In a nationwide poll conducted by the University of Oxford, children across the UK have crowned "slay" as their favorite slang word of the year. The term, which may perplex many parents, is

described as meaning "to greatly impress or amuse someone" or to signify being "stylish or successful."

The survey, which included 6,000 children aged 6 to 14, also revealed the runners-up. The second-place choice, "sigma," is defined by Oxford researchers as "good or cool," often used to describe someone admired for their independence and individualism.

Third place went to "skibidi," a term made popular by the viral YouTube series Skibidi Toilet. Researchers noted that "skibidi" lacks a fixed meaning, often being used to indicate something "cool" or "bad" — or simply as a playful, nonsensical word.

The poll, organized by Oxford University Press (OUP), has been tracking the evolution of children’s language for over a decade. This annual survey focuses on Generation Alpha (children aged 6 to 14), offering insights into their linguistic trends and the influence of social media.

The reign of "slay"

More than 28% of children named "slay" as their top slang word, making it the clear winner. The term, which had been shortlisted in previous years, saw a surge in popularity among younger children in 2024. According to OUP’s report, "slay" is an "all-purpose, versatile term of approval" often used in everyday conversation.

Examples shared by respondents include phrases like:

- "That’s so slay."

- "You slayed it."

- "Your outfit slays."

- "Slay queen."

One child explained, "It’s my go-to word when I want to hype someone up and make them feel amazing." Another added, "When a friend has done something really well, I’ll say they’ve slayed it."

"Sigma" and "skibidi" take the spotlight

"Sigma," chosen by 16% of participants, has gained traction as a term for praising someone perceived as cool and admirable, particularly for their individuality.

Meanwhile, "skibidi" was selected by 15% of respondents. Its origins trace back to Skibidi Toilet, a YouTube animation from 2023 where singing toilets face off against camera-headed characters. The videos, later shared on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, catapulted the word into playgrounds across the UK.

The report noted that "skibidi" is perhaps the hardest word to define. Researchers found it is used variably to mean "good," "bad," or even as a purely nonsensical phrase. One child shared, "We just say it randomly to each other on the playground because it’s funny."

Beyond slang: "kindness" tops the general word of the year

In addition to slang, children were asked to select their general "word of the year." Over 61% of participants chose "kindness," reflecting a focus on empathy and positive values. The second most popular choice, selected by 25% of children, was "artificial intelligence," showcasing the growing impact of technology on young minds.

OUP highlighted the role social media plays in shaping language trends, noting how platforms like TikTok and YouTube influence the expressions children use.

As new words continue to emerge and evolve, the annual survey provides a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing language of the youngest generation. Photo by Lucélia Ribeiro, Wikimedia commons.