Internet slang .

IDK

A common shorthand for saying that you do not know the answer or are unsure.

NBD

A shorthand for saying that something is unimportant, manageable or not worth worrying about.

OTOH

A compact way to introduce the contrasting side of an argument or choice.

YMMV

A disclaimer that another person’s experience or result may differ from yours.

AFAIK

A shorthand that limits a statement to what the writer currently knows.

IIRC

A shorthand used when giving information from memory while admitting it may need checking.

FWIW

A shorthand used when offering a thought or detail for someone to consider without insisting on it.

IMHO

A shorthand for marking a statement as your personal opinion.

ICYMI

Short for “in case you missed it,” used to reshare or draw attention to something posted earlier.

ELI5

A request for a complicated topic to be explained in simple, accessible language.

TIL

Short for “Today I Learned,” used before sharing a newly discovered or surprising fact.

AMA

An online question-and-answer session in which a person invites the public to ask questions.

OP (Original Poster)

The person who created the original post or started an online discussion; sometimes the opening post itself.

Catfishing

Using a false online identity to deceive someone, often while building a friendship, romance, or other relationship.

Internet troll

A person who deliberately posts provocative or disruptive material online to upset others, attract attention, or trigger reactions.

Clickbait

A headline, image, or teaser designed mainly to provoke curiosity or emotion so people will click.

Sock puppet

A false online identity controlled by someone who wants to appear independent while hiding who is really behind it.

Burner account

A separate, usually anonymous or pseudonymous online account intended to conceal the user’s main identity and often used only temporarily.

Slide into the DMs

To send someone a private social-media message, often boldly, unexpectedly, or with flirtatious intent.

Lurker

Someone who regularly reads or watches an online community without posting or joining the conversation.

Photo dump

A casual multi-photo social-media post that bundles assorted snapshots into one carousel or album.

Finsta

A secondary, usually private Instagram account used for more candid posts shared with a smaller trusted audience.

Hard launch

An unmistakable public reveal of a relationship or important personal news, often through a direct social-media post.

Shadowban

A hidden restriction that reduces who can see a user’s posts while leaving the account apparently usable.

Ship

To hope that two people or fictional characters become a couple, or the imagined relationship itself.

Simp

A disparaging label for someone seen as trying too hard to please a crush or romantic interest, often with little affection returned.

Glow-up

A noticeable positive transformation in appearance, style, confidence, skills, or life circumstances.

Stan

A highly devoted fan, or a verb meaning to support or admire someone or something very strongly.

Drip

Stylish clothing, accessories, or an overall look that projects confidence.

Vibe check

A quick read of someone’s mood or a joking test of whether a person, place, or thing feels right.

Pick-me

A dismissive label for someone seen as trying too hard to win attention or approval, often by performing difference and putting peers down.

Gatekeeping

Controlling access to information, resources, or a community—often by withholding details or deciding who counts as a legitimate member.

LARPing

Originally live-action role-playing; online, also an accusation that someone is pretending to have an identity, expertise, lifestyle, or belief they do not genuinely possess.

AFK

'Away from keyboard': a quick notice that someone is temporarily unavailable to reply or participate.

IRL

'In real life': shorthand for something happening offline or in person, rather than only through a screen.

Chronically online

A joking or critical label for someone whose references and assumptions seem shaped too heavily by internet culture.

FYP

'For You page': the personalized recommendation feed people refer to when discussing what TikTok shows them.

GOAT

'Greatest of all time': enthusiastic praise for someone considered exceptionally good in a particular field.

Moots

People who follow each other on a social platform, often addressed as an informal online circle.

NPC

Originally a non-player character in a game; as slang, a dismissive label for someone said to act without independent thought.

Parasocial

Describes a one-sided feeling of personal connection with a public figure or character who does not know you personally.

Situationship

A romantic connection whose status, commitment or expectations have not been clearly defined.

Maxxing

A suffix or slang form meaning to optimize, intensify, or go all in on a particular trait, habit, or activity.

Chopped

An insult meaning unattractive, unappealing, uncool, or socially unimpressive.

Aura

Documented in 2024

A person's perceived coolness, confidence or impressive presence; aura points turn that impression into a joking score.

Beige flag

A noticeable relationship quirk that is odd, mildly annoying or endearing without being a clear warning sign or a clear positive.

Locked in

Deeply focused and committed to the task in front of you; to lock in is to stop getting distracted and concentrate.

Lore

The backstory or accumulated background information about a person, group or fictional world; a lore drop reveals a piece of it.

Pookie

Documented in 2024

An affectionate pet name for someone you like, often used sweetly or with exaggerated, playful fondness online.

Soft launch

Hinting at a new romantic relationship on social media without clearly revealing the partner or making a full announcement.

Standing on business

Documented in 2023

Following through on your responsibilities, principles or boundaries, especially when doing so takes resolve.

The ick

A sudden feeling of aversion that makes someone you were attracted to seem unappealing, often prompted by a small behavior.

Crash out

To lose emotional control or react recklessly, often from anger, stress, or distress.

Unc

A shortened form of “uncle” used online for someone seen as older, out of touch, or giving older-relative energy.

AI slop

AI slop is a dismissive label for low-quality, low-effort generated content, often produced in large quantities. It is not a label for every use of AI.

Cooked

Cooked means in serious trouble, defeated or seemingly out of options. “We’re cooked” often dramatically exaggerates a situation going badly.

Rage bait

Rage bait is content crafted to provoke anger and draw attention. Calling something rage bait is a claim about its intent, not proof of that intent.

Rizz

Documented in 2023

Rizz is charm that helps someone attract romantic interest. It usually describes how a person carries a conversation or makes an impression.

Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling means spending a long time reading negative news online. It often suggests continuing to scroll even while the updates feel upsetting.

FOMO

FOMO means fear of missing out. It describes the uneasy feeling that other people are enjoying an experience or opportunity without you.

Ghosting

Ghosting means ending contact by disappearing without an explanation. It is often discussed in dating, but people also use it about other connections.

Highkey

Highkey openly emphasizes a feeling or opinion. It often means really, intensely, or without trying to hide your enthusiasm.

Lowkey

Lowkey softens an opinion or feeling. It can suggest somewhat, quietly, or without wanting to make a big deal of it.

Bet

Bet is a quick informal response meaning okay, agreed, or sounds good. It can also accept a challenge or carry sarcasm.

Sus

Sus means suspicious or questionable. It flags something that makes the speaker doubt an explanation, motive, or appearance.

Delulu

Delulu describes an unrealistic belief or hope, often with a joking smile. People use it about themselves as well as other people.

No cap

No cap emphasizes that a statement is honest or serious. It often adds the sense that the speaker is not exaggerating.