Have you ever overheard your teen using words that make no sense to you? Many of us parents laugh it off or ignore it, thinking it is just another silly phrase or trend. I know as a parent I did the same thing. When I first heard my daughter say the word huzz I honestly thought it meant “husband,” like she was crushing on a guy.
This word huzz is just another TikTok trend that kids are following. On the surface it seems harmless, almost like a playful nickname. Some even use it the way people say boo or pookie. But here is the reality. Huzz actually comes from slang for “hoes,” a derogatory word for women. Most kids using it have no idea what they are actually saying, and yet the word is shaping the way they think about themselves and others.
That moment was a wake up call for me. My daughter truly did not know what she was allowing people to call her. It gave us the chance to have a deeper conversation about self worth and the power of the words we choose.
And here is the thing… Most kids do not even realize what these words mean. They use them because everyone else is saying them. Some think it is a joke or just a cute trend. But underneath it all, the language can be teaching them to accept disrespect without even knowing it.
There are other versions too. Bruzz is used when talking about friends or “bros.” Gruzz can mean grandparents or older people. And then there are the other slang words kids are using every single day.
Riz means charisma and is often about how smooth someone is when flirting.
Sus means suspicious, usually used when someone seems shady or untrustworthy.
Gyat is an exclamation used to show excitement or admiration, most often in reaction to someone with a large shapely butt. It comes from shortening the phrase “goddamn.”
Sigma is used to describe someone who is independent, self assured, and cool.
Gooning is an internet term that points to extreme content use, often sexual, and parents need to be aware of it.
Mewing is the TikTok trend of trying to reshape your jawline by pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth.
Pick me girl is used to describe a girl who tries hard to get attention by putting other girls down or by acting like one of the guys just so boys will like her. It is usually meant as an insult but many teens throw it around casually.
At first glance some of these may sound silly or harmless. But here is the reality. Kids are using these words without knowing what they mean and they are afraid to stop because they do not want to feel left out. For many kids, using these slang terms feels like the price of admission to belong. If they stop saying them, it can feel like social death. They fear that nobody will want to be associated with them and that they will be pushed out of the group.
Why Talking About Slang Is Not Enough
I see so many adults shaking their heads and saying “kids these days.” But just talking about it is not enough. If we want change, it starts with us. We as parents have to educate ourselves first. We need to understand what these words mean and then have the conversations with our kids. And when we do, we need to give them the space to decide for themselves. Do they really want to be called that? Do they really want to call others that?
Imagine if every parent took this seriously. Our kids would not feel the pressure to use words they do not even understand. They would begin to see that true belonging does not come from slang. It comes from respect, connection, and confidence.
Why This Matters for Self Worth
Language shapes identity. When kids throw around words without thinking, it wires their brains to normalize disrespect. And if they laugh it off, that disrespect slowly becomes part of their belief system. As parents, we cannot ignore this. We want to raise kids who have self love, self respect, and self worth. That means stepping into their world, understanding the words they are using, and showing them how powerful words can be.
What Parents Can Do
Start with curiosity. Ask your child what they think a word means. Most times they will not be able to explain it. That is your opening. Share what you learned and why it matters. Encourage them to use language that lifts people up instead of tearing them down. Show them how to set boundaries when they feel pressured to go along with something. And most importantly, create a safe space to talk. Kids shut down when they feel judged. They open up when they feel safe.
The Bigger Picture
This is not just about slang. It is about raising kids who know their worth and respect the worth of others. If we understand the words our kids are saying and guide them through it, we can change the culture. It is not about banning words. It is about building awareness, teaching responsibility, and giving our kids the confidence to choose who they want to be.
And here is something else to think about. How are our kids going to be when they are interviewing for jobs in the future if this is the way they communicate? How are they going to run companies or lead teams if they grow up believing this language is acceptable? What will our future look like when they are in charge of everything? The words they use today are shaping who they become tomorrow.
When we step in as parents and guide them now, we are not only protecting their self worth, we are protecting the future they are stepping into.
When we do that, our kids will no longer feel like they need slang to fit in. They will know they already belong because of who they are, not because of the words they say.