Can you pass this millennial speak test Birmingham?
Reading time: 5 minutes
In the era of Lizzo and Tik Tok’s (R.I.P Vine…it’s an app for those who aren’t familiar), it’s kind of hard to keep up with the latest slang. Whether you’re a millennial (1981- 1996) or a Gen-Zer (1997-2010s), there’s always new lingo to learn. Shout out to the Bham Now team for their input and keeping me up to date. Let’s test your knowledge Birmingham! How much millennial slang do you really know?
1. Yeet 😛
Verb: to physically throw something as hard as you can
Exclamation: Express excitement, victory, or adrenaline rush
Honestly, this word can be used for just about anything. Need a one-word reply? YEET! Agreeing with someone? YEET!
“Let’s hit up the new brewery, Ferus Artisan Ales, in Trussville. YEET!”
2. Tea 🐸☕️
Noun: gossip, scandal
Verb: When one “spills the tea”, you’re disclosing all the best gossip you have to offer
“I heard the Vulcan got turned down for the role of Iron Man. That’s the tea!”
3. Stan
Noun: a huge fan
Verb: to admire or idolize
“The Flying Biscuit serves breakfast ALL DAY LONG?! I stan!
4. And I oop
Okay, I have to give more credit to Gen-Zers for this one, but I just had to include it! It originated from Jasmine Waters and made cringe-worthy by VSCO girls.
Verb: When something catches you off guard
5. Clutch
Adj: perfect, exactly what you need at the right time
“Dude! The Cantina on Wheels’ Truck Fries came in clutch after a long day at work.”
6. Slaps
Verb: to be 100%, amazingly good, out of this world
“Bruh the brunch scene in Birmingham slaps!”
7. Snack
Noun: someone or something who looks really good or attractive
“A little birdy told me that Vulcan thinks Electra is a WHOLE snack!”
8. Woke
Adj: being up to date or conscious about social trends, issues, and injustices
“I always make it a point to keep up with international news. Gotta stay woke my friends!”
9. Fire 🔥🔥🔥
Adj: Crazy good, incredible
“Waffle Wednesday at Forge is FIRE!”
10. Dope
Adj: The coolest thing like EVER
” The new Lakeshore Premiere LUX Cine’ has the largest theater screen in Alabama and motion-controlled seats. That’s gotta be the most dope movie theatre in Bham right now!”
11. On fleek
On fleek was originally used to describe perfectly-groomed eyebrows and to my knowledge was made famous by a Vine
Adj: Extremely good, attractive, stylish
“Shout out to fellow Bham Nower, Gabi! Her eye makeup is ALWAYS on fleek!”
12. Send it
Verb: to do something with complete and total confidence. To just do it!
“Yo should I register for the Vulcan Run 10k?”
“Well you can’t even run for 5 minutes without getting winded, but send it!”
13. Secure the bag
Verb: taking or obtaining something of value or something you desire. To accomplish a goal.
“Fellow Bham Nower Hannah just got engaged…in NYC…on the Hudson River. Not only is that GOALS AF (as fudge😉), but she secured the bag!”
14. No cap
Noun…maybe: No lie. Emphasizing that you’re telling the truth and nothing but the truth
“Jack Brown’s hands down has one of the best burgers in Birmingham. No cap”
15. Clap back 👏
Noun: A comeback, but with more sass. Basically the millennial version of “retort”
“If you yell ‘War Eagle’ at a Southern woman wearing houndstooth, expect the harshest clap back of your life.”
16. Flex 😎
Verb: To brag. To stunt. To show off your valuables in a not so humble way.
“The Vulcan stays flexin’ on Birmingham.”
17. Dead 💀
Verb: Past the point of being amused. The word you use when you find something hilarious.
This word can also be used sarcastically. Be careful when doing this. It can sting!
“Have you seen that video where the Bham Now team tries really weird food? Like someone even ate squid!”
“LMAO their reactions had me dead!”
18. Salty
Verb: Upset, bitter, or angry over something small
“A lot of people were salty that Jalen Hurts transferred to Oklahoma, but Roll Tide forever baby!”
19. Shade
Noun: Casual, often disrespectful manner of insulting or acting towards someone
In Birmingham or just the South in general, if someone says “Oh, Bless your heart”, they’re probably throwing some shade!
20. Mood
Used to express that something is relatable. Similar to using “Same”.
“You know that feeling when you have enough battery percentage to roll over on the other side of the bed?”
“Yes! Now that’s a mood.”
21. Yaasss
Way of saying “yes” but with 1000% more enthusiasm
“I can get free delivery from Waitr by using the code: BHAMNOW?! Yaassssss!”
22. Gucci
Indicates that something is good, great, awesome, chill
“Hey! How’s everything been?”
“Everything’s gucci! I’ve just been busy living my best life.”
23. Lit
When something is turned up, amazing, popping
The state of being so intoxicated that you reach a state of euphoria
“Have you seen the lineup for Moonstone Festival? It’s LIT“
24. Trash
Noun: a way of criticizing someone or something
“Hey have you been to that new sushi restaurant?”
“Nah dude. I heard it’s trash.”
Have any fave slang we didn’t cover? Let us know on social @BhamNow!
