Opinion | Today’s Teenagers Have Invented a Language That Captures the World Perfectly

One example of modern slang that has become mainstream is the term “Mid.” It is no longer just teenage slang, as it is widely used and understood. In my son’s vocabulary, “mid” describes things that are average or slightly below par. These are things that don’t excite or disappoint, but simply exist. They are often the result of market research catering to the lowest common denominator. Everything at Starbucks or in an airport can be classified as “mid.” It perfectly encapsulates the mild disappointments of everyday life, where once unique places are replaced by generic chains like Le Pain Quotidien.

Another precise term my son uses is “glazed.” When something is described as “glazed,” it means that the truth has been embellished or spun in a positive light. Sports commentary, for example, is often filled with “glaze,” with commentators exaggerating to make things sound better than they are. Social media also operates in a “glazed” state, where everything appears artificially positive and unreal.

There are other interesting terms my son has introduced me to, such as “sus” for suspicious or suspect, and “cringe” for performative sincerity. These diminutives reflect the need to describe the questionable aspects of our world that have become all too common.

My personal favorite slang word is “based,” which stands for “based in fact” or “based in reality.” It is often used to agree with a controversial opinion or statement. In a world filled with misinformation and hype, being “based” in reality is now a compliment, highlighting the rarity of truth in our current climate.