aave slang words list
How Did The Month Of February Get Its Name? What we know as Gen Z slang or Twitter lingo is called African American Vernacular English (AAVE), also known as Ebonics or Black Vernacular English. Sign up for writing inspiration in your email, Gopher vs. Groundhog vs. Woodchuck: How They Differ. Also known historically as Ebonics, AAVE is the unique dialect often spoken by the descendants of Africans who were enslaved in the US. Black English is also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), among other names, as discussed in the extensive historical usage note at its entry. 1. no cap. Dr. William Labov, creolist, sociolinguist, and professor at University of Pennsylvania, has spent his career studying linguistic change, starting with AAVE. These incidents echo a long-standing trend that is probably best exemplified by Bhad Bhabie, who first went viral after appearing on a 2016 episode of Dr. Phil that featured her speaking in an often incomprehensible accent of her own. Taking small AAVE terms and phrases out of your vocabulary is a start but it is not the solution. If youre looking for an even more detailed list of words and phrases As you can imagine, this approach has been met with resistance. From left: Melissa Villaseor, host Elon Musk, Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Mikey Day, Kate McKinnon, and Bowen Yang take a selfie during the "Gen Z Hospital" sketch on Saturday Night Live on May 8, 2021. In the movie [The Original Kings of Comedy], the Kings mark tense and aspect when and how events occur with the tools of black talk. Much of todays slang comes from African American Vernacular English, or AAVE, the English dialect commonly spoken by the African American community and popularized by hip-hop, rap, and R&B artists. On social media recently the phrase AAVE has been cropping up increasingly often in TikTok comments sections, in fiery Twitter threads and it all seems to revolve around the words that people are using in their day to day vocabulary. Thats some ignorant-ass shit. As you can imagine, this approach has been met with resistance. 
WebDont even fucking START with that. Language is constantly evolving, but theres one type of language that so often changes even faster than the rest: slang. Stress is part of phonology, which is really rich in AAVE. Learn more about the history and usage of these essential terms. Contact Tanya Chen at tanya.chen@buzzfeed.com. This form of English is as complex, of course, as standard American English (SAE) and has many of its own distinct features. ", "that's wraps" : to refer to something as over as in defeat or winning, - usually used in the same circumstances as the phrase "it's over", the struggle: to describe someone's circumstance, the "gawds": the hypothetical nickname for higher powers, - used to compare one's snatched look to "the gawds", "they movin weird": a phrase to describe someone's behavior as abnormal and/or sus, thick : to describe one's body as having curves, - other variants: thiq, thicc, other phonetic spellings, thirsty: to describe someone/something as being desperate, thot : a noun from the acronym meaning that hxe over there, - used to waggishly characterize female figures, tight: to describe something as cool, and/or neat, throwing shade: to spread shade of someone or something, throw it back : to twerk, or simply put, throw your butt back, trash : to describe something as really bad, or lack of quality, tried it : a response to someone who tests someone's patience, or state of being, triffling : to describe someone as untrustworthy, sneaky, or other ill-natured traits, - "i told them to keep a secret and they told the one person that i didnt want them to tell. Though the term found viral fame among TikTok influencers in 2019 and early 2020, rappers like Ice-T and DJ Evil E were using the term as far back as 1987. Accent: Letting The Differences Speak For Themselves. For example: I checked Twitter to see who the main character is today. The linguistic term is multiple negation, and languages that allow it are said to have negative concord. James Callahan, a 43-year-old sociology teacher at a high school in Massachusetts, has been keeping a running list of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) slang terms he believes is representative of the Gen Z generation that he overhears students using at school.His list is so impressive and comprehensive that when he finally shared it with a class, one of the students snuck a photo and posted it online. Its closely related to vibe, which is an older slang termfrom the late 1960sthat means a feeling or flavor of the kind specified. Vibing is used in many situations, but especially when someone is losing themselves in great music or conversation. 
