What does YNS mean on TikTok? Viral slang “horrifies” users

TikTok is notorious for viral language that only its avid users can understand, and the app’s latest slang, “YNS,” is no different.

Though “YNS” isn’t typically used in formal writing, the slang, meaning “youngins’,” has become popular on TikTok. This should not be confused with “Y/Ns,” which stands for “Your Names.”

Despite the slang evolving into everyday conversations, many TikTok users have expressed disdain for those considered YNS.

TikToker ‘milesbaguette’ went viral on the app for explaining how he went to the movies by himself and was surrounded by a group of 16 and 17-year-old YNS. 

He said he was “horrified” when the teenagers, who were younger than him, began cackling when they saw him alone. But what really set the TikToker off was that he felt he couldn’t say anything back because the group was so young.

User ‘jonathannyc’ shared his take on the slang by creating the POV of an Uber driver who had to drive a YNS around.

As the YNS entered his car, the TikToker kindly greeted them. However, they were met with immediate disrespect. “I don’t care about none of that sh*t, bro. Be quiet and drive the car,” the YNS said.

Though it was staged, the YNS proceeded to bark orders at the TikToker and even blew smoke in his face while he was driving.

“Some of them yns ain’t even criminals they straight up villains,” wrote one viewer in the comments.

Another viral TikTok, posted by user ‘mbf_dae,’ showed the user expressing their frustration in being considered a YNS.

“Me when I realize I’m a YNS,” he wrote with a broken heart emoji. The song lyrics, “let it all work out” were also playing in the background.

“Hard realization fr,” a viewer commented. “Me too man,” added another.

Though this term is new to the platform, other slang words that have grown on the TikTok community include “SPWN,” which means “stop playing with me” as well as “MYF,” short for “my fault.”