Ever feel like you need a translator just to scroll TikTok? 

From “rizz” to “GRWM,” social media has its own language, and if you're creating content, you need to speak it fluently.

This guide breaks down the slang dominating feeds in 2025, with clear definitions, real use cases, and tips on how to use it strategically (not cringeworthy).

What is social media slang? 

Social media slang refers to the shorthand acronyms and culturally specific phrases that dominate online conversations. 

It’s the kind of language that feels native to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (Twitter), and even YouTube. The terms or acronyms are typically born from trends, inside jokes, or niche communities and forums that end up going viral.

What’s the difference between regular slang and social media slang? 

Social media slang evolves quickly and is deeply shaped by internet culture, sometimes on specific platforms. A word that means one thing on TikTok might take on a different tone entirely on Reddit. 

Slang like “GRWM” (Get Ready With Me) or rizz (charisma or flirt game) isn't just social media chatter. It’s actually how modern users frame their experiences and communicate online. 

For marketers and brands, staying in tune with the lingo may seem exhausting, but it’s important. Social media slang can make your content feel more relatable, authentic, and, most importantly, engagement-worthy. 

Take DuoLingo, the language learning app, for example. Their tongue-in-cheek TikToks and Instagram posts using trending slang consistently rack up millions of views because they meet their audience on their terms, both visually and linguistically. 

When used with intent (and understanding), social media slang becomes a powerful tool for genuine connection. But, be warned, if used carelessly or in the wrong context, it can do the opposite, making your brand go viral for the wrong reasons. 

Popular content-style slang you need to know

Spend five minutes on TikTok or Instagram, and you’ll start spotting the same acronyms popping up in captions, on-screen text, hashtags, voiceovers, and even in the way creators speak. These trendy tags are shorthand for entire content formats your audience already understands. 

Knowing what they mean (and how they’re used) can help you spot trends early, align with creator culture, and shape your own content in ways that feel familiar and native to each platform. 

Let’s get into some of the popular content-style slang you need to know in 2025. 

POV (Point of View)

POV content drops the viewer right into a specific scenario. This could be a relatable life moment, a quick skit, or a mini-story told through someone’s eyes. It’s all about perspective, and it’s huge on TikTok and Instagram. You’ll often see it paired with bold on-screen text and captions, like “POV: You’re trying to act normal after your third coffee.”

Most popular on: TikTok, Instagram Reels

GRWM (Get Ready With Me)

GRWM videos are centred on daily routines, but they’re delivered in a personal, almost meditative way. Whether someone’s doing their makeup, choosing an outfit, or making breakfast, it’s less about the end result and more about the experience of being there with them. The quiet rhythm, casual voiceovers, and ASMR-like sounds make these videos feel like part of your own morning. 

Most popular on: TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram

OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

OOTD is one of the classic social media trends where creators show off what they’re wearing, usually in mirror selfies, outfit montages, or quick walkthroughs. It’s a go-to for fashion, lifestyle, and even some brand pages looking to show personality or introduce the people behind the business. 

Most popular on: Instagram, TikTok

DITL (Day in the Life)

DITL vlogs walk viewers through a creator’s typical day, from the morning coffee run to late-night wind-down routines. They’re usually shot in short, aesthetic clips with a voiceover or background music, and they feel like a peek behind the curtain. 

Most popular on: YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

UGC (User-Generated Content)

UGC is content created by real people, not brands, and it’s everywhere. You’ll see it in creator partnerships, customer shoutouts, testimonials, and reviews. The term often shows up in captions when creators are producing content for a brand or when brands reshare audience posts. 

Most popular on: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and brand accounts on virtually every platform.

Slang for social engagement and interaction

Some slang isn’t necessarily part of a trend, but it’s used to spark interaction and engagement. These acronyms work like cues that invite followers to engage, click, or react. 

Whether you’re sharing a fact, resurfacing older content, or opening up the floor for discussion, the terms can help frame your message in a way that feels natural to social media users. 

AMA (Ask Me Anything)

Originally popularised on Reddit, AMA has become the go-to phrase across social platforms for encouraging open Q&As. It’s casual, direct, and invites curiosity. 

How to use it: Instagram Stories with the Q&A box, LinkedIn posts about your work process, TikTok comments for audience-led replies. 

Best for: Thought leadership, product reveals, behind-the-scenes content. 

DYK (Did You Know)

A classic attention-grabber, DYK posts lead with a surprising or little-known fact. They’re a smart way to package educational content or highlight features without sounding too formal. 

How to use it: Static posts, carousels, or short-form video with on-screen text. 

Best for: Tips, stats, feature highlights. 

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Perfect for reusing content without sounding repetitive. ICYMI gives you a natural way to reshare announcements, blog posts, events, and videos for audiences who might have scrolled past the first time. 

How to use it: X (Twitter) threads, Instagram captions, LinkedIn reposts. 

Best for: Recaps, newsletters, second-wave promotion

TFW (That Feeling When)

TFW content relies on relatability. It sets up a scenario, usually funny or awkward, that invites the audience to nod along. Think of it like a meme starter or caption hook. 

How to use it: Reels/TikToks with reaction audio, GIFs, or memes. 

Best for: Brand personality, community bonding, and low-effort engagement wins. 

