The Youth Lab
The Dictionary According to Young People
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THE YOUTH LAB DICTIONARY DECODED:
1) Goblin cage / jail (noun) - Originating from Clash Royale, used to describe being confined or “locked in.”
How to use: “I can’t go out tonight, my parents have me in goblin jail.”
2) Chopped (adj.) - Slang for being ugly or unattractive.
How to use: “Nah, he’s chopped. I’m not interested.”
3) 6 7 (numeric slang) - Insider code with variable meaning depending on context.
How to use: “They were talking in code again, kept saying 6 7.” - Check out @mr.lindsay’s TikTok explaining 6 7 and other Gen Alpha phrases here.
4) Grey loot (noun) - From Fortnite; describes a disappointing set of options (e.g., a bare fridge). Opposite of “legendary loot.”
How to use: “Dinner tonight is grey loot.”
5) AYM (abbrev.) - Are You Mad? Can be used angrily or genuinely.
How to use: “AYM? Why would you even say that?”
6)
(emoji) - “Sigma boi”; meme representing stoicism or strength.How to use: “He didn’t react to anything - pure
.”
7) Ragebait (verb) - To provoke or annoy someone to the extreme, then dismiss it as a joke.
How to use: “Stop ragebaiting me with those comments.”
8) Rizz (verb/noun) - The ability to charm or flirt; “chatting someone up.”
How to use: “He’s got mad rizz - every girl was laughing at his jokes.”
9)
(emoji) - “Side eye”; looking at a friend when someone says something unbelievable.How to use: “He said he’s starting a podcast
.”
10) Cooked (adj.) - In trouble, ruined, or messed up. Also used to describe something done poorly.
How to use: “I’m so cooked - I forgot to do my homework.”
11) Clock it (verb) - To acknowledge a remark or “clock” someone when they have no comeback.
How to use: “She clocked him so hard he just stayed quiet.”
12) Loot (verb/noun) - To find or acquire something.
How to use: “I looted this hoodie from my brother’s closet.”
13)
(emoji) - Represents heartbreak or loss.How to use: “She left me on read
.”
14) Glaze (verb) - To blindly compliment or side with someone excessively.
How to use: “Stop glazing him, he’s not even that funny.”
15) Cold (adj.) - Impressive, slick, or skillful.
How to use: “That move on the pitch was cold.”
16) Mewing (verb) - A posture technique (tongue against the palate) promoted online as a way to improve jawline aesthetics. - (Check out our 52INSIGHTS on all things looksmaxxing here)
How to use: “He’s been mewing in all his selfies lately.”
WHERE IS LANGUAGE GOING IN THE FUTURE?:
Young language and codes of communication will continue to evolve faster than ever, often shaped by memes, gaming, and viral moments. What was once hyper-local now scales globally within days, thanks to TikTok and Discord communities. Expect youth language in 2025 and beyond to become even more hybrid, blending emojis, sounds, and visual memes alongside words. For those outside the culture, it can feel overwhelming, but for young people it’s a living, playful code that connects them instantly.
Looking forward, we’re curious to see what the impact of AI will be on the youth vernacular - already there is research from Florida State University revealing how AI is reshaping day-to-day language with phrases like ‘delve’, ‘realm’ and ‘meticulous’ being used more frequently as LLMs spit them back in answered queries. Will youth get in on the AI lingo, or will they deliberately look to communicate in different codes? Let’s watch this space…
BRAND TAKEOUTS
For brands, decoding slang isn’t about copying language; it’s about understanding the creative logic behind it. Today’s teens remix language the way they remix fashion, music, or memes: quickly, playfully, and with cultural edge. Here’s some rules of engagement for brands;
Tap into linguistic play: Youth slang shows how creatively young people remix culture. Campaigns that mirror this sense of play, through tone, visuals, or formats will resonate.
Respect, don’t replicate: Young audiences can spot inauthenticity fast. Rather than parroting slang, brands should lean on their creative agency to understand the cultural codes behind it and build campaigns that connect genuinely.
Leverage micro-moments: Many slang terms are born from niche memes or viral clips. Brands can harness these cultural sparks in timely, light-touch activations without overcommitting.
Blend words with worlds: Gaming, memes, and internet humor fuel much of today’s slang. Tapping into these worlds through partnerships or creative collabs can extend cultural relevance.