Top 10 Slang Words Parents Need to Know in 2025

Understanding teen slang isn't just a trend; it’s a way to stay connected with your child's world. Slang changes fast, reflecting how young people think, share feelings, and interact. When parents know the language their teens speak, conversations grow easier, trust builds, and the gap between generations narrows.

Here’s a clear guide to the top 10 slang words teens use in 2025, helping parents catch the drift and communicate better with their kids.

Top 10 Slang Words Every Parent Should Know in 2025

Below, you’ll find the most common slang with simple explanations and real-life examples. This can help you grasp when your teen might use these words and why they matter in social talk.

Pookie

Pookie is a term of affection similar to “babe” or “sweetie.” Teens use it to call close friends or romantic partners to express warmth and closeness.

Example: “Hey, pookie, want to hang out later?”
This word shows comfort and trust in a friendly or romantic way.

Rizz

Rizz stands for charm or the ability to attract others. When teens mention someone's rizz, they talk about how smoothly someone handles social or dating situations.

Example: “He’s got mad rizz; everyone’s impressed.”
Rizz points to someone's social skills and presence.

Ok, Boomer

The phrase Ok, boomer is used to lightly reject ideas or attitudes considered outdated. It’s a quick way for teens to say something seems old-fashioned.

Example: When parents warn about too much screen time, a teen might respond, “Ok, boomer.”
It’s often playful but can show irritation with generational differences.

Plug

Plug refers to a person who supplies something hard to find, often exclusive items or sometimes drugs. Parents should note the context because it can be harmless or risky.

Example: “I got the plug for the concert tickets.”
It’s about connections and access to what’s in demand.

Roasted

To be roasted means being teased or joked about, usually in a lighthearted way. It’s common in playful banter between friends.

Example: “You just got roasted for that outfit choice.”
Roasting is like friendly teasing without serious offense.

Salty

Salty describes feeling upset or annoyed about something minor. It’s a mood word often used when someone is a bit bitter.

Example: “She’s salty because she lost the game.”
It signals moodiness over small frustrations.

Shook

When someone is shook, they’re surprised or emotionally shaken by something unexpected.

Example: “I was shook when I heard the news.”
It’s a quick way to express shock or disbelief.

Ship

To ship means to support or wish for a romantic relationship between two people.

Example: “I totally ship them; they’d be perfect together.”
Teens use this mostly in conversations and social media.

Sigma

Sigma describes a person who is independent and doesn’t follow social expectations, often used to label a certain type of lone-wolf personality.

Example: “He’s a sigma, always doing his own thing.”
This term paints a picture of self-reliance and detachment from social norms.

Sipping Tea

Sipping tea means quietly watching a situation or gossip without getting involved. It suggests someone is observing drama unfold but staying out of it.

Example: “I’m just sitting here sipping tea while they argue.”
This term signals detachment and amusement.

Why Knowing Teen Slang Matters for Parents

Knowing these slang words opens doors to better communication between parents and teens. It helps parents recognize what’s happening socially and emotionally in their kids’ lives.

Understanding slang also prevents misinterpretations. For example, hearing “plug” could cause worry without knowing the full context. Recognizing positive expressions like “rizz” or “ship” shows you’re tuned in to teen culture.

Parents should:

• Stay curious without judgment when hearing new slang

• Ask teens to explain slang to show respect for their language

• Use slang sparingly and appropriately to relate rather than overuse

• Avoid reacting negatively; slang shows teens’ creativity and identity

Resources like Axis's parent guide to teen slang can provide extensive lists and definitions to keep you updated. Another helpful source is Bark’s 2025 teen slang meanings, which explains common phrases clearly for parents.

Understanding teen slang is more than decoding phrases; it’s about hearing your child’s world. Embracing this language shows you respect your teen’s way of expressing themselves. Keep learning with patience and an open mind, and you’ll find that the words bring you closer together. Building bridges through language is one of the simplest ways to strengthen your family connection in 2025 and beyond.