Unlock the power of TikTok to boost your e-commerce success! In the fast-paced world of social media, staying ahead of trends is crucial. Dive into our guide on the top 10 TikTok slang terms that every e-commerce entrepreneur needs to know. From "FYP" to "duet," these terms aren't just buzzwords—they're keys to engaging with Gen Z and millennials, driving traffic, and increasing sales. Don't miss out on this opportunity to speak the language of your audience and elevate your brand's online presence!
10 Must-Know E-Commerce TikTok Slang Terms
1. WLYA (Wearing Now Link in Account Bio)
This term is a handy way for creators to direct viewers to their account bio, where they usually have a link to their online store or affiliate links for the products they're wearing.
2. Periodt (Period!)
This is used to add emphasis, similar to "period," but often said in a sassy or confident way. Brands can use it to add some personality to their captions or to show off what makes their product special.
3. Fire (Amazing)
Fire is a synonym for "amazing" or "cool" and is used to describe products that viewers find particularly appealing.
4. E-Girl/E-Boy
The "e-girl/e-boy" aesthetic featuring colorful hair, crop tops, and an edgy online persona is a major youth culture trend on TikTok that brands may want to tap into.
5. Living My Best Life
This phrase is used to express satisfaction or enjoyment, often in reference to a product that has made life better for the user. Brands can use this trend to show how their products can help customers live a certain lifestyle.
6. No Cap (No Lie)
"No cap" is a way of saying "no lie" or "for real." It can be used in reviews to assure viewers that a product is as good as it seems.
7. Thrifted (Bought Second-Hand)
Thrifting is really popular among Gen Z, and you'll see a lot of TikTok videos featuring users showing off their thrifted finds. E-commerce businesses selling sustainable or vintage products can really benefit from this trend.
8. Fitspo (Outfit Inspiration)
"Fitspo" is short for "outfit inspiration" and is used for videos showcasing stylish outfits. Brands can use this trend to create outfit inspiration videos featuring their products.
9. Wet (Looking Great)
This is a slang term used to compliment someone's outfit or appearance. Brands can use it in captions or comments to show appreciation to their customers.
10. CC (Coupon Code)
CC stands for "coupon code" and is often used by creators to promote discounts on products. Businesses can partner with influencers to create videos that include their CC.
Leveraging TikTok Slang for ECommerce Success
Targeted Marketing: Speaking the language of Gen Z goes beyond mere words. By incorporating relevant slang terms into ad campaigns or product descriptions, your brand instantly bridges the gap and appears more relatable. Imagine using "fire" to describe a new product or including a "WLYA" (wearing now, link in bio) in an ad – it instantly positions your brand as someone who "gets" them.
Staying Updated: The key to success is fluency, not memorization. Slang is a living language, constantly evolving. Staying on top of current trends ensures your brand doesn't come across as outdated or inauthentic. Think of it like keeping your finger on the pulse of the conversation – using terms that are no longer relevant is like referencing yesterday's meme.
Community Engagement: Understanding slang isn't a one-way street. Being able to respond to comments using relevant terms shows you're actively listening. Imagine replying to a viewer's comment about a product with a simple "shook (amazed)" – it fosters a sense of community and genuine interaction. This can be further amplified by creating hashtag challenges using trending slang or responding to viral trends in a way that feels natural. By speaking their language, you become part of the conversation, not just a brand shouting from the sidelines.
Case Studies of TikTok Slang in E-Commerce
1. Gymshark (#Gymshark66 Challenge):
- Slang: Gains, Shredding
- Strategy: Fitness apparel brand Gymshark launched the "#Gymshark66" challenge, encouraging users to document their 66-day fitness journeys with a chance to win prizes.
- Results: Over 1.8 billion views, website traffic surge. Gen Z resonated with the slang-filled challenge, using terms like "gains" to describe muscle growth and "shredding" for fat loss.
