That’s lit’, period [periodt]: Here is a guide to Millennial language

By LaTresha Carter

Female rappers, The City Girls stepped on the music scene strong with their hot record Act Up, not only was their song a hit, but a particular word they used in their lyrics took on a life of its own.

“I ain’t fightin’ with no random, period [periodt],” Yung Miami said.

 “Period pooh” and “That’s on what? Period,” are just a few of the phrases that the word period, which is also spelled periodt, has brought to life. Not only is period a staple in the millennial language but so are lit, tea, receipts, woke, dead, shook, goals, ghosting, and bet. All these words when used in conversation mean something totally different than the actual definition.

Over the last several years with the emergence of social media, the millennial language has changed into something that comes from trends, different cultures and whatever issues that dominate the news.

 “Just like on fleek, it started on social media and it spread fast,” Texas Southern University student Lydia Dillard said.

The words mentioned are used in different ways depending on what is being talked about or what people are discussing. For example, lit in a discussion means to have a bunch of fun and have a spectacular time or when you are talking about an event or a place it could mean it was a good place or nice event.

 Also, the word receipts which in this instance does not mean a physical piece of paper from a service that was rendered, but rather stands as having some sort of proof that whatever or whoever you are speaking about can be produced to show and prove you are not lying about whatever was spoken about because the evidence was brought forth.

Some of these millennial vocabulary words not only come from hip talk on social media, but also take a page from the LBGTQ community, according to Dillard.

“I think some of the words like tea, which is to spill gossip comes from the LGBTQ community and then it spread outside to everyone else,” Dillard said.

TSU junior Arjinee Williams also believes that the Black community has a hand in producing certain sayings.

“People see so many trendy things from the Black community and they want to do and say whatever they see young Black people doing,” Williams said.

Time and time again folks have experienced different slang language take over as generation after generation passes.

“With every generation, there is always something new,” TSU sophomore Omega Porsche said.

Every decade has had words that was used in its time that did not have anything to do with the original meaning, but with new words, phrases, terms, and idioms, it only means new times are present and there is a whole new language to understand.

And yes, period means final decision, no argument, period. That’s all folks, until the next millennial word lesson.