Category

Pop Culture

Pop-culture slang from shows, memes, and celebrity moments the internet won’t stop quoting.

133 words

Wicked
adverb

An intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely' — wicked good, wicked cool.

#80s#american#pop
Buccal Fat
noun

The cheek fat pad people get removed to chase a sculpted, hollow-cheek look.

#gen-z#internet#american
Daebak
interjection

Korean for 'awesome' or 'jackpot' — what you yell when something's incredible.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Glow-Up
noun

A dramatic transformation from awkward to fine — looks, confidence, or life.

#gen-z#aave#american#meme
Boo-Yaa
noun

A sweetheart or romantic partner — your boo, the one you're into.

#90s#american#pop
Deadstock
noun

Brand-new, never-worn gear — especially sneakers still in original condition with the box.

#american#money#gen-z
Foxy Eyes
noun

A lifted, elongated, almond eye look — makeup or a literal cosmetic lift.

#gen-z#internet#american
Gorpcore
noun

Wearing technical hiking and outdoor gear as everyday fashion — fleeces, shell jackets, and trail shoes in the city.

#gen-z#internet#american#sports
Eleganza
noun

A ballroom category of high-fashion, over-the-top glamour and extravagance.

#lgbtq#ballroom#drag#fashion
Indie Sleaze
noun

The messy, flash-photo, hipster party aesthetic of the late 2000s — American Apparel, eyeliner, and disco-grime.

#gen-z#internet#2000s#music
Sup
interjection

The shortest possible 'what's up' — a one-word greeting.

#90s#aave#american#texting
Tea
noun

Gossip, the latest news, or the truth — 'spill the tea' means tell me everything.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#gen-z
Mopping
verb

Old-school ballroom slang for stealing — especially clothes to compete in.

#lgbtq#ballroom#drag#80s
Serving
verb

Delivering a look so strong you're 'serving' it up like a runway moment.

#gen-z#aave#american#hip-hop
Unnie
noun

Korean for 'older sister' used by women — fandom-speak for an older female idol.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Airhead
noun

Someone with nothing but air between their ears — ditzy and clueless.

#80s#american#pop
Like, For Sure
phrase

Valley-girl for 'definitely' or 'absolutely' — often crunched into 'fer sure.'

#80s#american#pop
Veg Out
verb

To relax and do absolutely nothing, like a vegetable on the couch.

#80s#american#pop
Comeback
noun

A K-pop group's new release era — not a return from a break, just the next drop.

#kpop#stan#pop#music
Whatever
interjection

A dismissive 'I don't care' delivered with maximum attitude.

#90s#2000s#american#y2k
Coastal Grandmother
noun

A breezy, expensive-but-effortless aesthetic of linen, neutral tones, and living like a wealthy retiree by the sea.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Barbiecore
noun

An all-out hot-pink, hyper-glam aesthetic inspired by Barbie — head-to-toe fuchsia and unapologetic plastic fantasy.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Normcore
noun

Deliberately plain, unbranded, ordinary clothing as a style statement — think dad jeans and a blank tee.

#internet#american#2000s#pop
Photocard
noun

A collectible idol trading card hidden in albums — the lifeblood of K-pop merch trading.

#kpop#stan#pop#fandom
Holla
verb

To call out, get in touch, or shout someone out.

#2000s#y2k#aave#hip-hop
My Bad
phrase

A casual way to admit a mistake — 'that was my fault.'

#90s#2000s#aave#american
Category Is
phrase

The ballroom emcee's call announcing the theme contestants must serve — 'the category is...'

#aave#lgbtq#ballroom#drag
Colorway
noun

The specific color combo a shoe or garment comes in — same model, different palette.

#american#gen-z#money
Barf Me Out
phrase

Valley-girl disgust — 'that's so gross it makes me want to puke.'

#80s#american#pop
Yas
interjection

An ecstatic, drawn-out 'yes' — pure excitement and approval.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#ballroom
Hwaiting
interjection

Korean for 'you got this!' — a cheer of encouragement before something tough.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Noona
noun

Korean for 'older sister' used by men — fandom-speak for an older female idol or fan.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Buggin
verb

Freaking out, overreacting, or acting crazy — your wires are tripping.

#90s#aave#american#hip-hop
Hella
adverb

Very, a lot — the NorCal intensifier that went national.

