Since the dawn of mobile phone texting and online chatrooms a plethora of internet slang words have made their way in to the English language with some even entering the Oxford Dictionary.
Having said that, just as these new and often cringe-worthy words came in to everyday conversation they were often forgotten within a year. Does anybody (even those from Essex) still say “Reem” anymore for example?
This week the Independent Online reported on a very interesting study from Professor John Sutherl from University College London, who is the UK’s leading English expert. Professor Sutherl has led a study into common ‘internet speak’ and he has found a selection of slang words used on social media and within text conversation that have left most parents baffled. Polar-opposite to that, the English language expert also found a variety of slang words that are no longer used in conversation and mean nothing to today’s young teenagers.
Ten slang words that baffle those of the age of 25+
Fleek
An attractive individual or feature.
FOMO
A fear of missing out.
BAE
Before anything else. A term to describe your other half/love interest.
ICYMI
In case you missed it.
Deadout
Empty or boring.
TBT
Throwback Thursday.
LMK
Let me know.
Thirsty
Desperate for attention.
RN
Right now.
NSFW
Not safe for work.
Ten slang words that baffle those under the age of 25
TXT
To text.
Gr8
Great.
M8
A friend… A mate.
BRB
Be right back.
ROFL
Rolling on the floor laughing.
BBZ
Babes, the previous incarnation of BAE.
L8RZ
See you later.
G2G
Got to go.
Enuf
Enough. When you’ve just about had enough and don’t even have the effort to spell it correctly anymore.
TTYL
Talk to you later.
