Social media is a powerful tool for marketing, but it can also be a challenging one. With so many platforms, audiences, and trends to keep up with, how do you make sure your content stands out and resonates with your target market? One way is to use the language of your audience, and that means knowing the latest slang words that they use and understand. Slang is a type of informal language that changes and evolves over time, often influenced by culture, media, and events. It can help you create a more authentic and relatable voice for your brand, as well as catch the attention and interest of your followers. However, slang can also be tricky to use correctly, as it can vary by region, age group, and context. You don’t want to sound outdated, inappropriate, or offensive by using the wrong slang words or using them in the wrong way. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 25 modern slang words that you should know for social media marketing in 2023. These are the words that are popular, relevant, and appropriate for most social media platforms and audiences. By learning these words and using them wisely, you can spice up your social media content and connect with your audience on a deeper level.

25 Phrases to Know in 2023

• Simp: A person who does anything to please or impress someone they like, often at their own expense. Simps are often mocked or ridiculed on social media for being desperate or pathetic.

  • Example: He bought her flowers, chocolates, and a necklace for Valentine’s Day. He’s such a simp.

  
  

• It’s giving: A phrase used to describe the vibe or impression of someone or something, usually in a positive or sarcastic way.

  • Example: Her outfit is giving me 90s nostalgia. It’s giving iconic.

  
  

• Rizz: A term derived from charisma, meaning the ability to attract or charm someone, especially romantically.

  • Example: He has so much rizz, he can get any girl he wants.

    
    

• Iykyk: An acronym for “if you know, you know”, meaning that something is understood by those who are in the know, but not explained to others.

  • Example: Just got back from the best vacation ever. Iykyk.

  
  

• Sus: A shortened form of suspicious, meaning shady, sketchy, or dubious. Often used to accuse someone of lying or hiding something.

  • Example: Why are you acting so sus? What are you hiding?

    
    

• Savage: A word used to describe someone who is ruthless, fearless, or brutally honest. Often used as a compliment or a way of expressing admiration.

  • Example: She roasted him so hard on Twitter. She’s savage.

    
    

• Woke: A word used to describe someone who is aware of and actively involved in social justice issues, especially related to race, gender, and sexuality. Often used as a compliment or a way of expressing solidarity.

  • Example: He’s not just a rapper, he’s a woke activist.

    
    

• Flex: A verb meaning to show off or boast about something, usually in a proud or arrogant way. Often used with “no” or “hard” to emphasize the degree of flexing.

  • Example: He flexed his new car on Instagram. No flex, but I just got promoted.

    
    

• Lowkey: An adverb meaning secretly, subtly, or modestly. Often used to express a hidden or understated opinion or emotion.

  • Example: Lowkey, I’m obsessed with this show. I lowkey hate him.

    
    

• Highkey: An adverb meaning openly, obviously, or intensely. Often used to express a strong or exaggerated opinion or emotion.

  • Example: Highkey, this is the best pizza ever. I highkey love her.

    
    

• Shook: An adjective meaning shocked, surprised, or scared. Often used to express a strong reaction to something unexpected or dramatic.

  • Example: I was shook when I saw the plot twist. She was shook by his proposal.

    
    

• Lit: An adjective meaning exciting, amazing, or awesome. Often used to describe a party, event, or atmosphere that is lively and fun.

  • Example: This party is lit! That song is lit!

    
    

• Basic: An adjective meaning ordinary, boring, or mainstream. Often used to describe someone who follows trends without originality or personality.

  • Example: She’s so basic, she always orders pumpkin spice lattes. That movie was basic af.

    
    

• Extra: An adjective meaning excessive, over-the-top, or dramatic. Often used to describe someone who does too much or tries too hard.

  • Example: He’s so extra, he wore a tuxedo to a casual party. That was extra unnecessary.

  
  

• Stan: A noun meaning a die-hard fan of someone or something, usually a celebrity or a media franchise. Derived from the Eminem song “Stan”, which tells the story of an obsessed fan.

  • Example: I’m a huge Beyoncé stan. She has millions of stans around the world.

    
    

• Tea: A noun meaning gossip, drama, or juicy information. Often used with “spill” or “sip” to indicate sharing or enjoying tea.

  • Example: Spill the tea, what did he say? I’m just here sipping my tea.

  
  

• Shade: A noun meaning subtle or indirect criticism or disrespect. Often used with “throw” or “shade” to indicate giving or receiving shade.

  • Example: She threw shade at her ex in her new song. He can’t handle the shade.

    
    

• Salty: An adjective meaning bitter, angry, or resentful. Often used to describe someone who is upset over something minor or trivial.

  • Example: He’s salty because I beat him in the game. Don’t be salty, it’s just a joke.

    
    

• Goals: A noun meaning something that is desirable, admirable, or aspirational. Often used with hashtags (#) to indicate what one wants to achieve or have in life.

  • Example: They’re so cute together #relationshipgoals. She’s so successful #careergoals.

    
    

• FOMO: An acronym for “fear of missing out”, meaning the anxiety or regret of not being part of something fun or exciting, such as a social event or a trend.

  • Example: I have FOMO, I wish I was at the concert. Don’t let FOMO get to you, you’re not missing much.

    
    

• Bae: A noun meaning a romantic partner, crush, or significant other. Derived from the term “baby” or “babe”, but also used as an acronym for “before anyone else”.

  • Example: He’s my bae, I love him so much. You’re my bae, you always come first.

    
    

• Slay: A verb meaning to impress, succeed, or dominate. Often used to compliment someone who looks amazing or does something remarkable.

  • Example: She slayed that performance. You slay, queen!

    
    

• Ghost: A verb meaning to ignore, avoid, or cut off contact with someone, usually a romantic interest, without explanation or warning.

  • Example: He ghosted me after two dates. Don’t ghost her, just tell her how you feel.

    
    

• Slide into the DMs: A phrase meaning to send a private message to someone on social media, usually with a romantic or sexual intention. DM stands for direct message.

  • Example: He slid into my DMs last night. I’m going to slide into her DMs and ask her out.

    
    

• Clout: A noun meaning influence, fame, or popularity, especially on social media. Often used with “chase” or “chaser” to indicate someone who seeks clout or does things for clout.

  • Example: He has a lot of clout, he has millions of followers. She’s a clout chaser, she only hangs out with famous people.

We hope you enjoyed this list of 25 modern slang words that you should know for social media marketing in 2023. By incorporating these words into your social media content, you can show your audience that you are up to date, aware, and engaged with the current trends and culture. You can also create more engaging and memorable content that stands out from the crowd and sparks conversations. However, remember that slang is not a substitute for good writing, grammar, or strategy. You still need to have a clear and consistent voice for your brand, as well as a solid plan for your social media goals and objectives. Slang is just one of the tools that you can use to enhance your social media marketing, not the only one. So use it sparingly, appropriately, and creatively, and watch your social media presence grow. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the new slang words that emerge every year, as they can reflect the changing needs, preferences, and interests of your audience. Happy slangin’!