#90s#2000s#american#y2k
Cleanfit
noun

A sharp, minimal, well-put-together outfit — nothing flashy, just crisp pieces that quietly look expensive.

#gen-z#internet#american#hip-hop
Beat
adjective

Makeup applied flawlessly and fully — a face that's beat is perfectly done.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#beauty
Wassup
interjection

What's up — the drawn-out 90s greeting Budweiser turned into a national catchphrase.

#90s#aave#american#pop
Heat
noun

Highly desirable, hyped clothing or sneakers — the fire pieces everyone wants.

#aave#hip-hop#gen-z#american
Lash Lift
noun

A salon treatment that curls and lifts your natural lashes — no extensions needed.

#gen-z#internet#american
Whimsigoth
noun

A mystical 90s-witchy aesthetic — crescent moons, velvet, crystals, tarot, and a dreamy dark-romantic vibe.

#gen-z#internet#90s#american
Read
verb

To cleverly insult or call out someone's flaws with precision and wit.

#aave#lgbtq#ballroom#drag
The House Down
phrase

An intensifier meaning 'completely' or 'to the max' — she served the house down.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#ballroom
Dripped Out
adjective

Fully decked out in stylish, expensive-looking clothes and jewelry from head to toe.

#aave#hip-hop#gen-z#american
Gag Me With A Spoon
phrase

The ultimate Valley-girl expression of disgust — 'that's so gross I could throw up.'

#80s#american#pop
Tubular
adjective

Totally excellent — peak Valley-girl and surfer praise from the Reagan era.

#80s#american#surf#pop
Vogue
verb

A stylized ballroom dance of sharp poses, lines, and angular arm movements.

#lgbtq#ballroom#dance#90s
Realness
noun

A ballroom category judged on how convincingly you embody a real-world look or role.

#aave#lgbtq#ballroom#drag
Like, Totally
phrase

The signature Valley-girl filler combo meaning 'absolutely' or 'for sure.'

#80s#american#pop
Aegyo
noun

Performed cuteness — the baby voice, finger hearts, and pout idols do on demand.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Eat My Shorts
phrase

A cheeky 80s 'buzz off' — a defiant insult made famous by Bart Simpson.

#80s#american#pop
Gagged
adjective

So shocked or amazed you're speechless — left gasping by something stunning.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#ballroom
Mother
noun

A figure of authority and admiration — the icon everyone looks up to, or the head of a ballroom house.

#aave#lgbtq#ballroom#drag
Sickening
adjective

So good it's almost offensive — a top-tier compliment for a flawless look or performance.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#ballroom
Throwing It
phrase

Hitting your moves or poses with full force and confidence — really going for it.

#lgbtq#ballroom#dance#gen-z
Homeskillet
noun

A playful spin on 'homie' — your close friend, with extra silliness.

#90s#aave#american#pop
Cottagecore
noun

A romanticized rural-fantasy aesthetic of baking bread, prairie dresses, gardens, and a simple cozy country life.

#gen-z#internet#american#british
Lip Flip
noun

A tiny tox injection that rolls the upper lip outward for a fuller pout without filler.

#gen-z#internet#american
Da Bomb
noun

The absolute best — something so good it's explosive.

#90s#aave#american#hip-hop
Soft Glam
noun

Polished, glowy makeup that looks done but not heavy — glam dialed to elegant.

#gen-z#internet#american
Serve
verb

To deliver a flawless look or attitude with full confidence — she's serving.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#ballroom
Tomato Girl
noun

A sun-soaked Mediterranean-summer aesthetic — fresh tomatoes, linen, olive oil, and an idyllic Italian-coast vibe.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Talk To The Hand
phrase

A sassy 'I'm not listening' delivered with a palm in your face.

#90s#american#pop
Bodacious
adjective

Bold, audacious, and excellent — admirable in a big, confident way.

#80s#american#pop#surf
Cleancore
noun

An aesthetic obsessed with spotless, organized, satisfying tidiness — fresh laundry, neat shelves, and order.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Baddie
noun

A confident, hot, put-together woman who knows she looks good and isn't shy about it.

#gen-z#aave#american#instagram
Snatched
adjective

Looking flawlessly tight, sharp, and perfect — hair, waist, or makeup on point.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#gen-z
Dweeb
noun

An 80s insult for a socially clueless nerd or dork.

#80s#american#pop
To The Max
phrase

To the absolute maximum — the 80s way of saying 'completely' or 'extremely.'

