Teenagers have a language all their own. Occasionally, I have an opportunity to work with them either individually or in small groups. Most of them feel compelled to tell me about their day and some of the “cool” things they do. I find them charming, open, honest, and downright humorous without trying to be.

There are times, however, when it is very difficult to understand the meaning of what they are trying to communicate. Being around teens and their slang transports me into another dimension. I’m learning some of their lingo. After hearing the following conversation, I thought I was on another planet.

Conversation:
“When I was checkin’ out I saw some badunkadunk jivin’ down the road. Turns out she was a sparkler, so we started chillaxin.”

Translation:
When I was on my way home, I saw a pretty female (sparkler) with a big rear end that looked good (sometimes called junk in the trunk) walking down the road. She was an old friend, so we hung out and relaxed.

Because I’m a lover of words, I’ll definitely have to add badunkadunk to my vocabulary list. Knowing its double meaning makes me laugh and chillaxin is pretty cool too.

As you can see, sometimes it is necessary to ask for a t.t. (teen translator) who can help me understand their jargon so that we can communicate in the present dimension rather than the twilight zone.

Pamela Beers
http://www.pamelabeers.com