Opinion-Slang Stories: What are Rams Saying?

By: Andrew Sheshunoff '27

Our society today is centered around communication. So, as a result, we are “gifted” with slang. Now, what is slang? Slang, I believe, is an ever-changing entity made up of words and phrases that are deemed more effective than the ones offered by the generic dictionary. As we evolve, so must our language! It is what we are meant to do. We are different from other animals because we can cultivate and expand language in a way that allows us to communicate extremely abstract and complicated ideas. Young adults–particularly between the ages of 13 and 19–are especially adept at producing new words and coming up with new, and ingenious definitions for already created ones. Frankly, we, teenagers, are simply helping society advance. You’re welcome.

Below, I have selected the top 5 “slang” phrases and words used at Cate School. While many of them have no clear origin, I have done my best to provide “reasonable” explanations–all words are just arbitrary sounds with designated meanings, anyway. Over-analyzing slang usually results in even more confusion and often, sadness driven by the question: Is this really what we have come to as a society? Yes. 

It is a fact that teenagers greatly dislike (perhaps even loathe) when parents use their slang. Common arguments are: it’s not theirs! And, they use it incorrectly! Both are perfectly excellent and understandable reasons why you must use the upcoming information for good. And if doing good involves embarrassing your kids, so be it. Students, I’m sorry.

(These are not in order of importance, journalism is unbiased!)

1. “Lock in”

To understand the modern usage, I think it important that we first understand the etymology of the term. The first application of “locked in” can be traced back to the military as a confirmation of a locked target. While that would be a perfectly sound explanation for most, I was not satisfied with this answer. Upon further research, I learned that its usage was popularized by team video gaming. In this context, players “lock in” their character and strategy before the game begins. Over time, the meaning evolved and morphed, making it what it is today. Presently, “lock in” means to focus and try harder. It serves many purposes:

a. “Lock in! - Affirmative command

b. “I’m locking in!” - A promise of future success

c. “I’m locked!” - I’m doing great, they can’t stop me.

a. Coach: “Don’t let them score again! Lock in!” 

b. Goalie: “I won’t coach! I’m locking in!” 

c. Goalie after making a great save: “I’m locked!” 

We finished our first word! I’m proud of you. Lock in for the rest of the article, it’s gonna get intense.

2. “Cooked” 

The term “cooked” likely gained its meaning from the phrase “cooked to a crisp,” which implies that someone is entirely drained and/or beyond their limits. While the origin may be simple, its usage today certainly isn’t. I’d like to think that what makes this word so beloved is its versatility. And when I say this I mean that there is never a reason to not use this word. Its seemingly infinite number of possibilities and meanings could inspire poetry. That is what “slang” really is, poetry. Anyway, enough tear-jerking ramblings, let’s dive in.

“I’m cooked”

• Tired or done for

“I have never had a longer practice, I’m cooked.”

• Insulted or humiliated

“I just got cooked by his “yo mama” joke.”

• Romantically hopeless

“I can’t stop thinking about her. I’m cooked.”

• An expression of despair

“There is no way I can win this, I’m cooked.”

“Let him cook!”

• Let someone do their thing, succeed

After tying the game with his goal, I yelled, “Let him cook!”

“They’re cooking”

• An exclamation when someone is doing well

I whispered to my friend beside me, “They’re cooking,” after the athletes made it across the obstacle course without a single stumble.

I’m sure that you will be using it; it’s one of my personal favorites too. 

3. “Chat”

Many brilliant things came out of the Renaissance such as the telescope, printing press, humanism and individualism, the Mona Lisa, and most importantly, “chat.” Then, chat simply meant, “frivolous talk,” but now, it is anything but frivolous. While the word went through a tumbler of different definitions and meanings, the most relevant one to us came from the introduction of live-streaming. In this context, “chat” refers to the live stream of messages that viewers type to the streamer. This feature is always used for good. Viewers only provide positive feedback and tell the content creator how much they appreciate them and how much they add to their lives. The internet is a magical place filled with grateful and holy individuals. I digress, in such streams, the creator often refers to the chat, either with a question or comment. Chat is like God. It holds all of the answers. A common rhetorical question is, “Is this real chat?” The question implies that the current happenings are unbelievable and they need answers from above. Here are some FAQs:

“Is this real, Chat?”

“Did you see that, Chat?”

“What do I do, Chat?”

I am sorry to say that yes, it is real; yes, I did see it; and I have no idea what you should do. 

4. “Lowkey”

If “cooked” could inspire poetry, then “lowkey” could inspire the Great American Novel. Seriously. 

In 1857, low-key was first described in the reader primer, Introductory Lessons and Elocution as the tone of someone speaking softly or quietly. Over time, it became a descriptor of anything moderate, relaxed, or casual. This is the way that you are probably acquainted with. As in: “Can we keep this party low-key.” Every generation has its word for “cool;” this I believe, is ours. So, without further ado, let's go into usage: 

1. Relaxed, chill

The party is pretty low-key, so only bring one or two friends.

2. Something to keep on the down-low

I lowkey love some of Taylor Swift’s songs. 

3. Honestly…

Lowkey, I really want to see the new Minecraft Movie.

4. An agreement

Person A: Can we get some food on the way?

Person B: Lowkey…

5. An admission of unknowing

I lowkey don’t know where to turn left.

Slight variations:

High-key: exciting; fun; something to look forward to

I high-key loved that hike yesterday.

Mid-key: indifferent, moderate, not particularly biased

Person A: What restaurant do you want to go to?

Person B: Can we get pizza, mid-key?

So close, only one more to go!

5. “Ate”

I have found, through my countless interactions with slang novices, that “ate” tends to cause the most confusion, for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, unlike many of the other terms, ate’s literal meaning is used quite commonly and is a keystone part of the English language, people have got to eat! But, my job is to do away with this confusion, so that you, and those you educate, will not freeze like a deer in the headlights of a teenager's commentary. 

Ate may very well be one of the oldest words in the English vocabulary, as Eve didn’t nibble, she ATE the apple! Our “ate,” though, originated from drag shows and dance competitions performed and used by predominantly Latinx and Black members of the LGBTQ+ community. Since its creation, it has been a term of praise and admiration for someone doing something well. All in all, pretty simple.   

She/he/they ate - a remark made when someone did something extremely well

“Oh my god (OMG), she ate during that dance performance!”

Congratulations! You made it! I hope that this article proves that even you can understand what the kids are up to these days. Show the world that an old dog can learn new tricks. I hope that you use the wisdom I have imparted on you to either impress your friends, keep up with your younger colleagues, or best case, embarrass your kids just a little bit.