Ah, 2016 slang! If you were scrolling through DMs and memes back in the day—or binge-watching YouTube videos—this lingo probably had you either nodding in approval or scratching your head. Slang from 2016 wasn’t just random jibber-jabber; it shaped a whole vibe online and IRL that still gets thrown around for nostalgia or pure comedy. Curious what all those words mean, where they came from, and how to use them without embarrassing yourself? Let’s dive into the colorful world of 2016 slang! 😂
Where Did 2016 Slang Even Come From?
The mid-2010s were a golden era for online culture. Memes were exploding, social media platforms like Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram were at their peak influence, and Vine was still alive (RIP). This digital soup brewed some seriously catchy and hilarious slang. The phrase “2016 slang” acts like a time capsule of internet trends mixed with pop culture references—think dance challenges, viral videos, and all that juicy teenage drama mixed up in cool phrases.
Many terms came straight from Twitter hashtags or Vine catchphrases made famous by influencers and celebs. Others popped up in subreddits or memes and spread so fast it felt like wildfire. This lingo isn’t just language; it’s part of an era’s personality.
Popular 2016 Slang Terms You Should Know
- Lit – Used to say something is amazing, exciting, or on fire (literally not burning, just really good). Origin: Hip hop culture, but it exploded in 2016 thanks to songs and memes. Example: “That party last night was so lit! 🔥”
- Shade – Throwing shade means subtly dissing someone. The term dates back earlier but was huge again in 2016, especially in drag culture and Twitter feuds. Example: “Did you see how she threw shade at him in that tweet? Savage.”
- On fleek – Perfectly done or looking flawless. Remember the viral vine about “eyebrows on fleek”? That’s the one! Example: “Your outfit is on fleek today!”
- Squad – Your close group of friends, the people you roll with. Popularized by social media posts like “Squad goals.” Example: “Heading to the movies with my squad. Who’s coming?”
- Shade – Yup, throwing subtle insults or critiques, often in a playful manner. This was everywhere in celebrity Twitter battles!
- Basic – A playful diss for someone who follows trends blindly or lacks originality. Example: “Pumpkin spice everything? That’s kinda basic.”
How To Use 2016 Slang Like A Pro
Got the words? Great! Now here’s how to navigate the slang with style and avoid looking like you stumbled out of a time machine from the early 2000s.
- Do sprinkle slang terms into casual convos and DMs but keep it natural. For example, text your bestie: “That concert was lit last night!”
- Don’t overuse slang like “on fleek” at a serious meeting or on your LinkedIn profile (unless you want a very confused boss).
- Do lean into memes and gifs alongside slang to boost the fun vibes online.
- Don’t use “shade” unless you’re ready to throw or receive a playful clapback. It’s not for actual hostility.
- Do remember that slang evolves fast. What was “basic” in 2016 might be totally normal now.
Funny Ways 2016 Slang Pops Up Online
Honestly, 2016 slang is the gift that keeps on giving, especially when it pops back up in odd corners of the internet. Sometimes you’ll see a Twitter account suddenly blast a random “On fleek!” reply to a mildly stressful news update. Or in group chats, someone will message “This meeting is so not lit,” causing an instant joke cascade.
Even memes love to recycle this lingo for nostalgic laughs. You might see a meme of a grumpy cat captioned: “This mood? Totally not lit. More like broke.” 😂 That kind of playful mix keeps 2016 slang alive and well, decades later.
Here’s a hilarious example from an online chat:
Alex: Did you do your homework?
Jamie: Nah, that sounds so basic. I’m gonna Netflix and chill instead.
Alex: Watch out, throwing major shade here.
See? Slang makes even ordinary chats way more entertaining.
Final Thoughts: Why 2016 Slang Still Matters
While the world of slang never stops moving, 2016 slang deserves a shoutout for shaping how we communicate today. It reminds us of a playful time when the internet united everyone with jokes, shared catchphrases, and a sense of community—even if it was about something as silly as eyebrows being “on fleek.”
So next time you want to sound “lit” or casually “throw shade,” remember: you’re tapping into a piece of internet history that keeps the vibes alive. Use 2016 slang wisely, sprinkle it in for fun, and embrace the nostalgia. After all, in the ever-changing landscape of language, sometimes the most fun phrases come from the past. 🔥
