by Keisha Centa Putri
Language is constantly evolving, and one of the most dynamic parts of it is slang. Slang refers to an informal language commonly used or created by a particular group of people, mainly among young people and online communities. Slang can help make conversations feel more relaxed and natural in informal settings, and n. Nowadays it is used more widely than ever in the digital world.
Let’s take a look at some common English slangs you may find online!
Ghosting
One of the most commonly used slang terms is “ghosting.” “Ghosting” refers to the phenomenon where someone suddenly cuts off contact without explanation, often in the context of friendships or romantic relationships. This slang term is frequently used on social media and in text messages to describe a person’s social habits or relationships. For example, “We used to talk every day, but he just ghosted me after our last conversation.”
Binge
The word “binge” means doing something in a very short period of time and in an uncontrolled manner. This slang term is often associated with negative habits, such as overeating or overspending. However, it is not uncommon for the word to be used in a positive context as well, such as “binge-watching” a series.
Salty
Want to describe someone who gets easily angry or upset over trivial matters? The slang term “salty” is a good fit for that. It’s commonly used in the context of gaming or social entertainment. For example, “She was acting so salty after she got passed over for the promotion.”
Petty
If you want to describe someone who gets upset in a small way, unnecessary, or is overly dramatic about trivial matters, use “petty.” It often refers to the exact actions or reactions that feel childish, like making a big deal of something that is not important. It’s often used to point out behavior that seems overly sensitive. For example, “He didn’t get invited to the party, so he started ignoring everyone. That’s so petty.” At this point, you might be wondering when I should use “petty” or “salty”. Well, the fact is “salty” focuses more on someone’s feeling by being upset or annoyed, while “petty” focuses more on how someone reacts or behaves because of that upset or annoyed feeling.
Slay
The slang term “slay” is used to describe someone who does something exceptionally well or puts on a stunning performance. This slang term, which is widely used in everyday life, has become a popular way to compliment someone’s skills, style, or confidence. For example, “That presentation really slayed the audience with how confident and smooth it was.”
Low-key
“Low-key” describes something done in a subtle way or without drawing too much attention. The term can also refer to a feeling that isn’t overly obvious. For example, “I’m low-key happy about the wedding” means the person is happy, but not overly so. This slang term is often used in casual conversations to keep the atmosphere relaxed.
Flex
“Flex” means to show off something, such as achievements, skills, or possessions. For example, “He keeps flexing his new car on social media every day,” which describes someone who constantly draws others’ attention to what they own. This slang term is often used casually or jokingly to indicate when someone is proud of themselves or certain things.
Ship
The word “ship” comes from the word “relationship” and is used when someone supports or hopes that two people will start a romantic relationship. Fans often pair up two characters in a TV series and say, “I’m totally shipping them,” which expresses the speaker’s desire for the two to become a couple. This slang term keeps conversations both fun and engaging, especially online.
Tea
“Tea” refers to gossip or news that people are eager to share. When someone says, “Spill the tea,” they’re asking for the latest updates or drama surrounding a particular topic. This slang term keeps conversations lively and encourages people to share their experiences or stories, especially among friends.
In the internet world (and sometimes in real life too!), slangs adds more color and personality to everyday language, making conversations feel more relaxed and fun. As a result, it can help you to sound more native and connect better in modern conversations as language keeps evolving.
Source:
- Fietz, T. R. D. (2024, July 31). Gen Z slang: Ghost meaning. Family Education. https://www.familyeducation.com/gen-z-slang/ghost-meaning
- Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Salty. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/salty
- Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Binge. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/binge
- Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Low-key. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/low-key
- Envy, V., & Rusciano, A. (2026, January 27). What does the slang term “slay” mean in text & on social media? Learn what this Gen Z term means and how to use it. wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/What-Does-Slay-Mean-in-Text
- Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Flex. Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/flex
- Aulbach, D. (2025, January 23). What does ship/shipping mean? What to know about the popular slang. Today. https://www.today.com/parents/ship-meaning-slang-rcna188048
