When a student says “I’m cooked for fourth-period math” or “I’m about to crash out over this homework,” adults unfamiliar with group-chat register can mistake everyday teen hyperbole for a literal crisis — or, conversely, miss when a student is referencing appearance-obsessed forums (looksmaxxing, mogging) or platform-evasion language (algospeak).
This 100% classroom-safe, ad-free public reference guide is published under CC BY 4.0 and archived in CERN Zenodo for K–12 school counselors, public libraries, youth-literacy programs, and parent-teacher associations (PTAs).
Download School & Library PDF Guide ↗ Open ESL Classroom Kit & Lesson Plan ↗ All 7 CERN Zenodo PDFs & DOIs →
1. Harmless Everyday Hyperbole (Don’t Panic)
These expressions are used by students to joke about ordinary school stress, tiredness, or excitement:
cooked
In serious trouble, exhausted, defeated, or beyond an easy fix. “Am I cooked?” asks whether the situation is hopeless.
delulu
An exaggerated, informal version of “delusional”: unrealistically hopeful, imagining a connection, or choosing confidence over the available evidence.
ate
Performed brilliantly, looked excellent, or completely delivered. “Ate and left no crumbs” intensifies the compliment.
crash out
To lose control in anger or act recklessly with serious consequences; separately, to fall asleep from exhaustion, fail or be eliminated.
mid
Mediocre, underwhelming, or not worth the hype. Usually a criticism, even though it literally suggests the middle.
side quest
An optional detour from the main objective in a game, or a spontaneous little adventure away from your original plan in everyday life.
2. Algorithmic Culture, Body-Image Forums & Media Literacy
Terms that help educators and librarians discuss social-media algorithms, synthetic media, and online self-image with students:
algospeak
Altered words, spellings, euphemisms, or symbols people use because they believe platform algorithms may restrict the original wording.
brain rot
Low-value, repetitive online content, or the feeling of being mentally saturated by it. Also a joking name for an intense fandom obsession.
AI slop
Low-quality AI-generated material, especially output produced in volume with little concern for accuracy, coherence, or usefulness.
looksmaxxing
Trying to improve physical appearance, especially within online communities that frame attractiveness as a competitive status or dating advantage.
mewing
A tongue-posture practice pursued with the aim of changing jaw or facial appearance; also the ordinary act of making a mew sound.
3. Three Rules for Educators, Librarians & Parents
- Ask for the register before reacting to the literal words: In student group chats, “cooked” almost always means “tired or unprepared for a quiz,” not substance use.
- Distinguish ironical self-deprecation from distress: Teens use phrases like “terminal brain rot” or “delulu” as self-aware humor about screen time.
- Use our zero-tracking Phrase Decoder or Embeddable Widget: School libraries and counseling pages can embed our daily SFW vocabulary card (
<script src="https://slanglane.com/esl/widget.js" async></script>) or link directly to this guide.