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Keeping up With Trends: Understanding TikTok Slang in 2026

Estimated Read Time: 23 min.
A person holding a phone surrounded by speech bubbles containing popular TikTok slang like "W," emojis, and trendy icons, with the text "Understanding Slang on TikTok" and a TikTok logo.
Overview

Welcome to the wild world of TikTok in 2026, where the slang evolves faster than you can say “algorithm.” If you’re feeling out of the loop with the latest lingo, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. TikTok’s ever-changing vocabulary can be a lot to keep up with, especially now that Gen Alpha is also starting to have their own slang on the internet, making even Gen Z feel old.

If you’re a millennial still trying to figure out Gen Z slang, good luck with Gen Alpha’s slang too—it’s going to be a fun time understanding it all. 1 in 4 TikTok users are under 20 so you will definitely find yourself seeing some sort of slang you don’t quite understand. In this guide, we’re diving into the freshest slang that’s trending on TikTok right now and try our best to explain the TikTok slang in 2026 to you. Forget about the old Gen Z terms; we’re all about the newest phrases trending this year. Let’s analyze them one by one.

Latest TikTok Slang You Need to Know

TikTok is always creating new slang, and it can be tough to keep up with all the latest lingo. Today, we will help you learn some of the most used ones! These are the freshest terms that have recently taken over the platform. Whether you’re new to TikTok or have been on it for a while, this TikTok slang list will help you stay in the loop in 2026. Some popular slang/phrases for this year include 67, goop, brain rot, aura, unc, crashout, mid, W, and so much more.

What Does 67 Mean on TikTok?

On TikTok, “67” (or “6-7”) is usually a nonsense reply people drop as a meme, kind of like a random call-and-response. Most of the time it does not “stand for” anything deep, it is used to be funny, derail the comments, or signal you are in on the joke. It was made popular by the 67 kid and since then people just randomly 6-7 and do the famous hand gesture.

What Does Goop Mean?

“Goop” is a term that used to exist in the past and meant “Gear Off Other Player” signifying that the player is taking items from another player in a video game. The term was recently made popular by the big streamer TheBurntPeanut who shouts “GOOP! GOOP! GOOP!” while he gets good loot in the game Arc Raiders. You will also see it used more loosely as “good stuff” when someone does or gets something worth flexing.

Example:

  • “We finally pulled the goop, this run was worth it.”
  • “Lets go get that goop!”
@theburntpeanutshorts The Burnt Peanut OVERDOSES on TOO MUCH GOOP! 200k+ Raid in ARC Raiders - ft. CouRageJD Vote for Peanut!: https://thestreamerawards.com/vote https://thegameawards.com/ Game: ARC Raiders Streamer Links: Official Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBurntPeanut Official Twitch: twitch.tv/theburntpeanut Official Kick: kick.com/theburntpeanut #arcraiders #theburntpeanut #gamingclips #couragejd #goop ♬ original sound - TheBurntPeanutShorts - The Burnt Peanut Shorts

What Does Unc Mean on TikTok?

“Unc” is short for “uncle,” and on TikTok it’s used to label someone as older, out of touch, or acting like a grown man who takes things too seriously. Depending on context, it can be teasing (“ok unc”) or weirdly affectionate, like you’re calling someone a familiar older figure.

Example: “He started yelling about ‘kids these days’ in the comments, alright unc.”

Rent Free

“Rent free” means someone or something is stuck in your head, like it’s taking up mental space without paying for it. People use it to call out obsession, overthinking, or when you clearly cannot stop mentioning a person, topic, or argument.

Example: “You hate her but you bring her up every day, she’s living rent free in your head.”

Fanum Tax

“Fanum tax” means taking a bite, sip, or portion of someone else’s food as a joke, like grabbing their fries because you feel entitled to a little “tax.” It’s tied to streamer culture, but on TikTok it’s basically a meme way to say “I’m stealing some of your food.”

Example: “You got nuggets? Cool, I’m taking the Fanum tax.”

Brain Rot Meaning

“Brain rot” on TikTok is what people call that fried, low-attention feeling you get after consuming too much fast, repetitive, or overly absurd content. It’s usually self-aware and joking, like you know the video is pointless, you know it’s melting your focus, and you still cannot stop watching. It also gets used as a quick label for any trend that feels intentionally stupid, chaotic, or aggressively nonsensical.

In early 2025, the phrase got an extra layer because of the “Italian brainrot” wave, a burst of surreal AI-generated characters with pseudo-Italian names and robotic voiceovers that spread across TikTok and similar platforms. People started calling that style “brainrot” on purpose, as a compliment and a warning at the same time, basically “this is nonsense, and that’s the point.”

Example: “I’ve been scrolling Italian brainrot for 20 minutes, my brain is cooked, this is pure brain rot.”

What Does AI Slop Mean?

