What is the meaning of YNS on TikTok? Viral slang sparks controversy among users

TikTok is notorious for its use of viral language, which often can only be understood by those who use the platform. Its latest slang term, “YNS,”is no exception.

Although “YNS”is not commonly utilized in formal writing, the slang term, which stands for “youth,”has gained popularity on TikTok.

Even as the slang becomes more common in everyday conversations, numerous TikTokers have still shown dislike towards those deemed YNS.

The TikTok video posted by user ‘milesbaguette’ gained popularity for his account of going to the cinema alone and being surrounded by a group of YNS, aged 16 and 17.

Upon seeing the group of teenagers, who were younger than him, the TikToker was deeply disturbed when they started cackling at him while he was alone. However, he was even more upset by the fact that he felt unable to respond due to their young age.

@milesbaguette
no more new rock city

♬ original sound – baguette

Jonathannyc, a user on social media, decided to share his perspective on the slang by creating a scenario from the point of view of an Uber driver who had to transport a YNS.

As the YNS got into their car, the TikToker warmly greeted them. However, they were immediately met with disrespect. “I don’t care about any of that stuff, man. Just drive the car,”the YNS replied rudely.

Despite being staged, the YNS continued to give orders to the TikToker and even blew smoke in his face while he was driving.

@jonathannyc Them YN’s be outta control #jonathannyc #fyp #nyc #yn #fypシ゚viral #xyzabc #teamwork ♬ original sound – jonathannyc

“One commenter noted, ‘Not all of them yns are criminals, some are just straight up villains.’”

A different TikTok, shared by the user ‘wn.khi,’ captured a police car that failed to react as a group of young males hung out of the windows of a passing vehicle.

@wn.khi This aint my video Lmfaoooooo dem yns got 12 freezing up😂😂#fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #yns #viral #foryoupage #fypツviral #foryo ♬ original sound – WN.Khi

“In his video, he wrote that he wants absolutely nothing to do with the YNS. Viewers found the TikTok to be humorous and commented on the “wild”nature of the YNS.”

While this term may be unfamiliar on the platform, other slang terms that have become popular within the TikTok community include “SPWN,” which stands for “stop playing with me,” and “MYF,” an abbreviation for “my fault.”