#internet

To throw something with force, often accompanied by exclaiming "yeet!" for dramatic effect. Can also mean to discard or get rid of something quickly and decisively.

“I yeeted my phone across the room after seeing that notification.”

An assessment of someone's mood, energy, or overall disposition. Can be used as a greeting or as a way to gauge the atmosphere of a situation.

“Before I say anything controversial, I need to do a quick vibe check on the room.”

Having or expressing controversial opinions without caring what others think. Being true to oneself and speaking authentically regardless of popular opinion.

“That's such a based take, I totally agree even though most people won't.”

A suggestion (often dismissive) that someone should go outside and experience the real world, typically directed at people perceived to be too online or obsessed with internet drama.

“Bro you've been arguing on Twitter for 8 hours straight. Please go touch grass.”

Natural charisma, charm, or the ability to attract others effortlessly — especially in a romantic context. Someone with rizz seems to captivate people without trying. Can also be used as a verb: to rizz someone up means to charm or seduce them.

“He walked into the party with unspoken rizz — no pickup lines, just vibes.”

Extremely delicious or of excellent quality — most commonly used to describe food. Originally AAVE (African American Vernacular English), it crossed into mainstream internet slang around 2021. Something that is bussin is not just good; it is exceptionally, undeniably amazing.

“These tacos are absolutely bussin, no cap.”

To a moderate degree; somewhat; secretly or subtly. Used to hedge a statement or admission, soften an opinion, or indicate that you feel a certain way but don't want to make a big deal of it. Often used to admit something mildly embarrassing or nonchalant.

“I lowkey love that cheesy pop song everyone pretends to hate.”

Very much; obviously; without restraint or reservation. The emphatic opposite of lowkey — used to express that you feel strongly and openly about something rather than subtly or secretly. Frequently paired with statements of genuine enthusiasm or strong opinion.

“I'm highkey obsessed with this new show, I've watched every episode twice.”

Short for "suspicious" — describing behavior, a person, or a situation that seems sketchy, untrustworthy, or questionable. Popularized globally by the game Among Us (2020), where players accuse each other of being the impostor. Now used broadly for anything that doesn't seem right.

“Why is he being so quiet? That's pretty sus.”

Mediocre; average; nothing special; disappointingly ordinary. A dismissive rating for something that falls in the middle — not bad enough to hate but not good enough to praise. Calling something "mid" implies it had potential but failed to deliver anything notable.

“The hype was insane but the movie was honestly just mid.”

An expression of agreement, affirmation, or acknowledgment — similar to "okay," "understood," or "sounds good." Can also express that a challenge has been accepted. Originated in AAVE and spread widely through social media. The enthusiasm level is implied by context.

“"Meet me at 6?" — "Bet."”

A phrase used to compliment someone who has perfectly executed what was expected or more. It implies the person grasped not just the literal task but the spirit, energy, and aesthetic of the moment — and delivered fully on it. Often used for fashion, performances, or any context requiring vibe accuracy.

“She showed up to the Met Gala in a fully custom look that matched the theme exactly — she understood the assignment.”

The behavior or belief that one's own life is a story where they are the protagonist and everyone else is a supporting character. "Main character energy" can be positive (living boldly and authentically) or ironic/negative (being oblivious to others' needs because you're too focused on your own narrative arc).

“She walked into the office wearing a cape — pure main character energy.”

Non-Playable Character — a term borrowed from video games to describe a person who seems to act on autopilot, lack individual thought, follow social scripts unthinkingly, or show no original personality. An NPC mindlessly agrees with mainstream opinion without independent reasoning.

“He just repeated the talking points without any nuance — total NPC behavior.”

An intensely devoted fan, or the act of being one. Derived from Eminem's 2000 song "Stan" about an obsessive fan. As a verb, to stan someone means to support them passionately and actively. Stan culture drives massive engagement on social media, with fandoms mobilizing around their favorites.

“The Swifties absolutely stan Taylor — they crashed Ticketmaster trying to buy concert tickets.”

To endorse or enthusiastically support a romantic pairing between two people — real or fictional. Derived from "relationship." Fans write fanfiction, create art, and post about characters or celebrities they ship together. A "ship" (noun) is the pairing itself.

“Half the fandom ships those two characters so hard there's thousands of fanfics about them.”

A formative life experience that seems destined to happen and cannot be changed without altering who a person fundamentally becomes. Popularized by Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023), it spread as a meme for inevitable painful or awkward experiences that "must" happen for character development.

“Getting rejected from your first-choice college is a canon event — it redirects you somewhere better.”

The accumulated backstory, history, and context of a person, group, brand, or situation. Internet slang borrowed "lore" from fantasy/gaming to describe any complex, long-developing narrative — whether a streamer's drama history, a brand's past controversies, or a friendship's inside jokes.

“The group chat has so much lore at this point, new members need a full briefing.”

A distinct phase or period of someone's life, aesthetic, or personality — particularly one currently being embraced with full commitment. Popularized by Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour," being "in your [X] era" means fully leaning into a particular identity, vibe, or lifestyle without apology.

“I'm in my unbothered era — no drama, just growth and good vibes.”

Describing a thought, person, or thing that occupies mental space constantly without invitation — to be "living rent free in someone's head" means they can't stop thinking about it even if they don't want to. The "rent free" part suggests they're getting space without paying for the privilege.

“That comment from my ex is still living rent free in my head two years later.”