Phrases come and go with lightning speed, thanks to the nature of social media and pop culture. Millennials, the generation of innovation and change, have contributed their fair share of catchphrases but some expressions have overstayed their welcome.
From the ubiquitous “I can’t even” to the relentless use of “YAS queen,” there are so many phrases that need to go now.
“I can’t even.”
“Can’t even” has become a poster expression of exasperation or disbelief among millennials, often used to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by a situation. For example, I can’t even deal with how cute that puppy is. She wore socks with sandals. I can’t even.
“Literally.”
“Literally” has become an overused millennial phrase. It is used to emphasize or exaggerate rather than denote factual accuracy. For example, “I literally died laughing” or “I’m literally starving”.
“On fleek.”
“On fleek” means something looks really good or stylish. However, people use it so much that it’s starting to get old. Like when someone says, “Her eyebrows are on fleek,” they mean her eyebrows look great.
“Adulting.”
This phrase is used when someone is doing grown-up tasks, like paying bills or going to work. For example, “I’m adulting today because I have to do my taxes” or “I hate adulting”
“Bae.”
It’s a way of saying “babe” or “baby,” mainly used to refer to a romantic partner. For instance, “I’m going out to dinner with my bae tonight.” or “that’s my bae”.
“YAS queen!”
This is used to show excitement or support, like, “YAS, queen! You totally nailed that presentation!”
“I’m dead.”
It’s an expression used when something is so funny or shocking that it’s hard to handle. For example, “I’m dead! That meme you sent me was hilarious!”
“Slay.”
This means to do something really well or to look amazing. For instance, “She slayed that performance on stage!”
“It’s lit.”
This is used to describe something really exciting or fun. Like, “The party last night was so lit!”
“Sorry, not sorry.”
It’s a way of saying you’re not sorry for something you did or said. For example, “I told her the truth, sorry, not sorry.
“Goals.”
This is used to describe something you aspire to or admire. For instance, “Their relationship is goals! They’re so happy together.”
“Low-key.”
It means something is not really obvious or noticeable. Like, “I’m low-key obsessed with that new TV show.”
“High-key”:
This is the opposite of “low-key.” It means something is very obvious or noticeable. For example, “I high-key want to go to that concert!”
“Squad”
It refers to a group of friends or people who hang out together. Like, “I’m going out with my squad tonight.”
“Throwing shade”
It means making subtle or indirect insults or criticisms towards someone. For example, “He’s always throwing shade at her friends.”
“I’m shook”
This is used when someone is really surprised or shocked by something. Like, “I’m shook! I can’t believe they broke up!”
“Basic”
It’s used to describe someone or something unoriginal or mainstream. For instance,
“Her taste in music is so basic.”
“Extra”
This means someone is over the top or dramatic. Like, “She brought three different bags matching each of her outfits for one perfect photo. She’s so extra!”
“FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out)
It’s the feeling you get when you’re worried about missing out on something fun or exciting. For example, “I have serious FOMO seeing all their vacation photos.”
