ON FLEEK
Meaning amazing, impeccable; originated by Vine user Peaches Monroe (to praise her eyebrows) and popularized by Ariana Grande, who sang it on MTV in August.
THOT
An acronym for “that ho over there”; R&B singer Wash titled his recent French Montana-assisted single “Can’t Trust Thots.”
French Montana Talks New Album, Kanye and Media Attention on His Relationship With Khloe Kardashian
NORMCORE
A style in which one purposely wears dull, average clothing, often in 1990s silhouettes (think Seinfeld); artists labeled as “normcore” include Calvin Harris and Dev Hynes.
Album Review: Calvin Harris’ ‘Motion’ Plays It Safe With Radio-Ready Cuts and It-Girl Guest Stars
BAE
An affectionate term to describe a significant other; Pharrell Williams first adopted the word for “Come Get It Bae” (featuring Miley Cyrus), which hit No. 23 on the Hot 100.
Pharrell Williams’ 20 Biggest Billboard Hits
OR NAH
A term added to the end of a sentence to say “or not” — but in a cooler way; mainstreamed by Ty Dolla $ign, whose hit “Or Nah” reached No. 12 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
Ty Dolla $ign Brings His Carefree Party to New York City: Live Review
PULLING A BEYONCE
To release something without providing any warning, as Beyoncé did with her self-titled album in December 2013; Azealia Banks, Kid Cudi, Jaden Smith and Skrillex followed her lead with their own surprise LPs this year.
This article first appeared in the Dec. 20 issue of Billboard.