As an adult who’s not always in the know when it comes to kid culture, I’ve found myself lost in conversations with my younger friends and family members. They’ll throw around terms like “lit” and “lowkey,” and I’ll nod along, pretending to understand what they mean. But let’s be real – sometimes, I have no idea what they’re talking about.
That’s why I’ve decided to start this guide, where I’ll ask my young colleagues to explain some of the latest trends and slang words in kid culture. And by young colleagues, I mean anyone under the age of 25 who’s willing to put up with my confusion and answer my questions patiently.
Today, I sat down with my 22-year-old coworker, Alex, and asked him to explain something called “Gayle.” According to Urban Dictionary (which, btw, is a great resource for out-of-touch adults like me), Gayle is a term used to describe someone who’s “extremely extra and dramatic.” Think of it as a mix between “extra” and “gay,” but without any actual connection to sexuality.
Alex told me that Gayle can refer to anything from a person’s behavior to their fashion sense. For example, if someone shows up to school wearing a bright pink wig and a sequined jumpsuit, they might be described as “so Gayle.” Or, if someone starts dancing on top of a table at a party, they might be labeled as “such a Gayle move.”
I had to admit, I was a bit confused by this concept. Isn’t being dramatic or attention-seeking just part of being human? Why do kids need a special word for it? But then again, maybe I’m just old and don’t get it. That’s probably true, since even Alex admitted that he doesn’t use the term himself. He just rolls his eyes whenever he hears it.
So there you have it, folks. If you ever find yourself wondering what your teenage daughter means when she says her friend is “totally Gayle,” now you know. Just remember, it has nothing to do with actual LGBTQ+ identity – it’s just a silly slang term that kids these days are using. Happy learning!