Alright, let’s have a chat. You’re not in university anymore, and it’s high time some of those old phrases you’re clinging to got the boot. Here’s a list of 18 bits of slang that really ought to be retired from your vocabulary:
1. “Innit”
Innit time we stopped using “innit” to punctuate every sentence? It’s a bit teenage, isn’t it?
2. “Coolio”
Unless you’re chatting about the ’90s musician, let’s agree “coolio” sounds like you’re trying a bit too hard to stay hip.
3. “Mate”
While friendly, overusing “mate” can come off as disingenuous, especially if you’re addressing someone you barely know.
4. “Bae”
Surely, we can agree that calling your significant other “bae” has had its day. Let’s just stick to their name, shall we?
5. “Lit”
Describing something as “lit” might have felt fresh once, but now it just seems like you’re stuck in a 2016 time warp.
6. “YOLO”
You only live once, true – but if we’re being honest, declaring “YOLO” justifies poor decisions more than spontaneity these days.
7. “On Fleek”
Eyebrows, outfits, you name it—nothing really needs to be “on fleek” anymore. It’s a bit much, don’t you think?
8. “Turnt”
Unless you’re actually at a bash turning up, it’s probably time to turn down the use of “turnt.”
9. “Totes”
Is it really so hard to say “totally”? “Totes” just totes sounds like you’re trying to shave milliseconds off your speech.
10. “Amazeballs”
This one’s had a good run, but really, “amazeballs”? It’s a tad juvenile and cringeworthy now.
11. “I can’t even”
You can’t even what? Let’s strive for a bit more clarity and a bit less melodrama.
12. “This is everything”
Is it really everything? Surely, we can express enthusiasm without such grandiose exaggerations.
13. “Adulting”
Yes, paying bills and cooking dinner is part of being an adult. No need for a special term every time we do something responsible.
14. “Sorry not sorry”
An apology should be genuine. This phrase just sounds insincere and a tad snarky.
15. “I’m dead”
Overreaction much? Unless you’re actually writing from beyond, perhaps we save “I’m dead” for more dramatic events.
16. “Can’t stop, won’t stop”
But maybe you should, at least when it comes to using this phrase.
17. “Hashtag”
Speaking a hashtag out loud? It’s time that stayed firmly within the confines of social media.
18. “Slay”
Unless you’re a knight or Buffy, maybe it’s time to retire “slay” from your daily vocabulary.
Keep Calm and Speak Grown-Up
It’s all a bit of fun until someone thinks you’re permanently living in your glory days. Updating your slang isn’t about being trendy; it’s about being understood. And frankly, sounding like a sensible adult isn’t such a bad thing, is it? Let’s keep our language as sharp as our wit, shall we?
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The post Cringe: 18 Phrases Mid-Life Millennials in the UK Need to Stop Saying Now first appeared on Edge Media.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.