Ah, slang. It’s the secret sauce that turns a visitor into a local. But slang is like a puzzle wrapped in an enigma; it’s colorful, it’s fun, and it can also be confusing. Here are the top 10 misunderstood slang phrases that, when used correctly, will make you sound like a true-blue local. But beware! Misuse them, and you might end up with an interesting story to tell later.
YOLO - “You Only Live Once”
- What It Really Means: This phrase is all about living life to the fullest and seizing opportunities. It’s often used when someone is about to take a big risk or do something they’ve always wanted to do.
- Misuse: Saying “YOLO” when it’s not the appropriate context can come off as insensitive or trivial.
- Example: “I’m going skydiving this weekend. YOLO!”
Bae
- What It Really Means: “Bae” is a slang term for “baby” or “baby of mine.” It’s a term of affection, often used in a romantic context.
- Misuse: Using “bae” with friends or in a non-romantic context can be confusing.
- Example: “I can’t wait to see my bae this weekend!”
Literally
- What It Really Means: “Literally” means something is actually happening, not metaphorically. It’s used to emphasize the truth of a statement.
- Misuse: Overusing “literally” can make you sound like you’re not using it correctly, since it’s often used metaphorically in everyday speech.
- Example: “I literally died when I saw the puppy in the park.”
No Big Deal
- What It Really Means: This phrase means something is not important or not a problem.
- Misuse: Using it when something is actually a big deal can make you seem like you’re not taking something seriously.
- Example: “Don’t worry about the spilled coffee. It’s no big deal.”
Squad
- What It Really Means: “Squad” refers to a group of friends.
- Misuse: Calling a small group “a squad” can be a bit of an overstatement.
- Example: “My squad is going to the beach this summer.”
FOMO
- What It Really Means: “Fear of Missing Out” describes the anxiety that people feel when they think they’re missing out on something important.
- Misuse: Saying you have FOMO when you’re not actually missing out can make you seem overly concerned with social activities.
- Example: “I have such bad FOMO when I can’t make my friends’ events.”
Bae
- What It Really Means: We’ve already discussed “bae,” but it’s worth repeating. It’s an affectionate term for a romantic partner.
- Misuse: Using “bae” inappropriately, as mentioned before, can be confusing.
- Example: “I love my bae, and we’re going to the movies tonight.”
Dope
- What It Really Means: “Dope” can mean something is cool, awesome, or high-quality.
- Misuse: Using “dope” when something is actually bad can be misleading.
- Example: “That new song is so dope!”
Swag
- What It Really Means: “Swag” refers to style, confidence, and attitude.
- Misuse: Having bad swag, or acting in a way that doesn’t match your style, can be off-putting.
- Example: “He’s got all the swag in the room.”
Turnt Up
- What It Really Means: This phrase means something is very exciting or intense, often in a positive way.
- Misuse: Using “turnt up” when something is actually negative can be confusing.
- Example: “The party was so turnt up, I couldn’t stop dancing.”
So there you have it, the top 10 misunderstood slang phrases. Remember, slang is a living language that evolves with time and culture. Use these phrases wisely, and you’ll be well on your way to fitting in like a local. Just be careful not to misuse them or you might end up with a story that’s more interesting than you planned!