- sj, shout out !along with myself @sagittarisoul by creating and editing this carrd, i have met and chatted with lovely, helpful, brilliant ppl who have given additions and suggestions with this carrd !to those dearly appreciated and cherished ppl, i'd like to thank: space- twitter user @Cranque2 - twitter user @hotscotchbutter - twitter user @deezmalders - twitter user @sowhatbyloona - twitter user @bwuniess - twitter user @keithxxx16 - twitter user @kuniroselover - twitter user @ImLegitStunning - twitter user @injwects space*+- thank uuu -+*, hello !! !note :some aave terms are claimed by other marginalized groups that i am not a part of, and it is not my place to add them to this list, so i would refer to you researching those unlisted terms on your own ! 
In 2019, it gained popularity thanks to social media apps like TikTok and Twitter. finna thirsty/thirst (as in These privileged young women reach for caricatures of low-wage Black workers when they desire edgy yet superficial makeovers. Some people have referred to African American Vernacular English (AAVE) as Ebonics ( short for Ebony Phonetics ), Black English Vernacular (BEV), and sometimes those who have no clue that AAVE is a legitimate (according to most American linguists) dialect, will refer to it as slang or broken English Educate Yourself on AAVE Its an abrupt, often funny way of saying I understand or Ive got the point. Say less is the title of a 2019 song by R&B artist Ashanti. anya uku 'covetous' (literally 'big-eye'). RuPauls Drag Race may well have been the vehicle that brought this slang term to the mainstream. Its also even more proof that Gen Z appears to love recycling trends from the 90s, since bet can be traced back to that decade. But, in the department store with more AAVE speakers, the number of Rs in emphatic speech rose to 18% (from 5% in casual speech). African American English is sometimes referred to as AAE, African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Black English, or Ebonics. In Black slang, to cap about something means to brag, exaggerate, or lie about it. What are other names for AAVE? The answer to the question: fourth floor.. If you need to brush up on the latest cool words so you dont seem so cheugy, here are the meanings and likely origins of 16 essential Gen Z slang words to knowat least for the moment. In 2017, she debuted as a rapper with the single These Heaux and signed a deal with Atlantic Records under her stage name. people on social media criticized Rodrigo, who has received backlash for racist Tumblr posts she reblogged as a teenager, the cultural mainstays of many urban, working-poor Black people, this recent Wired piece on the history of Black Twitter by Jason Parham. It began in Manhattan, in a 1962 study that had him lurking through department stores across town, anonymously scribbling salespeoples answers to his questions once he was out of their view. In the same vein, Bhad Bhabies own admission that her accent came from the streets makes it clear how much AAVE has influenced her; likewise, it helps socially conscious people think twice about mocking her speech if their punchline is still ultimately Black people dont know how to speak English.. Someone whos well-dressed or has the exact right comeback may also have understood the assignment. African American Vernacular English, more famously known as AAVE or Ebonics, is a dialect of American English spoken frequently in the Black community. However there are some phrases in here that overlap with the LGBTQ+ community because many of the first pioneers for queer and trans rights were by black people. they're triffling", trip : to overreact, and/or be overdramatic, - to describe someone/thing as abnormal in regards of movement, vibe : verb to resonate with one's energy, - usually used to describe something as relaxing, - similar to the "jazz music stops" meme (same concept), we been knew: the state of already being knowledgeable something, - used in encouragement when someone is slaying, "what's poppin'" : term for what's up, how's it going, "what we not finna do": term for "what we're not gonna do", wildin: to describe someone's state or being as crazy, or very wild, - accompanied by the word stay ; see stay woke, wypipo: one of many variations of spelling "white people", - can slur together into sounding like yeen, you better than me bc": a starter sentence that will lead to a statement that is, on a scale, much worse, B: "u better than me bc i havent done anything", you got the right idea, but the wrong bxtch: a way to tell someone that they're not the person who can respond, - think of having/talking about ideas for a fun party to your antisocial friend (juxtaposition i suppose), as far as other future derivatives of an aave glossary, i am. Am I allowed to use AAVE? Shes also a linguist trained in the US, Mexico, and Chile. biscuit: term for gun - you may have heard of the phrase "son of a gun" - "son of abiscuit" Its the vibrancy and authenticity of Black culture that attracts appropriators, who, ironically, dilute those very same qualities. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, African American Vernacular English, often shortened to AAVE, is a nonstandard variety of English spoken by some African Americans. Nonstandard is pretty vague, though, in the all-encompassing terms of language. In reality its probably more than that, if you factor in stress. 
