37 Most Popular TikTok Slang Phrases: Master the Vibes!

If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and thought, “Wait, what does that even mean?!”, you’re not alone.

TikTok isn’t just about dance crazes and lip-sync battles; like I used to say, it’s a university on its own, and a language lab where slang evolves faster than you can say “viral.”

Slangs amuses me, and as such, I am someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes slang (seriously, it’s my thing), I’m going to decode and share with you 37 Popular TikTok slang phrases so you can flex your vocab, avoid awkward misunderstandings, and maybe even go viral yourself.

Let’s dive in!

Your Ultimate Guide to Popular TikTok Slang Phrases: And Their Meanings

1. FYP (For You Page) 🚀

The FYP is TikTok’s magic mirror, it reflects content you’ll love based on your likes, shares, and cursed algorithm choices. “My cat’s breakdancing video hit the FYP, and now he’s internet famous!”

According to TikTok’s 2023 report, videos that trend here get 10x more engagement. Pro tip: Use trending sounds like Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer” to boost your chances.

2. No Cap 🧢

“No cap” = “I’m 100% serious.” “That burger was life-changing, no cap.” This gem comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), and linguist Dr. Nicole Holliday says it’s Gen Z’s way of “cutting through online BS.” Drop it to sound authentic, but don’t use it with a hat.

3. Sheesh 😲

Stretch it out for drama: “Sheeeeeesh!” Use it when your jaw drops, like when your BFF shows up in a fire ‘fit. Pair it with the elbow-pointing meme pose for extra flair.

Fun fact: This term blew up in 2021 thanks to a Lil Yachty soundbite. “SHEESH! Your glow-up is unreal!”

4. Simp 😍

A simp is someone who’s down catastrophically bad for their crush. “He wrote her a sonnet? Simp alert!” While it’s often playful, psychologist Dr. Jessica Clemons warns it can reinforce toxic stereotypes. Use it to roast friends, not strangers!

5. Tea / Spill the Tea ☕

“Tea” = gossip. “Spill” = spill it! “Spill the tea, did they break up or what?!” Rooted in Black LGBTQ+ ballroom culture (watch Paris is Burning!), TikTok’s turned tea-spilling into an art form. Pro tip: Add 🐸 emojis for “sipping tea” drama.

6. Vibe Check 😎

This is your social Spidey-sense. Fail a vibe check, and you’ll stick out like pineapple on pizza. “You wore Crocs to a wedding? Vibe check failed.” According to Pew Research, 67% of Gen Z uses this to suss out fake friends online.

7. Sussy 👀

“Sussy” is TikTok’s way of saying someone’s acting shady as heck. It comes straight from the gaming world (Among Us, to be exact), where “sus” means suspicious.

On TikTok, it’s used to call out anything sketchy, from cryptic texts to that friend who mysteriously “forgets” their wallet. Example: “Why’s he sneaking around? So sussy.”

Know Your Meme says the term exploded in 2020 when gamers flooded TikTok with Among Us memes. Pro tip: Pair it with side-eye for maximum effect!

8. Flex 💪

To flex is to shamelessly show off your wins, whether it’s a new car, grades, or even your morning avocado toast. Example: “She’s flexing her promotion on LinkedIn, get it, girl!”

This term has roots in hip-hop culture (think Jay-Z’s “I just flex, I don’t stress”), but Gen Z turned it into a lifestyle.

9. Drip 💧

Drip isn’t just water, it’s style so fresh, it’s leaking. If someone’s outfit is fire, they’ve got drip. Example: “His suit at the wedding? Drip for days.”

The term comes from 2010s rap (shoutout to Gunna’s “Drip Season”), but TikTok made it universal. Fashion influencer Wisdom Kaye once said, “Drip isn’t what you wear, it’s how you own it.”

10. Snack 🍔

Calling someone a snack means they’re so attractive, you could gobble them up. Example: “Chris Hemsworth in Thor? Full-course meal.”

The term blew up after Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hot Girl Summer” anthem, but TikTok added visuals, like thirst traps with captions like “Who’s snacking?” Use this sparingly. Calling your crush a snack in the DMs? Bold. Doing it IRL? Delulu.

11. Bop (🎶)

A bop is a song so catchy, you’ll play it on loop until your roommate begs for mercy. Example: “Doja Cat’s Paint the Town Red? Certified bop.”

A recent Billboard statistics shows that, TikTok drives 75% of viral music trends, so if a track’s a bop here, it’s topping charts next week.

12. Slay 👑

Slay means dominating something so hard, you deserve a crown. Example: “You slayed that job interview, offer incoming!”

The term has roots in Black and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture (watch Paris is Burning!), but TikTok uses it for everything from makeup tutorials to math tests.

13. Yas Queen 👸

Yas Queen is your hype anthem for friends winning at life. Example: “You got into Harvard? Yas queen, pop the champagne!” It comes from drag culture (thanks, RuPaul’s Drag Race!), but TikTok turned it into a universal cheer.

