TikTok Slang Words in English: 15 Terms and 8 Abbreviations
Tell me you watch TikTok videos without actually telling me you watch TikTok videos. I’ll go first…
If you recognize this sentence, you probably watch TikTok videos on a regular basis. Even though I’m located in Brazil and watch lots of videos by Brazilian creators, many English videos still pop up in my “For you” page. I can understand most of them, but I have to make a confession: every once in a while I need to google some TikTok slang in English to understand their meaning. And that’s not only because I’m not an English native speaker. Many slang terms used on TikTok are new to many Americans as well. The thing is: if you are a Boomer or a Millennial, you will struggle to keep up with all these new Gen Z slang words. Keep reading to learn all the latest trending slang words in English.
Trending TikTok words in English
A quick scroll on TikTok and some terms start showing again and again. You may not know what they mean from the beginning, but you will eventually start using them as well. Creators come up with new slang words every day on TikTok. Let’s go over some of the most common ones rn (don’t know what “rn” means? Make sure to check the next section of this blog post).
15 TikTok Slang (words and phrases) plus meanings
Here we go, the top 15 TikTok words and phrases you should know in English. Each term has the meaning and several examples to help you understand them.
1. CEO of (something)
When someone says that someone is the CEO of (something), they mean that the person in question is considered the best at what they do. People sometimes use this ironically, but sometimes they actually mean it.
Examples:
- I’m the CEO of hurting my own feelings.
- Charli D’Amelio is the CEO of TikTok (not literally, she’s just really good at it!).
- She is the CEO of procrastination.
2. Extra
If somebody calls you extra, they mean that you are being over the top. People with dramatic behavior are often referred to as extra. It is often used with the word being, to refer to a current state of mind.
Examples:
- Can you believe Amy hasn’t talked to me since that day at the mall?
Really? Amy needs to stop being extra. - Tina is so extra!
I know. She is such a drama queen! - I’m sorry, but you are being so extra right now!
3. Fire (or Lit)
If something is considered fire it means it is very good. People usually use it on social media to describe things. You can also use the word lit to say something is cool.
Examples:
- These new shoes are fire! I love them.
- Olivia Rodrigo’s song is fire! It’s the best.
- This new Starbucks drink is lit! I could drink this every day.
4. Fit
This TikTok slang, fit, is just another word for outfit, which refers to the set of clothes somebody is wearing.
Examples:
- This is my fit of the day. Do you like it?
Yeah, I love your jeans! - I’m not a fan of this fit.
Hmm, I’m not sure about it either. What about the yellow dress?
Yeah, I like that one better. - Should I get a new fit for the party?
Yes! Let’s go to the mall after class!
5. Finna
Okay, so this TikTok word did not originate on social media. It’s actually been around for a long time. Finna is the contracted form of “fixing to”. It’s commonly used in the south of the United States, it means getting ready to do something.
Example:
- I love Sundays. I’m finna sleep all day.
- Mom, I’m hungry!
Ok, I’m finna make dinner now.
6. Flex
This TikTok slang word in English, flex, just means to brag about something that is good. It is often used with the expression “weird flex but ok” which refers to somebody who is showing off something considered irrelevant.
Example:
- I can touch my nose with the tip of my tongue.
Weird flex but ok. - I’m going to flex right now: my life is lit.
7. Glow up
Have you heard this slang phrase on social media? It’s really popular. Glow up refers to when someone goes through an incredible transformation, usually in the puberty phase.
Example:
- Have you seen Julie recently? She has had such a glow up.
8. Karen
TikTok users and Youtubers use the word Karen a lot! It’s not talking about a name though. This slang word refers to a middle-aged woman, who is normally blonde and considers herself better than others. This is a pejorative slang term, and can often be about someone who does something racist.
Examples:
- You’re being a Karen.
- Why are you such a Karen?
9. Lowkey (or highkey)
Lowkey means someone secretly wants to do something and they don’t want to be obvious about it. Highkey is the opposite. Someone wants to do something and they want the attention.
Examples:
- I lowkey wanna eat this whole cake.
- I’m lowkey in love with Harry Styles.
- I highkey want to be healthy.
10. No cap
“No cap” means “no lie”. Another expression for “seriously”.
Examples:
- I loved your hair cut, no cap.
- I really wanna go to the party tonight, no cap.
11. Slay
If something or someone “slays” it means that they are doing a great job or that they are really cool. It is similar to “killed it”.
Examples:
- Taylor Swift’s new album slayed.
12. Tea
Tea refers to gossip. If someone “spills the tea” that means they are spreading gossip. If someone “sips the tea” that means they are listening to gossip.
Examples:
- What are you doing?
Not much, just sipping the tea. - I have something to tell you about Kelly.
OMG, spill the tea!
13. Yeet
Yeet means to throw something at high velocity. People also yell the word “yeet” while throwing an object at high velocity. Yeet is also used as na exclamation of victory of excitement, similar to “yay!”.
Examples:
- I passed my Algebra test. Yeet!
8 Abbreviations in English
Now that we’ve covered the TikTok slang phrases and words, let’s look at some abbreviations. Ever see a few letters together and wonder what they mean? Take a look at 8 examples of words or expressions that are often used abbreviated on TikTok:
- Fr = for real
This phrase can be used to question if someone’s statement is genuine or true. - POV = point of view
This phrase can be used to give an opinion. - Rn = right now
This common TikTok phrase can emphasize that something is happening at this moment. - Rt = retweet
This word means you agree with another person’s opinion. - Smh = shaking my head
This phrase means you agree with something. - Sus = suspicious
This TikTok word abbreviation means you do not believe something. - Tbh = to be honest
This abbreviated TikTok phrase is used to give your opinion without offending other people. - Tfw = that feeling when
This phrase is used on TikTok to visually demonstrate a feeling.
We hope this guide to TikTok slang in English is helpful to you! Tbh, these slang terms are becoming more and more common and it is important for you to study them. Fr. They may seem complicated at first, but eventually, you will be using them as well. No cap. If you want to know more about TikTok slangs, check out this piece. See you next time!