Let’s set the scene, bruh 😏.
You’re midway through a lesson on the passive voice (snoozefest, huh?) when one of your students grumbles, “This grammar is so mid.”
Wait… mid? 🤨
Was that… good? Bad? Should you be offended?
Welcome to the whirlwind world of teen slang in 2025, where language evolves faster than TikTok trends and words mean something completely different from what they did last year (or even last week).
If you’re an EFL teacher, staying connected with how students actually speak outside the classroom can go a long way—not just for teaching, but for building trust and having a bit of fun along the way.
So, here’s a no-cap, zero-fluff breakdown of some of the most glorious GenZ mumbo jumbo… ready to decode the madness 🤯?
🥱 Mid
Definition: Something that’s just… average. Nothing special. Not bad, but definitely not great.
Usage: “This cafeteria food is so mid.”
Teacher translation: “This food is extremely underwhelming.”
🍽 She Ate (And Left No Crumbs)
Definition: Someone did an amazing job—like, nailed it.
Usage: “Her class presentation? She ate.”
Teacher translation: “She absolutely crushed that.”
Delulu
Definition: Short for delusional, often used playfully when someone’s being unrealistically hopeful or dreamy.
Usage: “I think he likes me. He made eye contact once.”
“Girl, that’s so delulu.”
Teacher translation: “You might be overthinking this.”
🧊 Rizz
Definition: Charisma, especially in the context of flirting or impressing others.
Usage: “He’s got zero rizz.”
Teacher translation: “He’s not very charming.”
💀 I’m Dead / I’m Screaming
Definition: Used when something is extremely funny or outrageous.
Usage: “Did you see that meme? I’m dead.”
Teacher translation: “I laughed so hard I metaphorically died.”
🧢 Cap / No Cap
Definition: “Cap” = lie. “No cap” = being honest.
Usage: “That test was impossible, no cap.”
Teacher translation: “Honestly, that test was super hard.”
🧠 Brainrot
Definition: When something has taken over your brain—usually a show, song, or meme you’re obsessing over.
Usage: “I’ve rewatched that clip like 30 times. Brainrot.”
Teacher translation: “I may be addicted to this.”
🕶 Sigma
Definition: Someone who’s independent, does their own thing, and doesn’t follow the crowd.
Usage: “He’s on that sigma grind.”
Teacher translation: “He walks to the beat of his own drum.”
😮💨 BSFFR (Be So For F* Real)
Definition: A call for honesty or a reality check. It’s Gen Z/Gen Alpha’s dramatic way of saying: “Are you serious right now?” or “You can’t be for real.”
Usage: “BSFFR, we have homework on a Friday?!”
Teacher translation: “Please tell me you’re joking.”
As teachers, it’s easy to stay in the comfort zone of formal grammar and vocabulary, but dipping into the world of teen talk can open up fresh ways to connect and communicate. After all, language is alive and slang is the heartbeat.
If you made it this far, you’re officially the GOAT. Thanks for scrolling!