Trending Black culture slang taking over TikTok

Black culture has always been the blueprint, and TikTok proves it every day. From viral sounds to full-blown catchphrases, the way we talk shapes how the internet moves. What starts as a casual comment in a group chat or a quick clip on the “For You” page soon becomes the way everyone communicates.

This year’s slang is confident, clever, and all about energy. It’s the language of creators, dreamers, and folks who know exactly who they are. You’ll hear it in reaction videos, TikTok skits, and the comment sections where the real fun happens.

So if you’ve been hearing new vocabulary terms that you’ve never heard before, don’t worry, you’re not old. You’ve just got to dust off your Urban Dictionary and learn as you go. 

Here’s your crash course in the top trending Black slang defining the digital culture of 2025, what it means, how it’s used, and how to say it right.

It’s giving 

@dw_the77percent

I asked my work buddies about ‘It’s Giving,’ and their hilarious responses are pure gold! #millennial #genz #slang #genzslang #funnyvideos #funny

♬ Funny Song – Bruno Portinho Trilhas para filmes

Meaning: Used to describe the overall vibe, mood, or look of something.
Example: “She came to the event with her blonde 36-inch buss down. It’s giving Beyoncé.

Main Character Energy

@ladyyasmina1

Because I’m ALWAYS the main protagonist. Inspo by @daiseygorgeous #fyp #DialItForward #highschoolmemories #viral

♬ Mariners Apartment Complex – Lana Del Rey

Meaning: Having the confidence and attitude of someone who’s the center of attention.
Example: “He arrived at that audition like he owned Tyler Perry Studios. That’s giving main character energy.”

Yeet

@pewithmsali

I swear it used to mean something else 😂 #peteachersoftiktok #teachersoftiktok #yeet

♬ Caution – KAYTRANADA

Meaning: To throw something quickly or forcefully, often with excitement or approval.
Example: “That Usher concert was lit, she yeeted her Victoria’s Secret lingerie onto the stage.

Clock That Tea

@theshavonceway

For those who need clarity 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾#clockthattea #fyp #relatable

♬ original sound – Shavoncé

Meaning: To notice, recognize, or call out gossip or the truth about something.
Example: They think they’re going to hide the truth?  I’m about to clock that tea and let everyone know what’s really going on.

Rizz

​​https://www.tiktok.com/@jessesaah/video/7440871204027698464?lang=en

Meaning: Short for “charisma”; describes someone’s smooth flirting skills or charm.
Example: “He didn’t have to do much, but he was able to collect three numbers at the party. He’s got some serious rizz.”

Girl Math

@imdrebrown

Is this considered a form of girl math? #girlmath

♬ original sound – DeAndre Brown

Meaning: A playful way of using creative logic to justify spending or purchases.
Example: “This purse was $250, but it goes with every outfit, so basically it’s saving me money. Girl math.”

Let Them Cook

@muricanmike

“Let him cook” is a very common phrase used with Gen Z folks when speaking English. You can use this phrase online, but also when speaking to people. #english #studyenglish #learnenglish #learnenglishonline #studyenglishonline #englishclass #practicalenglish #englishconversations #conversationalenglish #englishtips #improveenglish #improveyourenglish #englishteacher #englishlearning #영어 #영어선생님 #영어수업 #영어연습 #영어공부 #genzslang #slang #englishslang

♬ original sound – Murican Mike

Meaning: To step back and let someone do their thing because it might turn out amazing.
Example: “Everyone doubted her business idea, but I said let her cook—now she’s sold out every week.”