Hark! Feeling like the tweens and teens around you are speaking another language? Here at Bark, it’s our job to learn and understand the popular lingo with kids. We’ve translated a few of the most common slang expressions today into fun, Ye Olde English-style phrases. And because the parents at Bark are all Gen Xers and “vintage” Millennials, we’ve got that translation for you, too.
“It’s lit, fam.”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: ‘Tis lit, kin!
Gen X Translation: Kids use “lit” to describe something as awesome or exciting. Fam? That’s a close friend, fam.
“DTF”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: DTF (delighted to fornicate)
Gen X Translation: Teens send messages saying DTF to indicate they’re willing to engage in casual sex.
“U up?”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: “Art thou awake and ready for tomfoolery? Prithee come over, if so.”
Gen X Translation: Teens send this after-hours message to people they’re attracted to, usually with the hope of sexting, or, in some cases, meeting up.
“Bae”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: “Yon oft-smooched true love for whom one cares immensely”
Gen X Translation: It’s a girlfriend or boyfriend or romantic partner—”before anyone else.” Or something you really really like. Example: “Tacos are bae.”
“Bye, Felicia!”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: Good morrow, Francesca!
Gen X Translation: You say “Bye, Felicia” when you want someone to get out of your face. It’s generally intended as a dismissive kiss-off. More often, it’s said jokingly as a goodbye with no real bad feelings.
“YOLO”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: YOBLO (ye only but liveth once)
Gen X Translation: “You only live once.” A sentiment similar to the Latin “carpe diem” (“seize the day”), YOLO is often used to a justification for irrational or risky behavior.
“Netflix and chill”
Ye Olde Teenspeake: Fireplace and Bare Thine Ankles
Gen X Translation: While this expression literally means to go over to someone’s house to watch TV, it’s most commonly used as a metaphor to head to someone’s house to hook up.
GOAT
Ye Olde Teenspeake: This one doesn’t translate well, unfortunately. It’s actually just the family goat, Phillip Kids are weird in every time period.
Gen X Translation: “The Greatest of All Time.” Folks use GOAT usually when referring to a well-regarded sports icon, e.g., Lebron James is the GOAT.
The way kids talk will forever change and evolve with the times—and parents will forever be trying to catch up!