#80s#american#pop#surf
Gnarly
adjective

Either super impressive or seriously nasty — same word, opposite vibes, all about intensity.

#80s#american#surf#pop
Hyung
noun

Korean for 'older brother' used by men — fandom-speak for the elder male members.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Eclectic Grandpa
noun

Dressing like a stylish, slightly eccentric grandpa — cardigans, layered knits, loafers, and comfy thrifted charm.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Fanchant
noun

The synchronized shout fans do during a song — usually the members' names in order.

#kpop#stan#pop#music
Office Siren
noun

A sexy-secretary corporate aesthetic — pencil skirts, tiny glasses, sharp tailoring, and early-2000s power-dressing.

#gen-z#internet#2000s#american
Bangin
adjective

Excellent, attractive, or really good — especially food, music, or a body.

#90s#aave#american#pop
Henny
noun

A playful term of endearment, like 'honey' — used to address a friend with sass.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#gen-z
Garms
noun

Clothes, in British/London slang — short for garments, usually meaning fly gear.

#british#uk#mle#london
Psych
interjection

Shouted after a fake-out to mean 'just kidding — gotcha!'

#80s#american#pop
Goblincore
noun

An aesthetic that romanticizes mushrooms, frogs, mud, and hoarding shiny little treasures like a feral woodland goblin.

#gen-z#internet#meme#american
Slugging
verb

Sealing your face in a thick occlusive layer overnight for plump, dewy skin.

#gen-z#internet#american
Cop
verb

To buy or grab something, especially a hyped drop you've been waiting on.

#aave#hip-hop#american#money
Sasaeng
noun

An obsessive, boundary-crossing fan who stalks idols — the dangerous extreme, not a compliment.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Bagel Girl
noun

Korean slang for a woman with a baby face but a glamorous, grown-up body.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Brow Lamination
noun

A treatment that sets your brows brushed-up and fluffy for that fox-eye, model look.

#gen-z#internet#american
Off The Chain
phrase

Wild, exciting, out of control in the best way.

#2000s#y2k#aave#hip-hop
Iced Out
adjective

Covered in diamonds and flashy jewelry — dripping in 'ice' from chains to watch.

#aave#hip-hop#money#american
Clean Girl
noun

The minimalist aesthetic of slick bun, dewy skin, gold hoops, and 'no-makeup' makeup.

#gen-z#internet#american
Drip
noun

Effortlessly stylish clothes, jewelry, and overall swagger — looking expensive and put-together.

#aave#hip-hop#gen-z#american
Bag Your Face
phrase

A Valley-girl insult telling someone to cover their ugly mug with a bag.

#80s#american#pop
Maknae
noun

The youngest member of a K-pop group — often the spoiled, hyped baby of the team.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Cluttercore
noun

An anti-minimalist aesthetic that embraces cozy, maximal mess — packed shelves, trinkets, and joyful chaos.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Avant Apocalypse
noun

A futuristic, distressed, end-of-the-world fashion aesthetic — draped, deconstructed, post-apocalyptic high fashion.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Garush
noun

Flashy, expensive designer gear worn loud to flex — UK slang leaning a bit gaudy.

#british#uk#mle#money
Garbed Up
adjective

Dressed up sharp in good gear — fully suited and looking the part.

#aave#hip-hop#american#gen-z
Bombshell
noun

A jaw-droppingly glamorous, knockout-gorgeous woman — old-Hollywood energy.

#50s#american#y2k
Coquette
noun

A hyper-feminine, bow-covered aesthetic of lace, pink, ribbons, and soft girlish romance.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Fit Check
noun

A quick show-off of what you're wearing today, usually a head-to-toe photo or clip.

#gen-z#aave#hip-hop#american
Glass Skin
noun

Skin so clear, smooth, and dewy it looks like translucent glass.

#gen-z#internet#american
Bias
noun

Your favorite member in a K-pop group — the one you'd take a bullet for.

#kpop#stan#pop#fandom
Shade
noun

A subtle, sly insult or disrespect — disrespect implied rather than said outright.

#aave#lgbtq#ballroom#drag
Ult
noun

Your ultimate favorite — the group or bias you'd rank above all others.

#kpop#stan#pop#fandom
Glazed Donut
noun

Skin or nails so dewy and glossy they shine like a fresh glazed donut.

