No cap: 5 internet slang phrases from 2023 to help you keep up with your trendy friends

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Kylie Cheung
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  • Language is constantly evolving, and it can be hard to keep track of the words people use in text messages and on social media
  • You have the rizz to pull off these cool phrases; don’t take the L!
Kylie Cheung |
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Slang is constantly changing, and it can be hard to keep up! Here’s a few of the most popular phrases people are using now. Photo: Shutterstock

Do you find yourself scratching your head when your friends send you texts filled with trendy terms? The ever-evolving world of internet slang can leave you feeling lost, but fear not! Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common slang phrases from 2023 – so far.

Rizz

Rizz is a shorter way to say “charisma” (chaRIZZma, you get it?). The term is most frequently used in romantic situations to describe someone who effortlessly charms a potential partner. It represents a personal quality of presence someone possesses, setting them apart in social interactions.

Moreover, there’s a level of mastery associated with this charm, described as an “unspoken rizz”. The person is so charismatic that they are on top of their game.

What can we say? He has rizz! Photo: Shutterstock

As with any slang phrase or trendy term, there can be instances of overuse, and some people may find rizz being thrown around too casually; for example, you might be having a casual conversation with someone, only to hear your friend playfully exclaim, “Rizz!”

With the popularity of rizz in texting and online conversations, it’s also made its way into music, and songs like “White Tee” by Summer Walker and “I Was Never There” by The Weeknd have been used as background music in TikTok videos and Instagram reels showcasing instances of rizz in action.

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W and L

Do you think these phrases are a big W or a major L?

The “W” stands for “Win” or ‘Winning,’ which describes something good or excellent. When you see people commenting “W” on social media, it means people are reacting positively to the content.

It’s far better than seeing “L”, which, as you might be able to tell, means “lose” or “loss” and expresses dissatisfaction or a lack of enthusiasm.

Slang words like “W” and “L” have become popular ways to convey a person’s opinions online, and these simplified expressions allow users to react quickly to comments and posts.

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Ghosting

Have you ever been talking to someone for a while only to notice that they have suddenly stopped responding? We’re sorry to say that you’re getting ghosted.

To ghost someone, you stop replying to a friend or romantic partner’s texts and calls, often without explanation. Sometimes it hints that a person wants you to leave them alone but doesn’t have the courage to tell you directly.

In all seriousness, ghosting is terrible. It neglects other people’s feelings and can be very hurtful and confusing. Don’t do it!

Ghosting is never as cute as this. Photo: Shutterstock

Situationship

There is someone who is acting like your romantic partner. But they aren’t, and they might even say they don’t want to commit. Well, you’re in a situationship.

Less than a relationship but more than a casual encounter, a situationship is a fuzzy relationship that remains undefined.

It also shows how the concept of relationships has changed over the years. Some people see commitment as a barrier and want to explore relationships in a less structured way. Still, others may take advantage of a situationship to date around and see what other options they have – while still having someone to play the role of partner. Depending on the person, being in a situationship could lead to uncertainty, frustration, and even depression.

Hence, sometimes it’s better to clearly define your relationship with someone so that both parties understand what is happening.

Seems like they may need to have a talk. Photo: Shutterstock

Cap

If you said cap means “hat”, then we would have to admit that you are not capping.

When someone says “cap”, they are describing something fake or dishonest. Someone might say, “he’s capping”, meaning a person is lying or that the story is bogus. Similarly, “no cap” means that someone is telling the truth.

These phrases defined 2022 – how many do you remember?

If typing three to five letters feels like too much effort, you can use the blue cap emoji instead.

No cap, 2023 has continued the digital evolution of slang and language. In the face of growing internet cultures, slang words have become W power tools to shape communication. While some may dismiss L trends like situationships and ghosting, contemporary slang will remain integral to the online world.

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