Every year, certain words or phrases make their way into pop culture and become ingrained in the vocabulary of today’s teens. Walking through the hallways of West Chicago Community High School (or any American high school, for that matter), one is bound to hear words like “slay”, “GIRL”, “peridot”, and “bussin”. All are slang words that have been popular for awhile now, but also represent the evolution of language. It is no surprise that Oxford University Press named the slange word “rizz” as its word of the year. Slang words are here to stay, and with the year coming to an end, it is important to look back at which words made it to the ultimate top 5.
#5 Sus
The slang “sus” is a shorter name for the word “suspicious” or “suspect”, which translates to the feeling of doubt or lack of trust relating to something or someone. This slang became popular in 2020 because of the game “Among Us” in which players would call each other out for behaving weirdly, calling them “sus.”
In today’s world, teenagers use the word like “He didn’t come to school today. It seems a little sus to me,” or “That’s super sus,” when someone believes one of their friends is lying.
#4 Rizz
The definition of the slang “rizz’’ translates to charisma: being able to pull someone romantically (which in itself, is slang for being able to flirt). Other people assume that someone with “rizz” has “got game”.
This slang became popular on Twitch through streamer Kai Cent, and gained popularity in 2021; the term has been popular ever since, as evidenced by the Chronicle’s “How to Obtain W Rizz”, which has more than 75,000 views. Nowadays, teenagers use the word “rizz” in statements like, “Damn bro, you have hella rizz. Teach me your ways,” or just say the slang when they see someone getting rizzed up (being flirted with).
Although this slang was named “word of the year” in December 2023 by what one must assume is an older crowd on the selection committee, it does not make the top of this list.
#3 Cap
The slang term “cap” is used a lot by teens; it refers to a lie or untruth, and is often used to describe someone or something dishonest. Teens use ”cap” in a sentence, such as, “That’s cap,’’ or “Girl, be for real, we all know that’s cap.”
The origin of this slang is unknown, but people believe that “cap” came from hip-hop origins and culture. The term was allegedly adopted by mainstream culture, but became really popular through the app TikTok in 2022, and has been used ever since.
#2 wtw
“wtw” stands for “what’s the word’’, which translates to “what’s up?” or “what’s going on?”. The acronym can also translate to “what are the plans?” Nonetheless, ”wtw” is a very popular slang in 2023 – arguably more so than “rizz” because it can be used in everyday conversations.
The origin for this slang is unknown, but “what’s up?” comes from Bugs Bunny, a popular show in the 1940s.
#1 LMAO
“LMAO” stands for “laughing my a** off”, a phrase people usually use when they find something very funny; “LMAO” is a stronger version of the slang “LOL”, which stands for “laughing out loud”.
This slang has been used (frequently) for a long while. Most students – and even adults – use the term in their everyday vocabulary. It is a very important word for Gen Z, in particular, who constantly inject “LMAO” into their conversations.
“LMAO’’ traces back to the 1990s, when the word was first used by a player playing the game Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. The player allegedly used this slang as a response to another player’s hilarious comment.
While the acronym is mostly used by itself, just in saying “LMAO” or “Bruh, he’s wilding . LMAO, he’s crazy,’’ it can be stated in its entirety for a full effect.
