Top 10: From ‘cooked’ to ‘rizz’, readers share their favourite slang to use over the last year
‘Low-key’ is great for subtle expressions of emotion, while ‘bet’ can help keep things casual.
This is what G.O.A.T. means, right? Photo: ShutterstockThis week’s question: If you could erase one memory from 2024, what would it be and why?
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 12pm on January 1. Tell us your name, age and school.
Jerry Ding, 15, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Tam Pak Yu College: “Emo”, which means emotion. I usually use it when l have a strong emotion. For example, I use it when I receive high marks on an exam.
Hannah Chan Tsz-hei, 13, Christ College: “Wry” has been my favourite slang expression to use this past year because it can show others that you are very excited. It’s a very useful phrase, and I use it often.
Bibi Ashtalfa, 14, Pope Paul VI College: “Cooked” is a hilarious way to say you’re totally done for. When you forget to do your homework, you can dramatically announce, “I’m cooked!” It’s like saying, “I’ve been sautéed, baked, and left in the oven too long! Someone call the fire department!”
Terrence Li Tin-wing, 15, Pui Kiu College: The phrase “lowkey” is great for expressing something subtly or without drawing too much attention. For instance, saying, “I lowkey love this song”, conveys a sense of enjoyment without being overly dramatic. It captures that blend of casualness and sincerity that’s really relatable.
Hylia Chan, 11, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: Many people, including me, become really stressed in our busy lives. The word “chill” reminds us to take a moment out of our monotonous lives to take a deep breath, admire the beautiful world around us, and worry less. I tell myself to chill when I’m stressed about my grades!
Gurung Natasha, 14, Delia Memorial School (Broadway): “Zhong Chenle is the GOAT!” I heard this on a K-pop show, and it really caught my attention. It stands for “Greatest of All Time”. I love using it to describe people who have inspired me in my life, even if they’re not famous. Who knows? You might just be the greatest person in someone else’s world!
James Chan Yu-Ching, 12, Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College: “Bet” is a versatile way to express agreement or affirmation, similar to saying “OK” or “for sure”. It captures a casual and confident vibe, making conversations feel more laid-back and friendly.
Noelle Lau Yee-kiu, 11, Marymount Primary School: As a kid, I didn’t use any slang, but since I was in Primary Five or Six, I have been saying the word “bruh” as a catchphrase instead of using it for its actual meaning, which is to express frustration. I’m used to saying it, and my friends and brother are chill with it, so I always say it without getting embarrassed.
What we would do if we received a mysterious message from the future
Ling Chun, 14, Shun Tak Fraternal Association Tam Pak Yu College: My favourite slang word is “rizz”, which you can use when a person is trying hard to get someone’s attention or love. It is often used for boys; usually, they cannot get girls’ attention without using popular but ineffective techniques like “mewing”.
Minnie Chan Wing-yi, 17, Leung Shek Chee College: I like the phrase “i-person.” It comes from the MBTI test in Korea and identifies whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. As an “i-person,” I prefer to stay home and enjoy my alone time. But don’t misunderstand us; we are talkative as well! The only difference between introverts and extroverts is that we need downtime to recharge.