Top 52 Slang For Media – Meaning & Usage

In a world where media is constantly evolving, staying up-to-date with the latest slang for media is crucial. From TikTok trends to Twitter lingo, navigating this digital landscape can be overwhelming. But fear not, our team has done the research and sifted through the buzz to bring you a curated list of the most relevant and trendy media slang. Get ready to level up your digital vocab game and impress your friends with this essential guide!

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1. Press

In the context of media, “press” refers to the news media or journalists as a whole. It can also be used to describe the act of reporting or gathering news.

For example, “The press is responsible for holding government officials accountable.”
A headline might read, “The press uncovers new evidence in the corruption scandal.”
In a discussion about media bias, someone might say, “The press should strive for objectivity in their reporting.”

2. Tube

“Tube” is a slang term for television, originating from the older cathode-ray tube televisions. It can also refer more broadly to the medium of television broadcasting.

For instance, “I’m just going to relax and watch some tube.”
A person might say, “There’s nothing good on the tube tonight.”
In a conversation about streaming services, someone might ask, “Do you still watch live TV or do you just stream everything?”

3. Flicks

“Flicks” is a colloquial term for movies or films. It is often used in a casual or nostalgic context.

For example, “Let’s go catch a flick at the theater.”
A film enthusiast might say, “I love watching classic flicks from the 80s.”
In a discussion about movie genres, someone might ask, “What are your favorite action flicks?”

4. Journo

A shortened form of the word “journalist,” “journo” is a slang term used to refer to a person who works in the field of journalism.

For instance, “I’m a journo for a local newspaper.”
A journalist might introduce themselves by saying, “I’m a journo covering politics and current affairs.”
In a conversation about media ethics, someone might ask, “Do you think journos should disclose their sources?”

5. Pod

In the context of media, “pod” is a shortened form of the word “podcast.” It refers to a digital audio or video file that can be downloaded or streamed online.

For example, “I listen to several pods on my commute.”
Someone might recommend a pod by saying, “You should check out this new true crime pod.”
In a discussion about the popularity of podcasts, a person might say, “Pods have become a mainstream form of entertainment.”

6. Reels

Reels are short videos, typically lasting up to 30 seconds, that can be created and shared on social media platforms like Instagram. They are often used to showcase creative and entertaining content.

For example, a user might post a reel of themselves dancing to a popular song.
A content creator might share a reel featuring quick tips or hacks in their niche.
Brands might use reels to promote new products or engage with their audience.

7. Mag

Short for “magazine,” this term refers to a publication that contains articles, photographs, and other content on a specific topic. It is commonly used to refer to print magazines, but can also include online publications.

For instance, a person might say, “I love reading fashion mags to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.”
A writer might submit an article to a music mag about an upcoming artist.
Someone might recommend, “Check out this mag for great travel photography.”

8. Stream

To “stream” refers to the act of broadcasting or watching live content over the internet. It can include live video, audio, or even gaming.

For example, a person might say, “I’m going to stream a live concert tonight.”
A gamer might stream themselves playing a popular video game on a platform like Twitch.
A content creator might encourage their followers to “join the stream for a Q&A session.”

9. Vlog

A vlog is a type of blog where the content is primarily in video format. Vloggers often share their daily lives, experiences, or expertise through video recordings.

For instance, a person might say, “I started a vlog to document my travels around the world.”
A beauty influencer might create a vlog showcasing their makeup routine.
Someone might recommend, “Check out this vlog for tips on sustainable living.”

10. Zine

Short for “fanzine” or “magazine,” a zine is a self-published publication that is usually created by individuals or small groups. It often focuses on niche or alternative topics and can be in print or digital format.

For example, a person might say, “I love reading zines about underground music scenes.”
An artist might create a zine featuring their illustrations and poetry.
Someone might recommend, “Check out this zine for thought-provoking essays on social issues.”

11. Net

Short for “internet,” the net refers to the global system of interconnected computer networks that allows for the sharing of information and communication. It is often used to refer to the online world.

