What Is Skibidi? I Learned Teen Talk!

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as the mother of younglings who use teen talk and confuse me on a daily basis, I decided to ask “what is skibidi?” and try to decipher this new language.

As a mother of younglings navigating the ever-evolving world of teen slang, I’ve found myself increasingly perplexed. It seems like every day, a new phrase or acronym emerges, leaving me scratching my head and wondering if I’ve stepped into a parallel universe.

Recently, I encountered a particularly puzzling term: “Skibidi.” I’ve heard it whispered, shouted, and even sung, but I still couldn’t quite grasp its meaning. Intrigued and a bit bewildered, I decided to embark on a mission to decipher this mysterious language.

To help me out, the team at QuillBot has rounded up some of the strangest slang terms now being used by Gen-Alpha, and we worked out what they mean, and how to use them.

Teen Talk Guide

Sigma

Let’s start with a term that might seem straightforward but has taken on a life of its own in Gen Alpha culture: “Sigma.” While traditionally associated with the Greek alphabet, “sigma” has evolved into a slang term that encapsulates a unique personality type.

In 2024, being “sigma” is synonymous with being a dominant, cool, and popular individual. It’s a term often paired with “alpha” to emphasize a strong, independent, and often mysterious persona. If someone describes you as “sigma,” it’s a high compliment, suggesting that you’ve got a certain je ne sais quoi that sets you apart from the crowd.

Rizzler

Another term that exploded in popularity last year is “rizz,” which was even named the 2023 Word of the Year by Oxford University Press. This slang term is a shortened version of “charisma” and is used to describe someone’s ability to charm or attract others.

Building on this concept, the term “rizzler” has emerged as a slang term for someone who excels at using their “rizz.” A rizzler is someone who can effortlessly charm and captivate others, often using wit, humor, and social skills to leave a lasting impression.

Skibidi

Perhaps the most enigmatic term to emerge from Gen Alpha culture is “skibidi.” This word, often associated with the viral “Skibidi Toilet” meme, has captivated the internet and baffled many older generations.

While there’s no definitive, universally agreed-upon meaning for “skibidi,” it generally carries a negative connotation. It’s often used to describe something that’s eerie, disturbing, or downright evil. The exact origins of the term and its specific usage can vary, but its association with the bizarre and often unsettling “Skibidi Toilet” meme has solidified its place in internet culture.

Alas, this is often said to me in accusatory tones while eyes roll and huffs sigh dramatically.

Mewing

The term “mewing” initially gained popularity as a facial exercise technique aimed at improving jawline definition. However, in recent times, it has been adopted by Gen Alpha and has evolved into a unique non-verbal communication gesture.

The new “mewing” gesture involves a combination of a shushing motion and a finger tracing the jawline. This action is often used to subtly convey disinterest or a desire to avoid conversation. As Gen Alpha continues to shape digital culture, this innovative use of “mewing” has become a fascinating example of how language and gestures can evolve rapidly within a generation.

Aura points

The concept of “aura points” has emerged as a playful way for Gen Alpha to gauge someone’s social energy and impact. Popularized on platforms like TikTok, this slang term is used to assess an individual’s overall vibe, charisma, and ability to uplift or drain a social atmosphere.

Gaining “aura points” is often associated with positive qualities like being charismatic, supportive, and bringing good energy to a group. Conversely, negative behaviors, such as being overly negative or draining, can lead to a loss of “aura points.” This playful metric reflects Gen Alpha’s emphasis on social dynamics, emotional intelligence, and the power of positive energy.

Tweaking

Gen Alpha has reinterpreted the term “tweaking” to describe a specific type of behavior. In this context, “tweaking” refers to someone who is overreacting, behaving erratically, or being excessively dramatic in a way that seems disproportionate to the situation.

This contemporary usage has emerged from Gen Alpha’s unique social dynamics and online culture, highlighting their ability to adapt and redefine language.

Conclusion

As I delve deeper into the world of Gen Alpha slang, I’m continually amazed by the creativity and speed with which these young minds are shaping language. While some terms may seem nonsensical or even counterintuitive to older generations, they often hold significant meaning within their social circles.

While I may not fully understand every nuance of Gen Alpha slang, I’ve come to appreciate the unique way they express themselves. By embracing this evolving language, we can bridge the generational gap and foster deeper connections with the younger generation.

Plus… and here’s a tip from one parent to another… when I try using these words when speaking to them they’re horrified. I might lose aura points by being skibidi but seeing them tweaking sure makes me feel sigma.