Define the new internet.
Look up the words people use online, add the ones we missed, and help make the internet easier to understand.
Look up the words people use online, add the ones we missed, and help make the internet easier to understand.
1,322 definitions
The accumulated backstory, history, and context of a person, group, brand, or situation. Internet slang borrowed "lore" from fantasy/gaming to describe any complex, long-developing narrative — whether a streamer's drama history, a brand's past controversies, or a friendship's inside jokes.
“The group chat has so much lore at this point, new members need a full briefing.”
A distinct phase or period of someone's life, aesthetic, or personality — particularly one currently being embraced with full commitment. Popularized by Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour," being "in your [X] era" means fully leaning into a particular identity, vibe, or lifestyle without apology.
“I'm in my unbothered era — no drama, just growth and good vibes.”
Describing a thought, person, or thing that occupies mental space constantly without invitation — to be "living rent free in someone's head" means they can't stop thinking about it even if they don't want to. The "rent free" part suggests they're getting space without paying for the privilege.
“That comment from my ex is still living rent free in my head two years later.”
To suddenly perform at a high level, go viral, succeed dramatically, or speak with passionate intensity. "Pop off" can describe an athlete having an exceptional game, a tweet going viral, or a person delivering an impassioned rant. Often used as an encouragement: "pop off, king/queen."
“She absolutely popped off in that debate — every argument was sharper than the last.”
Caught undeniably and in high-definition clarity — having your misdeed, hypocrisy, or questionable behavior documented on video or screenshot with no room for denial. A reference to 4K ultra-high-definition video, implying the evidence is crystal clear and irrefutable.
“He said he was at home sick but was caught in 4K at the concert.”
Affects you more deeply, or in a different way, than expected or than it normally would. Something that "hits different" has an unusual emotional resonance due to circumstances, timing, or personal context — the same song at night, the same food when you're homesick, or the same joke after a tough week.
“This song hits different when you're going through a breakup.”
Did something perfectly, completely, and impressively. To "eat" (past tense: ate) a performance, look, or challenge means to dominate it fully with no leftovers — you consumed it entirely. Originates from ballroom culture and drag slang, now used broadly for anyone who executes something flawlessly.
“She ate that chorus — the whole arena was on their feet.”
To deliver an impressive, stunning, or top-tier look, performance, or presence. To "serve" means to offer something exceptional for others to receive and appreciate — like a waiter presenting a perfect dish. Rooted in ballroom and drag culture, it now applies to any context where someone presents themselves at their absolute best.
“She walked into the room serving full corporate-casual realness.”
A playful abbreviation of "delusional," used to describe someone (often oneself) who holds unrealistically optimistic beliefs or interpretations, particularly in romance or career goals. "Delulu is the solulu" (delusion is the solution) became a popular subversion, reclaiming the label as a form of manifesting confidence.
“I'm fully delulu — I'm applying to every dream job with zero qualifications.”
Describing a person who spends so much time online that they've lost touch with real-world social norms, humor, and communication styles. A chronically online person frames everything through internet discourse, uses excessive platform-specific jargon in offline conversations, and may be disproportionately upset by online drama.
“She used the phrase "this is so problematic" in response to a minor scheduling mix-up — totally chronically online.”