For example, “I spend way too much time on the net.”
A person might say, “I found this interesting article on the net.”
Another might ask, “Do you have a good net connection?”

12. Gram

Short for “Instagram,” gram is a slang term used to refer to the popular social media platform for sharing photos and videos.

For instance, “I posted a cute picture on the gram.”
A person might say, “I follow a lot of influencers on the gram.”
Another might ask, “Did you see that viral video on the gram?”

13. Snap

Snap is a slang term used to refer to the social media app Snapchat, which allows users to send photos and videos that disappear after a short period of time.

For example, “I just sent you a snap.”
A person might say, “I love using the filters on snap.”
Another might ask, “Did you see that funny snap I sent you?”

14. Tweet

Tweet is a term used to refer to a message or post on the social media platform Twitter. It is often used to describe sharing thoughts, opinions, or updates in a concise format.

For instance, “I just tweeted about my new blog post.”
A person might say, “I follow a lot of celebrities on Twitter and love reading their tweets.”
Another might ask, “Did you see that controversial tweet from the president?”

15. Insta

Insta is a slang term used to refer to the social media platform Instagram. It is often used to describe quickly posting photos or videos to share with followers.

For example, “I’m going to insta this beautiful sunset.”
A person might say, “I love scrolling through insta and seeing everyone’s photos.”
Another might ask, “Did you see that cute puppy video on insta?”

16. FB

This is a social media platform where users can create a profile, connect with friends, and share content such as photos, videos, and status updates. “FB” is a commonly used abbreviation for Facebook.

For example, “I saw your post on FB about your vacation.”
Someone might ask, “Are you friends with her on FB?”
A user might comment on a photo, saying, “You look great in this pic, FB friend!”

17. TikTok

TikTok is a social media platform where users can create and share short videos set to music. It has gained popularity for its creative and entertaining content.

For instance, “I spent hours watching funny TikToks last night.”
A user might say, “I just posted a dance video on TikTok.”
Someone might ask, “Have you seen that viral TikTok trend?”

18. Pic

This is a shortened form of the word “picture.” It is commonly used in digital communication to refer to an image or photograph.

For example, “Can you send me that pic you took yesterday?”
A user might comment on a friend’s photo, saying, “Great pic!”
Someone might ask, “Did you see the pic she posted on Instagram?”

19. Post

In the context of social media, “post” refers to the action of publishing or sharing content on a platform. It can include text, photos, videos, or links.

For instance, “I just posted a new blog post on my website.”
A user might say, “I’m going to post a funny meme on Twitter.”
Someone might ask, “Did you see her latest Instagram post?”

20. Trend

In the context of social media, a “trend” refers to a topic, hashtag, or content that becomes popular and widely shared within a certain period of time.

For example, “The #ThrowbackThursday trend is going strong on Twitter.”
A user might say, “I want to jump on the latest fashion trend.”
Someone might ask, “Have you seen the new dance trend on TikTok?”

21. Viral

Refers to content, such as a video or article, that spreads rapidly and widely across the internet. “Viral” content is often shared through social media platforms and can gain millions of views or engagements.

For example, “That funny cat video went viral and now has over 10 million views.”
A social media user might say, “I hope my post goes viral and gets lots of likes and shares.”
A news article might report, “The video of the baby laughing went viral overnight, capturing the hearts of millions.”

22. Clickbait

Refers to a headline or thumbnail image that is designed to attract clicks and generate website traffic, often by using sensational or exaggerated language. Clickbait is often criticized for being misleading or deceptive.

For instance, “You won’t believe what this celebrity did!” is an example of clickbait.
A user might comment, “I hate clickbait articles that promise something exciting but deliver nothing.”
A news outlet might use clickbait to entice readers with a headline like, “Shocking new study reveals the truth about diet soda.”

23. Feed

Refers to a continuous stream of content, such as posts, articles, or updates, that appears on a social media platform or website. The feed is personalized for each user based on their preferences and interactions.

For example, “I spent hours scrolling through my Instagram feed.”
A user might ask, “What’s new in my Facebook feed today?”
A social media platform might show a message like, “Your feed is empty. Follow more accounts to see more content.”

