20 Internet and Pop Culture Idioms

1. Break the internet

To cause a huge reaction or go viral online.
Example: “Her dance video broke the internet last week.”

2. Slide into someone’s DMs

To send someone a private message on social media, often in a flirtatious way.
Example: “He slid into her DMs after seeing her Instagram story.”

3. Spill the tea

To share gossip or inside information.
Example: “Come on, spill the tea—what happened at the party?”

4. Go viral

To rapidly spread across the internet, gaining immense popularity.
Example: “That cat video went viral within hours of being posted.”

5. Clickbait

Content with a sensational or misleading title designed to attract clicks.
Example: “That article was pure clickbait—it had nothing to do with the title.”

6. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

The feeling of anxiety that others are having experiences you’re missing.
Example: “I didn’t go to the concert, and now I have major FOMO.”

7. Cringe

Something awkward or embarrassing, often used to describe online behavior.
Example: “His old Facebook posts are so cringe.”

20 Internet and Pop Culture Idioms

8. Ghost someone

To cut off all communication with someone without explanation.
Example: “She ghosted me after our third date—no replies, nothing.”

9. Savage

A bold, unapologetic, or ruthless comment or action.
Example: “Her comeback in the comments was savage.”

20 Internet and Pop Culture Idioms

10. Throw shade

To subtly insult or criticize someone.
Example: “She threw shade at her ex in that Instagram caption.”

11. Stan

A passionate and devoted fan of a celebrity or idea.
Example: “I totally stan that singer—her music is amazing!”
Internet and Pop Culture Idioms

12. Low-key

Something done subtly or quietly, often to avoid attention.
Example: “I’m low-key excited about the new game release.”

13. High-key

The opposite of low-key; openly or obviously enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m high-key obsessed with this new series.”
20 Internet and Pop Culture Idioms

14. Cancel someone/something

To withdraw support for a person or thing due to perceived wrongdoings.
Example: “The fans canceled him after his controversial tweet.”

15. Flex

To show off something in a boastful way.
Example: “Posting that luxury watch was such a flex.”

16. Shook

To be shocked or emotionally affected by something.
Example: “I was shook when I saw the plot twist in the movie.”

17. Clap back

A sharp, witty response to criticism or an insult.
Example: “Her clap back to the troll’s comment was perfect.”
Read also: Idioms in English

18. Filter bubble

The personalized content created by algorithms that isolates users from diverse viewpoints.
Example: “Social media’s filter bubble makes it hard to see other perspectives.”
20 Internet and Pop Culture Idioms

19. DM for deets

A phrase meaning to send a private message to get more details.
Example: “I’m selling my old phone—DM for deets.”

20. Meme-worthy