Each year, the internet births a new lexicon, one that's as fast-moving and unpredictable as the online trends that fuel it. 2025 is no different, with a fresh crop of viral slang that’s quickly become shorthand for everything from viral moments to internet culture’s quirks.
More than words, these phrases are creative expressions of identity in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're on TikTok, Twitch, or the latest meme loop, these are the terms that have dominated conversations among Gen Z and Gen Alpha this year.
Buckle up, because we’re about to break down the slang that’s defining 2025. You're about to hear these words everywhere, whether you’re ready or not.
Aura farming
Aura farming is the art of cultivating an undeniable, magnetic energy that draws people in. It’s all about crafting a vibe so strong and captivating that others can’t help but be pulled into your orbit. Whether it's exuding confidence, radiating charm, or just owning the room, aura farming is often used to elevate one’s status and influence.
While the phrase technically evolved from a 2024 meme, it truly peaked this year. A prime example? Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of Solo Leveling, who’s become the internet’s unofficial king of aura farming. His journey is all about leveling up, both in power and presence, as he faces stronger dungeon bosses. In a sense, the entire anime is one big exercise in aura farming, a constant evolution of strength and influence, perfectly embodying the idea.
Cook, cooking, cooked
When someone says "let me cook," they’re preparing to flex their skills or impress with a creative idea or a solution. It’s the digital equivalent of saying, "Let me show you what I can do." Whether it’s a fire take or a dope outfit, you’ll know they’re about to serve something incredible.
But cooking isn’t always a win. In a different context, when someone says they’re "cooked," it means they're out of options, overworked, or done for — like they’ve been taken to their limit. In a way, it’s the inverse: where "let me cook" invites success and flair, "I'm cooked" signals that it's all over for them. Alternatively, you could also say, "I'm fried."
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Fanum tax
If you're not familiar with this quirky phrase, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Born from the antics of Twitch streamer and former AMP collective member Fanum, "Fanum tax" is a silly way to describe that cheeky act of snagging a bite of someone else’s food, without asking. (You gotta pay the Fanum tax!) Explaining the phrase to GQ, Fanum simply said, "Feed your friends, bro."
But beyond the simple act of food theft, this term has morphed into a bit of a phenomenon, extending its reach to describe everything from friendship dynamics to viral TikTok trends. It's become a phrase to insert, often ironically, into just about anything.
Clock it
"Clock it" is all about drawing attention to something noteworthy. It’s a call to remember, an invitation to keep something in mind for later, like a spoiler for a big twist or a prediction that’s about to come true. It's the ultimate way of saying, "I told you so," but with a more stylish flair.
Ate, chewed, nibbled
When something "eats," it means it was so good that there’s nothing left to improve upon. Eating and leaving no crumbs means absolute perfection, whether we’re talking about a performance, a look, or a viral moment. It’s a way of giving top-tier praise, acknowledging that what just went down was next level.
Originally coined within LGBTQ+ communities, particularly Black and Latinx ballroom culture, "ate" was a term used to describe moments of excellence. Over time, it made its way into the mainstream lexicon, where it now signifies a flawless execution. But here's where things get interesting: the evolution of "ate" has introduced new internet phrases like "she chewed" and "she nibbled." These are used when something is still impressive, but maybe not quite as flawless. It’s a tiered approach to praise — "she chewed" is close, but not quite the perfect "ate," and "she nibbled" signals that it was good, but there’s room for more.
Mewing
Mewing, a technique originally linked to reshaping your jawline by positioning your tongue in a certain way, has been floating around the internet for a while now, particularly in DIY beauty and wellness circles. But in 2025, it's taken on a new form. Teenage boys, especially, have turned "mewing" into a reason for not participating in class. Essentially, they're too busy mewing to talk or contribute. It’s become a tongue-in-cheek excuse, allowing them to avoid answering questions or doing any actual work.
This unexpected use of the term shows how internet slang can evolve in unpredictable ways, morphing from a niche beauty trend into a full-blown classroom strategy.
Mogger
Mogger is the term for someone who effortlessly makes others look like background characters simply by standing next to them. It comes from the verb mogging, which means to outshine or overshadow someone in terms of looks. If you’ve ever felt like your glow-up evaporated the moment a ridiculously good-looking friend walked into the room, congratulations: you’ve been mogged.
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A mugger is a person blessed with top-tier genetics, symmetrical features, or a jawline sharp enough to slice through glass. This term floats around in online spaces obsessed with appearance, like "looksmaxxing" (the art of optimizing one’s looks) and mewing (see above).
