Updated: March 24, 2020
Originally Published: May 3, 2019
In a world where phrases like “vibe check” and “flex” seem to emerge overnight, keeping up with the lingo of the younger generation can feel like navigating a maze. Enter Mike Johnson, a high school sociology teacher, who has taken it upon himself to compile an extensive list of slang terms he’s encountered in his classroom. This running alphabetic dictionary not only defines the terms but also helps bridge the generational gap.
For instance, did you know “bet” means “okay” and “suss” refers to figuring something out? A student, who goes by the name “Zara,” shared that the list came about when Mr. Johnson playfully asked his class, “What does that mean? It’s not in my dictionary.” Intrigued, the students clamored to see the list. Zara snapped a photo and posted it on Twitter, saying, “My sociology teacher keeps an alphabetic list of new slang terms he learns from students, and I will never get over it.” The tweet caught fire, amassing over 500,000 likes and nearly 170,000 retweets, prompting Mr. Johnson to share the entire document through a public Google link with the note: “Hello internet! Hope this comes in handy! Stay lit, Mr. Johnson.” (Fun fact: “stay lit” translates to “keep thriving.”)
Feeling a bit out of the loop? You’re not alone! The internet buzzed with excitement over Mr. Johnson’s compilation, and many Gen Z users jumped into the comments to suggest additional terms like “stan,” “savage,” and “lit.” Mr. Johnson graciously agreed to consider their suggestions, pending a “peer review” with his students. In a light-hearted exchange, he even debated with a follower who insisted that “low-key” wasn’t a new term.
Johnson noted that his students are incredibly creative and often use social media to communicate and share cultural nuances. “I never expected this list to gain such traction beyond my laptop, but it’s fascinating to witness,” he remarked.
So, let’s give a nod to the great Mr. Johnson, whose efforts help us navigate the wild landscape of Gen Z slang, enlightening us on terms like “bussin” and “sheesh.”
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In summary, a high school teacher’s compilation of student slang has not only gone viral but also serves as a valuable resource for anyone trying to keep up with the ever-evolving language of young people today.
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