So you just texted your English-speaking friend using English slang like “LMAO 😂” after they said their cat knocked over the TV.
They replied with, “I can’t. That’s wild. 💀”
You smile… but deep down, you’re not 100% sure what “💀” really means. Laughing? Dead? Confused? Same.
Welcome to the chaotic, colourful, and ever-evolving world of English slang, emojis, and internet shortcuts, where one wrong letter or emoji can flip the entire meaning of a conversation.
Whether you’re an English learner or just trying to text like a native, this guide is your secret weapon. Let’s unpack the 21 most commonly misunderstood English slangs, chat shortcuts, and emojis that you’re probably using wrong, and what they actually mean in 2025.
Why “English Slang” Is So Tricky (Especially in Texts)
English slang is like a secret club. It’s casual, fun, and totally unpredictable. But here’s the catch: slang evolves faster than grammar rules. What was cool in 2020 (remember “YOLO”?) might now make you sound like someone’s uncle trying too hard.
For ESL learners, this is even more frustrating. Texting isn’t just about grammar anymore; it’s about rhythm, tone, inside jokes, and emoji timing.
You might write perfect sentences, but still sound awkward. Why? Because you’re not using English slang the way native speakers do online.
So let’s fix that.
21 English Slangs, Emojis & Chat Shortcuts You’re Probably Using Wrong
1. LOL
What do you think it means: Laughing Out Loud
What it can mean now: Passive aggression, sarcasm, or just a filler
Why it’s tricky: In 2025, “LOL” isn’t always about laughing. If someone texts, “Sure, LOL,” they probably aren’t amused; they’re being dry or dismissive.
✅ Use: “That TikTok made me LOL fr!” (genuine)
❌ Avoid: “Okay LOL” (may seem rude)
2. 💀 (Skull Emoji)
What do you think it means: Death
What it really means now: “I’m dying of laughter”
Why it matters: It replaced 😂 as Gen Z’s favourite way to say “that’s hilarious.”
✅ “You wore Crocs to prom? 💀💀”
❌ “RIP Grandma 💀” (NO. Just don’t.)
3. OMG
Still means “Oh my God,” but tone matters.
Used seriously or playfully? Native speakers rely on context.
“OMG I forgot to submit the assignment 😭” = panic
“OMG this dress is EVERYTHING” = excitement
4. I can’t / I’m dead
Both mean: “That’s too funny for words.”
They’re used with no follow-up explanation. Pure vibe.
“She really texted ‘ur adopted’ and dipped. I can’t 💀”
5. BRB / GTG
Yes, they still mean Be Right Back and Got To Go.
But nobody really says these anymore unless they’re gaming or being ironic.
✅ Casual version: “gimme sec” or “bbl”
❌ Don’t overuse unless you’re in a group chat from 2010
6. No cap
What do you think: Something about hats?
Real meaning: No lie / I’m being serious
Opposite of: “cappin” (lying)
“This burger’s better than McDonald’s. No cap.”
7. Lowkey / Highkey
Lowkey = subtly, secretly
Highkey = openly, strongly
ESL learners often get this reversed or say “secretly” instead.
“Lowkey wanna skip class.”
“Highkey hate that movie.”
8. Sus
Short for: Suspicious
Came from: Among Us game
Now means sketchy, shady, or untrustworthy.
“He said he’s ‘working late’ again… sus.”
9. FR / FRFR
Meaning: For real / For real for real
Used for emphasis or agreement.
“This weather’s trash frfr.”
“You’re quitting your job? Fr?”
10. SMH
Means: Shaking My Head
Still widely used to express disappointment or disbelief.
“You still think 2+2 is 5? SMH.”
11. 🫣 (Face Peeking)
Newer emoji.
Used for: “I’m embarrassed but watching” or “Guilty but curious”
“I checked his IG story… 🫣”
12. Y’all / Ya’ll
It’s actually “Y’all” (short for You all), not “Ya’ll.”
Very common in casual English slang. Friendly, inclusive, and trendy again.
“Y’all better not start drama in this group chat.”
13. Flex / Flexin’
Means: Showing off
Used both seriously and ironically
“He posted his lunch like it’s a Rolex. Flexin for who?”
14. Bet
What it used to mean: Wager
What it means now: Okay / Sure / I’m in
One of the most misused English slang terms by learners.
“Wanna hit the mall at 5?”
“Bet.” (means yes)
15. IDC / IDK / IKR
Still popular:
- IDC = I don’t care
- IDK = I don’t know
- IKR = I know right
They sound casual but can feel cold depending on tone. Be careful.
16. Ghosted / Left on Read
Ghosted = Disappeared with no reply
Left on read = Opened your message but ignored it
Both are big emotional triggers in modern digital dating culture. Use with caution!
“He ghosted me after saying we’d hang out 💀”
17. Main character energy
Means: Confidence, spotlight-worthy attitude.
If someone says you have this, it’s a compliment.
“You walked in like you owned the place. Main character energy.”
18. Slaps
Means: Something is amazing, especially music or food.
Don’t confuse with violence.
“This new album slaps 🔥”
19. 🫶
Brand new fave emoji in 2025.
Means: Care, love, appreciation, soft vibe
“Thanks for the help today 🫶”
20. “Say less”
Means: You don’t need to explain, I’m in.
Confusing for English learners who think it means “Be quiet.”
“We hitting the beach tomorrow.”
“Say less.” (Yes, let’s go!)
21. It’s giving…
Used to describe a vibe or energy.
Popularised on TikTok and in fashion/culture scenes.
“This outfit? It’s giving CEO.”
“That date? It’s giving red flag.”
So… Why Is English Slang So Important for English Learners?
Because it’s the final boss of fluency.
Using English slang naturally signals comfort, confidence, and cultural awareness.
You don’t need to use all of these daily—but understanding them makes you:
✅ Funnier
✅ More relatable
✅ Less robotic
✅ Actually understood in real convo
Emoji Etiquette 101: What ESL Learners Often Get Wrong
Using the wrong emoji can be more awkward than a grammar mistake.
Here are quick emoji tips:
- Use 😂 sparingly—Gen Z prefers 💀
- Avoid 😅 in serious convos—it can seem like nervous sarcasm
- Too many 😍 or ❤️ can feel intense if you’re not close to the person
- 💯 = genuine approval, not anger!
Final Tips to Text Like a Native
✅ Follow native speakers online (especially on TikTok or Twitter/X)
✅ Use ChatGPT to simulate texting and slang conversations
✅ Ask friends if you’re not sure what something means
✅ Don’t force slang—let it flow naturally over time
Test Yourself: Can You Decode This Message?
“Bruh, I lowkey miss her 💀 but idk if I should text. Say less? Bet? 😅”
Can you translate it?
Answer:
“Dude, I secretly miss her a lot, but I’m not sure if I should text her. Should I just go for it? Okay? Cool?”
Conclusion: Texting Like a Native Isn’t About Being Perfect—It’s About Being In The Loop
Fluency isn’t just knowing what words mean.
It’s knowing how they feel.
And English slang is all about feeling.
So next time you see “💀,” don’t panic. Just laugh. You’re getting it.
Now go out there and flex your English slang like a pro. No cap. 🫶
Click below to add more to your English vocabulary.
https://fluent-eng.com/stop-saying-very-22-powerful-words-improve-english/