#gen-z#internet#american
Take A Chill Pill
phrase

A snappy way to tell someone to calm down and stop overreacting.

#80s#american#pop
Hypebeast
noun

Someone who buys hyped brands and drops just to flex, often chasing clout over real taste.

#gen-z#hip-hop#american#money
Grail
noun

A dream piece you've been hunting forever — the holy-grail item of your collection.

#gen-z#american#money#hip-hop
Kiki
noun

A casual gathering for gossip, laughs, and good vibes with your people.

#aave#lgbtq#ballroom#drag
Bomb Diggity
noun

An extra-emphatic 'da bomb' — the very best, with a 90s flourish.

#90s#aave#american#pop
Steeze
noun

Effortless personal style with attitude — a blend of 'style' and 'ease.'

#aave#hip-hop#american#gen-z
Blokecore
noun

Dressing like a regular British football lad — retro soccer jerseys, trainers, jeans, and a casual everyman swagger.

#british#uk#gen-z#sports
Dark Academia
noun

A scholarly, moody aesthetic of tweed, old libraries, candlelight, classic literature, and gothic university romance.

#gen-z#internet#american#british
Old Money
noun

A quiet-luxury aesthetic mimicking inherited wealth — no logos, just polo, loafers, and discreet expensive taste.

#gen-z#internet#money#american
Where's The Beef
phrase

An 80s catchphrase asking where the substance is — all sizzle, no steak.

#80s#american#pop#meme
Y2K
noun

The early-2000s aesthetic revival — low-rise jeans, baby tees, butterfly clips, and shiny futuristic chrome.

#gen-z#internet#y2k#2000s
Balletcore
noun

Soft, feminine dance-inspired style — leg warmers, wrap tops, ribbons, ballet flats, and that off-duty dancer look.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Booyah
interjection

A triumphant shout of victory — boom, nailed it, in your face.

#90s#american#pop#sports
Sis
noun

A term of endearment for a close friend — 'sister' shortened, used regardless of gender.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#gen-z
Visual
noun

The group's designated best-looking member — an actual assigned role, not just an opinion.

#kpop#stan#pop#fandom
Clean
adjective

Sharp, crisp, and well put-together — a fit with no clutter and zero flaws.

#aave#hip-hop#american#gen-z
Mob Wife
noun

A maximalist glam aesthetic — big fur coats, animal print, gold jewelry, and the energy of a Scorsese mafia matriarch.

#gen-z#internet#american#pop
Twee
adjective

Overly sweet, dainty, and quaint to the point of being almost too cute — cardigans, ukuleles, and whimsy.

#british#uk#internet#music
Bias Wrecker
noun

The member who keeps threatening to steal your bias spot.

#kpop#stan#pop#fandom
Grody
adjective

Gross and disgusting — the Valley-girl word for nasty.

#80s#american#pop
Cinched
adjective

Pulled in tight at the waist for a dramatic hourglass — the look is cinched.

#gen-z#aave#american#meme
Swag
noun

Confident style and self-assured attitude — the way you carry your look and yourself.

#aave#hip-hop#2000s#american
Chile
interjection

A dramatic 'child' — used to express exasperation, shade, or storytime energy.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#gen-z
All That
phrase

Impressive and knowing it — often said sarcastically of someone who thinks they're hot stuff.

#90s#aave#american#pop
Werk
interjection

A hyped-up 'work it' — a shout of approval when someone looks or performs flawlessly.

#aave#lgbtq#drag#ballroom
Wet Look
noun

Slicked, glossy, just-out-the-shower hair or skin styled to look deliberately damp.

#gen-z#internet#american
Bias List
noun

Your ranked roster of favorites across every group you stan.

#kpop#stan#pop#fandom
Threads
noun

Clothes — a classic, slightly retro way to refer to your outfit or wardrobe.

#american#aave#hip-hop#2000s
As If
interjection

A dismissive 'yeah right, never gonna happen' — the ultimate 90s eye-roll in two words.

#90s#american#pop#valley
Cowabunga
interjection

A joyful surfer shout of excitement — made huge by the Ninja Turtles.

#80s#american#surf#pop
Oppa
noun

Korean for 'older brother' used by women — turned into stan-speak for an older male idol.

#kpop#korean#pop#fandom
Creps
noun

Sneakers, in British slang — your trainers, especially fresh or hyped ones.

#british#uk#mle#london