slang
Language is always evolving, but one type changes faster than the rest – slang terms. Image Credit: Unsplash/Lawrence Makoona

When is the last time you learned a new slang word? Chances are, it’s already ‘cheugy’.

Click start to play today’s Spell It and find the word ‘dude’, which was once a brand-new informal term in the 1880s and 1890s, meaning an ‘extremely well-dressed male’.

Language is always evolving, but one type changes faster than the rest – slang terms. Here are a few of the latest to keep you in the loop when chatting with others:

1. No cap

In Black slang, ‘to cap’ about something means to brag or exaggerate – it’s an old term that originated in the early 1900s. In today’s age, hip-hop culture has brought it back, albeit with a small modification – ‘no cap’ is used to emphasise that something someone said is absolutely true. It’s used interchangeably with ‘for real’ or ‘no lie’ and is currently quite popular with Gen Z.

2. Cheugy

This term may already be a little cheugy, since it was coined all the way back in 2013. Used to describe something that’s out of style, or just trying too hard to be in style, the word has evolved to describe someone who fails in their attempt at trying to be trendy. The word saw a comeback in 2021 – by May last year, the hashtag #cheugy had accumulated over 10 million views on the social network TikTok.

3. Snatched

Don’t worry about thefts or kidnapping when you hear this word in 2022. For Gen Z, the term means ‘fierce’ or ‘on point’, and is usually used in reference to someone’s hair, makeup or physical appearance.

4. Skrrt

Just like the sound of screeching tyres as a vehicle comes to a stop, skrrt is a word you use as an interjection. For instance, if someone is rapidly sharing an interesting story and you miss a key part, you may get them to stop with a ‘skrrt’ and repeat what they just said. The term has been in use since 2015, and according to Dictionary.com, is closely linked to the rise of trap music, which is a kind of rap music originating in the southern part of the US.

5. Vibing

Kids these days no longer ‘chill out’ – now, they’re vibing. The term means to relax, get into a good mood and generally enjoy the atmosphere. It’s often used when someone is engrossed in great music or conversation.

Did you pick up any new slang terms? Play today’s Spell It and share them with us at games@gulfnews.com.