The Essential TikTok Slang Glossary (2023)

Welcome to the dynamic and ever-evolving world of TikTok Slang, where short-form videos reign supreme and a new slang term seems to pop up every day. Whether you’re a seasoned TikTok or just starting to explore this vibrant platform, understanding the unique language used can enhance your experience and help you connect with the community.

In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the most popular and widely used TikTok slang terms, demystifying their meanings and providing context on how they’re used. So, buckle up and get ready to become fluent in TikTok lingo!

TikTok Slang

1. FYP (For You Page): Your personalized video feed is curated by TikTok’s algorithm to show content tailored to your interests. When creators ask to “hit the FYP,” they’re hoping their video goes viral.
2. POV (Point of View): A storytelling style where the creator acts out a scenario from a specific perspective, often inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the narrative.
3. CEO of…: A playful way to crown someone (or yourself) as the best at something. For example, someone who always shares motivational quotes might be dubbed the “CEO of Inspiration.”
4. Clout: Internet popularity and influence. Users often create content with the hope of gaining more clout on the platform.
5. Simp: Someone who goes above and beyond for someone they have a crush on, often at the expense of their own needs.
6. Cap/No Cap: “Cap” refers to lying, while “no cap” means telling the truth. For example, “That story was wild, no cap!”
7. Vibe Check: A playful way to assess someone’s emotional state or the overall mood of a situation.
8. GYAT or GYAAT: “GYAT” stands for “Get Your Act Together,” a phrase sometimes used in TikTok to discreetly appreciate someone’s attractive physique.
9. Storytime: A video format where creators share personal anecdotes, often with dramatic or humorous twists.
10. Snatched: A compliment is used to describe someone who looks exceptionally good or delivers a sharp response.
11. Slay: To excel or dominate in a particular area. When someone is doing exceptionally well, they’re said to be “slaying.”
12. Ratio: When a post’s comments significantly outnumber its likes, it indicates negative feedback from the community.
13. Tea: Gossip or the latest scoop. Sharing “tea” means divulging juicy details.
14. Bussin: Something that is exceptionally good, especially in reference to food.
15. Periodt: An emphatic way to end a statement, akin to saying “end of discussion.”
16. SMH (Shaking My Head): An expression of disbelief or disappointment, often used in response to something frustrating or absurd.
17. Fake Body: A controversial term is sometimes used to accuse someone of editing their appearance in photos or videos.
18. Moots: Short for “mutuals,” referring to friends or mutual followers on the platform.
19. W (Win) and L (Loss): “W” is used to celebrate success or a good outcome, while “L” is used to acknowledge a failure or setback.
20. ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response): These videos aim to evoke a tingling feeling in the audience, frequently utilizing gentle noises such as murmuring or light tapping.
21. IB (Inspired By): Used when a creator wants to acknowledge and give credit to another user or video that inspired their content.
22. GRWM (Get Ready With Me): A type of video where creators share their makeup, hair, or outfit routine, often engaging in casual conversation about various topics.
23. Flex: Bragging or showing off something you possess or an achievement you’ve attained.
24. Ghostie: Encouraging viewers to follow without necessarily watching the entire content to increase a creator’s follower count.
25. Hits Different: Used to describe something that stands out and has a unique, often superior, quality compared to similar things.
26. Facts: A slang term used to express strong agreement or acknowledgment that something is true.
27. Fire: Slang for something that is exceptionally good or impressive.
28. No Skip Squad: Refers to viewers who watch a creator’s videos from start to finish, contributing positively to their engagement metrics.
29. OTP (One True Pairing): A term used to describe someone’s favorite romantic couple, either in fiction or in real life.
30. Shook: Feeling deeply affected, shocked, or surprised by something.
31. Fit Check: A trend where individuals show off their outfits and seek opinions or reactions from their viewers.
32. Thirst Trap: A provocative or alluring photo or video, often posted to attract attention or admiration.
33. Drip: Slang for stylish or fashionable attire.
34. Glow Up: A significant personal transformation, often referring to improvements in appearance, confidence, or overall demeanor.
35. On Fleek: Slang for something that is flawlessly styled or executed.
36. Snack: A playful way of calling someone attractive, likening them to a tempting treat.
37. Spill the Tea: Slang for sharing juicy gossip or revealing secrets.
38. Vibe: The atmosphere or mood created by someone or something.
39. Living Rent-Free: When someone or something persistently occupies your thoughts, usually in an unwelcome manner.
40. Cancel Culture: The phenomenon of publicly calling out and withdrawing support from individuals or companies due to their objectionable or offensive actions or statements.
41. Lowkey / Highkey: “Lowkey” is used to describe something done subtly or discreetly, while “Highkey” indicates something done openly or emphatically.
42. Main Character Energy: Exhibiting confidence and agency, acting as if you are the protagonist in your own life story.
43. Savage: Describes someone who acts or speaks without concern for consequences, often in a bold or impressive manner.
44. Lit: Slang for an exciting, high-energy, or excellent situation.
45. Throw Shade: The act of making a subtle or indirect insult towards someone or something.
46. Stan: A term used to describe an extremely devoted fan or supporter of a particular person or thing.
