social

vibe check
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?”

tea
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?”

wallflower
The person at a party who blends into the wallpaper, silently judging everyone but participating in nothing. “I’m a wallflower—parties exhaust me.”

third wheel
The extra human at a date who has no business being there. Often awkward, sometimes hilarious, always unnecessary. “Why am I third wheeling your anniversary dinner?”

hang out
To do absolutely nothing with people you like. Hanging out is 90% vibes, 10% deciding where to eat. “Let’s hang out this weekend.”

vibe check
A quick emotional scan to see if someone’s energy is aligned or if they’re about to combust. A vibe check can save a night—or destroy it—depending on the mood report. “Bro, vibe check: you good?”

tea
Premium-grade gossip served hot. If someone’s got tea, it means drama is brewing and you’re about to sip the finest chaos. Works equally well as a noun or a lifestyle. “Girl, spill the tea—what did he REALLY say?”

GRWM
A digital confession booth where you spill your morning chaos while doing eyeliner or brushing your hair. GRWM means you're letting the internet watch you transform from ‘barely functioning’ to ‘presentable-ish.’ Bonus points if you overshare about your ex mid-blush. “Headed to class—GRWM while I panic about my quiz.”