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How to Understand Slang from the 2010s
Ever feel like you’re eavesdropping on a conversation from another dimension when you hear someone reminiscing about the 2010s? That’s because, like every era, the 2010s had its own unique language: a vibrant tapestry of memes, internet abbreviations, and evolving cultural touchstones. This guide will help you navigate the landscape of **retro slang**, ensuring you’re never again lost in translation when someone drops a “YOLO” or references being “on fleek.” We’ll delve into the origins, meanings, and cultural context of the most iconic (and sometimes cringe-worthy) slang terms from the decade, equipping you with the knowledge to understand (and maybe even appreciate) the internet-fueled vernacular of the 2010s.
Why Understanding 2010s Slang Matters
Why bother learning **retro slang**? Well, for several reasons. Firstly, understanding the language of a particular era offers valuable insight into its culture. Slang isn’t just random words; it reflects the values, anxieties, and humor of the people who use it. The **slang of the 2010s**, heavily influenced by the rise of social media and internet culture, provides a fascinating window into a decade defined by rapid technological advancement and evolving social norms.
Secondly, many of these terms, while perhaps not in everyday usage, still pop up in online discussions, memes, and nostalgic content. Knowing what they mean allows you to participate more fully in these conversations and appreciate the references being made. Imagine scrolling through a meme page and finally *getting* the joke because you understand what “Bye Felicia” truly means!
Finally, understanding **retro slang** can bridge generational gaps. For younger generations, it provides context for the humor and cultural references of older siblings or parents. For older generations, it offers a glimpse into the world of their younger counterparts and fosters better communication. It’s a way to connect over shared experiences and understand each other’s perspectives.
A Deep Dive into 2010s Slang: From A to ‘YOLO’
Let’s break down some of the most memorable (and sometimes bewildering) slang terms from the 2010s. We’ll explore their meanings, origins, and how they were used in popular culture.
A is for Adulting
Adulting wasn’t a new concept, but the term gained widespread popularity in the 2010s, often used with a hint of irony. It refers to the act of behaving like a responsible adult – paying bills, doing laundry, cooking meals – things that, let’s be honest, can feel incredibly challenging, especially when you’re first starting out. It’s often used in a self-deprecating way, acknowledging the struggles of navigating adulthood. For example, “I actually did laundry and made dinner tonight! I’m adulting so hard.”
B is for Bae
Bae, short for “before anyone else,” was a term of endearment used to refer to a significant other or someone you care deeply about. Its origins are debated, but it’s often attributed to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and gained mainstream popularity through social media and music. Using *Bae* often signifies love and affection.
C is for Cancel Culture
While the practice of calling out individuals for problematic behavior existed before the 2010s, the term “cancel culture” truly took off during this decade. It refers to the collective withdrawal of support from a public figure or company after they have done or said something considered offensive or unacceptable. It’s a complex phenomenon with both supporters and detractors, sparking debate about accountability, forgiveness, and free speech.
D is for Doge
Doge isn’t just any dog; it’s a Shiba Inu whose image, accompanied by internal monologue captions in Comic Sans font, became an iconic meme of the 2010s. The captions, often grammatically incorrect and expressing simple thoughts, added to the meme’s absurd and endearing quality. “Much wow,” “Such amaze,” and “Very excite” became catchphrases associated with Doge.
E is for Epic Fail
An Epic Fail describes something that went disastrously wrong, often in a humorous or spectacular way. The phrase highlights the magnitude of the failure, emphasizing the sheer scale of the blunder. YouTube compilation videos of epic fails were incredibly popular throughout the decade.
F is for Feels
Feels is a shortened version of “feelings” and is often used to describe intense emotions, whether positive or negative. It’s commonly used online to express empathy or share personal experiences. For example, posting a picture of a touching scene from a movie and captioning it with “all the feels”.
G is for GOAT
GOAT stands for “Greatest Of All Time.” It’s used to describe someone considered the absolute best in their field, whether it’s sports, music, or any other area of expertise. Saying Michael Jordan is the *GOAT* in basketball, for example.
H is for Haters
Haters are people who express negative or critical opinions, often out of jealousy or spite. The term gained prominence in the 2010s, often used to dismiss criticism or defend oneself against negativity. “Don’t pay attention to the haters,” is a common phrase.