“AI slop” on TikTok means low-effort, mass-produced AI content that feels recycled, spammy, or made only to farm views. People use it to call out videos with obvious AI traits like generic narration, copy-paste story formats, uncanny visuals, or dozens of near-identical uploads. It’s different from “brain rot” because “brain rot” is about how the content makes you feel after watching too much of it, “AI slop” is blaming the content for being factory-made filler.

Example: “Same AI voice, same script, same clips, this is AI slop.”

Skibidi

Well, there you have it, folks—literally the first meme coming from Generation Alpha, and it’s the weirdest thing ever. “Skibidi” has no specific meaning as a slang term; you could give it whatever meaning you like. Maybe it’s a sign we’re all getting older, but it makes no sense to me either. This term became an inside joke from the web series of YouTube videos “Skibidi Toilet,” and it’s now randomly used by children and teens. It’s one of those bizarre trends that only makes sense to the youngest generation on TikTok.

If you are on this side of TikTok, and you are not completely sure what you are doing there, we have a guide on how to reset your TikTok FYP so you can personalize it with something that matches your interests better.

Eat/Ate

“Eat” and “ate” are the newer versions of the word “slay.” When you do something that is very well perceived by people, you “ate.” For example, if your dance was amazing, your outfit looks cool, the food you cooked turned out delicious, or something you said really resonated with someone, people might say, “You ate with that.” It’s a way to give high praise and acknowledge someone’s excellent performance or achievement.

Aura (Farming & Points)

On TikTok, “aura” means your vibe, presence, or effortless cool. If someone says you “have aura,” they mean you look naturally confident or smooth, if they say “low aura” or “negative aura,” they mean you looked awkward, try-hard, or embarrassed. “Aura points” is the joke scoreboard version of that idea, and “aura farming” is when someone is clearly trying to rack up aura points on purpose with edits, poses, slow-mo walks, thirst traps, or staged nonchalance. You will see this term spammed in anime edits for characters like Piccolo from Dragon Ball, or Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling.

Example:

  • “He didn’t say a word and still looked cool, +500 aura points.”
  • “Piccolo in the back always aura farming.”

I'm Just a Girl

Based on the famous song by No Doubt and the quote from Notting Hill, “I’m just a girl” is a slang expression used to justify actions done by women by emphasizing their pure and innocent nature. Even if the actions are a bit questionable, this phrase puts them in a sympathetic light. For maximum effect, add the pink bow emoji as well 🎀.

Example: 

  • “Always scratching my car because I don’t know how to park properly… I’m just a girl 🎀.”
  • “I’m just a girl. Stop it, you’re the devil itself.”

Last Night Was a Movie

“Last night was a movie” is used sarcastically to describe a gathering with friends or loved ones that was expected to be amazing and full of adventures but ended up being very boring. It’s a tongue-in-cheek way to express disappointment when things don’t live up to the hype. This phrase captures the irony and humor in having high expectations for an event that turns out to be uneventful and dull.

Put The Fries in The Bag Slang

“Put the fries in the bag” is a put-down that basically means “you’re doing too much” or “stay in your lane.” It implies the other person is not the main character here, and they should just do their job and stop talking.

Example:

  • “You’re not a relationship expert, just put the fries in the bag bro.”
  • “SYBAU and put the fries in the bag lil bro”

Crash Out

“Crash out” means to spiral, lose self-control, or do something reckless in the moment, usually because of anger, stress, or embarrassment. It is used when someone makes a choice that is obviously going to backfire.

Example: “He crashed out last time someone ragebaited him.”

Delulu

“Delulu” is the short and sweet way of saying “delusional.” It’s a fun, catchy term used when someone is out of touch with reality, often in a light-hearted or humorous context. Whether it’s dreaming big or just having unrealistic expectations, “delulu” captures those moments perfectly.

Example: “May your delulu turn into trululu.”

It Do Be Like That Sometimes

“It do be like that sometimes” is a slang phrase that means things are the way they are, without needing further explanation. It’s used to express acceptance of a situation, no matter how strange or unfortunate it might be. This phrase is all about shrugging off life’s little quirks and just rolling with the punches.

What Does Ragebait Mean on TikTok?

“Ragebait” on TikTok means a video that’s intentionally made to annoy people or spark outrage so they’ll comment, argue, stitch, or duet it. The point is not the opinion or the “mistake,” it’s the engagement. You’ll usually see it with clearly wrong takes, staged bad behavior, fake ignorance, or captions that push people to pick a side.

Example: “That creator keeps posting the worst takes on purpose, it’s ragebait so people flood the comments.”

Periodt

“Periodt” is a slangy way of saying “end of discussion” or “that’s that.” When someone uses “periodt,” they’re confidently asserting their opinion and signaling that there’s nothing more to add. It’s not about shutting down a conversation but rather about showing strong belief in their statement.

Example:

  • “McDonald’s fries are the best from any fast food place, periodt.”
  • It’s a way to make your point with finality and confidence, leaving no room for doubt.

CEO of ___

Calling someone the “CEO of ___” means they are the poster child for something, usually as a joke. It can be a compliment (“you’re the best at this”) or playful shade (“you do this way too much”).

