Ever scrolled through your child’s social media feed and encountered a term that left you scratching your head? Now, more than ever, keeping up with the ever-evolving landscape of the teen language can be a daunting task for many parents. One such term currently making rounds is ‘Bestie’. Let’s break it down.
What does 'Bestie' mean?
In its simplest interpretation, 'Bestie' is short for 'best friend'. Your child might refer to their closest friend as their 'Bestie'. However, in the diverse world of internet slang, 'Bestie' doesn't always correspond directly to this traditional interpretation. On TikTok or other social media platforms, 'Bestie' can also be utilized as a kind of formal address to a stranger. For instance, in the context of a comment under a TikTok video, it might be employed to address an unknown person kindly or playfully. Someone might write, "Bestie, I’ve never seen this video, but you need to be safer while skateboarding." Here, 'Bestie' is used to highlight a mix of concern and camaraderie even though the commenter may not personally know the skateboarder.
Navigating Slang with Your Child
- “What’s a new word you and your friends are into right now?”
- “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?”
- “I know emojis can mean something different to kids than they do to parents. Are there any emojis I use that you think I should stop using?”
- “If you could describe yourself using just one emoji, which one would you pick?”
This way, you’re not only educating yourself about the changing language landscape, but also opening lines of communication about your kid’s digital life. It’s a win-win situation! Mastering the understanding of digital-era slang can be a challenge, but remember – it’s all about keeping an open mind, being patient, and keeping the conversation flowing with your child. Good luck, Bestie!