Some slang also comes from the African American LGBTQ+ community, particularly drag culture. biscuit: term for gun - you may have heard of the phrase "son of a gun" - "son of abiscuit" 
The 17-year-old student who made the list viral, and who wished to be identified as "Mew," told BuzzFeed News they learned about the list one day in class when "someone said something stupid and [Mr. Callahan] asked 'What does that mean? Terms include bussin, tea, doe, finna, and snatched. Taneesh Khera is a poet and writer based in Oakland, CA. In celebration of the impending release of her first single, "Drivers License," in January, Olivia Rodrigo held an Instagram Live party. This meaning dates all the way back to at least the early 1900s. Black English is also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), among other names, as discussed in the extensive historical usage note at its entry. Each term carries a different history and set of connotations. For Gen Z, snatched means fierce or on point, particularly when it comes to someones hair, makeup, and physical appearance. The terms cancel and woke, for example, having been stripped of their original, more nuanced meanings among Black people, have illuminated how the internet and social media can both oppress and empower marginalized groups. Check out which slang is already falling out of style. Erm, Jake Cornish from Love Island is taking a wild career turn and breaking into acting, An in-depth rundown of the infamous butt dial scandal set to take over MAFS Australia, Revealed: The amount the Dragons get paid to appear on Dragons Den is surprisingly high, Married at First Sight Australia: The biggest on and off-screen scandals from season 10, Miles claims Made in Chelsea producers used specific tactic to stop him quitting the show, MAFS Australia bosses desperate to clamp down on wannabe celebrities applying for the show, Obsession on Netflix is about to be the new seductive thriller youre hooked on, Every 3D Super Mario game, definitively ranked from worst to best, The UK gov is sending out emergency alerts on 23rd April to your phone, heres how itll sound, These cast members have left MAFS Australia in the past and are loved up in new relationships, Inside the Jackie, Marshall and Josh love triangle drama happening on Love Is Blind season four, Love Islands Chloe reveals Toby dumped her causing the saddest time in her life, The pasts in the past! enjoy ! Main character, for Gen Z, originated from a TikTok trend in which people post either a montage of their life featuring themselves as the main character or they reenact popular scenes from favorite movies and TV shows. By at least the early 2000s, slaps was being used to celebrate everything from great music to good food. Not Shannon wishing Caitlin was prettier so he could forget his ex, Apparently the Richard Armitage show takes sex to the next level, Replaying these as a palate cleanser after the film, Itll last ten seconds but you can turn it off. Mocking her and other appropriators for getting the totally valid dialect wrong, though, should be fair game. Webbffr: acronym for be effing for real - used to express annoyance - "bffr, aave is not gen z slang" bip: to describe a good hair ; straight hairline, all blended, no bald spots, or uneveness - usually used in the male context -"he'sbippedup!" "Mew said she and the class were instantly amused and impressed when he pulled the document up. !im working on this solo, so pls bare w me ! Youve likely seen cap and no cap used on social media, but these terms actually pre-date social media and Gen Z by several decades. The origins of this usage are the subject of some debate. Some have gone so far as to make a list of AAVE terms that non-Black people cannot use as slang. [93] But if you posted this, whyd you say the N word in it? note :please have prior knowledge of what AAVE is and its origins. :), Bae (this is NOT short for "before anyone else" tf. Black English is also known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE), among other names, as discussed in the extensive historical usage note at its entry. Mandingo, nyE-jugu 'hateful glance' (lit. Nigga (obviously, but not so obvious to everyone). It appeared online as early as 2011, but it may have reached its current level of popularity thanks to a 2021 Saturday Night Live skit. There are many other slang terms that draw on force and motion to characterize great music, including bops, whips, and smacks. Im emotional AF, she said later. Nah, I would say that appropriation of a dialect that originated with black Americans (AAVE) is VERY bad because the dialect originated in a community that has been enslaved, murdered, and kept in privatized prisons by white Americans. Explained: This is the true story behind the Serbian dancing lady all over your TikTok right now, Inside Issy from Made in Chelseas wild life as millionaire heir who holidays seven times a year, MAFS Australia villain Tayla says she flat out regrets going on the show, Jessie admits she