Yas Queen is a way to “celebrate others without competition”, a rarity online! ~ Linguist Dr. Amanda Montell~

14. Simping 😻

Simping is when you’re down catastrophically bad for someone, think writing love poems or binge-liking their TikToks. Example: “He’s simping so hard, he memorized her Starbucks order.”

While it’s often a joke, psychologist Dr. Jessica Clemons warns, “Simping can blur into unhealthy obsession if it’s one-sided.” So maybe… chill with the DM novels?

15. Clout 🌟

Clout is internet fame, the kind that makes people do anything for views. Example: “They faked a breakup for clout, sad but savvy.”

A 2023 Pew Research study found 40% of teens admit to chasing clout, often bending the truth for likes. Rapper Lil Nas X put it bluntly: “Clout’s the new currency. Get rich or die posting.”

16. Lit 🔥

If something’s lit, it’s pure hype, like a party where the cops show up (but in a fun way). Example: “The concert was lit, crowd-surfing at 2 AM!”

The term started in 90s hip-hop (thanks, Snoop Dogg!), but TikTok uses it for everything from viral dances to actual fire. Note: Overuse it, and you’ll sound cheugy.

17. Gyatt 🍑

Gyatt is a viral reaction to someone’s curves, born from a misheard “god” in a TikTok clip. Example: “GYATT, did you see his gym selfie?!”

It’s mostly used humorously, but critics argue it objectifies bodies. Creator @ThatGymDude, who popularized it, says, “It’s just jokes, don’t take it too deep.”

18. Sigma 🐺

A sigma is the lone wolf who thrives solo, think Keanu Reeves, not Elon Musk. Example: “He skipped prom to code his app, sigma grindset.”

The term comes from “sigma male” memes, a twist on alpha/beta stereotypes. Psychologist Dr. John Grohol notes, “Sigmas reject social hierarchies, which Gen Z relates to in a burnt-out world.”

19. Fanum Tax🍟

Fanum Tax is the joke rule that lets you steal your friend’s fries, named after streamer Fanum. Example: “You brought wings? Fanum Tax, hand ’em over.”

Fanum’s Twitch fans made it a TikTok trend, pairing it with videos of sneaky snack grabs. Just don’t try this at a restaurant, actual taxes apply.

20. Ick 🤢

The ick is that instant ick feeling when someone says “moist” or wears socks with sandals. Example: “He called his mom ‘dude’—ick.”

Dating coach Matthew Hussey says, “The ick is Gen Z’s way of enforcing ick-free boundaries early.” Moral? Avoid icks… or get ghosted.

21. NPC 🤖

An NPC (Non-Player Character) is someone with the originality of a brick wall, think copying trends or parroting opinions. Example: “His personality? NPC vibes.”

The term comes from gaming, but Wired reports it’s now used to critique social media sheep. Be the main character, folks.

22. Bling-Bling 💎

Bling-bling is flashy jewelry so extra, it blinds haters. Example: “Her Met Gala necklace? Bling-bling goals.” Coined by rapper BG in 1999, it’s back thanks to TikTok’s love for vintage hip-hop. Just don’t wear it to the beach, sand and diamonds don’t mix.

23. Touch Grass 🌿

Touch Grass means “go outside”, a roast for chronically online folks. Example: “You’ve posted 50 thirst traps today, touch grass!” Touch Grass started in gaming forums to troll no-lifers. But honestly? We could all use a little grass-touching.

24. Bet 🤝

Casual agreement or a challenge accepted. “Bet, let’s raid Taco Bell at 2 AM!” Born in 90s hip-hop (shoutout to Biggie’s “Bet ya man don’t know”), it’s TikTok’s favorite way to say “I’m in.”

25. Bussin 🍜

If your grandma’s lasagna is bussin’, it’s so good you’ll lick the plate. “This ramen? Bussin’!” Southern slang turned global foodie anthem. Chef Gordon Ramsay even tweeted it once, no cap.

26. Karen 👩💼

The Karen meme, a middle-aged woman demanding to “speak to the manager”, is TikTok’s roast of entitlement.

Example: “She yelled at a barista over free napkins? Karen vibes.” The New York Times traces it to 2017 Reddit, but TikTok made it iconic.

27. Glow Up ✨

A glow up is a transformation so iconic, it deserves a montage. “2020 vs. 2023? That’s a glow up!” Stanford linguists say it reflects Gen Z’s love for self-improvement over perfection. Spoiler: It’s not just looks, personality glow-ups count too!

28. Heather 🌸

From Conan Gray’s viral song, a Heather is the effortlessly cool person everyone lowkey envies. *“She aced her exams *and* got cast in a play? Total Heather.”* Pro tip: Use this as a compliment—it’s the ultimate ego boost.

29. Mid 😐

If something’s mid, it’s meh. “The concert was mid—where’s the pyro?!” TikTok’s brutal honesty anthem. Influencer Leena Norms says, “Gen Z would rather call something mid than fake enthusiasm.”