47. VSCO Girl: A stereotype with young women who post trendy or aesthetic content, often adopting specific fashion or lifestyle choices associated with the VSCO app.
48. Catch These Hands: A playful or humorous expression implying a threat to physically fight someone.
49. Full Send: To commit to something completely, without hesitation.
50. Chasing Clout: The act of seeking fame, attention, or popularity, often with negative connotations of desperation.
51. D13: is not a widely recognized abbreviation or code for “die.” If you want to create a specific code or abbreviation like “D13” to represent the word “die,” you can certainly do so, but it’s important to clarify its meaning to others as it is not a standard or commonly understood representation.
52. YT: “YT” is a colloquial abbreviation for “white,” commonly used to refer to a person’s race or ethnicity.
53. Unalive: “Unalive” is a euphemistic term used in place of “kill.” Frequently employed in a tongue-in-cheek manner, it serves as a tactic to bypass content moderation on platforms like TikTok, which tend to flag or take down posts that directly reference incidents related to death.
54. Sus: Originating from the game “Among Us,” “sus” is a shortened form of “suspicious” or “suspect.” On TikTok, it’s utilized to express doubt or a sense of unease about someone’s intentions. Being labeled as “sus” implies a lack of trustworthiness.
55. Sneaky Link: A “sneaky link” refers to a clandestine connection, often romantic or s*xual, that you prefer to keep confidential.
56. Spicy: In TikTok vernacular, “spicy” doesn’t refer to taste but is slang for content that is either sensual, mildly confrontational, or contentious. The context is crucial to understanding the intended meaning of “spicy.”
57. Rent Free: The phrase “rent-free” describes a situation where someone or something occupies your thoughts persistently, indicating preoccupation or obsession.
58. Rizz: Popularized by YouTuber Kai Cenat, “rizz” refers to a man’s prowess in capturing a woman’s interest or affection.
59. NPC: “NPC” stands for “Non-Playable Character” in video gaming, referring to characters that follow a script and lack autonomy. On TikTok, “NPC” slang derogatorily describes someone perceived as lacking independent thought.
60. Make it Make Sense: The phrase “make it make sense” is used on TikTok when someone is perplexed and seeking clarification or rationale for a situation.
61. Pushing P or 🅿️:Derived from a song by Gunna and Future, “pushing P” or “🅿️” on TikTok signifies authenticity or staying true to oneself.
62. ONG:”ONG” is an abbreviation for “On God,” used on TikTok to swear the truthfulness of a statement or to express strong belief.
63. ISTG: “ISTG” stands for “I swear to God,” and is used on TikTok to underscore sincerity or express frustration.
64. Heather: Inspired by a song by Conan Gray, “Heather” on TikTok refers to a person, typically a girl, who is universally admired and desired.
65. ATP: The abbreviation “ATP” is commonly used in slang to signify “answer the phone.”
66. Beta: On TikTok, the term “beta” is used derogatorily to describe a man perceived as submissive, insecure, and lacking assertiveness.
67. BDE: Big D*** Energy (BDE) refers to an aura of confidence and authority, and it is not exclusively associated with men. BDE represents a psychological trait rather than a physical one.
68. Brazilian B*tt Lift (BBL): The BBL is a prevalent cosmetic procedure showcased on TikTok, where fat is transferred to enhance the buttocks’ appearance.
69. Be F*cking For Real (BFFR): BFFR is an acronym urging someone to stop feigning ignorance and face reality.
70. Bones Day or No Bones Day: A “bones day” suggests a day of productivity, while a “no bones day” indicates a more relaxed approach.
71. Bussin: The slang “bussin” is used to describe something that is exceptionally good, most commonly food or drinks.
72. Caught in 4K: To be “caught in 4K” is to be indisputably captured in a compromising situation, often with high-resolution video evidence.
73. Cheugy: The term “cheugy” describes something or someone that is neither entirely uncool nor cool, often perceived as trying too hard or being slightly out of touch.
74. Clean Girl: The “clean girl” aesthetic on TikTok embodies a natural and minimalist beauty and lifestyle.
75. Dead (or 💀): Using “dead” or the 💀 emoji on TikTok indicates finding something extremely funny.
76. DTB: The acronym “DTB” can stand for “Don’t Trust B*tches” or “Don’t Trust Boys,” expressing a sentiment of betrayal and caution.
77. E-Girl (Egirl): An “e-girl” represents a digital persona on TikTok, known for her distinctive style that combines alternative fashion with online trends.
78. Fit: In TikTok slang, “fit” is a shorthand way of referring to one’s outfit or clothing ensemble.
79. Fire (🔥) or Lit: Describing something as “fire” or “lit” on TikTok means it is deemed exceptionally cool or impressive.
80. Girly Pop: The term “girly pop” is a subtle TikTok slang reference, potentially alluding to someone who is queer.

Conclusion

TikTok has undeniably become a breeding ground for a unique and evolving language of slang and abbreviations. From expressing urgency with “ATP” to describing distinct aesthetics like the “clean girl” look, these slang terms have infiltrated the lexicon of its vast user base, creating a shared understanding and sense of community. Whether it’s using “BDE” to commend confidence, labeling something as “bussin” to praise its excellence, or utilizing “dead” to express amusement, these phrases showcase the platform’s creative and dynamic nature in shaping modern communication.

As TikTok continues to influence pop culture and trends, understanding and engaging with its unique language becomes essential, not only for effective communication within the platform but also for appreciating the broader impact of digital communities on language and expression.

FAQs of TikTok Slang