2010s Slang: The Meme Era!

The 2010s were defined by social media dominance, meme culture, dating apps and the rise of influencers. With viral trends spreading faster than ever, the decade introduced new slang that still resonates with digital natives today.

Let’s dive into 50 Slang Words for the 2010s and relive the era of Instagram filters, viral challenges, and meme-worthy moments!

50 Slang Words for the 2010s:

1. Adulting – Doing tasks typically associated with being an adult, like paying bills or doing laundry.
   “I can’t believe I’m excited about buying a vacuum—#adulting.”

2. Basic – Someone who is unoriginal or follows mainstream trends.
   “That pumpkin spice latte is so basic.”

3. Bae – Short for “before anyone else,” often used to describe a significant other.
   “I’m spending the weekend with bae.”

4. Cancel – To reject or stop supporting someone due to something problematic they’ve done.
   “Did you hear? Kanye West is canceled.”

5. Cheugy – Desribes a try hard or something uncool 
   “My mom just bought me to some Air Jordans but they’re so cheugy.”

6. Cringe – Something awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable to witness.
   “That old tweet from 2011 is so cringe.”

7. Dead – Used when something is so funny or shocking that it figuratively “kills” you.
   “That meme? I’m dead!”

8. Drip – Refers to someone’s stylish or trendy clothing and accessories.
   “Check out his outfit—he’s got serious drip.”

9. Extra – Someone who’s over-the-top or dramatic.
   “Why are you being so extra about this?”

10. Flex – To show off or brag about something.
    “He’s always flexing his designer sneakers on Instagram.”

11. FOMO – Acronym for “Fear of Missing Out,” anxiety about not being part of something.
    “I’m not going to that concert and I have major FOMO.”

12. Ghost – To suddenly cut off all communication with someone without explanation.
    “She totally ghosted me after our third date.”

13. Glow Up – A transformation for the better, usually in appearance or confidence.
    “Wow, she had a major glow up over the summer.”

14. Goals – Something or someone to aspire to, often used on social media.
    “Their vacation photos are total relationship goals.”

15. High-Key – The opposite of “low-key,” meaning something is done openly or obviously.
    “I high-key love that movie.”

16. I Can’t Even – Used when something is so overwhelming that you can’t handle it.
    “That puppy is so cute, I can’t even!”

17. I’m Weak – Another way to say something is so funny that it leaves you unable to respond.
    “That joke had me weak.”

18. Karen – A term used to describe an entitled or demanding woman, often in customer service situations.
    “That woman was being such a Karen at the store.”

19. Legit – Short for legitimate, meaning something is real or credible.
    “That deal was legit.”

20. Let’s Get This Bread – A motivational phrase meaning to work hard and succeed, typically in financial pursuits.
    “Early start today, let’s get this bread!”

21. Low-Key – Subtly or secretly, used to express something quietly.
    “I’m low-key obsessed with this new show.”

22. Mood – Used to describe something relatable or something you can identify with.
    “That cat lounging on the couch is such a mood.”

23. Netflix and Chill – A phrase that originally meant watching Netflix casually but evolved to imply an invitation for romantic activity.
    “Want to come over for some Netflix and chill?”

24. No Cap – Used to indicate that someone is being honest or serious.
    “I’m telling the truth, no cap.”

25. Receipts – Proof or evidence, often used when calling someone out online.
    “Show me the receipts for that claim.”

26. Salty – Being upset or bitter about something.
    “Why are you so salty about losing the game?”

27. Savage – Bold, fierce, or ruthlessly cool behavior.
    “That was such a savage comeback.”

28. Shook – Extremely surprised or shocked.
    “I was shook when I heard the news.”

29. Simp – Someone who does too much for someone they like, often to the point of embarrassment.
    “Stop simping over her, it’s not a good look.”

30. Slay – To perform exceptionally well or look incredible.
    “She slayed that performance last night!”

31. Snatched – Looking incredibly fashionable or put together.
    “She looks snatched in that dress!”

32. Stan – A hardcore fan of someone or something, popularized by the Eminem track – Stan (2000). 
    “I totally stan that new artist.”

33. Sus – Short for “suspicious,” often used in gaming or online conversations.
    “That dude’s behavior is sus.”

34. Swipe – Refers to swiping left or right on dating apps, like Tinder.
    “I swiped right on him, and we matched!”

35. Tea – Gossip or news, especially juicy or scandalous.
    “What’s the tea? Spill it!”

36. Thirsty – Desperate for attention, often in a negative way.
    “He’s posting way too many selfies—so thirsty.”

37. Throwing Shade – Insulting someone indirectly or subtly.
    “Did you hear her throwing shade at the meeting?”

38. Triggered – Feeling emotional or upset due to something that reminds you of trauma.
    “I’m so triggered by that comment.”

39. Troll – Someone who provokes others online for their own amusement.
    “Don’t feed the troll, he’s just looking for attention.”

40. Vibe Check – Checking in on the mood or energy of a person or place.
    “That party passed the vibe check for sure.”

41. Woke – Being socially aware, especially in matters of race and social justice.
    “He’s so woke when it comes to equality.”

42. Yeet – A term used to express excitement or to throw something with force.
    “He yeeted the ball across the yard!”

43. Yikes – Used to express shock, concern, or discomfort.
    “Yikes, that was a rough performance.”

44. Zaddy – An attractive man, often older, who’s fashionable and confident.
    “That actor is a total zaddy!”

45. Zero Chill – Someone who doesn’t remain calm or reacts strongly to situations.
    “She had zero chill during that argument.”

46. On Fleek – Something perfectly styled or flawless.
    “Her eyebrows are on fleek!”

47. Meme – A viral image, video, or joke that spreads across the internet.
    “That meme about 2020 was hilarious!”

48. Dab – A dance move or gesture of celebration popularized in the mid-2010s.
    “He dabbed after scoring the winning goal.”

49. Ratio – When a tweet or post gets more replies than likes, indicating disagreement.
    “That tweet was totally ratioed.”

50. Fire – Something amazing, exciting, or trendy.
    “That new song is fire!”

Early 2010s Slang Terms Still Relevant Today:

1. Cringe – Something awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable to witness.
   “That old tweet from 2011 is so cringe.”

2. Tea – Gossip or hot news.
   “Spill the tea, what happened at the party?”

3. Yeet – Used to express excitement or to throw something with force.
   “He yeeted the ball into the neighbor’s yard!”

4. Vibe Check – Used to assess the mood or energy of a situation or person.
   “That event passed the vibe check for sure.”

5. Savage – Still used to describe someone who is fierce or brutally honest.
   “She made such a savage comment in the meeting!”