Many of the slang words coined by what many consider the greatest generation are now being replaced by the inventive language of the younger crowd.
It’s important to remember that language always evolves over time, just as it has throughout history.
With this evolution in mind, a TikToker has put together a list of Millennial slang that’s falling out of fashion.
YOLO is dead, long live ‘f**k it we ball’
TikToker Allegra Miles has pointed out that ‘YOLO’ (you only live once) has been replaced by the more audacious ‘f**k it we ball’.
She explained this phrase as a way to say ‘here we are, why not, let’s go,’ all while gesturing animatedly, and let’s be honest, it’s hard to capture the essence of such a phrase.
Although it seems to require more words to express the same sentiment, this isn’t a new concept.
Carpe diem, YOLO, and f**k it we ball all emerge from the same desire to just go for it. Because, really, why not?
And honestly, when’s the last time you heard anyone actually say YOLO?
Slay has been slain, now we eat
There was a time when saying someone was ‘killing it’ transitioned to ‘slay’.
Now, ‘slay’ has given way to ‘eat’, and more commonly, ‘ate’.
This new term varies, with phrases like ‘ate and left no crumbs’ or ‘she ate with this outfit’.
Sometimes you might hear just ‘THEY ATE’, and that’s enough to say it all.
They’ve assured me there’s no chance they’ll change their ways because of this.
You don’t have game, you’ve got rizz
Here’s a term I’m a bit more familiar with, not because I have any, but because I understand where it comes from.
‘Rizz’ is derived from ‘charisma’, and refers to a knack for seduction.
Where ‘game’ meant being charming, ‘rizz’ is a bit broader, used in various contexts.
Please don’t ask me to explain ‘skibidi rizz’ though—I have no clue, and I probably don’t want to know.
You’re not on point, you’re locked in
According to Allegra, these two slang terms share similar vibes but aren’t exactly the same.
She describes them as having a ‘let’s go, we’re doing this’ attitude, akin to ‘YOLO’ and ‘f**k it we ball’, but with a more determined, less whimsical feel.
If you’re ‘locked in’, it means others are counting on you, and it’s cool to live up to what you’ve promised.
Vibe makes way for type beat
When most Gen Z I know talk about the atmosphere of a place, they might say ‘it’s giving’, followed by the vibe it’s emitting.
The TikToker admitted this might be more about personal preference.
But as I mentioned, the Gen Z crowd I know might just stand there and say ‘it’s giving ambience, it’s giving cosy’.
Then, what you know might seem odd and intimidating.
So, enjoy your youth while you can, Generation Z. It’ll happen to you too.