the decade, but dating apps, memes, TV shows and music have all influenced the way we’re acting.

Let’s dive into 20 Slang Words for the 2020s and explore what’s making waves in this digital age.

20 Slang Words for the 2020s:

  1. Rizz – Short for charisma, usually referring to someone’s ability to flirt or charm others.
    “He’s got mad rizz; everyone’s drawn to him.”

  2. Gyat – An expression of admiration or desire, often used to react to someone attractive.
    “Gyat, did you see her? She’s stunning!”

  3. Sounds Like a You Problem – A dismissive way of saying someone’s issue is their own responsibility, not yours.
    “You’re upset I didn’t text back? Sounds like a you problem.”

  4. Ok, Zoomer – A playful retort used by older generations to dismiss Gen Z perspectives.
    “You don’t know what a Walkman is? Ok, Zoomer.”

  5. Heart Horny – When you’re craving love, affection, or emotional intimacy.
    “I’m heart horny—I need a cuddle buddy, not just a fling.”

  6. Demure – Used ironically to describe someone pretending to be modest or shy when they’re usually bold.
    “Very respectful, very mindful, very demure”

  7. Main Character Energy – When someone behaves like the center of attention or believes they’re the star of the story.
    “She’s walking around with main character energy.”

  8. Quiet Quitting – Doing the bare minimum at work without fully resigning.
    “I’m not quitting, just quiet quitting until I find a better gig.”

  9. Goblin Mode – Describing a lazy or indulgent state where you embrace being unkempt or not caring.
    “I’ve been in goblin mode all weekend—just lounging and eating snacks.”

  10. Sksksk – An expression of excitement, laughter, or embarrassment, often used on TikTok.
    “I spilled my coffee all over myself, sksksk, I’m such a klutz!”

  11. Cap/No Cap – “Cap” means a lie, while “No Cap” means you’re telling the truth.
    “That story is total cap.” / “No cap, I’m being serious!”

  12. Sheesh – An expression of excitement or disbelief.
    “Sheesh, that outfit is fire!”

  13. Slaps – Used to describe something that’s really good, especially music.
    “That new album slaps hard.”

  14. IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) – A reference for people who understand an inside joke or trend.
    “This meme is hilarious—IYKYK.”

  15. NPC – Non-player character, used to describe someone who lacks individuality or follows the crowd.
    “That guy’s such an NPC, he never has his own opinion.”

  16. Mask Off – To drop one’s pretense or reveal true intentions.
    “After that comment, it’s time to go mask off.”

  17. Thirst Trap – A photo or video posted online to get attention or admiration for looks.
    “That Instagram selfie was a total thirst trap.”

  18. Hits Different – When something resonates more deeply or in a new way.
    “Listening to this song after a breakup hits different.”

  19. Simp – Someone who goes out of their way to impress someone they like, often in a desperate way.
    “He’s simping so hard over her Instagram posts.”

  20. Swipe – Refers to swiping left or right on dating apps like Tinder to express interest or disinterest.
    “I swiped right on her, and we matched!”


The Biggest TikTok Trends:

TikTok has taken the world by storm in the 2020s, bringing with it a whole new wave of slang and trends. These terms have become part of the daily lexicon, thanks to viral videos, meme culture, and hashtags. Here just a few of the biggest TikTok slang terms you need to know:

  1. FYP – Stands for “For You Page,” the main feed on TikTok that suggests videos based on your preferences.
    “This video went viral—it’s all over my FYP!”

  2. CEO of… – A trend where people comment “CEO of” to indicate that someone is the best at a particular thing.
    “She’s the CEO of organizing messy drawers.”

  3. OOMF – Short for “One of My Friends” or “One of My Followers,” often used to talk about someone anonymously.
    “OOMF just got into a huge argument with their boss.”

  4. Ratio – Refers to when a post or comment has significantly more replies than likes, often indicating disapproval.
    “You just got ratioed on that tweet—check the replies!”