Words by: Clara Yew

Buckle up besties, because, in a few short paragraphs, I’m going to teach you some of the words a-buzz in cyberspace, so you can keep up with the Zoomers.

My high school students sometimes crown me a “boomer”, despite me being closer in age to them than their parents. In an attempt to prevent you, dear reader, from being labelled “cringe” and “outdated” I have sourced the cyberspace for slang, memes, and references that will showcase your critical understanding of the current pop culture climate. Go forth and prosper. Godspeed.

Clout Chaser

/klaut ˈʧeɪsər/ (Noun)

An individual who actively seeks attention, popularity, or social influence by associating with, or latching onto influential or trending figures. It’s like riding the coattails of fame and hoping some of it will rub off.

“Did you see that guy trying to get a selfie with Doja Cat? Classic clout chaser move, mate.”

Delulu

/dɪˈl(j)uːl(j)uː/ (Noun)

Originating from the word delusional, it describes a state of being where a person chooses to indulge in unrealistic fantasies about their life.

“When I’m being delulu, I tell myself he didn’t text back because I left him speechless.”

See also:

1. “Being delulu is the solulu”

2. “Let the delulu be trululu”

Ghosted

/ɡoʊstɪd/ (Verb)

The act of suddenly cutting off all communication and contact with someone, usually in the context
of dating or friendship. It’s like disappearing into thin air, leaving the other person wondering what happened.

“Call me the Phantom of the Sydney Opera House, because no one in this country has been ghosted more than me.”

Glow-Up

/ɡloʊ-ʌp/ (Noun)

A radical transformation or evolution, especially in appearance, style, or confidence. It’s like the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly but with more highlighter and less chrysalis.

“The glow-up scene in ‘She’s All That’ is pretty problematic because it implies that to be worthy of her classmates’ attention she had to impair her vision and splash out on a makeover.”

Nepo Baby

/ˈniːpəʊ ˈbeɪbi/ (Noun)

Derived from ‘nepotism,’ it designates an individual who gains fame, influence, or success primarily due to their family connections, rather than personal merit or talent. This breed of pop culture protagonist often enjoys the privileges of a Hollywood childhood and a silver spoon.

“I got this clerkship because my surname is on the door—perks of being a nepo baby!”

Stan

/stæn/ (Verb)

To intensely support, adore, or idolise a person, character, or group. It’s not just liking or loving; it’s a level up where you’re ready to go to war for your faves.

“K-pop fans stan like their lives depend on it and I respect and fear them.”

See also:

1. Swifties
2. The BTS Army

So, here we are, at the end of our whirlwind tour through the buzzing beehive of contemporary language. Now, armed with this newfound knowledge, you can confidently embrace ‘stan’ culture, chase clout like a sheepdog, and beware of being ‘ghosted’ in this fast-paced digital age.

Our lexicon, shaped by the people, mirrors the ever-changing landscape of our society.

And because I am delulu, below you will find me trying my hand at creating slang too.

Housemate-In-Law

/haʊs.meɪt-ɪn-lɔ/ (Noun)

An individual who is always in your shared abode yet doesn’t split the rent. This person is often the best friend or romantic partner of an existing housemate. It’s like adopting a stray cat that comes by to use the Wi-Fi.

“Libby’s best friend keeps doing our dishes and bringing food over—best housemate-in-law ever.”