21 Slang Words That Should Still Be Cool To Use In 2022

Slanguage is forever changing, but these slang words will always remain top-tier.

Slang is forever changing, and every decade the youth of the generation produces new lingo that puts a cool spin on the English language.

TV One / Via media.giphy.com

Even though there is a variety of slang in the world, some of the best slanguage that was invented happens to derive from African-American culture. African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) comprises an extensive repertoire of verbiage that is so enthralling that it has become used by countless people outside of the Black community and within it. 

Some individuals use certain colloquialisms to make themselves appear more trendy, while others use them because it's an intrinsic part of their culture. These types of jargon hold much meaning and coolness to them, hence why many people like incorporating them in their everyday speech. While all slanguage has a level of coolness to it, it can go out of style and become no longer cool to use. 

Below are 21 slang terminologies that are outdated but need to make a comeback.

1. On Fleek

Bravo

"On Fleek" was a term created by Kayla Newman aka Peaches Monroee in 2014. For a few years after that, anytime someone wanted to describe how stylish they were, the term "on fleek" was used. This phrase needs to circle back around because it had a nice ring to it.

2. Buggin'

Paramount Pictures

"Buggin'" was a popular phrase to use in the 1990s, often used to express when someone was losing control of a situation. This phraseology was always catchy in my eyes, and it needs to resurge. 

3. Trippin'

Disney

The term "trippin'" never has really gone out of style, just used less in comparison to back in the day. Nonetheless, "trippin'" needs to be brought back and used more often.

4. Illin'

Fox

The 1980s rap trio Run-DMC had an entire song dedicated to the slang word "illin'" back in the 1980s. Illin' should totally become a thing again. 

5. Word

Tenor

The phrase "word" is just so smooth. Back in the day, whenever someone was giving a confirmation or needed a confirmation of something, the term "word" was utilized.

I.e. Person 1: Snoop Dogg is going to be hosting The Source Awards.

Person 2: Oh word? I'm definitely going to check that out!

"Word" should make a comeback because it has such a nice flair.

6. Poppin'

Tenor

"Poppin'" is still a slang word that is used, but not as much as it once was. It's time we started using it again.

7. Bomb

Fox

"Bomb," "The Bomb," "Super Bomb." All of these are different ways people describe something or someone that is awesome in the past. Although some people may think this slang term is corny, I like it and want it to become a thing again.

8. Flava

The Bump / Via forums.thebump.com

"Flava" just sounds cool. Let's give it a comeback in 2022.

9. Fresh

LaFace Records

Before the term "drip," a phrase used to describe someone's stylish demeanor, there was the term "fresh." In my honest opinion, "fresh" is more of a saucy term than "drip," and should be used again more frequently. 

10. Turn up

NBC

Parties haven't been the same since the phrase "turn up" has fizzled out. We should resuscitate this slang term for parties' sake.

11. Boo

CBS

Nowadays, everyone is calling their significant other "stink." I miss the old days when significant others were called "boo." Let's go back to that...

12. Fly

Saradipity Productions/Regan Jon Productions

I still love the slang term "fly" until this day.  Sometimes, "fly" is the only word that can illustrate things that are fashion-forward or avant-garde. 

13. No doubt

GIPHY

Instead of us replying "yes" to something, we should start saying "no doubt" again.  

14. Tight

Tenor

When Black people got sick of using the word "cool," they started using the term "tight." We should go back to using "tight" as a synonym for cool.

15. Frontin'

Tenor

What the word "frontin'" is to older generations is what the term "no cap" is to Gen Z.  In comparison, the term "frontin'" sounds cooler than "no cap." Both essentially mean stop lying.

16. Words ending in -eezy

Disney

"Fosheezy," "Heezy," "Neezy," any word with the suffix -eezy needs to make a resurgence. 

17. Playa hate, playa hater

Columbia Pictures/Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Something about the terms "playa hate" and "playa hater" hits differently than just the word hater.

18. Steelo

Motown Records

The term "steelo" is a great word to use in place of the word style, energy, vibe, and personality. 

I.e. Person 1: I think Jason is pretty cool and dresses well.

Person 2: Yeah, I like his steelo.

See how nice that word would flow in a conversation? We need to start using "steelo" again ASAP. 

19. Dope

Tenor

"Dope" is a catch-all word for anything positive. There is something about it that just screams, "I'm with #TheCulture." Let's revive the word "dope" in 2022. 

20. Swag

Universal Records

"Swag" has been around for a long while; however, it peaked in the late 2000s and 2010s. The term "swag" was always inserted to describe anything that was cool, fashionable, fun, etc. We should bring this phraseology back expeditiously. 

21. Y.O.L.O. (you only live once)

Tenor

Y.O.L.O was overly used throughout the 2010s, and then it sort of vanished. We can thank either Lil Wayne or Drake for the famed phrase that still should be used today. 

Do you agree with my list? What other slang terms need to make a comeback in 2022?