Slang dictionary

Based means admirably true to yourself — saying or doing something bold and unbothered by what others think. Reclaimed and popularized by rapper Lil B, it became online praise for an independent, agree-worthy take. It's roughly the opposite of 'cringe.'

Bet is a casual reply meaning “okay,” “agreed,” or “challenge accepted.” The surrounding conversation determines whether it confirms a plan, expresses confidence, or answers a dare.

Brainrot means two things: the genre of hyper-absurd, low-effort internet content (AI mashups, nonsense catchphrases), and the mental fog you supposedly get from consuming too much of it. Calling something 'brainrot' can be an insult or, ironically, a badge of honor.

Bussin is enthusiastic praise for something excellent, especially food. Its roots are in African American English; viral food reactions helped introduce it to wider audiences. The word’s precise etymology is disputed.

Clanker is a derogatory term for robots, droids, and AI systems. Associated with Star Wars and revived in AI commentary in 2025, it can express a joke, frustration, or hostility depending on context.

Cooked means in serious trouble, defeated, or done for. “We’re cooked” predicts a bad outcome for a group. It is distinct from praise such as “let them cook,” and this figurative meaning predates the internet.

Goated is strong praise: someone or something is being placed among the greatest. It builds on GOAT, “greatest of all time,” and can describe an exceptional performance, a favorite item, or a jokingly heroic small favor.

The ick is a feeling of disgust or aversion, often discussed as a sudden loss of attraction after noticing a behavior. Online examples can be sincere or exaggerated; the label alone does not explain the relationship.

Menace can mean a genuine threat or, informally, an annoying troublemaker. In a meme, calling someone “a menace” often exaggerates a mischievous action. The surrounding event determines whether the label is comic or serious.

Mid dismisses something as mediocre, unimpressive, or overpraised. It is usually a judgment of quality rather than a neutral description of the middle. Someone calling a film mid is expressing an opinion, not a score everyone shares.

Mogging means outshining someone, often in a comparison of appearance. The term is associated with manosphere and looksmaxxing communities, though it also appears in jokes and broader comparisons. It is not an objective measure of anyone’s worth.

No cap means that the speaker is being sincere or is not exaggerating. Cap can refer to a lie or boast. The expression comes from Black American slang and predates its widespread use on TikTok.

Opps are opponents, rivals, or enemies. The term has roots in Black American English and hip-hop; casual online uses may exaggerate small conflicts. A joke about “the opps” should not be mistaken for evidence of a real threat.

A ratio is an unfavorable engagement comparison: a post may attract many replies but few likes, or a reply may outperform the original. “Ratio” can also be an attempt to rally likes against a post. Counts alone do not establish who is right.

A rizzler is someone described as having plenty of rizz: charm or charisma. The label can be sincere or joking. The ordinary slang word is distinct from “The Rizzler” used as a particular creator’s public nickname.

Sus is short for suspicious or suspect: something seems questionable or someone may be hiding something. Among Us helped popularize it online in 2020, but the English shortening is much older than the game.

SYBAU abbreviates “shut your bitch ass up,” a profane and often hostile instruction to stop talking. Some posts use it jokingly, but the acronym does not make the insult neutral or polite.

Unc is a shortened form of uncle. In Black American English it can address an older man with familiarity or respect; online it can also tease someone for seeming older. It does not establish a fixed age or a family relationship.