While we may be introduced to new slang words and phrases regularly, English slang dates back to the 16th century. The language was used frequently at the time by criminals, but it then made its way to saloons and gambling houses, where it continued to develop and evolve. Slang eventually made its way to school-age children, who were taught that speaking in slang was inappropriate and should not be done. Naturally, as children do, children began using the language against their teacher’s wishes. The rest is just history, as slang continues to be passed from person to person. Today, countless new slang words and phrases pop up every year. Pendejo meaning, lit, flex, savage, and many others, are all popular slang terms you may hear not only across the United States but around the world. To help bring you up to speed on all things slang, we defined several popular terms below.
Pendejo is Spanish for asshole or idiot. It is a derogatory term and is inappropriate to use in places or situations where curse words are not permitted or highly frowned upon. This includes at work, during meetings, or while at school. In Latin, pendejo translates to the term pubic hair. Pendejo is the masculine version of the word, based on the spelling. If used to reference a woman, the correct word would be pendeja.
Lit
Looking for a new adjective to describe something awesome or cool? Time for words previously used to step aside. Instead of saying something is excellent or exciting, try saying it is lit to emphasize greatness. This term can describe any number of things, for example, parties, clothes, or shoes.
Flex
Another way to emphasize how great something is by using the verb flex as another way to explain it. Flex is a way to explain how someone or something is showing off, but not by flexing an actual muscle. It is more of a snarky term that is used to mock someone who may be trying to get attention. It can be used in instances like, “Bobby is flexing hard because he got a new car.”
Savage
When you hear someone use the slang word savage, you will have to interpret how they use it. Savage can be used to describe something that a person likes or that they think is cool. “That dress is savage” means that they like the dress and are complimentary of it. Savage can also describe a well-done insult or witty comment, such as, “What you said to your ex was so savage!” They can also represent a brave or fearless act as something savage. With this slang word, you will most likely always have to hear it used in context to be able to understand the meaning. Who knew that slang could be as complex as the English language?
Tea
Many people are big fans of tea, but that is not what is being served up here. Tea can be used in place of words such as drama or gossip. It is most popularly used in the saying, “spill the tea,” a request for a person to tell them the latest drama or the hot new gossip.
Shook
The slang word shook is used to express a feeling of shock or surprise. If a friend shares some information that literally hits your emotions, you may respond by saying, “I am shook!”
Bae
Bae is a trendy slang word that is a form of endearment. The spelling of bae is an acronym that stands for before anyone else. It can be used in many different situations to reference a significant other or a close friend.
Ghosted
The slang term ghosted became a frequently used word with the introduction of online dating. Being ghosted refers to when you are talking to a person online, and you thought everything was going well. Suddenly they seem to disappear into thin air like a ghost. You typically will never hear or see this person again. Ghosting is a form of rejection, but the person who ghosts never gives an actual reason for why they had a change of heart.
Glow-Up
A glow-up is a comparison between a person when they were young and awkward compared to the fabulous person they have become now. It derives from the term grow up, but since it is focused on only the person’s external appearance, the word glow is used instead.
While keeping up with the latest slang terms may be challenging, there is always time to jump on board! As soon as you start to feel as though you are caught up on the latest, a new slew of words will be introduced, and the learning will start all over again.
