Classroom • Parent Guide
September 2025: Latest Classroom Slang (Parent Cheat Sheet)
What you’ll hear this fall—plus quick meanings, example lines, and simple parent tips.
As school ramps up, so does the swirl of extremely online lingo. Some of it is harmless fun, some is context-dependent, and a little can veer into “let’s check in.” This roundup focuses on the most common classroom slang we’re hearing in halls, chats, and group projects—written for parents and teachers in plain English.
Note: “brainrot” style memes (rapid-fire, nonsensical references) continue to pop up across freshmen and underclassmen conversations. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Core 2025 Words
Rizz
Meaning: Social charm or charisma.
In class: “He’s got crazy rizz.”
Parent tip: Usually playful. Ask who they think has “rizz” and why—great convo about kindness vs. charm.
Sigma
Meaning: Meme-y label for independent, confident behavior; can be jokey or braggy.
In class: “Sigma grind.”
Parent tip: Tone matters. If it’s mocking others, nudge toward empathy.
Fanum tax
Meaning: Taking a bite of someone’s snack as a “tax.”
In class: “Pay the fanum tax.”
Parent tip: Light joke, but respectful boundaries still apply (ask before taking).
Delulu
Meaning: “Delusional” in a goofy, wishful way (often about a crush, team, or goal).
In class: “Delulu is the solulu.”
Parent tip: Humor, not diagnosis. If it hides real stress, check in gently.
Mid
Meaning: Average/underwhelming.
In class: “That quiz was mid.”
Parent tip: Ask what would make it “not mid”—opens talk about effort and study habits.
Cap / No cap
Meaning: “Cap” = lie; “no cap” = for real.
In class: “No cap, I studied.”
Parent tip: Useful to discuss honesty and exaggeration online.
TikTok & Meme Words
Skibidi
Meaning: Absurdist meme universe; silly, random references.
In class: “Skibidi toilet moment.”
Parent tip: Mostly goofy. If it derails focus, set a “memes after work is done” routine.
NPC
Meaning: “Non-player character”; acting robotic or scripted (sometimes an insult, often a joke).
In class: “Bro’s an NPC.”
Parent tip: Encourage humor that doesn’t dehumanize classmates.
Gyatt
Meaning: Slang exclamation about appearance; can be objectifying.
In class: Whispered reactions, giggles.
Parent tip: Remind about respectful language, especially around bodies.
Brainrot
Meaning: Self-aware term for getting overly consumed by repetitive memes/content.
In class: “My brainrot is crazy.”
Parent tip: Try screen-break habits and swap-in activities (music, sports, reading). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Gaming-Influenced
W / L
Meaning: Win or Loss; quick rating of outcomes or opinions.
In class: “That presentation? Big W.”
Parent tip: Ask what a “W” looks like this week—goal-setting ftw.
Based
Meaning: Confidently true to yourself; can be sincere or ironic.
In class: “Based take.”
Parent tip: Great springboard to talk values and respectful debate.
Touch grass
Meaning: Log off and go outside; get perspective.
In class: “Go touch grass.”
Parent tip: Co-create study breaks that include movement or sunlight.
Acronyms & Shortcuts
Bet
Meaning: “Okay / I agree / Sounds good.”
In class: “Project tonight? Bet.”
Parent tip: Neutral—means commitment or acknowledgment.
IYKYK
Meaning: “If you know, you know” (inside joke or niche reference).
In class: Caption on shared docs or posts.
Parent tip: Invite them to explain the reference; it’s a fun window into their world.
Drip
Meaning: Strong outfit/style.
In class: “First day drip.”
Parent tip: Celebrate self-expression while keeping dress code in mind.
Ick
Meaning: Sudden turn-off or cringe trigger.
In class: “Group work ick.”
Parent tip: Great way to discuss boundaries—and how to voice them kindly.
Ship
Meaning: Rooting for a (real or fictional) relationship.
In class: “I ship them.”
Parent tip: Keep chats light; respect privacy and gossip lines.
How to Talk About Slang With Your Kid
- Lead with curiosity. Ask “What does that mean to you?”—not “Stop saying that.”
- Context over panic. Most slang is harmless; some deserves a quick check-in.
- Make a family glossary. Let them “teach” you. You’ll learn fast and laugh more.
- Set screen-smart rhythms. Breaks for food, movement, and sunlight help with focus.
Keep exploring
Our dictionary adds new terms regularly with examples and safety context.
Browse the A–Z Library →