10 Millennial Slang Words: Salty, Adulting, Slaps and More

Millenials — Most of these popular slang words didn't exist back in the '80s or '90s. DavideAngelini / Shutterstock

Every generation has its own way of talking, and Millennials — those born between 1981 and 1996 — have added plenty to the pop culture lexicon.

These Millennial slang words blend internet culture, hip hop, and casual humor to describe everything from relationships to fashion missteps. Here's a breakdown of the most iconic phrases.

1. Thirst Trap

A thirst trap is a photo or video shared online to get attention, usually of the flirty variety. It’s a modern vocabulary staple in social media culture — especially Instagram — often linked to the pursuit of likes or a romantic relationship.

She posted a thirst trap on Instagram in that new outfit, and her DMs lit up within minutes.

2. Throw Shade

Used to describe a subtle insult, throwing shade entails a witty comeback or underhanded diss. Whether in a real-life conversation or during a TV show, this slang term is used in a humorous way to call someone out without being overtly rude.

Did you hear how she complimented his "brave" fashion choice? Total shade.

3. Low Key / High Key

"Low key" means you’re being subtle or secretly into something. "High key" is the opposite — used in an enthusiastic way to say you’re all in. These terms gained popularity as a casual way to express approval or personal feelings in different contexts.

I low key want to cancel all my plans tonight and just binge "Love Island."

I high key love this song—had it on repeat all week.

4. Salty

If someone’s acting salty, they’re upset or bitter, often over something minor. This phrase is used in both humorous and negative contexts, especially over something small or trivial.

He got real salty when he lost at "Shrek" trivia night.

5. Weird Flex, But OK

This phrase is a sarcastic or humorous way to acknowledge someone bragging about something odd. It gained traction as a witty comeback to a humble brag, often used online to roast someone's strange claim to fame.

"I two hours each way to buy organic alpaca wool every Sunday."

"Weird flex, but OK."

6. Wig Snatched

Originating in Black drag culture, the phrase "wig snatched" comes from Black drag queen slang of the 1990s (meaning something so amazing it figuratively snatches your wig off). Hearing a new album that slaps? Wig: snatched.

When she hit that high note out of nowhere, my wig was SNATCHED.

7. Slaps

Dancing — These beats clearly slap. bbernard / Shutterstock

If a song slaps, it’s a banger. It has serious positive energy and makes you want to dance. This term came from hip-hop culture and is used to express approval, especially in a musical or pop culture context.

This remix slaps — I wasn’t ready for how good it is.

8. Adulting

This slang word refers to doing grown-up things like paying bills, going grocery shopping, or handling responsibilities. It reflects the Millennial generation’s humorous (and sometimes begrudging) way of handling real-life duties.

Just spent my Saturday deep-cleaning the fridge and setting up a retirement account. Peak adulting.

9. Pumpkin Spice Everything

Pumpkin spice latte — Clinging to those PSL vibes all autumn long. New Africa / Shutterstock

While not a traditional slang term, this phrase symbolizes Millennial pop culture obsessions — especially with autumn and the infamous pumpkin spice latte. Think UGG boots, scarves, and warm beverages.

Once October hits, she’s all about pumpkin spice everything — lattes, candles, even her hand soap.

10. Squad

Your squad is your closest team or group of close friends. The term took off thanks to celebrities and social media. It's often used in a positive context to show affection and loyalty.

Game night with the squad is the only thing getting me through this week.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.