24. Screen time

Refers to the amount of time a person spends using electronic devices with screens, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers. Screen time can include activities like browsing the internet, watching videos, or playing games.

For instance, “I need to reduce my screen time and spend more time outdoors.”
A parent might set limits on their child’s screen time by saying, “You can only have one hour of screen time per day.”
A health article might discuss the effects of excessive screen time on sleep patterns.

25. Presser

Refers to a formal meeting or event where a person or organization makes an official announcement or answers questions from the media. “Presser” is a shortened version of “press conference” and is commonly used in informal or journalistic settings.

For example, “The CEO held a presser to announce the company’s new product.”
A journalist might say, “I’m attending the presser to ask questions about the recent scandal.”
A news outlet might report, “The presser was filled with intense questioning from reporters.”

26. Broadcast

This refers to the distribution of audio or video content to a wide audience through radio, television, or the internet. “Broadcast” can also be used as a noun to describe a specific program or event that is being transmitted.

For instance, a news anchor might say, “We will bring you the latest updates on this story during tonight’s broadcast.”
In a discussion about media, someone might mention, “Broadcast networks have seen a decline in viewership with the rise of streaming services.”
A sports fan might ask, “What channel is the game on? I want to catch the broadcast.”

27. Newsie

This term is used to refer to a journalist or reporter who focuses on covering news stories. It is often used in a lighthearted or informal way.

For example, “The newsies were out in full force, covering the press conference.”
A person might say, “I admire the dedication and hard work of newsies who bring us the latest information.”
In a conversation about journalism, someone might ask, “Do you think newsies have a responsibility to remain unbiased?”

28. Reel

In the context of media, “reel” typically refers to a collection of film or video footage. It can also be used to describe a highlight or compilation of the best moments from a film or television show.

For instance, a filmmaker might say, “I need to edit the footage from yesterday’s shoot into a new reel.”
In a discussion about classic movies, someone might mention, “That scene is one of the most iconic moments in cinema history. It belongs in the highlight reel.”
A film buff might ask, “Have you seen the director’s cut with the additional scenes that weren’t included in the original reel?”

29. Tele

This term is a shortened form of “television” and is often used in a casual or familiar way. It can refer to the physical device or the content that is broadcast on television.

For example, “Let’s gather around the tele and watch our favorite show.”
A person might say, “I’m addicted to binge-watching tele series.”
In a discussion about media consumption, someone might ask, “Do you still watch shows on the tele or do you prefer streaming platforms?”

30. Media circus

This phrase is used to describe a situation where the media excessively focuses on a particular event, often resulting in sensationalized or exaggerated coverage. It implies that the media attention has become chaotic or overwhelming.

For instance, “The celebrity’s divorce turned into a media circus with paparazzi following their every move.”
In a conversation about politics, someone might say, “The scandal surrounding the politician created a media circus that overshadowed important policy discussions.”
A journalist might criticize the media’s behavior by saying, “We need to focus on responsible reporting instead of turning every story into a media circus.”

31. Paparazzi

The term “paparazzi” refers to photographers who aggressively pursue celebrities to take candid photographs. These photographers are known for their intrusive tactics and relentless pursuit of celebrity photos.

For example, “The paparazzi were waiting outside the restaurant to catch a glimpse of the famous actress.”
In a discussion about privacy invasion, someone might say, “The paparazzi often cross the line between journalism and harassment.”
A celebrity might complain, “I can’t even go to the grocery store without being swarmed by paparazzi.”

32. Press release

A press release is an official statement issued by a company, organization, or individual to share news or information with the media. It is typically written in a concise and informative format and distributed to various media outlets.

For instance, “The company issued a press release announcing their new product launch.”
A journalist might receive a press release and say, “I need to analyze this press release before writing the article.”
In a discussion about public relations, someone might mention, “A well-crafted press release can generate media coverage and raise awareness.”

33. Newsfeed

A newsfeed refers to a constantly updating stream of news and information. It is typically found on social media platforms or news websites, providing users with the latest headlines and stories.

