Instagram has become more and more popular over the last few years. It’s now his third-most-used social media app for her teen in the US, behind her YouTube and TikTok.
However, there is a growing amount of Instagram slang that some parents struggle to decipher, including terms like Instagram addiction. That’s why we’ve put together a list of commonly used words, phrases, acronyms, and hashtags.
Why do teens use slang on Instagram?
There are several reasons why slang is so popular on Instagram.
- Give teens a sense of identity and belonging by using a common language that not everyone understands.
- Slang, hashtags and acronyms are great ways to get more likes and followers on Instagram.
- Generation Z have busy lives and want to use shortcuts to save time when communicating.
A-Z in popular Instagram slang
Confused by the latest slang? Feeling excluded from the online world of teens? With new acronyms and hashtags popping up all the time, this handy guide isn’t all-inclusive. But it can help you decipher slang frequently used in Instagram posts and comments.
AFAIK – as far as i know
sweet – Please ask me anything.used to start a conversation
BF – boyfriend
Caught in 4K – Arrested red-handed, such as using inappropriate apps like OnlyFans
CSLMore – Can’t stop laughing
Dietz – detail
DM – direct message
dyke – do you know
ELI5 – Explain like I’m 5. Used when asking for a brief explanation about something
FBFMore – Flashback Friday.Used to share past photos on Fridays
F4F – Follow for follow.Follow me and someone will follow you
FF – Next Friday.Hashtag used to recommend other accounts to followers on Friday
food pawn – Hashtags used when sharing pictures of food or describing foods that look delicious
FWIWMore – Worth it
ghost – do not reply to anyone
goat – best ever
have understood – grams of the day.Used to highlight the best photos of the day
Fund P – one hundred percent
Ichimi – In case you missed
IDC – I do not care
IDK – don’t know
IG – Short for Instagram
Eigers – Instagrammers, people using Instagram
potato – In my opinion
Instagram mood ・Hashtag when the posted photo expresses your mood
lighting – exciting or excellent
L4L – as you like.Someone will like your photo if you like their photo
MCMMore – Mancrush Monday
MFWMore – my face when.Post images that capture the user’s feelings
Myrrh – meet in real life
No Filter – Hashtags used when posting photos without Instagram filters
OOTD – Outfit of the day
Petogram ・Hashtags when posting pet photos
pot – Photo of the day
Regram – Used when re-sharing something on Instagram
Repost – Used when posting other people’s content
selfie sunday – Popular hashtags used to share selfies on Sundays
SMH – Shake your head
S4S – A shoutout for the sake of a shoutout. When two people promote each other’s accounts
TBT – Throwback Thursday.Used to share past photos on Thursday
TMW –that moment.used to describe an experience
WCW – Female Crush Wednesday
Yolo – you only live once
To learn more about the slang and emojis teens use on social media, understand the slang of unique platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Roblox. The slang used by Gen Z can also extend to emoji usage, such as using drugs.
Need help?
If you’re concerned about your child’s social media and gaming habits, we’re here to help. Our coaching programs are designed to help teens and parents set healthy boundaries.
Get in touch to book a Gameplan call and discuss the situation. We have limited spots available.
