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”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_2234868483.jpg)
Innit time we stop using “innit” to punctuate every sentence? It’s a bit teenage, isn’t it?
2. “Coolio”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/shutterstock_1789975154.jpg)
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”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_658555783-1.jpg)
While friendly, overusing “mate” can come off as disingenuous, especially if you’re addressing someone you barely know.
4. “Bae”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_1544949449.jpg)
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”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1012263394-1.jpg)
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”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1215249019-1.jpg)
You only live once, true – but if we’re being honest, declaring “YOLO” justifies poor decisions more than spontaneity these days.
7. “On Fleek”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1978757948.jpg)
Eyebrows, outfits, you name it—nothing really needs to be “on fleek” anymore. It’s a bit much, don’t you think?
8. “Turnt”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1436812790.jpg)
Unless you’re actually at a bash turning up, it’s probably time to turn down the use of “turnt.”
9. “Totes”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_2220172117.jpg)
Is it really so hard to say “totally”? “Totes” just totes sounds like you’re trying to shave milliseconds off your speech.
10. “Amazeballs”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2319461013.jpg)
This one’s had a good run, but really, “amazeballs”? It’s a tad juvenile and cringe-worthy now.
11. “I can’t even”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_2175545835.jpg)
You can’t even what? Let’s strive for a bit more clarity and a bit less melodrama.
12. “This is everything”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_1714286026-1.jpg)
Is it really everything? Surely, we can express enthusiasm without such grandiose exaggerations.
13. “Adulting”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/shutterstock_1673456455-1.jpg)
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”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1556790035.jpg)
An apology should be genuine. This phrase just sounds insincere and a tad snarky.
15. “I’m dead”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_1085827388.jpg)
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”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_1978757948.jpg)
But maybe you should, at least when it comes to using this phrase.
17. “Hashtag”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/shutterstock_570624169.jpg)
Speaking a hashtag out loud? It’s time that stayed firmly within the confines of social media.
18. “Slay”
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/shutterstock_216284701.jpg)
Unless you’re a knight or Buffy, maybe it’s time to retire “slay” from your daily vocabulary.
Keep Calm and Speak Grown-Up
![](https://edge.media/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/shutterstock_271163843-1.jpg)
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?
The post 18 UK Phrases Mid-Life Millennials Should Drop From Their Vocabulary first appeared on Swift Feed.
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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.