30. Caught in 4K 📸

Busted in HD? You’re caught in 4K. “You ate my fries? Caught in 4K!” Started in gaming streams (Twitch), now used for any cringey IRL moment.

31. W (Win) 🏆

Celebrate small victories with a W. “Got the last coffee? W!” Born in sports forums, it’s Gen Z’s way of hyping wins without bragging.

32. POV (Point of View) 🎥

POV videos let you step into someone else’s shoes. “POV: You’re the third wheel on a date.” TikTok’s 2022 trend report says POV hashtags rack up 12B views monthly, relatability is king!

33. Delulu 🤪

Short for delusional, delulu is for when someone’s living in fantasy land. “You think Timothée Chalamet will DM you? Delulu.” Psychologist Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett links it to Gen Z’s dark humor coping with stress.

34. Cheugy 🚫

Cheugy describes try-hard trends that flopped. “Live-laugh-love signs? So cheugy.” Coined by Gen Z in 2021, it’s a roast of millennial cringe. The Washington Post calls it “the death of basic.”

35. Rizz 😏

Rizz = charisma, especially when flirting. “He’s got rizz—got her number in 2 minutes!” Blame streamer Kai Cenat for making this AAVE term mainstream. Pro tip: Pair with a 😏 emoji for maximum rizz.

36. Skibidi 🚽

This nonsense word comes from the absurd Skibidi Toilet meme series. “My group chat’s pure skibidi chaos!” TikTok’s love for randomness at its finest.

37. 4Lifers 💖

Your ride-or-die crew. “We’ve been 4Lifers since middle school!” It’s the modern “BFFs,” but with extra loyalty points.

Why Understanding TTikTok Slangs Matter

TikTok isn’t just an app, it’s a language revolution. Think of it as “How To Talk to Gen Z Without Sounding Like a Boomer 101.” Mastering TikTok slang isn’t just about sounding cool (though that’s a perk).

It’s about unlocking a vibrant, fast-paced world where words like “rizz” and “gyatt” hold power. Let’s break down why this slang fluency is a game-changer:

1. Social Connection: Speak Their Language (Or Get Left on Read)
Imagine trying to join a party where everyone’s vibing to inside jokes you don’t get. That’s TikTok without slang.

Using terms like “W” (win), “delulu” (delusional), or “bussin” (amazing) isn’t just about vocabulary, it’s about building trust.

When you comment “She slayed, no cap!” on a video, you’re not just typing, you’re high-fiving a stranger through the screen. Gen Z’s radar for authenticity is strong, and slang is your golden ticket to ”one of us” status. 

#2. Creativity & Relevance: Ride the Trend Wave (Don’t Drown) 🌊✨
Ever seen a POV or “Sheesh” challenge blow up overnight? Slang fuels TikTok’s creative engine.

Knowing these phrases lets you jump on trends instead of scrambling to catch up. For creators, slang is like adding confetti to your content, it pops!

Use “sigma” correctly in a meme, and suddenly you’re the relatable genius everyone follows. Miss the mark? You’ll stick out like a cheugy TikToker using “YOLO” in 2024. 

3. Avoid Miscommunication: Don’t Be That Cringe Aunt 🚫😬
Calling someone a “Karen” when they’re just asking for ketchup? Saying “mid” about a friend’s haircut without realizing it means “mediocre”? Yikes.

Slang without context is like texting “💀” to your grandma, she’ll think you’re in trouble. Understanding tone, audience, and nuance saves you from accidental roasts or sounding like you’re trying too hard (cringe). 

How TikTok Slang Goes Viral: From Niche to Mainframe

Slang starts in corners of TikTok, like gaming streams (“Fanum Tax”), meme pages (“Skibidi”), or music fandoms (“Heather”). Then the algorithm, like a hype-man, blasts it to millions.

Remember when “Caught in 4K” was just a gaming term? Now it’s how you call out your sibling for stealing snacks. Even old terms (+“Yas Queen”) get reborn here.

TikTok’s slang machine never sleeps, it’s a cultural remix where everyone’s invited to add their verse. 

The Bottom Line: Slang = TikTok Fluency

With this guide, you’re not just learning words, you’re getting a backstage pass to TikTok’s soul. The next time someone says “This Fanum Tax meme is giving ick,” you’ll laugh instead of Googling.

Whether you’re here to bond with Gen Z, grow your brand, or just avoid sounding like a NPC, these phrases are your VIP access to the app’s heartbeat. 

Drop your fave slang in the comments, let’s keep this convo LIT! 🔥

Sources

Urban Dictionary

• Urban Dictionary
  Crowdsourced definitions for slang terms like “rizz,” “bussin,” and “simp.”

Know Your Meme

• Know Your Meme
  Explores origins of viral phrases like “Skibidi” and “Caught in 4K.”

Pew Research Center

• “Teens, Social Media, and Slang” Data on how Gen Z shapes online language.