Does your child have brainrot? (What the skibidi is that?!)
Credit: Viral video of a child taking the brainrot quiz on TikTok
Introduction: Decoding Modern Slang – What’s Really Going On?
Have you ever overheard your child chatting with their friends and thought, What language are they even speaking? Between terms like “brainrot,” “skibidi,” and “sigma,” today’s teens are practically speaking a new language. And while it may seem like gibberish, there’s method to the madness.
Decoding these slang terms is more than just about understanding these words; it’s about connecting with your kids on a deeper level. By learning their lingo, you can strengthen the bond with your child and maybe even win a few cool points along the way (okay, maybe not too many, but we can try!). So, let’s dive into the strange, funny, and often bizarre world of modern-day slang—because the more you know, the better you’ll connect.
Brainrot – The Obsession You Didn’t Know You Had
"Brainrot" sounds alarming, but it’s not a cause for concern—at least, not medically. When kids say they have "brainrot," they’re talking about being completely obsessed with something, whether it’s a new video game, a TV series, or a viral TikTok trend. So, if your child says, “I have brainrot from playing Minecraft,” it means they’re so into it that they can’t stop thinking about it.
The term exaggerates how consumed someone is with their latest interest, often with a comedic undertone. It’s the new way of saying, “I’m hooked”, and it could apply to literally anything from an anime series to a music album and beyond. So the next time your child mentions they’ve got "brainrot," it’s just their way of saying I’m totally obsessed with this new thing—and, in many cases, it’ll fade when the next big thing comes around.
Skibidi Toilet – Welcome to the Weird World of TikTok
You may have heard your child mention "Skibidi Toilet" in passing, which probably left you thinking, What kind of bathroom joke is this? Well, it’s actually a viral TikTok meme involving dancing toilets and absurd, catchy beats. As strange as this sounds, it’s a prime example of how today’s humour is rooted in absurdity and silliness. The weirder, the better.
In broader terms, "skibidi" can also refer to anything chaotic or nonsensical. If your child says, “That's so skibidi,” they’re highlighting how bizarre or confusing something is. It’s their way of processing absurdity—and, for them, that absurdity is often part of the fun.
So while "Skibidi Toilet" may seem like a strange fad, it’s part of a wider trend of kids enjoying humor that feels surreal or unpredictable. Think of it like slapstick comedy for the digital age, where the more random the content, the better.
Credit: Viral Skibidi Toilet Video on YouTube with over 40M views
Sigma and Gigachad – The New Icons of Masculinity
In the world of internet culture, being an "alpha male" has long been the symbol of dominance and leadership. But now, your child might be talking about being a "Sigma male" or calling someone a "Gigachad." Both of these terms play into modern memes about masculinity, with each offering a new twist on what it means to be a "man."
A "Sigma male" is essentially the lone wolf of the pack. Rather than seeking validation through dominance, a Sigma does his own thing, often rejecting social hierarchies and finding success on his own terms. In meme culture, the Sigma male is celebrated as quietly confident and independent—traits that appeal to those who don’t fit the alpha stereotype.
On the other hand, a "Gigachad" is a hyper-exaggerated version of masculinity, often depicted as a muscular, godlike figure who is near perfect in every way. It’s typically used humorously, with kids calling someone a Gigachad when they do something over-the-top impressive. It’s less about genuinely idolizing this figure and more about poking fun at the extreme image of male perfection.
Whether your child sees themselves as a "Sigma" or admires the concept of a "Gigachad," these terms reflect their evolving understanding of social dynamics, masculinity, and independence—often with a layer of irony.
The Rizzler – The Smooth Talker in the Room
When your child talks about someone having "rizz" or being a "rizzler," they’re referring to someone who has charm or charisma, particularly in the context of flirting or social interactions. If a friend is good at talking to people and making them laugh, they’ve got "good rizz." And if they’re especially charming, they might earn the title of "The Rizzler."
It’s basically modern slang for a smooth talker, and much like the term "charisma" itself, it can be used in both serious and joking contexts. Kids might talk about who’s got the best rizz in their friend group, or they may sarcastically call out someone for having none at all.
In many ways, "rizz" is all about confidence and the ability to make people feel comfortable or entertained in conversation. If you hear your child talking about it, they’re usually referencing social skills—and probably in a lighthearted, humorous way.
"The Rizzler" may also refer to the TikTok sensation @itztherizzler, who has garnered a fan following of more than 900,000 people.
