Ever stumble across someone saying “That’s so extra” or asking if you’re feeling “salty” and think, “Wait, what does that *really* mean?” Well, you’re in the right spot because we’re diving headfirst into five slang meaning that’ll seriously level up your chat game. Whether you’re texting, sliding into DMs, or just lurking in comment sections, knowing these slang gems keeps you in the convo and maybe even scoring some laugh reactions 😂.
1. What Is “Extra” Anyway? (Origin)
When someone calls you “extra,” they’re not saying you need more toppings on your pizza—it means you’re being over-the-top, dramatic, or just downright excessive. The word “extra” has been around forever in everyday English, but its slang meaning originally popped off in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and became popular on Twitter and TikTok throughout the 2010s.
How to Use It
Use “extra” when someone is acting like they’re on a reality TV show or making a mountain out of a molehill.
Example:
Friend 1: “She brought a spotlight just to take pictures of her sandwich.”
Friend 2: “Wow, that’s so extra 😂”
Funny Variations
You might see people play with “extra” as a noun: “I’m really looking like extra today,” or even doubling it up, like “extra extra,” to mock mega drama.
2. “Salty” — Why Are You Bitter?
Picture this: your friend lost at Mario Kart and suddenly becomes the “saltiest” player ever. “Salty” slang-wise means annoyed, bitter, or upset, often over something small. This comes from gaming culture where “salt” metaphorically represents frustration and spilled emotions.
How to Use It
If someone’s twitchy or complaining about a minor slight, label them “salty.” It’s playfully teasing, not too harsh.
Example:
Me: “You lost fair and square!”
Friend: “I’m not salty… okay maybe just a little. 🤨”
Etiquette Tip
- Do use it among close friends who get the joke.
- Don’t call out strangers or serious situations as “salty” or it might come off rude.
3. “Cap” and “No Cap” — Truth or No Truth?
Ready for some truth bombs? “Cap” means lie, and “no cap” means “no lie” or “for real.” It’s been gaining street cred since the late 2010s thanks to hip-hop culture and viral tweets.
How to Use It
Throw “cap” when you think someone’s flexing or fibbing. “No cap” punctuates honesty or seriousness.
Example:
Person A: “I can do 100 push-ups in a row.”
Person B: “That’s cap!”
Person A: “No cap, I swear!”
Crazy Online Moments
People jokingly say things like “This pizza is the best, no cap!” to hype up everyday stuff, or roast friends wildly with “Bro, that story is pure cap.”
4. “Ghosting” — The Silent Treatment
No, this isn’t about spooky specters. “Ghosting” means abruptly cutting off communication without any explanation, especially in dating or friendships. It emerged with texting and online dating apps around the early 2010s.
How to Use It
Feel free to use “ghosting” when your last text goes unanswered for days or weeks.
Example:
You: “Hey, you there?”
Crickets…
You (DM): “Guess I’m officially ghosted 👻”
Don’t Ghost:
- Do: Try to communicate if you want to end things.
- Don’t: Leave people hanging without a word (unless really unavoidable).
5. “Flex” — Show Off (In Good or Bad Ways)
When someone’s “flexing,” they’re showing off, whether it’s their new kicks, big paycheck, or even some humble brag disguised as casual chat. “Flex” started as gym slang for making muscles pop and has evolved into general swagger online.
How to Use It
Call out “flex” when a friend’s brag is obvious or just saying “Nice flex” to tease.
Example:
Friend: “Just got the new iPhone and it’s amazing!”
You: “Big flex! Can I borrow it?”
Funny Variations
Internet culture birthed phrases like “weak flex” (a lame show-off) and “fake flex” (bragging about something trivial but acting fancy).
Quick-Fire Slang Meaning Do’s & Don’ts 💡
- Do use slang to connect, vibe, and keep convos lighthearted.
- Don’t throw slang at people who might not get it—it can confuse or offend.
- Do mix emojis to amplify meaning! 👀😅
- Don’t overuse the same slang word till you sound like a walking meme.
- Do have fun with creative spins on slang—language is alive!
There you have it! Five slang meaning you can confidently drop in your next text thread or meme reply. Slang isn’t just about sounding cool; it’s about sharing culture, jokes, and sometimes subtle shade. So, next time you see “That’s such a flex, no cap,” now you know exactly what’s going down. Stay fresh, keep learning, and if anyone calls you “extra,” just smile—maybe you are, and that’s the vibe! 😎