Example: “She’s the CEO of showing up late with iced coffee.”

Mewing

“Mewing” comes from a technique where you keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth to change your jawline’s shape. This term falls into the quirky Gen Alpha slang that’s sometimes hard to understand, but it has become a very popular slang on TikTok in 2026. Basically, it means you should focus on yourself quietly and work on your jawline. It’s a mix of self-improvement and staying low-key about it.

Tweaking

“Tweaking” is like saying “you trippin’.” It means someone is bugging out or just acting out of pocket in general. When someone’s behavior is off or they’re overreacting, they’re tweaking.

Example: “Why you tweaking, bro?”

What Does "Cooked" Mean?

On TikTok, “cooked” usually means you’re done for, caught, exhausted, or clearly not winning in a situation. It can also mean someone’s argument is finished, like they have no comeback.

Example: “I sent the text to the wrong person, I’m cooked.”

Glaze / Glazing

“Glazing” means overpraising someone, hyping them up too hard, or defending them so much it becomes embarrassing. It is basically calling out excessive admiration.

Example: “You’re glazing him like he paid your rent, relax.”

Opp

“Opp” is short for “opposition” and is used to refer to people you dislike or feel uncomfortable around. It’s a term borrowed from street slang, now popularized on TikTok, to describe someone who isn’t on your side. Whether it’s someone who always causes drama or just someone you can’t stand, they’re an “opp.”

Example: “We were having a great time at the bar until an opp walked in.”

Sigma/Beta

“Sigma” and “beta” fall into the Gen Alpha slang category. If you’re called a “sigma,” it’s a compliment. The term comes from the old hierarchy of wolves myth, where there’s an “alpha” leader and an “omega” loser. A “sigma” is considered even better than an “alpha”—someone who’s strong, independent, and doesn’t need to follow the crowd. On the flip side, being called a “beta” is an insult, implying weakness or submissiveness.

Lock In

“Lock in” is a slang term that’s gained popularity, especially among young men on TikTok. It probably comes from team video games like Call of Duty, where you “lock in” your character before the round starts. This usage means committing to a choice or action decisively. Even though the slang has become very popular on Tiktok in 2026, the phrase has older roots too, as “locking” something means to secure it unbreakably, making it a strong metaphor for commitment.

Example: “Time to lock in and get this project done.”

Mid

“Mid” is used to describe something that’s not particularly good but not necessarily bad either—basically, it’s just average. If something doesn’t stand out or impress, it’s considered “mid.” It’s a perfect way to express indifference towards something that fails to excite or disappoint.

Example: “The new burgers from Burger King were so mid.”

This slang is all about calling out things that are just okay, nothing special, and not worth getting excited about.

What Does W/L Mean on TikTok?

“W/L” stands for “win” or “lose” and is used to quickly label something as a success or a failure. If someone does something impressive or noteworthy, it’s a “W” (win). On the flip side, if someone does something disappointing or undesirable, it’s an “L” (lose).

Examples:

  • “Such a big W for you acting this way.”
  • “W Speed”
@syvexmm W SPEED❤️‍🩹 | (quality in bio!) #ishowspeed #speed #viral #edit #fyp ♬ original sound - Syv

Rizz/Rizzler

“Rizz” means you’re charming, have a great flirting game, and are quite likable. These terms are widely used as slang on TikTok, and to be honest, everywhere else on the internet in 2026. If you’ve got rizz, people are naturally drawn to you because of your smooth moves and charismatic personality. A “rizzler” is someone who embodies all these qualities to the max.

Example:

  • “He’s got so much rizz, no wonder everyone likes him.”
  • “She’s the ultimate rizzler, always knowing how to win people over.”

Sus

“Sus” is short for “suspicious” and is used when someone is acting weird or shady. If someone’s behavior is off or makes you raise an eyebrow, they’re being sus.

Example: “Why is he sneaking around like that? He’s acting sus.”

It’s a quick way to call out strange or questionable behavior.

Pookie

“Pookie” is a cute term of endearment for someone very close to your heart, like a partner or a best friend. It’s used to describe someone you find really adorable and have a deep affection for.

Example: “Good morning, pookie! Hope you have a great day.”

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it, a deep dive into the freshest TikTok slang of 2026. Whether you’re keeping up with Gen Alpha’s quirky terms or just trying to stay relevant in the ever-evolving world of social media, knowing these phrases will definitely up your game. From “67” to “aura farming” and everything in between, you’re now equipped to navigate TikTok like a pro.

And hey, speaking of leveling up your TikTok game, don’t forget about our TikTok Live Views service. If you want to boost your presence and get those views rolling in, we’ve got you covered. Our service is designed to help you stand out and make the most of your live streams. Check it out and see the difference for yourself.

Stay cool, stay updated, and keep slaying on TikTok!

Picture of Jon Duns
Jon Duns

I love keeping up with the latest social media buzz and writing user-friendly guides that everyone can understand. When I’m not tapping away at my keyboard, I’m out exploring the little corners our world has to offer.