I is for IRL
IRL stands for “in real life.” It’s used to distinguish between online interactions and experiences in the physical world. For example, “We met online and decided to hang out IRL.” The term highlights the blurring lines between the online and offline realms, a defining characteristic of the 2010s.
J is for JK
JK is simply short for “just kidding.” Used in online messaging and in person, it shows that the speaker is not being serious. It is used in a casual way in the end of sentences.
K is for Keep it 100
To keep it 100 means to be authentic, honest, and genuine. It signifies a commitment to truthfulness and transparency. It is an expression of realness.
L is for LMAO
LMAO, an acronym for “laughing my ass off,” is a more intense version of LOL (laughing out loud) used to express amusement.
M is for Mood
Mood is used to describe something relatable or representative of one’s current state of mind. For example, seeing a picture of someone sleeping soundly and commenting “mood” if you’re feeling tired.
N is for Noob
Noob is a derogatory term for a newcomer or inexperienced person, especially in the context of online gaming or technology. It’s often used to belittle someone’s lack of skill or knowledge. It is similar to the words novice or newbie.
O is for On Fleek
On fleek describes something that is perfectly styled, flawless, and on point, mostly used to describe eyebrows or makeup. If someone’s outfit looks great, you could say that their outfit is on fleek.
P is for Photobomb
To photobomb is to intentionally insert oneself into someone else’s photograph, often unexpectedly and humorously. Photobombing became increasingly popular with the rise of social media and smartphone cameras.
Q is for Queen
While not new to the 2010’s, Queen was used heavily during the era to describe women as the highest level of female respect. Often, a woman of color would be described as queenly or a queen by others.
R is for Ratchet
Ratchet is an adjective that describes someone (typically a woman) who acts in a vulgar or uncouth manner. It’s often used negatively, but sometimes ironically.
S is for Shade
To throw shade is to subtly insult or disrespect someone. It’s a passive-aggressive form of criticism, often delivered with a hint of humor. Shade can be delivered through a seemingly innocent comment or a veiled gesture.
T is for Trolling
Trolling refers to the act of deliberately provoking or harassing others online, often through inflammatory or off-topic comments. Trolling is usually done to get a rise out of others.
U is for Unfriend
To unfriend someone is to remove them from your list of friends on a social networking site. It’s a digital form of cutting ties with someone, signifying a breakdown in the relationship.
V is for V
V is slang for very. It is short and quick to type. It is rarely used in verbal speaking.
W is for Woke
Woke means to be aware of social injustices and inequalities, particularly those related to race and social class. Becoming *woke* often involves educating oneself about these issues and advocating for social change.
X is for XOXO
XOXO represents hugs and kisses. Often used in texting. Is a light hearted and affectionate saying.
Y is for YOLO
Ah, YOLO. Perhaps the most infamous acronym of the 2010s, *YOLO* stands for “You Only Live Once.” It’s an expression of carefree abandon and a justification for taking risks, often (but not always) with questionable judgment. While intended as a motivational phrase, *YOLO* often became associated with reckless behavior. “I’m going skydiving… YOLO!”
Z is for ZOMG
ZOMG is used for ‘Oh my God.’ It shows that you are very shocked and surprised by something. The Z is added to express more feelings than OMG.
The Legacy of 2010s Slang: Beyond Memes and Acronyms
The **retro slang** of the 2010s is more than just a collection of outdated words and phrases. It’s a snapshot of a rapidly changing digital landscape and the evolving ways in which we communicate. The rise of social media, meme culture, and internet communities significantly shaped the language of the decade, leading to the creation of new terms, the adaptation of existing ones, and the widespread adoption of acronyms and abbreviations.
While some of these terms may sound silly or cringeworthy in retrospect, they represent a unique moment in linguistic history. They remind us of a time when the internet was still relatively new, social media was taking over, and our language was rapidly evolving to keep pace. Understanding this **retro slang** isn’t just about deciphering old memes; it’s about understanding the cultural forces that shaped a generation and continue to influence our online interactions today.
So, the next time you stumble across a reference to “Netflix and chill” or hear someone mention being “salty,” you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to understand the context and appreciate the cultural significance of these **retro slang** terms. You might even find yourself using them ironically (or unironically) – after all, You Only Live Once!
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