Do you know the slang terms that were popular in 2014? Are you ready for 2015?
Not sure? Let's do a simple test to find out.
What terms would you use when describing your favourite band?
Are they "Slaying it?", "Killin it?" or "Bangin?"
Your answers to these questions will say a lot about you. How? Well, If you consider yourself "current" and "living" in today's world, your response to a really good band may be: They slayed it.
On the other hand, the telling response of someone current but a little yesterday, would be: They killed it.
If you are still saying "Bangin," you need to get rid of those bell-bottom pants and the disco white suit. LOL! Jus-sayin. As I am a member of Gen-J who grew up as a teenager in the '70s, I can relate to the last slang term! There were many in the '70s.
Back to today. I know that was a lot of questions to begin a post. However, as we end 2014, to start a new 2015, we should at a minimum know what the current slang terms mean even if we don't use them ourselves.
Our language is changing at lightening speed. Not only do we have to factor in generational differences, but we also have to be aware of the online impact that can quickly become mainstream. It is amazing how with each news breakout on Twitter, a new term is often born.
Why does it matter what slang term you use?
Depending on which term you use, or prefer, will determine how current you are, not only in your use of language, but also in perspective. As you know, perception can often be interpreted as reality. It will determine whether you are really living in 2014 or still stuck in yesteryear. If you want to relate to today's generation, tomorrow's leaders, you need to speak or understand their language. Finally, if you continue to use language that is out of "favour" the perception will be that you have not kept abreast of today's thinking and knowledge. I am not recommending the use of slang terms in the business meeting room, however I am recommending having the ability to relate to the broader audience across organizations and the frontline.
Simply: You need to be current to stay relevant.
Slang terms of 2014.
Having said all that, what are the slang terms of 2014? Well here is a list of some of the popular ones used this year:
- Bae - stands for "before anyone else." It is another way to say "baby" as a term of endearment.
- Basic - used to describe any person, place, activity involving really obvious behaviour, dress or action. Can also mean a boring, typical or dull person/thing.
- Bare - another way of saying "a lot."
- Boo refers to a boyfriend or girlfriend.
How many did you know?
After researching for this post, I realized I needed to brush up on my "urban vocabulary." With the continuous use of the online urban dictionary, I thought I was on top of the terms -- however with the speed of today's change, I think many of us are constantly learning just to keep up. On that note and in closing, I would like to share this opening paragraph of one of the Oxford Dictionaries blogs, on this very topic. It reads:
Try not to be jel, but some xlnt new words have gone into OxfordDictionaries.com in December's mahoosive update. Whether you're a shiny bum reading this while eating al desko or taking a break while you respawn, don't be a keyboard warrior or say IDC -- just sit back and enjoy the new words. Simples.
Wow! If you did not get any of this, do follow the link. I found it fascinating. Here are the definitions of the terms used in the above paragraph:
- Jel - means jealous.
- Xlnt- means excellent.
- Mahoosive - means exceptionally big or huge.
- Shiny bum - means bureaucrat or office worker.
- Al desko - means eating while working at one's desk.
- Respawn - from a video game; it is the act of reappearing after being killed.
- Keyboard warrior - A person who makes abusive or aggressive posts on the Internet, typically one who conceals their true identity.
- IDC - stands for I don't care.
- Simples - used to convey that something is very straightforward
Now it is your turn! What slang terms and new words have you seen in 2014? What do you think will be popular in 2015?
In the interim, wishing you successes that go beyond language in 2015! Happy New Year!