The Real Meaning Behind Kids Calling Things 'Mid'
We’ve already decoded the meanings of choppelganger,chopped and why kids keep saying lowkenuinely.
Now it’s time to shine a spotlight on another favourite term embraced by Generations Alpha and Z: mid.
The critical descriptor has been knocking around for a few years now, but teens and young adults are increasingly using it in everyday life.
While many of us know “mid” as a term to describe something that’s among, or in the middle of, something; for the younger generations (wow, I feel old writing that) it means something else entirely.
What does mid mean?
When Gen Alpha uses it, “mid” means mediocre or of disappointing quality. If you’re described as “mid” by a teenager then they’re basically saying you are... average.
Possibly even below average.
According to Merriam-Webster, “mid” serves to express that something falls short of expectations, or isn’t impressive.
It’s not bad, per se, but it’s not exactly good either. (In fact, the way it’s used nowadays is probably veering more towards bad than good.)
The dictionary notes that this slang term is thought to have come from a shortening of the term mid-grade, “a designation in cannabis culture of medium quality”.
Over time it’s evolved to be used as a descriptor of everything from people and food, to film and TV.
Some examples of how it could be used include:
- “That burger was mid.”
- “Did you enjoy the party? I thought it was mid.”
- “I liked their last album. Their new album’s mid.”
Want to learn more? There’s also been chat, clock it and glazing, as well as aura farming and crash out. Honestly, the kids have been busy.