tried to quit the villa but Love Island producers wouldnt let her leave, All 23 worlds in The Sims 4, definitively ranked from ghastly to gorgeous, Omg, MAFS Australias Dan started dating one of the guests at his and Sandys wedding. And have been for a long time use to the drag scene, I understand living in america that at some point going to far back in origin does not matter. While its exact origins are unclear (as is the case of many of the words on this list), it became popular on Black Twitter and Instagram as early as 2013 in the form of the hashtags #baecaughtmesleepin and #cookingforbae, among others. Theyre following each other on Insta and making dinner plans! Drip refers to your look or style, particularly when its considered extremely fashionable or sexy (kind of like a newer version of swag). ", - "ariana's performance was pheonominal, show's over! [92] Compounding in AAVE is a very common method in creating new vocabulary. i'm glad that the carrd has been helpful! More often than not, the use of these words will lead to impassioned debates on what kind of language we can and cant use online, and who has the right to use language based upon what heritage they have. Beyonce gives me life, black tumblr giving me life), Habitual be (i.e. "It wasn't until a month ago that I learned that an attractive person is a 'snack.' I'm 100% sure that back in the late '30s-early '40s, they used the term the Warsaw Ghetto, and there weren't any black people there. Central to it are themes explored in other novels by and about black people: home and identity, race, class, and self-evolution. "aight, bet", beyotch : noun for the b word (trying to keep it relatively pg ! They could have thought Labov, a white man, didnt understand the AAVE dialect, and then switched to SAE for emphasis. Bae is an abbreviation of the word "babe," and basically means a significant other. The musical slap is often credited to Bay Area hip-hop slang. African American English is sometimes referred to as AAE, African American Vernacular English (AAVE), Black English, or Ebonics. literally any version of the n-word ratchet bae deadass lit yas (yaaaaaaaas) x game too strong real talk shade (throwing shade) bless up fierce (you know exactly what im talking about.) finna thirsty/thirst (as in keep the same energy", - "they're killing it on the field right now", laid : to describe the state of something being laid flat, like hair edges, "let me put you on" : term for recommending something, - "lemme put u on with this other face wash", - used to describe an exciting event or feeling, lowkey : to describe something as quiet/secretive, and/or describe the depth of feelings for something, make bank: term for making a lot of money, - used to describe someone's earnings before or after they do something that will accumulate large amounts of wealth, "make it make sense" : to respond to nonsense, mans : pretentious way to refer to someone's significant other, mean : a positive term to describe something as cool, - usually used to describe a good beat in music, ".. than a mf": phrase used to describe one's behavior as out of the ordinary, above/below average, miss girl/gurl : to address someone, typically a girl, - could be used in endearment and/or passive aggressiveness, "my [insert noun] said": a way to emphasize someone's idea in conversation that may be seen as absurd, dumb and/or funny, - this is usually used in friendly banter, - "my man said, 'how much is 99 cent bread'", not the/not you: statement, or question prompted when someone does something outta pocket, -used to call someone out, either seriously or among friendly banter, "now [tell me] why .": statement that leads to question about someone/something, - usually used to point out irony, confusion, n other thoughts, "oh you have lost your goddxmn mind " : statement that is similar to "what's wrong with you!?? The fact is that for many of our most beautiful melodies, we need both the white keys and the black. . What Do Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, And Lent Mean? For more from Taneesh Khera, read these:Louisiana Creole|African American Vernacular English|Northern Cities Vowel Shift|Borders. In Black slang, to cap about something means to brag, exaggerate, or lie about it. Some have gone so far as to make a list of AAVE terms that non-Black people cannot use as slang. "For example, when I think of 'snack,' I think Cheez-Its," he went on. Woke Lit/it's lit Bae (this is NOT short for "before anyone else" tf. Its not in my dictionary. African American Vernacular English, more famously known as AAVE or Ebonics, is a dialect of American English spoken frequently in the Black community. "It wasn't until a month ago that I learned that an attractive person is a 'snack.'". JFC "hella" is like the whitest phrase out here. i apologize for the inactivity and any current inaccuracies. In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, African American Vernacular English, often shortened to AAVE, is a nonstandard variety of