The Street Language Dictionary

A modern social ritual where one person informally assesses another’s emotional state, energy level, or general life stability. A vibe check can be friendly, chaotic, or spiritual depending on context. The phrase originally emerged from meme culture—sometimes used jokingly to suggest physically ‘checking’ someone—and has since matured into a sincere shorthand for emotional awareness. In practice, it balances humor with genuine concern, capturing the uniquely Gen Z approach to mental health: semi-serious, semi-ironic, fully relatable.

“Vibe check—are you okay or just pretending again?”

Borrowed from drag and LGBTQ+ ballroom culture, “tea” refers to gossip—juicy, scandalous, or mildly embarrassing information people pretend not to like but absolutely live for. “Spilling the tea” is the joyful act of sharing such information, ideally with dramatic pauses and supportive gasps. The term’s popularity skyrocketed via internet culture, where memes and reaction videos turned gossip consumption into a communal sport. Tea is not just information; it is entertainment, catharsis, and occasionally a fire hazard.

“Spill the tea—what really happened at that party?”

In modern slang, “cap” refers to a lie or exaggeration, while “no cap” signals sincerity—often delivered with the urgency of someone who has been accused of lying too many times. The phrase has roots in AAVE and gained widespread attention through trap music and online culture. Saying “no cap” emphasizes truthfulness, whereas calling “cap” exposes nonsense with surgical precision. It’s a linguistic lie detector, portable and brutally effective.

“No cap, that class was way harder than expected.”

“Mid” is a dismissive label used to describe anything painfully average—neither offensively bad nor impressively good. Its meaning aligns with an era that loves strong opinions delivered in minimal syllables. The term surged on TikTok and gaming communities, where quick judgments reign supreme. Calling something “mid” is a subtle art: it conveys disappointment without the energy of actual outrage. It’s the verbal shrug of modern slang, ideal for food reviews, TV shows, or campus dining experiences.

“Tried the new burger spot—kinda mid, not gonna lie.”

Meaning “If You Know, You Know,” this acronym acts as a social filter—an elegant way to suggest that something is exclusive, inside-jokey, or deeply contextual. It marks shared experiences without requiring explanation, letting those in the know feel clever and those outside feel mildly insulted. Its power lies in its ambiguity: the phrase can reference niche foods, obscure memes, childhood memories, or deeply questionable life choices. If you don’t get it… well, the phrase is working as intended.

“This sandwich spot at 2 a.m. hits different. IYKYK.”

Short for “Get Ready With Me,” GRWM is an internet-native format where creators walk viewers through personal routines—morning rituals, makeup sessions, existential spirals disguised as skincare tutorials. Emerging from beauty YouTube and later dominating TikTok, GRWM videos blend voyeurism, lifestyle branding, and casual oversharing into one surprisingly soothing stream. The phrase signals not just preparation, but an invitation: an intimate, curated glimpse into the daily chaos of someone who definitely owns too many serums.

“GRWM while I figure out if I’m going to this party.”