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Business and marketing slang you should recognise

This isn’t slang in the “rizz” or “yeet” sense, but it still matters. On business-focused platforms, like LinkedIn, X, and even certain channels on TikTok and Instagram, jargon becomes a kind of professional shorthand. When every character counts and scrolling is fast, acronyms and buzzwords dominate the conversation. 

• CTR (Click-Through Rate): The percentage of people who clicked on your link after seeing the post. It tells you how compelling your content really is. High CTR means your hook worked. Low CTR? Time to rethink your headline, creative, or CTA.
• CPM (Cost Per Mille): How much it costs to serve 1,000 ad impressions. It's a standard metric in paid media and a good way to benchmark brand awareness campaigns, especially if you're not chasing clicks.
• CTA (Call to Action): Tells your audience what to do next, whether that’s clicking a link, sharing a post, or booking a demo. A strong CTA is specific, timely, and crystal clear. 
• CPC (Cost Per Click): Shows how much you’re paying for each click on a paid campaign. It’s the number performance marketers watch like a hawk. Lower CPC usually means your targeting is on point, your post is resonating, or both. 
• E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness): Framework used by Google to evaluate whether content can be “trusted” (that you’re a credible source). On social media, it’s increasingly used in conversations around content that positions a brand as the go-to source for information. 

Cultural slang that shapes online communities

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Online communities have their own shared language that’s essentially a mix of reactions, jokes, and identity markers that spread fast and signal you’re in the know. These terms show up in comments, captions, and replies. 

While they might seem random at first, and frankly, don’t always make sense, they’re powerful tools for relatability and tone when used right. 

Reaction slang

• OOF: Used to express sympathy or secondhand embarrassment. 
• DEAD (skull emoji): Extreme laughter. 
• YEET: To throw something with force (also used as an exclamation). 

Social behaviour or judgement

• NPC: Stands for “Non-player character” and describes robotic or unoriginal behaviour. 
• Vibe check: A callout to test someone’s mood or energy. 
• Sus: Short for “suspicious” (popularised by the viral video game, Among Us). 
• Mid: Something underwhelming, mediocre, or overhyped. 

Hype or approval

• GOAT: “Greatest of All Time”. 
• Slaps: Something that sounds or feels amazing. 
• Based: Unapologetically honest or confident in an opinion. 
• W/L: Win or loss. Dropped in comments to express approval or disapproval. 
• Bet: Used to confirm something with confidence, like “deal” or “I’m in.”

Community or exclusivity

• IYKYK: “If you know, you know”, used for inside jokes or niche references. 
• TBH: “To be honest”, often used to soften an opinion or be candid. 
• FOMO/JOMO: “Fear of missing out” or “Joy of missing out”, referencing the push-pull of certain situations.
• No cap: Means “No lie”, used to stress honesty or seriousness.

How to use social media slang strategically

Slang can humanise your brand, boost engagement, and help your content feel native to each platform, but only when it fits. Using it well means knowing your audience, your brand voice, and the space you’re posting in. 

Here are some tips for getting it right: 

• Start with the platform: Slang plays differently depending on where you are. TikTok and X move fast and thrive on informal, reaction-driven content. LinkedIn leans more toward industry shorthand and occasionally, wit. Instagram sits somewhere in between, usually with polished yet casual language.
• Match your brand voice: If your brand is playful, experimental, or community-led, slang can add personality and approachability. But if your tone is formal, corporate, or highly regulated, forcing it can backfire. Not every brand needs to drop “rizz” in the comments.

• Tap into familiar formats: Slang works best when it’s paired with content formats people already understand. Think: a GRWM reel, a TFW meme, or an ICYMI post link to your latest campaign.
• Use it to connect, not chase trends: The goal isn’t to seem trendy, it’s to show you understand how your audience speaks. When it feels organic, slang helps your message land more smoothly.

How not to use social media slang

The rules for how not to use social media slang are quite straightforward: 

• Don’t use slang you don’t understand: If you have to Google it mid-post, you should probably skip it. 
• Don’t overload your content: A few well-placed terms go further than a caption full of buzzwords. 
• Don’t force slang into a formal voice: If it doesn’t sound like you, it’ll come across as awkward. 
• Don’t use outdated slang: If it peaked a year ago, your audience will know. 
• Don’t assume every trend fits your brand: Relevance matters more than reach. 

Using slang on social media is a bit like turning up to a party. If you show up confident, comfortable, and dressed like yourself, you’ll fit right in.

But if you show up wearing someone else’s outfit, quoting things you don’t understand, and hoping nobody notices? That’s when it gets awkward.

The same goes for brands. Slang can add spark and help your content feel right at home, but only when it matches your tone, your audience, and your intent. When in doubt, speak clearly, stay relevant, and don’t try to fake fluency.

Your audience will thank you for it.

Final thoughts: Speak their language, but make it yours

When used well, social media slang helps your brand feel more current, more connected, and more human. But like any form of communication, it only works if it’s authentic.

If the slang is starting to click and content ideas are flooding your mind, you’ve already got fuel for your next few weeks of posts.

Use Sendible’s content scheduler to plan it all out in advance, especially if you want to hit peak engagement times like the morning commute or evening scroll window. 

Not sure when your audience is most active?

Sendible’s analytics will tell you. Once it’s live, track the results using detailed reports that show what’s hitting and where there’s room to improve. Because the best social strategies don’t just speak the language, they listen, learn, and evolve with it.

Start your 14-day free trial with Sendible and turn those content ideas into scheduled posts, audience insights, and real results.