Welcome to the ultimate crash course on the words and phrases that ruled our chats, memes, and vibes in 2024! From girl math to delulu, these buzzwords not only spiced up our convos but also gave us a hilarious way to decode life. Whether you’re trying to keep up with Gen Z or just love adding a little flair to your vocabulary, here’s everything you need to know about the top words and slangs that slayed this year.
1. Demure
What it means: Classically reserved, modest, and elegant. Think Audrey Hepburn vibes.
How it started: While “demure” has existed for centuries, it made a major comeback in 2024, especially in fashion and aesthetics conversations. It became a favorite among influencers describing understated, chic looks.
Example:
- “Her outfit at the gala was so demure—simple yet stunning.”
- “I’m going for a demure vibe today: neutral tones and pearl earrings.”
2. Brain Rot
What it means: When you’re so obsessed with something that it takes over your brain entirely.
How it started: Gamers and fandoms coined this phrase years ago, but 2024 turned it into mainstream slang for unhealthy obsession. From bingeing TV shows to replaying TikToks 300 times, brain rot became the perfect way to describe your spiraling fixation.
Example:
- “I have brain rot from listening to Taylor Swift’s ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ on repeat.”
- “This K-drama is giving me brain rot—I can’t stop thinking about it!”
3. Pookie
What it means: A term of endearment for someone you find irresistibly adorable, often in a slightly teasing way.
How it started: While pookie originated as a nickname for pets or babies, TikTok couples gave it a glow-up in 2024. Suddenly, everyone was calling their S.O., BFF, or even favorite characters their pookie.
Example:
- “Don’t be mad, pookie! I brought you coffee.”
- “Look at him, my little pookie—isn’t he the cutest?”
4. Ate
What it means: Slang for absolutely killing it or doing something flawlessly.
How it started: Rooted in drag culture and queer communities, ate (and its exaggerated cousin ate and left no crumbs) went fully viral this year, thanks to its sheer versatility and drama.
Example:
- Her presentation at the meeting ate—she was confident, clear, and absolutely nailed it.
- When Zendaya walked the red-carpet last night, she ate and left no crumbs. Flawless!
5. Beige Flag
What it means: A quirk in someone’s personality that isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker but makes you pause. It’s neutral—neither good nor bad.
How it started: Inspired by the dating “red flag” discourse, the beige flag took off on TikTok when users began poking fun at their partner’s unique (and often hilariously mundane) habits.
Example:
- “His beige flag? He sets 10 alarms but never wakes up on time.”
- “Her beige flag is she says ‘oopsie-daisy’ even when she’s furious.”
6. Delulu
What it means: Short for delusional. It’s what happens when you’re a little too out of touch with reality—usually in a humorous or self-aware way.
How it started: K-pop fans popularized delulu when describing their fantasy scenarios about idols. It quickly evolved into a playful way to call out unrealistic daydreams.
Example:
- “Me thinking Harry Styles will notice me in the crowd? Total delulu moment.”
- “If believing my crush likes me back is delulu, then I’m proud.”
7. Doom Scrolling
What it means: The act of endlessly scrolling through bad news online, even though it’s making you anxious or upset.
How it started: The term emerged during the pandemic but gained traction again this year as people grappled with climate news, layoffs, and generally stressful headlines.
Example:
- “I need to stop doom scrolling before bed; it’s ruining my sleep.”
- “Are you okay? You’ve been doom scrolling for hours.”
8. Girl Dinner
What it means: A minimalist, snack-like meal that usually involves random pantry items—think cheese, crackers, and maybe some olives.
How it started: TikTok gave this term life when women started humorously embracing their lazy, low-effort meal choices as the ultimate self-care.
Example:
- “My girl dinner tonight: a block of cheese and a handful of almonds.”
- “It’s giving girl dinner, but I love the simplicity.”
9. Girl Math
What it means: The logic (or lack thereof) we use to justify spending money. It’s lighthearted, often involving ridiculous mental gymnastics to make a purchase seem free.
How it started: First seen on social media in 2023, girl math exploded in 2024 as a relatable way to laugh at ourselves. TikToks of people explaining their convoluted justifications for buying expensive things quickly went viral.
Example:
- “I used cash, so technically it was free. That’s just girl math.”
- “Returning the dress = making money. It’s basic girl math.”
10. It’s Giving
What it means: A versatile phrase used to describe what vibes or energy something is serving.
How it started: Born in the drag and Black communities, it’s giving reached peak popularity this year, evolving into the ultimate tool for commentary.
Example:
- “Her outfit? It’s giving old-money chic.”
- “This cozy cabin? It’s giving Hallmark Christmas movie.”
11. Main Character Energy
What it means: Living your life like you’re the protagonist of a movie—center of attention, confident, and unapologetically yourself.
How it started: The rise of self-love and TikTok trends catapulted main character energy into mainstream culture. It’s all about channeling that glow-up, empowering attitude.
Example:
- “Walking into that meeting in my power suit? I was serving main character energy.”
- “Let’s book that trip! 2024 is about main character energy.”
Ready to Flex Your Vocab?
So, how many of these iconic 2024 words did you actually know? Are you the reigning slang queen/king, or did you just discover your beige flag for being out of the loop? Count your score out of 11 and let us know—did you ate this list, or do you have a little brain rot to catch up on? Either way, you’re one step closer to serving main character energy in every convo.