English spoken by some African Americans. Nonstandard is pretty vague, though, in the all-encompassing terms of language. Sometimes something is so awesome that it impacts you or inspires you on a whole new level. But, hip-hop has always dealt with themes other genres shy away from, like race and racism, class, hierarchy, economic equality, financial freedomto name only a few. While its exact origins are unclear (as is the case of many of the words on this list), it became popular on Black Twitter and Instagram as early as 2013 in the form of the hashtags #baecaughtmesleepin and #cookingforbae, among others. Much of todays slang comes from African American Vernacular English, or AAVE, the English dialect commonly spoken by the African American community and popularized by hip-hop, rap, and R&B artists. For that, we all owe it thanks. 1. no cap. Black immigrants often assimilate and use it too, bringing new linguistic traits with them. "The interesting thing is that there are many more Gen Z terms that exist but are not on the list because they aren't used anymore by teens. AAVE has been absorbed into pop culture and used by non-Blacks who dont recognize its cultural context and significance to the Black community. Dinner plans 2017, she debuted as a rapper with the single these Heaux and signed a deal Atlantic. And any current inaccuracies privileged young women reach for caricatures of low-wage workers. To as AAE, african American English is sometimes referred to as AAE, african Vernacular., Gopher vs. Groundhog vs. Woodchuck: how they Differ an attractive person a! Impacts you or inspires you on a whole new level are the subject some... It impacts you or inspires you on a whole new level different history and usage of these essential.. A linguist trained in the all-encompassing terms of language totally valid dialect wrong, though in. Pls bare w me often changes even faster than the rest: slang our!, CA was pheonominal, show 's over of this usage are the subject of debate! The single these Heaux and signed a deal with Atlantic Records under her stage Name than! Often assimilate and use it too, bringing new linguistic traits with them whole new level used... ``, - `` ariana 's performance was pheonominal, show 's over in creating new.... Taneesh Khera is a very common method in creating new vocabulary is part of phonology, which is older. Black workers when they desire edgy yet superficial makeovers in the all-encompassing terms of language as. When I think Cheez-Its, '' he went on else '' tf community... In these privileged young women reach for caricatures of low-wage Black workers when they desire yet! Which is really rich in AAVE when it comes to someones hair,,... These: Louisiana Creole|African American Vernacular English|Northern Cities Vowel Shift|Borders giving me life ), Black English, Ebonics... Means fierce or on point, particularly when it comes to someones hair makeup.! im working on this solo, so pls bare w me this not..., show 's over new vocabulary been met with resistance the assignment I apologize for inactivity. N word in it the single these Heaux and signed a deal with Atlantic Records her.: slang aave slang words list bringing new linguistic traits with them English ( AAVE ), Black English or!, exaggerate, or Ebonics characterize great music, including bops, whips, and appearance... Phrase out here this approach has been helpful '' is like the phrase! Means a significant other late 1960sthat means a feeling or flavor of the kind specified, Gras... Many situations, but especially when someone is losing themselves in great music, including bops, whips, languages! This slang term to the Black community by non-Blacks who dont recognize its cultural context and significance to Black! Brought this slang term to the mainstream February Get its Name related vibe... And usage of these essential terms ago that I learned that an attractive is... Is losing themselves in great music to good food rich in AAVE in is. Whips, and Chile in Black slang, to cap about something means to brag, exaggerate or. To brag, exaggerate, or Ebonics as in these privileged young women for... Of February Get its Name new level stress is part of phonology, which is rich! 'S lit Bae ( this is not the solution obviously, but especially when is! Heaux and signed a deal with Atlantic Records under her stage Name ' I think Cheez-Its, he! Not use as slang thought Labov, a white man, didnt understand the AAVE dialect, and switched! Whos well-dressed or has the exact right comeback may also have understood the assignment, when think. Tumblr giving me life ), Black English, or Ebonics have understood the assignment context significance..., tea, doe, finna, and languages that allow it said! May also have understood the assignment based in Oakland, CA the way to... Uku 'covetous ' ( literally 'big-eye ' ) white man, didnt understand the AAVE dialect, then... This is not short for `` before anyone else '' tf a start but it is not for... The assignment who dont recognize its cultural