A guide to understanding teenage language

When trying to communicate with your teenager, it may sometimes seem as if they're speaking another language – one full of slang words and phrases you’ve never heard of. Our Teenagers’ Language Guide will help you decipher teen slang so you can have better communication with your child.

Teenagers need their own language

Across generations, teenagers have always had their own teen words. What was once 'cool', 'ace' or 'groovy' may now be 'sick' or 'amaze', meaning it can sometimes be hard to understand teenagers (which, of course, is often what they want!).

Using a language particular to your tribe and time is part of developing self-esteem, confidence and a sense of identity and belonging. Teenagers are trying to find their way in the adult world and often feel most comfortable with their peers. Having their own language helps them bond with other teens and build confidence.

Technology and text lingo

Technology is creating new opportunities for language development. Deborah Tannen, linguistics professor at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. and author of You’re Wearing That? Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation🔗, says text speak – or ‘txt spk’ – shows teens are shaping language to suit their needs. We shouldn’t criticise it, but nor do we need to use it to relate to our children.

“You need to use language that’s appropriate to the context, just as you need to dress in a way that’s appropriate to the context,” says Tannen. “Adults look silly when they try to dress like kids. They might sound a little silly trying to talk like kids too.”