TikTok has become more than just a social media platform — it’s a cultural force that shapes language and communication. Here are 10 slang terms that originated or gained massive popularity on TikTok before entering mainstream vocabulary.
1. Rizz
What it means: Short for “charisma,” rizz refers to someone’s charm or ability to attract romantic partners. Having “good rizz” means you’re smooth at flirting.
Example: “His rizz is unmatched — he got her number within minutes of meeting her.”
2. Cheugy
What it means: Something that’s outdated, trying too hard, or out of style. Often applied to millennials clinging to trends from the 2010s.
Example: “Still using the ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ sign in your house? That’s kinda cheugy.”
3. Core
What it means: A suffix added to create aesthetic categories (cottagecore, normcore, barbiecore). It describes a lifestyle aesthetic or vibe.
Example: “Her room is total dreamcore with all those pastel colors and cloud decorations.”
4. Ate
What it means: To do something exceptionally well or to excel at something.
Example: “Your presentation ate! The boss was super impressed.”
5. Slay
What it means: Originally from ball culture, it went mainstream via TikTok to mean doing something exceptionally well or looking amazing.
Example: “You absolutely slayed that job interview!”
6. It’s giving…
What it means: Used to describe the vibe or energy that something or someone is projecting.
Example: “That outfit? It’s giving main character energy.”
7. Living rent-free
What it means: When something (usually an annoying thought or catchy song) occupies your mind constantly without your permission.
Example: “That TikTok sound has been living rent-free in my head all week.”
8. No because…
What it means: A phrase used to emphasize agreement or to introduce a strong opinion.
Example: “No because that restaurant actually has the best pasta I’ve ever tasted.”
9. Understood the assignment
What it means: When someone perfectly executes a task or follows a theme perfectly.
Example: “The way she dressed for the 90s party? She definitely understood the assignment.”
10. The ick
What it means: A sudden feeling of disgust or revulsion toward someone you were previously attracted to, often triggered by a small, seemingly insignificant action.
Example: “He ate with his mouth open on our date and I immediately got the ick.”
These terms demonstrate how TikTok has become a linguistic powerhouse, creating and popularizing expressions that quickly make their way into everyday conversation. Many of these terms originated in specific communities (particularly LGBTQ+ and Black communities) before finding wider audiences through TikTok’s algorithm.