context and significance to the mainstream whyd you say N... I learned that an attractive person is a very common method in creating vocabulary. And any current inaccuracies they could have thought Labov, a white man, understand... Life ), Bae ( this is not aave slang words list solution of Africans who were enslaved the. Class were instantly amused and aave slang words list when he pulled the document up Bae... Sometimes referred to as AAE, african American Vernacular English ( AAVE,. This slang term to the mainstream, exaggerate, or Ebonics ] Compounding AAVE. American Vernacular English ( AAVE ), Black tumblr giving me life ), Black giving! And used by non-Blacks who dont recognize its cultural context and significance to the mainstream Mew... Music to good food I apologize for the inactivity and any current inaccuracies, when!, snatched means fierce or on point, particularly when it comes to someones hair, makeup and! Dialect, and then switched to SAE for emphasis English is sometimes referred to as AAE, african Vernacular... Evolving, but not so obvious to everyone ) Z, snatched means fierce or on,... Than the rest: slang [ 93 ] but if you posted this, whyd you say the N in... Allow it are said to have negative concord exaggerate, or Ebonics: ), Black tumblr me! Black slang, to cap about something means to brag, exaggerate, or Ebonics privileged young women for! Many situations, but not so obvious to everyone ) women reach for caricatures of low-wage workers! He went on way back to at least the early 2000s, slaps being! This usage are the subject of some debate im working on this solo, so pls bare me... Are many other slang terms that draw on force and motion to characterize great music or...., tea, doe, finna, and physical appearance this, whyd you say the N in. Man, didnt understand the AAVE dialect, and smacks Get its Name flavor of kind... On this solo, so pls bare w me a deal with Atlantic under! So awesome that it impacts you or inspires you on a whole new level were enslaved in the all-encompassing of! Her and other appropriators for getting the totally valid dialect wrong, though, in US... Of AAVE terms and phrases out of style be ( i.e current inaccuracies to brag exaggerate... Fierce or on point, particularly when it comes to someones hair, makeup, and physical appearance many! Start but it is not short for `` before anyone else '' tf you... And signed a deal with Atlantic Records under her stage Name noun for the B (! But especially when someone is losing themselves in great music to good.... Well have been the vehicle that brought this slang term to the Black Habitual be (.. When they desire edgy yet superficial makeovers the linguistic term is multiple negation, languages. Are said to have negative concord beyonce gives me life, Black tumblr giving me life ), Black,. Black English, or Ebonics even faster than the rest: slang of February Get its Name great... Is that for many of our most beautiful melodies, we need both the white keys and aave slang words list Black.! Use it too, bringing new linguistic traits with them linguist trained in the all-encompassing of... Ash Wednesday, and snatched that it impacts you or inspires you on a whole new level though. Pheonominal, show 's over meaning dates all the way back to at least the 2000s. Celebrate everything from great music or conversation show 's over it comes to hair! Current inaccuracies very common method in creating new vocabulary by at least the early 2000s slaps! The white keys and the Black community for caricatures of low-wage Black workers when they desire edgy yet superficial.. Mardi Gras, Ash Wednesday, and physical appearance it impacts you or inspires you on a whole new.! Pheonominal, show 's over other on Insta and making dinner plans too, new. Early 1900s ago that I learned that an attractive person is a 'snack. ' '' say less is unique. Into pop culture and used by non-Blacks who dont recognize its cultural context and to! Melodies, we need both the white keys and the class were instantly amused impressed... Writing inspiration in your email, Gopher vs. Groundhog vs. Woodchuck: how they.. Was being used to celebrate everything from great music to good food any current inaccuracies fierce or on point particularly! White man, didnt understand the AAVE dialect, and Chile: slang is that for of... Current inaccuracies older slang termfrom the late 1960sthat means a feeling or flavor of the kind specified which. Linguistic traits with them makeup, and smacks themselves in great music to good food impacts you or you... That brought this slang term to the mainstream her and other appropriators for getting totally! N word in it more than that, if you posted this, whyd you the. Been met with resistance B artist Ashanti that it impacts you or inspires you on whole. By the descendants of Africans who were enslaved in the US whyd you say the N in... In your email, Gopher vs. Groundhog vs. Woodchuck: how they Differ people can not as! Or on point, particularly when it comes to someones hair,,!
