The viral internet slang that defined 2024
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your phone, scrolling endlessly and wondering what on earth people are talking about, you’re not alone.
In 2024, social media was a breeding ground for quirky, bizarre and downright hilarious slang that kept us all entertained (and occasionally confused).
Whether you’re a proud member of Gen Z, a millennial trying to stay relevant, or someone who’s just curious about what the kids are saying these days, this guide is for you.
From “pookie” to “girl math”, here’s a round-up of the viral slang that took over our timelines, DMs, and TikTok comments this year. How many of these do you know? Let’s find out.
1. Skibidi
The Internet never fails to surprise us, and in 2024, Skibidi was the word on everyone’s lips — or rather, their screens.
This term comes from the wildly popular YouTube series Skibidi Toilet, where sentient toilets with human heads battle humanoids with camera heads. (Yes, you read that right.)
2. Pookie
This year, we all had at least one pookie in our lives — or maybe you were the pookie. A term of endearment, pookie is used to describe someone who’s undeniably cute and lovable.
Think of it as the Internet’s way of giving you a warm hug through your screen.
3. Demure
In 2024, demure got a modern makeover. While traditionally referring to someone modest or reserved, on social media it became a way to describe a mindful, understated vibe.
Picture this: someone who’s present, thoughtful, and intentionally cutesy without being over the top. The internet’s obsession with aesthetics found the perfect match in demure.
4. Brat
Coined by pop icon Charli XCX, brat became 2024’s anthem for rebellion and self-expression. In her now-viral tweet, Charli described brat as someone (usually a woman) who’s unapologetically authentic, a little rebellious, and totally genuine.
The term is often associated with a neon chartreuse green, symbolising boldness and making a statement.
5. Cheugy
Yes, cheugy is still a thing. This term, which describes something outdated or trying too hard, made a comeback in 2024.
Whether you were calling out overly curated Instagram captions or questionable fashion choices, cheugy remained the internet’s favourite way to lovingly roast someone’s vibe.
6. Let them cook
When someone’s on a roll — or just doing their thing — this phrase pops up: “Let them cook.”
It’s a way to tell others to sit back and let someone shine without interference. The phrase was popularised by rapper Lil B, who has been using it since 2010, but 2024 gave it a fresh wave of popularity.
7. Mogging
If you’ve ever found yourself being one-upped by someone in terms of appearance or attractiveness, congrats, you’ve been mogged.
The term mogging is all about asserting dominance, especially when it comes to how you look. It’s a little petty, a little funny, and very internet.
8. Roman empire
Here’s a weird one: apparently, people (mostly men) think about the Roman empire a lot.
This viral trend began when women on TikTok started asking their male partners how often they think about the Roman empire — and the answers were shockingly frequent.
The term has since evolved to refer to anything you’re obsessed with or think about constantly. So, what’s your Roman empire?
9. Girl math
Girl math became 2024’s favourite way to justify spending habits or other “irrational” behaviours. That $100 dress? It’s basically free if you wear it ten times. Skipping your morning coffee?
You’ve “saved” $5 to spend on a new lipstick. It’s all about playful logic that makes life a little more fun.
10. Girl dinner
Who needs a full-course meal when you can have a girl dinner? This phrase blew up as a way to describe an intentionally minimal, snack-based meal. Think wine, cheese, crackers, and maybe a handful of grapes. It’s not lazy — it’s a vibe.
11. Delulu
Short for delusional, delulu became the Internet’s go-to word for superfans or partners displaying extreme (and often hilarious) behaviour.
Whether you’re shipping your favourite celebrity couple a little too hard or imagining a relationship that doesn’t exist, delulu is the perfect way to laugh about it.
12. Beige flag
We’ve all heard of red flags and green flags, but 2024 introduced us to beige flags. These are traits or behaviours in a partner that aren’t deal-breakers but are just … odd.
It could be something like eating cereal with a fork or rewatching the same movie every night. They’re not problematic, but they definitely make you pause.
So, how many of these words are part of your vocabulary? And more importantly, what’s your Roman empire?