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Dec. 6 2022, Published 3:31 p.m. ET
There needs to be a TikTok user manual that includes a glossary because new abbreviations and slang words are constantly being churned out and I, a millennial, cannot keep up. Thank you Gen Z for making me feel so old!
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Back in my day, TTYL (talk to you later) and BRB (be right back) were the hot terms. Then I entered the workforce and EOD (end of day) became my most commonly used abbreviation. But now I'm seeing acronyms like HB and ISTG. Um, excuse me?
That said, for all the folks like myself, I have decoded a bunch of terms that the kids say these days, particularly on TikTok. Consider this your unofficial TikTok slang dictionary. YW (that means you're welcome).
What does HB mean?
@amiyahshanell always go for the hb 😘😘#fyp
♬ original sound - 🦇
On TikTok, HB means hot babe. Creators usually use it to refer to someone they're dating.
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What does ASF mean?
ASF can mean different things depending on how it's used. The most popular definition for ASF is as f--k. However, in some cases, it can also mean and so forth.
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What does FYP mean?
I need to share what my tiktok fyp is like pic.twitter.com/vbCdSkpKYS
— dogs (@dogsbarkwoof) December 6, 2022
FYP means For You Page. Whenever a TikTok user opens their app, they are directed to their For You Page, which is a stream of videos that TikTok thinks that user will like. Every TikTok user's FYP is different, as it has been tailored to their interests.
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What does ATP mean?
@nathalie.espinosa bro how do you fix this.
♬ som original - ∾
ATP means at this point.
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What does PFP mean?
PFB stands for profile picture. This acronym can be used on multiple platforms.
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What does ISTG mean?
Once I stop liking you I will never like you again istg
— kas🪬 (@urth2kas) December 2, 2022
ISTG means "I swear to God." Usually, it's said out of frustration or if someone is trying to prove something.
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What does POV mean?
@stinkyasher i was always so jealous #POV #lunch
♬ original sound - StinkyRat
POV means point of view. It is commonly used on TikTok to warn viewers that they will be watching a video that is presented from a different perspective.
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What does IYKYK mean?
@sammyiannolo Game changer fr fr iykyk😭😭😭😭😭 #myob #iykyk #thanksboo #cutmeoff #blessed
♬ original sound - breee🫶🏽.
IYKYK translates to if you know, you know. It is used after a statement as a way of indicating that the message is an inside joke or a reference to something only select people would understand.
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What does DTB mean?
@elanv2 Dtb regardless 😏
♬ karma jersey club - KilSoSouth 💎
DTB means don't trust b--ches. Usually, men use the term. However, women sometimes use the abbreviation to mean don't trust boys.
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What does W mean?
W means a win. If something good happens, some might say that it is a major W or a major win. On the contrary, L means loss and can also be used in that context.
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What does simp mean?
Call me a simp but Imma make sure my gf kno I Love her ,In public and Private
— slime 💔 (@naxluciano) December 2, 2022
A simp refers to a person who does too much for a person they like.
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What does bussin mean?
@dpeezy2099 It didn’t record when I tried the palobok, but it was Bussin! #FYP #Dpeezy2099 #Bussin
♬ original sound - Dpeezy
Bussin is an adjective that refers to something that is really good.
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What does cheugy mean?
Cheugy refers to something that is basic, lame, or out of date. It is not a complimentary term.
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What does sneaky link mean?
@joelkirbyy Time to leave - #sneakylink #couples #relatable #pov
♬ Friendly Sex - Caity Baser
A sneaky link is someone you've been hooking up with in secret.
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What does cap or no cap mean?
people only start acting weird when they owe you, wronged you, or jealous. No cap 💯.
— nay❣️ (@fineassnayyyy) December 3, 2022
Cap means lying or false information. Often the term no cap is also used, which means what they're saying is the truth.
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What does mid mean?
Y'all be hyping mid females, eww.
— Ekemini 👨🏻💻 (@MiKiNeSh) December 6, 2022
Mid means average or of poor quality. It is usually not used in a positive way.
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What does drip mean?
@force_504 Volví🥷🏻🇺🇸🇬🇧🇫🇷#parati #mundo #fypシ #drip #flow #force_504
♬ son original - Max✨ Tiktok
Drip refers to someone's sense of style or stylish clothes. It is often used as a compliment.
