17 Millennial Phrases That Sound Totally Bizarre

Millennials have created a whole new language of slang that’s everywhere now. While some of these phrases make sense, others leave people scratching their heads. Here are 17 millennial sayings you’ve probably heard.

1. “I can’t even”

This phrase is the Swiss Army knife of millennial expressions, used to convey overwhelming emotion—be it excitement, frustration, or disbelief—without the hassle of finishing the sentence. It’s as if the speaker is so overcome they’ve run out of the energy needed to formulate words. What can’t they even? We may never know, but it’s serious enough to drop the sentence right there.

2. “This is giving me life”

Nothing to do with CPR or life support, this phrase is all about expressing joy and excitement brought on by something as simple as a well-dressed salad or a cat video. If something is “giving you life,” it’s enhancing your day in almost an existential way. It’s like saying a good cup of coffee is breathing soul back into your tired body.

3. “Sorry not sorry”

The ultimate non-apology, “sorry not sorry” is used when someone is not at all sorry about their actions or opinions, but society dictates a hint of remorse. This phrase comes handy when you’re bragging about taking the last slice of pizza or skipping a crowded party for a Netflix binge. It’s passive-aggressive politeness wrapped in a paradox.

4. “It’s the [something] for me”

Here, millennials have turned a simple preposition into a savage tool for humor and shade. By highlighting a specific feature or characteristic—often a flaw or quirk—the speaker playfully roasts whatever or whomever they are discussing. For example, “It’s the how he wears socks with sandals for me,” pinpoints the fashion crime in a light-hearted jab.

5. “Adulting”

Who knew being an adult could be an activity? Millennials turned the state of being a grown-up into a verb that captures the mundane tasks of daily life such as paying bills or doing laundry. “Adulting” is often used humorously to express how handling basic responsibilities is an achievement worthy of a pat on the back—or a nap.

6. “Big yikes”

An evolution of the classic “yikes,” this phrase amplifies the awkwardness or cringeworthiness of a situation. It’s what you say when a friend tells you about sending a risky text to the wrong person. “Big yikes” is like watching a trainwreck in slow motion from the safety of your couch—you’re horrified, but also, strangely entertained.

7. “Sips tea”

Inspired by the meme of Kermit the Frog sipping tea, this phrase is used when someone observes drama unfolding and chooses to stay on the sidelines, metaphorically sipping tea. It’s the millennial way of saying, “I’m out of this, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the show.” It’s gossip enjoyed silently and without the calories.

8. “Weird flex but OK”

When someone boasts about something that’s not generally boast-worthy, this is the go-to response. It acknowledges the other person’s pride while subtly poking fun at the peculiarity of what they’re proud of. If someone brags about their ability to recite 50 digits of pi, “weird flex but OK” is the perfectly balanced reply.

9. “Snack”

Far from the pantry, in millennial slang, a “snack” is someone so attractive you could just, well, eat them up. This playful term is often used on social media to compliment someone’s appearance without the heaviness of overt flirtation. It’s light, it’s fun, and it keeps everyone hungry for more compliments.

10. “That’s the tea”

Tea, in this context, has nothing to do with the beverage but everything to do with juicy information. Similar to “spilling the beans,” if you’re sharing “the tea,” you’re dishing out the latest gossip or truth, often with a hint of sass and relish. It’s the millennial twist on the old-fashioned “word on the street.”

11. “Cancel culture”

Once reserved for TV shows and magazine subscriptions, “cancel” has found new life in describing the millennial practice of withdrawing support for public figures and companies after they have done something considered objectionable or offensive. It’s like social media’s version of a boycott, only with more hashtags.

12. “OK, boomer”

The generational battle cry that zipped from meme to mainstream discourse with lightning speed. Used by millennials (and Gen Zers) to dismiss or mock attitudes typically associated with the baby boomer generation, it serves as a shorthand rebuttal that encapsulates a mix of irony, frustration, and humor.

13. “Feels”

“Feels” is shorthand for “feelings” and is used to describe an intense emotional response, particularly to a movie, song, or experience. It’s less about specific emotions and more about the intensity of what’s being felt. When a story tugs at the heartstrings, millennials don’t just cry; they get hit in the feels.

14. “Glow up”

Originally used to describe a comprehensive personal transformation for the better, often aesthetically, a “glow up” can now apply to any aspect of life improved over time. Whether it’s career success or personal development, having a “glow up” is like leveling up in life with style points included.

15. “No cap”

Image Credit: Alexander Suhorucov/Pexels

To “cap” traditionally means to lie or exaggerate, so when millennials say “no cap,” they’re stressing their honesty. It’s a way of asserting that there’s no falsehood or exaggeration in what they’re saying. In a world of fake news and half-truths, “no cap” tries to bring some sincerity back into conversations.

16. “Shoot your shot”

Borrowed from basketball jargon, this phrase encourages taking a chance, typically in the context of dating or career opportunities. It’s about going for it, despite the odds, because you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Whether it’s asking someone out or applying for a dream job, it’s time to shoot your shot.

17. “Stan”

Derived from the Eminem song about an obsessed fan, to “stan” someone is to adore them to an extreme degree. It’s less creepy than its origin story might suggest, often used to express enthusiastic support for a celebrity or athlete. In the age of social media, stanning is how fans rally online, turning admiration into a vibrant, collective action.

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