Social media has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives, so much so that its slang has become an integral part of our everyday language. One such example is the term "Rent free," which may have left you puzzled after reading the headline. Allow me to shed some light on its meaning. This phrase is used to describe the act of obsessing over someone or something trivial, all while that person or thing remains completely oblivious to your thoughts or existence. From trendy catchphrases to witty acronyms, social media has not only revolutionized the way we communicate but has also introduced an entirely new lexicon that shapes our online interactions. Inevitably, these slangs can sometimes make non-users feel like outsiders, as if they are peering through the window of an exclusive club they are not deemed worthy enough to enter. To bridge this gap and alleviate any confusion, consider this your official crash course on Gen Z slang.

You ate and left no crumbs

Rihanna shattered expectations when she embarked on her first pregnancy, presenting a refreshing take on maternity fashion that defied convention. Her impeccable style elevated the maternity game to unprecedented heights, but let's be honest, it's Rihanna we're talking about. Our expectations were already sky-high, and she effortlessly surpassed them. From provocative sheer gowns to figure-hugging peach minidresses and lace crop tops, Queen Rih established herself as the epitome of bold and belly-baring ensembles. It’s safe to say that she ate and left no crumbs. Basically, when we say someone "ate and left no crumbs," we are bestowing the ultimate compliment. This slang is often associated with captivating videos or pictures that grab our attention and leave us in awe. If brevity is your preference, especially in a generation that values concise expressions, you could simply say "every pregnancy look ate."

Not me

The phrase "Not me" serves as a lighthearted way for individuals to mock their own embarrassing or inappropriate actions. It encompasses a blend of disbelief and self-embarrassment regarding one's own behavior. When someone says "Not me believing this man," they are essentially expressing astonishment at their own gullibility for trusting a man, while acknowledging the general perception that all men do is lie. Another example is "Not me thinking about this $200 perfume." It implies that the person (read: me) knows they probably shouldn't be considering purchasing it, but they can't help themselves, even though they realize it may be seen as a sign of madness. Let's be clear, though—I never said I would actually buy it. I was just entertaining the thought. After all, perfumes can be quite expensive, but fortunately, thinking doesn't cost any money. In essence, when you say "Not me" in relation to something you're denying or dismissing, you're actually acknowledging that you are, in fact, doing, thinking, or feeling that very thing. This phrase has become highly addictive and comes in various forms, such as "not us" or "not you," which are used to critique and call out others as well as address issues prevalent in mainstream culture.

It’s giving

Depending on the context, if someone says "it's giving” without adding anything else, it means that the person recognizes and appreciates something impressive about what you did or how you look. After seeing Cardi B’s Met Gala looks, why write a lengthy paragraph of admiration that no one has the patience to read when a simple "it's giving" suffices? This expression is often used positively, but it can also carry a negative connotation. On the other hand, "it's not giving" is used to convey that something is falling short of expectations. Additionally, the phrase can convey a certain vibe (If you're still unfamiliar with the term "vibe" in 2023, I’m sorry but I can’t help you). So you could say, "Messi won the World Cup, it's giving GOAT (don’t know what this means either? Please stop reading this article now). To further illustrate, imagine being in a relationship where your partner restricts your social media posts due to their insecurities, claiming that you're "seeking validation from strangers.” In this case, "it's giving shackles." But hey, what do I know?

Bombastic side eye/criminal offensive side eye

Some of my fondest memories from childhood revolve around the close-knit community in our small village of Bambui, nestled in the North West region of Cameroon. During family gatherings, the adults would gather around the dinner table, delving into deep and personal conversations, using the opportunity to offer their advice to those they believed needed "fixing." Meanwhile, us cousins would huddle together in a room, engaging in discussions of great importance. These discussions held the power to shape the future of our planet, and you may have even pondered these questions yourself. One such question was: Would you rather marry a wealthy but unattractive man or a strikingly attractive man who is financially struggling? There was always that one cousin who would choose the latter. The rest of us would wear expressions reflecting a mixture of resignation, concern, annoyance, and confusion. Why would anyone prioritize looks over financial stability? Whether you find it intimidating or amusing when recounted, the bombastic side eye serves as a form of expression, most likely conveying judgment. It is a carefully crafted message that silently communicates, "I’m a better person than you" or "What is wrong with you?" without actually uttering those words directly to their face. Can you imagine if a friend were to say, "I can fix him"? Cue the bombastic side eye – are you some kind of rehabilitation center, my sister?

It’s the ( __ ) for me

This expression is commonly used to draw attention to a specific aspect or characteristic of something or someone. However, I find it particularly amusing when employed in a humorous manner to playfully tease or "roast" a friend. In this context, the blank ( __ ) is filled with something about the person that the speaker deems outrageous, annoying, or unfashionable, and it is often delivered with a sarcastic tone..

For instance, let's say my hairline has been receding to the point where it seems to have migrated to the back of my ears, and if I'm not careful, NASA might start searching for my lost hairline soon. Now, I decide to try a new hairdo and opt for a ponytail. Then my sister, being the witch that she is, comments, "it's the edges for me," followed by uncontrollable laughter. What's so funny about that? Anyways, I’m sure you get the point.

Be fr

Please tell me you have watched Tinder Swindler? Kind regards to everyone involved, but I cannot fathom how the first woman wasn't skeptical from the start. My good sis actually handed over $250,000 to a man after just one private jet ride and a bouquet of flowers. And let's not even get started on their first date. Her friends tried to warn her, but she shrugged it off with a casual "YOLO." Haha, it's hard to believe, but there are countless women out there like her. Women who fall for lines like "my enemies are after me," and end up in debt trying to play savior for con artists. They walk among us, driving on our freeways. They could be right behind you at this moment. "Be fr" (short for "be for real") is the perfect phrase in this context. It's a slang term used when someone is acting incredibly stupid or unintelligible. So, when you've had enough of the naivety, or denseness and need to be serious, you can simply use this slang to convey your frustration and demand a reality check.

There are many more slangs we could explore, like "periodt” (which happens to be a personal favorite), "pick me,” "that’s a reach,” etc. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I’ll have to conclude here for today. Who would have thought that seemingly incomprehensible words could be strung together to form meaningful expressions? A revelation. Don’t say I’ve never done anything for you. One last thing, don’t you just love my writing style? It’s the examples for me. It’s giving Pulitzer. If you disagree, bombastic side eye because be fr! I mean, we both know I ate and left no crumbs. Not me feeling myself, lol.