Teenage Slang Word Glossary for Parents

Teenagers strive to fit in with their peers, and one way to do this is by using the latest slang expressions. Trying to keep up with continuously evolving and difficult to decipher teenage slang is a challenge for all parents. Here is a comprehensive list of slang words for teenagers along with helpful parenting tips.

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Teenage Slang Word Glossary for Parents

by Catherine Beaman

Teenagers strive to fit in with their peers, and one way to do this is by using the latest slang expressions. Trying to keep up with continuously evolving and difficult to decipher teenage slang is a challenge for all parents. Here is a comprehensive list of slang words for teenagers along with helpful parenting tips.

Dangerous Slang Words

Red flag slang terms always indicate potential danger or risky behavior. Immediate parental intervention is required if you see these slang terms in your teenager’s digital communications.

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  • 53x
    53x means sex
  • ASL
    Age/Sex/Location
  • CD9
    Code 9
  • CU46
    CU46 means see you for sex
  • Dayger
    Dayger means daytime + rager
  • Function or Func
    A function or func is a party
  • FWB
    Friends With Benefits
  • GNOC
    Get Naked On Camera
  • Kickback
    A kickback is a small, casual party
  • KMS
    Kill Myself
  • KPC
    Keep Parents Clueless
  • KYS
    Kill Yourself
  • LMIRL
    Let's Meet In Real Life
  • Molly
    Molly is an illegal street drug
  • Netflix and Chill
    Netflix and chill refers to sexual activity
  • NIFOC
    Naked In Front Of Computer
  • NSFW
    Not Safe For Work
  • TDTM
    Talk Dirty To Me
  • Turnt Up
    Excited or Intoxicated
  • 9
    Code 9, 9 mm handgun
  • 420
    420 refers to marijuana.

Slang Words To Keep An Eye On

One of the complexities of teenage slang is terms that have multiple meanings. Some teenage slang expressions only convey risk when used in specific contexts.

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  • AFK
    Away From Keyboard
  • ANIME
    Anime refers to a style of Japanese animation.
  • BAE
    BAE is short for baby or babe.
  • BEE
    BEE refers to a sweet, friendly, loyal girl everyone likes.
  • DANK
    Dank refers to high quality or to weird memes.
  • Dope
    Dope means excellent or refers to drugs.
  • FML
    F**k My Life
  • IRL
    In Real Life
  • SUS
    SUS means suspicious.
  • YOLO
    You Only Live Once
  • 143
    143 refers to the sentence I love you.

Common / No Harm Slang Words

A harmless part of normal teenage language, use of common slang words is no cause for worry; many slang terms are basically typing shortcuts. Using slang gives teenagers a sense of belonging, and sometimes teens will choose a certain slang expression or emoji as their trademark to tag their messages.

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  • CAP
    CAP refers to lying.
  • FAM
    FAM is short for family.
  • FIRE
    FIRE
  • GOAT
    Greatest of All Time
  • IKR
    I know, right?
  • OG
    Original Gangster
  • OTP
    On the Phone
  • POG
    POG means Play Of (the) Game
  • RT
    Retweet
  • SWAG
    SWAG describes a person who is cool.
  • WBU
    What about you?

How To Stay On Top Of The Trends

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Communicate

Honest, nonjudgmental communication is crucial for building trust between you and your teenager. Showing empathy and compassion, you can discuss sensitive topics with your teenager. Even if your teen’s view differs from your own, you can listen respectfully. Teenagers are more likely to be receptive to your point of view if you show openness to considering multiple perspectives.

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Block Dangerous Sites

Most phones and browsers grant the user the ability to block websites deemed unsuitable. Check the settings on your child’s phone for built-in options, and check the phone plans offered by your phone carrier to see what protections are available.

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Do Research

Search any parenting question you have on the internet, and you will find a host of pertinent articles and videos. Additionally, check local resources such as schools, libraries, and churches that might sponsor parenting workshops.

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Use MMGuardian

To monitor your child’s phone activity, install the MMGuardian parental control app. With MMGuardian the parent can block apps and websites and set alerts for a variety of topics such as suicide, drugs, bullying, etc. The level of monitoring is in your hands, so you can make the phone as restrictive or nonrestrictive as you like depending on your child’s situation.

MMGuardian A35 Key Features