Why Do Kids Say This? Understanding 2025 Internet Culture for Kids
Discover the meaning behind popular kid phrases like “It’s giving,” “Be for real,” and “I can’t deal.” Learn how internet culture shapes emotional intelligence and communication in children with Early Brilliance.
Kids today live in a world where schoolyard phrases, memes, TikTok trends, and online jokes spread faster than we can blink. One moment your child is saying “slay,” the next they’re asking you if you know what “delulu” means — and you’re left wondering if you missed a meeting somewhere.
At Early Brilliance, we love exploring how kids learn, communicate, and express themselves. And internet language is a huge part of that.
So let’s dive into the most common “Why do kids say…?” questions of 2025 — and what these little phrases really mean for learning, emotional intelligence, and communication.
1. “Why do kids say ‘I can’t deal’?”
This phrase has become a go-to expression for kids who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated.
It usually means:
- “This is too much for me right now.”
- “I’m stressed but don’t know how to explain it.”
- “Something is funny, surprising, or dramatic.”
- What parents can teach:
Turn the phrase into a learning moment. Help your child switch from dramatic expression to real communication:
- “Are you overwhelmed or excited?”
- “Let’s name the feeling behind it.”
This builds self-awareness, a core emotional intelligence skill.
2. “Why do kids say ‘It’s giving…’?”
This phrase is everywhere.
Kids use it to describe a vibe or impression of something:
- “It’s giving confidence.”
- “It’s giving main character.”
- “It’s giving chaos.”
This is actually a form of creative communication. Kids are learning to analyze what something feels like — not just what it is.
- Teach the skill:
Ask: “What makes you say that?”
This helps kids develop critical thinking and clearer expression.
3. “Why do kids say ‘Be for real’?”
A playful way of saying: “No way, is that true?”
Kids use it when something sounds unbelievable or funny.
- Help them grow:
Show them how to ask clarifying questions in a kinder, more thoughtful way.
Communication matters — tone matters too.
4. “Why do kids say ‘Low-key’ and ‘high-key’?”
These words help kids express how strongly they feel about something.
- Low-key: quietly, a little
- High-key: openly, a lot
This is actually emotional vocabulary — just modern.
- Teach emotional language:
Let them mix the trendy language with real feelings:
“I low-key feel nervous” → “I feel a little nervous.”
This bridges internet slang and emotional intelligence.
5. “Why do kids say ‘I did a thing’?”
A playful way to show pride, embarrassment, or excitement about something new.
It’s often used when kids:
- Achieve a small goal
- Try something different
- Take creative risks
How to support:
- Celebrate the moment!
- Use it to talk about personal growth and confidence building.
6. “Why do kids say ‘That’s so me’?”
Kids use this to say “I relate to this deeply.”
It’s a sign of growing identity and self-awareness — they’re learning what feels true to who they are.
- Help them explore identity:
Ask:
“What part of that is like you?”
“Does it show your values or personality?”
These questions build strong communication and self-understanding skills.
7. “Why do kids say ‘I’m him / I’m her’?”
This trend means: “I did something really well” or “I’m proud of myself.”
Kids use it for:
- Winning games
- Finishing school work
- Perfecting a skill
It’s playful confidence — nothing wrong with that!
- Teach balance:
Confidence + humility is a powerful combo.
Help them learn how to acknowledge others’ success too.
8. Why Internet Culture Matters for Kids
Before we dismiss slang, let’s understand something important:
- Internet language is part of modern communication.
- Kids use it to connect, belong, and express themselves.
- And beneath every phrase is a chance to teach a skill.
Slang can help kids build:
- Emotional intelligence
- Confidence
- Decision-making (when to use certain phrases)
This is the heart of Early Brilliance — meeting kids where they already are.
Final Word: Slang Can Be a Learning Opportunity
Instead of shutting down these “internet language moments,” we can use them to:
✔ Understand our kids better
✔ Strengthen their communication skills
✔ Teach emotional vocabulary
✔ Encourage healthy expression
✔ Spark conversations about what they’re feeling
Kids are not just speaking in trends —
They’re finding their voice in a digital world.
And with guidance, that voice can become confident, kind, and brilliant.

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