15 Slang Words That Defined the Early 2000s
These slang words from the early 2000s defined how a generation talked, texted, and expressed their cultural vibe in a pre-smartphone world.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
The early 2000s were filled with unique slang that reflected the fast-changing landscape of pop culture, technology, and youth identity. From “bling-bling” to “LOL,” these phrases captured everything from online behavior to real-world sass. While some have faded, others laid the foundation for today’s digital slang.
1. BFF
Omar Lopez from Unsplash
Short for “Best Friends Forever,” this term was everywhere in the early 2000s. It appeared on glittery text graphics, charm bracelets, and even cellphone keychains. Saying “She’s my BFF” meant that your friendship was sacred and likely documented in your Friendster Top 8.
2. Whassup?
Giuliana Catachura from Unsplash
Made famous by a Budweiser commercial, “Whassup?” quickly became a universal greeting. Friends stretched it out — “Whaaassssuuuup?!” — in school hallways and over AIM chats. It was more than a question; it was a cultural wave.
3. Bling-Bling
Nataliya Melnychuk from Unsplash
Popularized by hip-hop artists like Lil Wayne, “bling-bling” referred to flashy jewelry and anything that sparkled with wealth. If it glittered, it had bling. The term even made it into the Oxford English Dictionary in 2003.
4. Fo’ shizzle
Karsten Winegeart from Unsplash
Snoop Dogg’s signature twist on “for sure” exploded in popularity during the early 2000s. It added a cool, humorous twist to casual conversation. Saying “Fo’ shizzle, my nizzle” was peak 2000s swagger.
5. Noob
Florian Olivo from Unsplash
Gamers used “noob” to mock inexperienced players, especially in online games like Counter-Strike or World of Warcraft. It eventually bled into school slang and internet forums. Being called a noob was the ultimate digital burn.
6. Crunk
Nick Rickert from Unsplash
A fusion of “crazy” and “drunk,” crunk described high-energy partying, especially in the Dirty South hip-hop scene. Lil Jon’s music helped turn the term mainstream. If the party was wild, you got crunk.
7. That’s Hot
Malicki M Beser from Unsplash
Paris Hilton turned “That’s hot” into a lifestyle catchphrase. It was used to compliment anything stylish, trendy, or over-the-top. From Juicy Couture tracksuits to designer flip phones, everything could be “hot.”
8. Talk to the hand
Adrien King from Unsplash
This comeback was a sassy way to shut someone down without saying much. You’d raise your hand and say, “Talk to the hand, ’cause the face ain’t listening.” It was bold, dismissive, and very 2000s.
9. Hater
aiden marples from Unsplash
A “hater” was someone who was jealous or negative about someone else’s success or style. Artists like Kanye West and Destiny’s Child popularized the term. If someone threw shade, they were just a hater.
10. Grill
Harry Swales from Unsplash
Not to be confused with a barbecue, a “grill” referred to the decorative dental jewelry worn by rappers and celebrities. Nelly’s song “Grillz” made it a cultural statement. Flashing your grill was a sign of status.
11. Boo
frank mckenna from Unsplash
Calling someone your “boo” meant they were your romantic partner or crush. It was sweet, casual, and used often in songs and text messages. Saying “That’s my boo” showed affection without being too serious.
12. Whatever!
Fabian Albert from Unsplash
Delivered with an eye roll, “Whatever!” was the go-to phrase for disinterest or defiance. It showed up in every teen drama, from Lizzie McGuire to Mean Girls. Saying it could end an argument — or start one.
13. Word
Markus Spiske from Unsplash
Saying “word” meant agreement, truth, or understanding. It was simple but powerful, often used at the end of a statement. For example, “That movie was fire.” “Word.”
14. Bounce
Rémi Walle from Unsplash
To “bounce” meant to leave a place, often suddenly. People would say “I’m gonna bounce” to exit a party or awkward situation. It added flair to the act of just going home.
15. LOL
Surface from Unsplash
Though it originated in the ’90s, LOL dominated the early 2000s digital landscape. It stood for “laugh out loud” but was often used even when no one was actually laughing. It became the default way to end a sentence in online chat.