Credit: @itztherizzler's video on TikTok on how to do "the rizz face" (900k followers)
Mewing – The Jawline Fixation
No, "mewing" doesn’t refer to a cat meowing. Instead, it’s a viral trend that teens are using to try to improve their jawlines. The idea behind mewing is simple: press your tongue to the roof of your mouth, and over time, it will supposedly enhance your jawline. Sounds strange? Absolutely. But in a world where social media influencers dictate trends, even the most unconventional ideas can take off.
This practice is named after Dr. Mike Mew, the orthodontist who first popularized it as part of proper oral posture. However, teens and young adults have taken it to a new level, claiming that mewing can help achieve that coveted, chiselled "Gigachad" jawline without surgery. The actual effectiveness is still debated, but that doesn’t stop kids from hopping on the trend.
For parents, it’s another example of how digital culture and appearance-based trends influence kids’ self-image, even if the results are more about belief than biology.
Credit: Viral TikToker @emilseljeseth "mewing" (1.9M followers)
Fanum Tax – The Cheeky Food Thief
"Fanum Tax" is a slang term that originates from the Twitch streamer Fanum, and it’s all about stealing food in a playful way. If your child says "Fanum Tax" while taking your fries, don’t worry—it’s their way of jokingly claiming that they’re entitled to a little taste of your snack. The idea is that every meal has an unwritten "tax" that the people around you can claim, often without permission.
This term is especially popular among teens in group settings or family meals, where grabbing a bite from someone else’s plate is part of the fun. It’s a playful way of saying, "I’m just helping myself," and is often done in the spirit of teasing. So, the next time your food mysteriously disappears, and your child claims “Fanum Tax,” you’ll know exactly what they mean.
Credit: Famous Twitch Streamer KaiCenat's live stream (13.4M followers)
Bussin – Top-Tier Compliments for Your Cooking
If you’ve ever heard your child call your cooking "bussin," congratulations—you’ve just received one of the highest compliments in modern slang. "Bussin" is used to describe something that’s exceptionally good, especially when it comes to food. It’s like saying, “This is delicious,” but with a lot more enthusiasm.
The term can also be used more generally to describe anything that’s impressive, from a pair of new shoes to a fun night out. But its origins lie mostly in food culture, where it’s often shouted out in excitement when a meal hits all the right notes.
While it may sound like something you’d hear in a fast-food commercial, "bussin" has deep roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has since become mainstream through TikTok and internet culture. So if your meal gets called "bussin," it’s a sure sign you’ve done something right.
No Cap – Being Real in a World of Exaggeration
"No cap" is your child’s way of saying, "I’m being honest" or "I’m not exaggerating." In today’s social media-driven world, where everything can feel a little inflated or dramatized, "no cap" is used to cut through the noise and assert the truth.
If your child says, "That movie was amazing, no cap," they’re emphasizing that their opinion is genuine and not just for show. Conversely, if they think someone is lying or exaggerating, they might say, "That’s cap," meaning it’s a falsehood.
The phrase "no cap" comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and is widely used by teens today to highlight honesty. It’s a straightforward way to cut through the fluff, so if you hear it, know they’re trying to keep things real.
Baby Gronk – The Prodigy in the Making
"Baby Gronk" is a viral reference to a young football prodigy who has become something of a meme. Named after NFL legend Rob Gronkowski (aka Gronk), Baby Gronk is seen as the next big thing in sports. But in broader terms, "Baby Gronk" has now been adopted as slang for any young talent who seems destined for greatness.
If your child calls themselves or someone else "Baby Gronk," they’re humorously suggesting that they’re on track to be the next big thing, whether it’s in sports, academics, or social media. It’s a playful nod to future potential and big dreams, often exaggerated for comedic effect.
Much like "Gigachad," "Baby Gronk" has transcended its original meaning to become a catch-all term for someone who’s seen as exceptional or ahead of their time.
Credit: Madden San Miguel aka "Baby Gronk" Instagram (566k followers)
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap
Slang isn’t just a quirky way for kids to talk—it’s a bridge to understanding their world. By learning a few key terms, you’re opening the door to deeper conversations and connections. Whether they’re talking about "rizz" or referencing "Baby Gronk," these words offer a glimpse into their lives, interests, and social circles.
So, the next time your child says something like, “This dinner is bussin, no cap,” you can smile, knowing you’re in on the secret. And who knows? You might just surprise them with your new vocabulary!
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