Experts reveal Google's most searched British slang words and they're not what you'd expect
If you think you're keeping up with how younger generations talk these days, we might have some shocking news for you.
Getting down with the kids isn’t that easy these days, with experts from Unscramblerer.com analyzing Google search data to reveal which slang words British people are searching for the most.
In the study, researchers used Google Trends to identify the top trending slang terms from January 1 to September 29. Then they used a tool called Ahrefs to calculate how many times each word had been searched.
"People will hear or read slang terms and search for the meaning of the term (example 'mogging meaning')," the team explained. "Ahrefs shows many variations of meaning searches like 'slang' or 'trend' (example 'mogging slang') and similar keyword combinations (example 'what does demure mean')."
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The team said they 'added up 150 search variations of top slang terms.'
Coming in at number one is 'sigma' (53,000 searches), which refers to an independent person who operates outside standard social hierarchies, they can often be described as a 'lone wolf.'
In second place with 50,000 searches was 'gaslighting,' which is a type of manipulation that makes you doubt your memories and feelings. Third was 'sybau' (36,000), standing for 'shut your b**** a** up'.
Other popular search slang terms included PMO (30,000 searches), which can have varying meanings depending on the context.
"Depending on the context, this term refers to 'put me on' (introduce me to something new) or 'p***es me off'," the experts explained.
Meanwhile, slang terms including 'bop', 'clanker', and 'gooning' have also sent Britons rushing to Google for answers.
"Popular slang in 2025 continues to be heavily influenced by TikTok, Instagram, gaming, streaming, Gen Z and Alpha online communities," said a spokesperson for Unscramblerer.com. "Trends from social media spread rapidly via memes and viral challenges. Fueled by technology, our language adapts to new slang trends more rapidly than ever."
Perhaps one of the most confusing terms on the list is '6,7'.
The phrase is particularly popular with Gen Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2024) and comes from a song called 'Doot Doot (6,7)' by American rapper Skrilla. It simply means 'nothing' and can be used to suggest that a person is 'average'.
Another popularly searched term was 'syfm' (10,000 searches). Meaning 'so you f***ing missed,' the acronym expresses disappointment when someone has failed to notice something important.
Whereas 'mogging' (8,500 searches) is outclassing someone else by appearing more attractive, skillful, or successful.
Just under 5,000 searches were curious about the meaning of 'clanker' (4,700 searches), which is a derogatory term for robots and AI technology.
The slang term 'Green FN' also stumped 4,000 people this year, which refers to a guaranteed win.
"[Green FN] describes something amazing and highly desirable. Often said after an exceptional shot or throw in basketball," the experts said. "The term originates from the NBA 2K video game series, where a perfectly timed shot is marked by the colour green."
Don't feel bad if these terms are completely new to you. Unscramblerer.com encourages people to see it as an opportunity to learn and have fun with language. "Slang is a fascinating and fun mirror of our culture," the spokesperson added.