“Yayo”. A term that might sound foreign to those unfamiliar with contemporary youth slang. So, what does it actually mean? Yayo is a popular term for cocaine. This slang terminology evolved from Spanish slang and has come to be know in the English-speaking world through popular media and music.
Yayo & Other Drug Slang in the Digital Era
In the digital era, kids are not just limited to words for slang. They also use emojis to refer to cocaine, such as ❄️,⛄, and 🎱. As parents, it may be hard to grasp the different connotations these symbols can carry. To help you navigate this world, check out our comprehensive slang guide, providing detailed insights into drug slang and emojis.
How to Engage Your Child About Slang
- Investigate Their Language Start by asking
“What’s a new word you and your friends are into right now?”
This question can help your child open up about the latest trends in their communication circle and provide you a chance to reassure them of your openness to learning about their world.
- Share Your Experience
Take a trip down memory lane and share a bit of your youthful lingo, like “When I was your age, people would say something was ‘all that and a bag of chips’ if it was awesome. What’s your favorite word to describe something as cool?”
- Discuss Emoji Usage
Emojis have become a language on their own. Ask your child:
“Are there any emojis I use that you think I should stop using?”
This shows them that you’re aware of the evolving symbols’ meanings and that you respect their opinions.
- Fun with Emojis
Lighten the conversation by asking, “If you could describe yourself using just one emoji, which one would you pick?”
This can lead to fun exchanges and deeper understanding of their digital expression style.
Conversations about slang and digital communication can be enlightening and valuable for both parents and children, paving the way for healthier tech habits and reinforcing mutual understanding and respect.