Language is a powerful tool, capable of shaping how we’re perceived in both professional and social settings. In an age dominated by digital communication, slang evolves fast — often surfacing through social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat — and is usually associated with youth culture. While staying current with slang can make you feel “in the know,” using too much of it can unintentionally undermine your credibility, especially in formal environments.
TL;DR: If you’re aiming to be taken seriously in your personal or professional life, consider toning down your use of trendy teen slang. These casual expressions can make you seem less mature or distract from your message. While some slang can add flair and relatability, overdoing it might hurt your communication. Choose your words wisely to strike a balance between being relatable and being respected.
Why Slang Can Be a Problem
Slang isn’t inherently bad. In informal environments or among friends, it adds flavor and helps people bond. But in professional or unfamiliar social settings, using slang associated with teenagers can be jarring. It may create an impression of immaturity, lack of experience, or even insincerity. For job interviews, presentations, or networking situations, coming across as articulate and thoughtful matters a great deal more than sounding trendy.
Common Slang Phrases That Might Undermine Your Credibility
Below is a list of popular teen slang expressions that, while fun or humorous in casual settings, might detract from your credibility if used too frequently or in the wrong context.
- “Slay” – Originally rooted in empowerment and performance, it’s now often used to compliment someone’s appearance or accomplishments in an exaggerated way. (“You totally slayed that outfit!”)
- “No cap” – Meaning “no lie” or “for real,” it’s often inserted randomly to emphasize honesty. (“I’m tired, no cap.”)
- “It’s giving…” – A phrase used to describe a vibe or aesthetic. (“It’s giving boss energy.”)
- “Sus” – Short for suspicious, it caught on through the game “Among Us” and now refers to anything shady or questionable.
- “Bet” – Used as a form of agreement or to assert confidence. (“You’ll be there at 7? Bet.”)
- “Rizz” – A newer addition, short for charisma, often related to flirting or charm.
- “Skrrt” – Mimicking the sound of tires screeching, used rhetorically to indicate a sudden stop or change in direction.
- “L + Ratio” – Internet-speak for mockery or someone’s failure gaining less popularity than an opposing opinion.
Why These Words Are Problematic Outside Teen Culture
Most of these slang terms are fine in short bursts or clearly playful contexts. But when they infiltrate everyday professional vocabulary, they affect the tone and impact of your message. For example, saying, “That project really slayed!” in a client meeting might lead listeners to question your professionalism. Similarly, answers like “Bet” during a job interview make you seem flippant or dismissive of the situation’s seriousness.
These words are essentially cultural shorthand. Using them assumes your audience is not only familiar with their meanings but is also on board with the subculture from which they originate. That often isn’t the case in corporate or intergenerational environments.
How Slang Became the Language of the Internet
Slang has always been a hallmark of youth rebellion and identity. In earlier decades, one might remember phrases like “totally tubular” from the 80s or “talk to the hand” from the 90s. However, today’s slang spreads significantly faster due to meme culture, viral videos, and online communities. This leads to phrases going mainstream, then becoming overused or cringeworthy within weeks.
What’s even more intriguing is that once older demographics start using these slang expressions, many teens abandon them altogether. This rapid change makes the use of slang risky for adults trying to seem hip — you might end up using a phrase that is already out-of-date or cringey among the youth who coined it.
When It’s Okay to Use Slang
There are situations where using slang judiciously can actually help you connect with an audience — for example:
- Social media content creation: If you’re building a personal brand and targeting a young audience, relatable slang can increase engagement.
- Writing for a youth-oriented outlet: In such cases, sounding like your audience can foster trust and likability.
- Team-building or light office banter: A well-timed slang phrase can humanize you and show you’re approachable, as long as it’s appropriate.
The key is moderation. Using slang as seasoning rather than the main dish helps you maintain credibility while still connecting with younger folks or peers in casual moments.
Alternatives to Teen Slang that Still Sound Modern
You don’t have to sound like a 1950s newscaster to be taken seriously. There are ways to speak modern English without diving into Gen Z vocabulary. Here are some casual yet professional alternatives:
- Instead of “slay”: say “excellent,” “impressive,” or “well done.”
- Instead of “bet”: try “absolutely,” “sure thing,” or “you got it.”
- Instead of “no cap”: use “honestly,” “truly,” or “to be real.”
- Instead of “rizz”: go for “charisma,” “charm,” or “social skills.”
These alternatives maintain tone neutrality and still let you express enthusiasm or agreement without compromising your professionalism.
How to Update Your Vocabulary
If you’re unsure about whether your speech leans too heavily on outdated or juvenile slang, try the following strategies:
- Record yourself speaking: Whether in a presentation or simple conversation, listen back to see how you truly sound.
- Ask for feedback from diverse people: Coworkers, mentors, and friends can give honest insights into whether a phrase sounds too youthful or ambiguous.
- Read professional writing: Read business magazines, op-eds, and even well-crafted blogs to see how ideas are expressed without losing personality or style.
Improving your vocabulary doesn’t mean replacing every fun phrase with stiff formal language, but rather becoming intentional about when and how you speak.
Conclusion: Speak with Intention
Language evolves, and staying relevant is important — but not at the cost of your personal or professional credibility. Slang can be fun, creative, and even inclusive in the right circumstances. However, over-reliance on trendy, teen-associated phrases can make you seem less serious or competent in situations where perception matters most.
Be mindful of your audience. Use slang sparingly and appropriately, and always aim to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism. After all, it’s not just what you say — it’s how you say it that leaves a lasting impression.