2. Elf Cosmetics (#EyesLipsFace Challenge):
- Slang: On Fleek, Poppin'
- Strategy: The beauty brand launched a catchy song mentioning their products within the "#EyesLipsFace" challenge. The song used slang like "on fleek" for looking perfect and "poppin'" for standing out.
- Results: 5 billion views, 20% sales boost. This campaign resonated with viewers using the trendy slang, leading to massive brand engagement and a significant sales increase.
3. Duolingo (#SpanishChallenge):
- Slang: Shook (Amazed)
- Strategy: The language learning app Duolingo capitalized on the "learn Spanish" trend with a humorous skit portraying someone "shook" (amazed) after accidentally ordering tacos in Spanish.
- Results: Millions of views, increased app downloads. This relatable and humorous approach using trending slang like "shook" resonated with viewers, driving app downloads.
4. Crocs (#ClassicClogChallenge):
- Slang: Fire (Amazing)
- Strategy: Once considered unfashionable, Crocs embraced their ironic popularity with the "#ClassicClogChallenge" featuring celebrities decorating their clogs. Viewers used terms like "fire" to describe the unique designs.
- Results: Increased brand awareness, sales spike. This self-aware campaign leveraged the "fire" slang to showcase the fun side of Crocs, leading to a surge in brand awareness and sales.
5. Aerie (#AerieReal Role Models):
- Slang: Salty (Upset)
- Strategy: Focusing on body positivity, Aerie launched the "#AerieReal Role Models" campaign featuring unedited models. They addressed "salty" (upset) comments about unrealistic beauty standards.
- Results: Improved brand image, customer loyalty boost. By using slang like "salty" to acknowledge customer concerns and promote inclusivity, Aerie fostered trust and brand loyalty.
6. Dr. Squatch (#SquatchLife Challenge):
- Slang: Bae (Favorite)
- Strategy: This natural soap brand launched the "#SquatchLife Challenge" encouraging men to ditch their drugstore body wash. The campaign playfully used "bae" to describe their product as someone's favorite.
- Results: Viral success, significant sales growth. The lighthearted use of slang like "bae" resonated with Gen Z, leading to viral success and a boost in sales.
7. Invisalign (#MillennialMouth Challenge):
- Slang: Adulting (Responsibilities)
- Strategy: The clear aligner brand Invisalign targeted millennials with the "#MillennialMouth Challenge" highlighting the struggles of "adulting" (responsibilities) and taking care of your teeth.
- Results: Increased brand awareness among a key demographic. By using the relatable slang "adulting," Invisalign connected with their target audience and raised brand awareness.
8. ColourPop Cosmetics (#FilterFree Challenge):
- Slang: Shook (Amazed)
- Strategy: Highlighting their products' ability to achieve flawless skin, ColourPop launched the "#FilterFree Challenge" where users showcased their makeup routines. The campaign emphasized how "shook" viewers would be by the results.
- Results: Increased sales, social media buzz. The use of trending slang like "shook" created a sense of intrigue and drove sales of their makeup products.
9. Fashion Nova (Influencer Collaborations):
- Slang: Obsessed (Loving Something)
- Strategy: Fashion Nova consistently partners with popular TikTok influencers who use slang like "obsessed" to describe the brand's trendy clothing.
- Results: Increased brand awareness, high sales conversion. By partnering with trusted influencers who speak the language of Gen Z, Fashion Nova leverages slang for effective marketing.
Best Practices of E-Commerce TikTok Slang
- Authenticity is Key: Don't force it! While trendy slang can catch attention, using it inauthentically can backfire. Use slang terms that align with your brand voice and target audience.
- Focus on Value, Not Just Buzzwords: Slang is a tool, not the main attraction. Use it to highlight product benefits and features in an engaging way.
- Leverage Trending Hashtags: Many e-commerce slang terms have corresponding hashtags. Utilize relevant hashtags to increase your video's discoverability.
