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How to Talk Like TikTok Users

Ever scrolled through TikTok and felt completely lost in a sea of abbreviations, acronyms, and seemingly nonsensical phrases? You’re not alone! The language of TikTok, often referred to as TikTok slang, evolves at lightning speed. Keeping up can feel like a full-time job. But fear not! This guide will break down the essential TikTok slang you need to know to understand, and even participate in, the vibrant conversations happening on the platform.

Whether you’re a brand trying to connect with a younger audience, a parent trying to decipher your teen’s online life, or simply curious about internet culture, mastering TikTok slang is a valuable skill. We’ll explore the most popular terms, delve into their meanings, and even offer tips on how to use them appropriately. Get ready to level up your TikTok game!

Why Learn TikTok Slang?

Understanding TikTok slang goes beyond simply knowing the definitions of words. It’s about understanding the culture, the humor, and the shared experiences of the TikTok community. Here’s why learning this digital dialect is important:

• Enhanced Communication: You’ll be able to understand what people are saying in comments, captions, and videos.
• Improved Engagement: By using TikTok slang appropriately, you can connect with other users and build relationships.
• Cultural Understanding: It provides insight into the values, trends, and inside jokes of the TikTok generation.
• Marketing Opportunities: Brands can leverage TikTok slang to create authentic and engaging content that resonates with their target audience.
• Staying Relevant: Keeping up with internet trends, including slang, helps you stay relevant in an increasingly digital world.

Essential TikTok Slang Terms You Need to Know

Let’s dive into some of the most common and essential TikTok slang terms you’ll encounter. This list is constantly evolving, so consider it a starting point for your TikTok slang education.

Basic Abbreviations and Acronyms

These are the building blocks of much of TikTok slang. Mastering these will give you a solid foundation.

• FYP: For You Page. This is the algorithmically curated feed of videos that TikTok shows each user. “This video blew up on my FYP!”
• POV: Point of View. Videos using this format depict a scenario from a specific character’s perspective. “POV: You’re the barista and I order a ridiculously complicated drink.”
• DC: Dance Credit. Used to give credit to the creator of a particular dance trend. “DC: @originaldancer”
• IB: Inspired By. Similar to DC, but used for other types of content. “IB: @originalcreator’s cooking tutorial”
• IMO/IMHO: In My Opinion / In My Humble Opinion. Used to express a personal viewpoint. “IMHO, this is the best song on TikTok right now.”
• TBC: To Be Continued. Used at the end of a video indicating that there will be a sequel. “Watch out for Part 2! TBC”
• SMH: Shaking My Head. Expresses disbelief, disappointment, or frustration. “They actually believed that? SMH.”
• RN: Right Now. Used to indicate what one is doing at the current moment. “Eating pizza RN.”
• TBH: To Be Honest. Used to preface a sincere or candid statement. “TBH, I didn’t like that movie.”

Popular Slang Words and Phrases

These terms are more specific to TikTok culture and often reflect current trends.

• Simp: Someone (typically male) who does everything for a person they like, often to an excessive degree, hoping to gain their affection. The term carries a negative connotation. “He’s such a simp for her!”
• Bussin’: This term is used to describe something that is extremely delicious or amazing. “This pasta is bussin’!”
• No Cap: Means “no lie” or “for real.” Used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement. “That concert was amazing, no cap!”
• Mid: Used to describe something that is mediocre, average, or uninspired. “That song was pretty mid.”
• Hits Different: This phrase describes something that evokes a strong emotional response or feels particularly impactful. “This song hits different after what happened.”
• Vibe Check: An assessment of someone’s or something’s current mood or energy. Can be used seriously or humorously. “Alright, vibe check! How’s everyone feeling?”
• CEO of: Humorously used to describe someone who excels at a particular skill or activity. “She’s the CEO of multitasking!”
• IYKYK: If You Know, You Know. Used when referencing an inside joke or niche topic. “Only real fans will understand. IYKYK.”
• Era: Refers to a particular phase or period in someone’s life or style. “She’s in her soft girl era.”
• Delulu: Short for delusional. Often used in a self-deprecating way to describe having unrealistic expectations. “I know he’ll never text back, but I’m still holding out hope. I’m so delulu.”
• Rizz: Short for charisma, referring to someone’s ability to attract or seduce others. “He’s got serious rizz.”
• NPC: Short for Non-Player Character, used to describe someone who acts in a predictable or unoriginal way, like a background character in a video game. “He’s just going along with whatever everyone else is doing, total NPC.”

