ParijoTi meP
By Cinnimon West
Don't beat yourself up over slang terms you don't understand,
nelogisms pop up all the time but do we truly know what they
mean? Furthermore, do we know their etymology? Many of the
new slang terms we use today have origins that may shock us.
Here's a list to help you stay current with your friends and an
noy everyone else.
Slang will always be a part of the language as long as people
speak. But, let's not forget to research the definitions of the
words. While slang may be fun, some terms have been around
a lot longer than we realize and may not be as new as we think.
Try asking your parents or grandparents what some of these
words mean and you may be surprised to hear some of their
answers.
"Merked" or "Murked" is not the nicest word, but it has several
definitions. It can mean anything from being intoxicated or be
ing defeated, but more frequently it is associated with someone
who has lost a physical fight, been hurt or trash talked by some
body else. This words origin is unknown, but its use of is grow
ing in popularity.
"YOLO" has picked up since the well-known rapper Drake start
ed using it. It simply means "you only live once" and refers to
taking a risk or questioning a situation. YOLO is the younger
cousin of the Latin term "Carpe Diem" which means to seize the
day.
"Ratchet" refers to when someone/ or something is rude, loud
or obnoxious-someone who is acting classless. This word can
be used to refer to anything from a person to an environment,
as well as a car or job. Ratchet has taken the place of "ghetto"
and has found it's way into mainstream media.
"Flex" or "Flexin" originated in the urban community, and has
been used for quite some time. It means to show off your as
sets or to pretend to have assets to show off.
"Swag" or "Swagger" this one may shock you. The term swag
was invented in the early 60's by a group of homosexual men
in Hollywood. It stands for 'secretly we are gay' and was most
frequently used as code on posters announcing gay orgies. The
new meaning for this word, however, is being or having some
thing that is cool or unique.
"Cray" or "cray-cray" Surprisingly the term "Cray" is actually not
a shortened form of "crazy." It is not even spelled "cray." It's
actually spelled "Kray," in reference to the schizophrenic twins
Ronald and Reginald Kray. The Kray twins were murderers in
London in the 50's and 60's. That noted, today, this word usu
ally means that something is out of control or wild.
ADVERTISEMENT
i,
Protect our way of life as an agent with the U.S. Border Patrol.
Your career with the Border Patrol Includes a competitive salary -
up to $75k after three years - and a federal benefits package of
health, retirement and insurance benefits. Job-related training is
also included at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, NM.
Key Requirements
' Be between the ages of 18 and 39 (waiver for qualified veterans)
> Be a U.S. citizen and a resident for the past three years
> Have a valid state driver’s license
> Pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph test,
medical examination, fitness test and drug test
WE ARE AMERICA’S FRONTLINE
Apply NoM^-CBPcareers.com
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Is an Equal Opportunity Employer