For example, “I love scrolling through my newsfeed to stay updated on current events.”
A person might say, “My newsfeed is filled with articles and posts about politics.”
In a discussion about media consumption, someone might mention, “The newsfeed algorithm determines what content is shown to users based on their interests and behavior.”

34. Anchor

An anchor refers to a news presenter who serves as the main host of a television or radio news program. They are responsible for delivering the news, conducting interviews, and guiding the flow of the program.

For instance, “The anchor reported on the latest developments in the ongoing crisis.”
A viewer might say, “I trust the anchor to provide accurate and unbiased news.”
In a discussion about journalism, someone might mention, “Being an anchor requires excellent communication skills and the ability to think on your feet.”

35. Headlines

Headlines are the titles or captions that summarize the main points of a news article or story. They are designed to grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief overview of the content.

For example, “The headlines highlighted the major events of the day.”
A person might say, “I always read the headlines before deciding which articles to click on.”
In a discussion about journalism ethics, someone might mention, “Headlines should accurately reflect the content of the article and avoid sensationalism.”

36. Tabloid

A tabloid is a type of newspaper or magazine that focuses on sensationalized stories, celebrity gossip, and scandalous headlines. Tabloids are known for their eye-catching headlines and often prioritize entertainment news over hard-hitting journalism.

For example, a tabloid might feature a headline like “Celeb X Caught Cheating on Spouse!”
In a discussion about media credibility, someone might say, “I don’t trust tabloids because they prioritize sensationalism over accuracy.”
A person might comment on a celebrity’s social media post, “Ignore the tabloids, they always twist the truth.”

37. Spin

In the context of media, “spin” refers to the act of presenting information or a story in a way that favors a particular viewpoint or agenda. It involves selectively emphasizing certain details or framing the narrative to shape public opinion.

For instance, a politician might spin a controversial decision to make it seem more favorable to the public.
In a discussion about biased news coverage, someone might say, “The media outlet is clearly spinning the story to fit their own agenda.”
A person might comment on a news article, “I can’t trust this source, they always spin the facts.”

38. Cine

“Cine” is a shortened form of the word “cinema” and is often used as a slang term to refer to movies or the film industry. It can encompass everything related to movies, including film production, movie theaters, and the overall movie-watching experience.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s go catch a cine tonight, there’s a new blockbuster playing.”
In a discussion about favorite movies, a person might say, “I’m a huge fan of cine from the 80s.”
A film critic might write, “This director has made significant contributions to the world of cine.”

39. Media mogul

A media mogul refers to a person who has significant control or influence over a large portion of the media industry. They are often wealthy individuals or companies that own or operate multiple media outlets, such as newspapers, television networks, or online platforms.

For instance, Rupert Murdoch is considered a media mogul due to his ownership of various media companies.
In a discussion about media consolidation, someone might say, “These media moguls have too much power over the information we receive.”
A journalist might write, “The media mogul’s empire continues to expand with new acquisitions.”

40. Telly

In British slang, “telly” is a colloquial term for television. It is a shortened version of the word and is commonly used in casual conversations or informal settings.

For example, someone might say, “Let’s stay in and watch the telly tonight.”
In a discussion about favorite TV shows, a person might say, “I’ve been binge-watching this new telly series.”
A person might comment on a TV program, “The telly show has a great cast and interesting storyline.”

41. Screen

In the context of media, “screen” refers to a television or computer monitor on which content is displayed. It can also be used as a verb to describe the action of displaying content on a screen.

For example, “I’m going to watch a movie on the big screen tonight.”
In a discussion about streaming services, someone might say, “I prefer watching shows on the small screen of my laptop.”
A tech enthusiast might comment, “The new smartphone has a stunning OLED screen.”

42. Meme

A meme is an image, video, or piece of text that is widely shared and often modified by internet users. Memes are typically humorous and spread rapidly through social media platforms.

For instance, “That cat meme is so funny, it’s been shared thousands of times.”
In a conversation about internet trends, someone might say, “Have you seen the latest meme that’s going viral?”
A social media user might comment, “I can’t stop laughing at all the hilarious memes in my feed.”