Sound-Related Slang

TikTok is heavily based on sounds, and some slang is related to the audio aspect of the platform.

• Corecore: A genre of video characterized by surreal and often unsettling compilation of clips, often set to specific music. Corecore attempts to evoke complex emotions and commentary about the current state of society.
• CleanTok: A trend of posting satisfying cleaning videos set to upbeat music.
• BookTok: A corner of TikTok devoted to recommending books, posting reviews, and creating content around reading.

How to Use TikTok Slang Appropriately

Knowing the definitions is only half the battle. Using TikTok slang effectively requires understanding the context and nuance behind each term. Here are some tips:

• Observe First: Before you start throwing around TikTok slang, spend time observing how others use it. Pay attention to the context, tone, and audience.
• Know Your Audience: Consider who you’re communicating with. What might be acceptable in a casual conversation with friends could be inappropriate in a professional setting.
• Stay Updated: As mentioned earlier, TikTok slang is constantly evolving. Follow popular creators, browse trending hashtags, and keep an eye on online discussions to stay in the loop.
• Don’t Force It: Authenticity is key. If you try too hard to use TikTok slang, it can come across as disingenuous. Use it naturally and only when it feels appropriate.
• Be Mindful of Potential Misinterpretations: Some terms can have multiple meanings or be interpreted differently depending on the context. Be aware of the potential for miscommunication and adjust your language accordingly.
• Avoid Overuse: Sprinkling in a few relevant slang terms can enhance your communication, but overusing them can make you sound try-hard or out of touch.
• Understand the Origin: Knowing the origin of a slang term can help you understand its nuances and use it more appropriately. For example, knowing that “simp” carries a negative connotation will help you avoid using it in a way that might be offensive.

The Evolution of TikTok Slang

TikTok slang is a dynamic and ever-changing phenomenon. What’s popular today might be outdated tomorrow. Several factors contribute to this constant evolution:

• The Algorithm: The TikTok algorithm plays a significant role in determining which trends and slang terms gain traction.
• Creator Influence: Popular creators often coin new terms or popularize existing ones.
• Cultural Shifts: Broader cultural trends and events can influence the language used on TikTok.
• Memes and Viral Content: Memes and viral videos often give rise to new slang terms and phrases.
• Interactions with Other Platforms: TikTok slang often borrows from or influences language used on other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram.

To stay ahead of the curve, it’s crucial to be a proactive learner. Follow relevant hashtags, engage with content creators, and participate in online discussions to keep your TikTok slang knowledge up-to-date. Remember, being a student of internet culture is an ongoing process.

Tools and Resources for Learning TikTok Slang

Several online resources can help you decipher TikTok slang:

• Urban Dictionary: A crowdsourced online dictionary that defines slang terms and phrases. Be aware that some entries can be inaccurate or biased.
• TikTok Itself: Pay attention to the comments sections of popular videos. Users often explain the meaning of slang terms or provide context.
• Online Forums and Communities: Reddit and other online forums dedicated to internet culture can be valuable sources of information.
• Google Search: A simple Google search can often provide definitions and explanations of TikTok slang.
• News Articles and Blog Posts: Many online publications cover internet trends, including TikTok slang.

Conclusion

Mastering TikTok slang is an ongoing journey, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor for anyone who wants to understand and connect with the TikTok community. By understanding the definitions, context, and nuances of popular terms, you can communicate more effectively, engage more authentically, and stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of social media.

Remember to observe, learn, and use TikTok slang responsibly and authentically. Good luck, and happy TikTok-ing!

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