With students having constant access to social media, texting, and the internet, they’ve managed to create a secret code language that hides their mischievous behavior from parents and teachers. Teens and tweens who use code words and secret hashtags feel like they can easily misbehave because their parents aren’t even aware that they are misbehaving. As parents and educators, it’s important that we stay informed on this ever-changing teen slang that is so prominent on social media. So, how can we make sure we’re up to date on the latest teen lingo? We asked 3 experts to share the most dangerous acronyms and hashtags teens are using so that you can keep help keep your kids safe. If your student is using any of the acronyms, hashtags, or codes below, have a serious conversation with them about the dangers and repercussions their online activities can have.

1. Consult trusted sources and teen slang dictionaries

Bradley Shaw, SEO Expert Brad Inc.

‍As a daughter of a teen, I understand the importance of keeping up with social media slang.

• Thirsty: Being desperate for something
• Down in the DM: Short for plans in their social media or texts for an oncoming sexual hook-up
• Smash: To have casual sex
• Netflix ‘n Chill: To meet under the pretense of watching Netflix/TV together when actually planning to meet for “making out” or sex
• NIFOC: Acronym for “Naked in front of their computer”
• GNOC: Acronym for “Get naked on camera!”

If all else fails, consult trusted sources or even slang dictionaries such as Urban Dictionary where many modern slang terms can be looked up.

2. Understand popular acronyms

Stacy Caprio, Accelerated Growth Marketing

‍Some important social media acronyms to be aware of include the following:

• WYD: What you doing - which means what are you doing right now
• IDGAF: I don't give a [expletive] - which means I don't care at all
• DTF: down to [expletive] - which means I'm down to have sex OR I would love to join you/it in the plans you suggested. When used in question form it means, do you think he/she would sleep with me or do you think he/she would want to come with us?

3. Familiarize yourself with dangerous hashtags

Dr. John DeGarmo, The Foster Care Institute

‍I believe you might want to give some attention to the secret language that children across the nation, and globe, use, as well as the danger that may occur with child predators. There are a number of dangerous hashtags all parents should be concerned about. These include:

• #sue: Suicide
• #mia: Bulimia
• #cu46: See you for sex
• #420: Pot/weed/drugs
• #thinsp or #thinspo: Thinspiration (something that parents need to be aware of!)

Here are just some acronyms:

• 8: Oral sex
• 1337: Elite -or- leet -or- L337
• 143: I love you
• 182: I hate you
• 1174: Nude club
• 420: Marijuana
• 459: I love you
• ADR: Address
• AEAP: As Early As Possible
• ALAP: As Late As Possible
• ASL: Age/Sex/Location
• Banana: Penis
• CD9: Code 9 - means parents are around
• DUM: Do You Masturbate?
• DUSL: Do You Scream Loud?
• F2F: Face-to-Face a.k.a. face time
• FB: [Expletive] Buddy
• FMLTWIA: [Expletive] Me Like The [Expletive] I Am
• FOL: Fond of Leather
• GNOC: Get Naked On Cam
• GYPO: Get Your Pants Off
• HAK: Hugs And Kisses
• IAYM: I Am Your Master
• IF/IB: In the Front or In the Back
• ILU: I Love You

Additional Resources

With so many resources available and so many people wanting to help, suicide can be prevented. Check on your friends and family members often and let them know you’re there for them. Let’s work towards getting rid of the stigma of talking about mental health. 

If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 911 immediately. If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text HOME to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.