43. Clicks

In the context of media, “clicks” refers to the number of times a link or advertisement is clicked by users. It is often used as a metric to measure the success or popularity of online content.

For example, “The article received a high number of clicks, indicating its relevance to readers.”
In a discussion about online marketing, someone might say, “We need to improve our click-through rate to increase website traffic.”
A digital marketer might analyze data and comment, “The campaign generated 1000 clicks in just 24 hours.”

44. Shares

In the context of media, “shares” refers to the act of distributing or reposting content on social media platforms. It is often used as a measure of how widely a piece of content has been spread.

For instance, “The video went viral after receiving thousands of shares on Facebook.”
In a conversation about social media engagement, someone might say, “We need to create shareable content to reach a larger audience.”
A content creator might ask their followers, “If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends.”

45. Likes

In the context of media, “likes” refers to the positive feedback or approval that users can express on social media platforms by clicking a “like” button. It is often used as a measure of popularity or user engagement.

For example, “The photo received hundreds of likes within minutes of being posted.”
In a discussion about social media algorithms, someone might say, “Posts with more likes are more likely to appear in users’ feeds.”
A social media influencer might encourage their followers, “If you enjoy my content, please give it a like to show your support.”

46. Sub

This term refers to subscribing to a specific subreddit or online forum. It indicates that the user wants to receive updates and notifications about new posts and discussions within that community.

For example, “I love cats, so I’m going to sub to r/cats.”
A user might ask, “Which sub should I join for book recommendations?”
Another might say, “I’m already subbed to r/movies, but I’m looking for more film-related subs to join.”

47. DM

A private message sent between two users on a social media platform or messaging app. It allows for more personal and direct communication compared to public comments or posts.

For instance, “I’ll DM you the details of the event.”
A user might ask, “Could you DM me the recipe for that delicious-looking dish?”
Another might say, “I received a DM from a follower asking for advice on starting a blog.”

48. TL;DR

This acronym is used to summarize a lengthy piece of text or a post. It indicates that the person providing the summary did not read the entire content and is providing a condensed version.

For example, “TL;DR: The article discusses the benefits of meditation for mental health.”
A user might comment, “Can someone give me a TL;DR of this thread?”
Another might say, “I usually skip long blog posts, so I appreciate when there’s a TL;DR at the beginning.”

49. Troll

A troll is someone who deliberately posts inflammatory or offensive comments or content online with the intent of provoking an emotional response or disrupting a discussion. Trolling is often done for amusement or to gain attention.

For instance, “Ignore the troll; they’re just trying to get a reaction.”
A user might say, “Don’t feed the trolls. Engaging with them only encourages their behavior.”
Another might comment, “This thread is full of trolls. I’m leaving the discussion.”

50. Influencer

An influencer is someone who has a significant following on social media platforms and is able to impact the opinions, behaviors, and purchasing decisions of their followers. They often collaborate with brands to promote products or services.

For example, “She’s an influencer known for her fashion and beauty content.”
A user might say, “I follow several fitness influencers for workout inspiration.”
Another might comment, “Influencers play a major role in shaping trends and consumer preferences.”

51. Algorithm

In the context of media, an algorithm refers to a set of rules or instructions followed by a computer program to perform a specific task, such as sorting or filtering data. Algorithms are commonly used by social media platforms to determine which content to show users.

For example, “The algorithm on this streaming platform recommends movies based on your viewing history.”
A user might complain, “I don’t like how the algorithm on this website always shows me the same type of articles.”
In a discussion about social media, someone might ask, “Do you think the algorithm favors certain types of posts?”

52. Emoji

An emoji is a small digital image or icon used to express emotions or ideas in electronic communication. Emojis are commonly used in text messages, social media posts, and online conversations to convey feelings or add visual interest to a message.

For instance, “I love pizza 🍕” or “I’m so excited for the weekend 😃”
A user might comment on a funny video with “😂😂😂” to indicate laughter.
In a discussion about texting habits, someone might say, “I use emojis all the time to make sure my tone comes across correctly.”