Cool-ish, Not Clueless: Midlife Survival Guide to Teen Speak

Decode the slang, dodge the side-eyes, and maybe earn a ‘slay.’

Let me set the scene: You’re a midlife mom, or someone in midlife with kids in your orbit, just trying to stay in the damn loop. You still pack snacks like a pro and can recite every orthodontist appointment by heart, but suddenly you’re dodging words like “bop” (which, plot twist, no longer means a good song), and your teen’s casually chatting about “checking the UV” and “aura farming” like it’s on the SATs. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to survive the drop-off line without Googling every third sentence.

Buckle up, babe. I got schooled on Gen Z/Alpha slang and took notes - so you don’t have to.

1. Chat

No, it’s not just a convo. “Chat” is now the universal teen call to attention. As in: “Chat, that outfit is fire.” It’s basically the new “listen up.” Think: bruh, but make it trendier and with way more sass.

Use it in a sentence:
“Chat, if one more person leaves an empty toilet paper roll, I’m flipping this house.”

2. Checking the UV

Spoiler: They’re not talking about sunscreen. “Checking the UV” is teen-speak for feeling the vibe or gauging energy. So yes, your 14-year-old might literally look out the window and say, “I’m just checking the UV,” but trust, it’s code for “Is the vibe immaculate or nah?”

Use it in a sentence:
“I walked into the HOA meeting and immediately checked the UV. Spoiler: hostile.”

3. Aura Farming

Oh, honey. This is not some crunchy wellness ritual. Aura farming is the digital hustle of curating your vibe, energy, and brand online - basically making sure your Instagram screams ‘main character’ at all times.

Use it in a sentence:
“I spent an hour lighting candles and staging my bookshelf because clearly I’m aura farming for my midlife comeback.”

4. Glazing

Nope, not donuts. This one threw me too. “Glazing” means overdoing the compliments, often in a fake or shady way. Like when your teen tells their friend: “OMG queen, that eyeliner? Revolutionary.” It sounds supportive, but it’s dripping in sarcasm.

Use it in a sentence:
“Oh wow, you didn’t text me back for three days but you liked my Instagram post? Thanks for the glazing.”

5. Bop

We used to call songs a “bop.” Now? It’s apparently code for a…let’s say generously flirty woman. How we got here is anyone’s guess, and it’s offensive so be on the lookout!

Use it in a sentence:
“All I said was I liked the bartender’s beard and suddenly I’m a bop? Rude, sexist and just plain wrong.”

6. Huzz

A PG version of a word you probably shouldn’t say around your mom, now sanitized for TikTok. Think of it like “tease,” but in a sparkly, Gen Z way. It can be playful or cutting - depends on the tone and the teen. And like “bop”, it can also be viewed as lazy and offensive.

Use it in a sentence:
“I wore heels twice in one week and suddenly my kid’s calling me a huzz like I’m auditioning for Real Housewives of Menopause.”

7. Gigachad

Originally a meme for the über-alpha male, now used to describe anyone operating with absurd confidence, main character energy, or delusional swagger. Sometimes admiring. Sometimes deeply sarcastic.

Use it in a sentence:
“My son parallel parked on the first try and strutted into the house like a total gigachad.”

8. Clock it

To notice something instantly and call it out, usually with shade, side-eye, or psychic-level accuracy. Nothing gets past the teen who can clock your vibe, your roots, or your emotional unraveling.

Use it in a sentence:
“I said I was ‘fine’ and my son immediately clocked it. Like, didn’t even blink.”

9. Unc

To call someone out (lovingly or not) for acting old, out-of-touch, or trying way too hard to keep up. Can be aimed at actual uncles, but mostly just anyone giving “dad at the barbecue” energy.

Use it in a sentence:
“I used the word ‘vibe check’ and my kid hit me with, ‘Okay, unc.’”

10. Chopped

To declare something (or someone) unattractive, unimpressive, or just not it. Can be about looks, style, effort, or a whole vibe. Brutal, but efficient.

Use it in a sentence:
“I wore skinny jeans to the mall and my teen announced my entire era was chopped.”

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Real Girls Talk:

Do I use these words? Hell no. But do I know them? You bet. Because if I’m going to survive post-menopause while commanding an army of grown and teen kids and a body that now requires a user manual, I’m going to need every damn tool I can get.

So here’s your cheat sheet, babes! Study up. Because whether you’re checking the UV or just trying not to get glazed by your teen’s sarcasm, we deserve to stay in the know.

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We’ve earned every wrinkle. Might as well make more laugh lines together.
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