What is "doomscrolling" and why is everyone talking about it?

Language evolves rapidly as digital culture and new lifestyle priorities shape how we communicate. Words that started as niche social media slang or internet subculture terms quickly enter everyday speech. Understanding these terms helps you stay connected to modern culture and young at heart. Here are 10 essential words and expressions defining how people talk in the 2020s.

Doomscrolling, a very current activity no matter your age, is the habit of continuously scrolling through negative news stories, depressing social media posts, or troubling headlines on your phone, even when it causes stress or anxiety.

While the term began gaining traction during continuous global news cycles, "doomscrolling" is now a recognized behavioral concept. It describes the mental loop where people feel compelled to consume bad news despite knowing it harms their mood.

If you perform an action, wear a specific outfit, or handle a situation in a way that makes you appear effortlessly cool, calm, or charismatic, you are "farming aura".

Borrowed from video games (where "aura" represents a character’s passive energy or power), "aura farming" means earning social points in real life. Handling a difficult situation with humor or showing unexpected confidence are classic examples of farming aura.

Spending an entire day (or weekend) lying in bed while watching movies, eating snacks, scrolling through social media, and completely resting is nowadays called "bed rotting".

Despite its unappealing name, "bed rotting" emerged on social media as a rejection of hustle culture and constant productivity. It represents guilt-free rest and giving yourself permission to recharge physically and mentally without feeling obligated to accomplish tasks.

A "canon event" is an unavoidable, difficult, or awkward life experience that serves as a defining character-building moment for a person.

The term was originally popularized by the animated movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Eventually, a "canon event" came to refer to inevitable milestones, like getting a bad haircut, failing a driving test, or going through a first breakup, that build resilience and maturity.

People "serve" when they present themselves with exceptional style, confidence, or flair. It means delivering an outstanding appearance ("serving looks") or performance.

The expression was first used in Ballroom culture in the late 20th century. Yet, "serve" went mainstream recently through pop culture and social media, highlighting effortless presentation and high confidence.

You are in a situationship when you make a romantic arrangement that is more than a casual friendship but less than a formal relationship, lacking clear labels, boundaries, or long-term commitments.

As dating norms shift toward flexibility nowadays, "situationship" describes the gray area where two people spend time together, go on dates, and share intimacy without officially defining what they are to each other.

"Based" is a term of praise used when someone expresses an opinion honestly and confidently, regardless of whether it’s popular or controversial.

Originally coined in hip-hop culture by rapper Lil B ("The BasedGod"), "based" means staying true to yourself. If someone speaks their mind without worrying about public opinion or political correctness, people call them "based".

"Rich in life" stems from a lifestyle philosophy that measures success by personal happiness, health, meaningful relationships, and peace of mind rather than monetary wealth or luxury goods.

Reflecting a broader cultural shift toward work-life balance, "rich in life" emphasizes spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, and enjoying simple pleasures instead of working exhausting hours solely for income or prestige.

You enter "monk mode" if you spend a period of time in strict self-discipline, temporary isolation, and deep focus on a single personal or professional goal.

Popularized by entrepreneurs, students, and athletes, entering "monk mode" involves removing distractions like alcohol, social media, and unnecessary socializing. It focuses entirely on productivity, skill development, or health goals.

As the name indicates, a finfluencer is a blend of "financial" and "influencer". In short, it refers to a social media creator who produces content focused on investing, budgeting, real estate, cryptocurrency, or money management.

Millions of people now skip traditional financial advisors and turn to short-form videos for financial counsel. But beware: although many influencers offer helpful tips on saving money, financial experts urge viewers to check qualifications before making investment decisions.

Decoding

Being a "treasured guest" is not a compliment. This is the hidden meaning

Have you ever heard "Code Adam" while shopping for groceries at Walmart? Or maybe you’ve heard how "Dr. Firestone" was being paged during a routine hospital visit. They sound like harmless announcements. But behind these ordinary words are secret codes staff use to signal emergencies without causing panic. From hospitals and supermarkets to airports and Disney Parks, these phrases quietly warn employees that something is happening. You hope you never hear them, but if you do, it helps to know exactly what they mean.

We all love getting special attention at airports or hotel desks, but if you hear the clerk call you a "treasured guest," don’t feel so flattered. You may not be as VIP as one could think.

In the hospitality industry, "treasured guest" has become a humorous bit of industry folklore to describe someone causing trouble. Maybe a customer yelling at staff over expired coupons, demanding impossible accommodations, or throwing a full-blown tantrum at the front desk. Whatever it is, the phrase has become the staff’s secret way to warn co-workers without escalating the situation in front of the customers. Most guests don’t realize the meaning, but once you know it, you may start hearing it more often. We just hope it’s not about you.

Imagine you’re pushing a shopping cart through Walmart when suddenly the overhead speaker announces, "Code Adam." You can easily assume it’s some kind of employee meeting or cleanup request. But when you see them start locking the exits and moving around, you know something’s wrong.

This code was created in 1994 by Walmart in collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), in memory of the tragic case of 6-year-old Adam Walsh. Adam was abducted from a Sears department store in 1981 while shopping with his mother. His father, John Walsh, later became famous for hosting the TV program America’s Most Wanted and advocating for missing children. Even if Adam’s story ended in tragedy, Walmart created the emergency system in Adam’s memory, and other retailers soon adopted it nationwide, intending to have a quick response to missing or abducted children.

You’re sitting in a hospital waiting room during a routine check-up when you suddenly hear "Code Blue, Room 214." Most people immediately know it sounds serious, even if they are not entirely sure why.

The phrase "Code Blue" is used at hospitals to draw the necessary staff and equipment to perform a resuscitation. It was created in the early 1960s at Beathany Medical Center by Dr. Hughes Day. Before then, hospital resuscitations were often chaotic and poorly coordinated. In 1961, Dr. Day received a grant to build one of America’s first cardiac care centers, and he developed both the Code Blue alert system and the modern crash cart to improve survival rates during cardiac emergencies. Today, the system is used in hospitals across the country, sometimes with specialized versions like "Code Blue Pediatric" or "Code Blue Neonate."

Imagine visiting a loved one in the hospital when the intercom calmly announces, "Paging Dr. Firectone to the third floor." Your head surely goes, "Dr. Firestone’s probably having a busy day up there." He is, but it’s not what you think.

The phrase is actually a discreet fire alert used to warn staff about smoke, flames, or overheating equipment without frightening patients and visitors. Hospitals adopted these coded announcements after realizing that openly yelling "fire" over loudspeakers could create panic, especially among patients who aren’t able to move quickly. "Code Red" is an alternative used by many health centers today, but it also hints at the situation while keeping hallways calm.

You’re standing at a checkout counter when the cashier picks up the phone and quietly says, "I need a Code 10 authorization." If you think that’s just another way to get a supervisor’s approval or technical issue, think again. In reality, the cashier may suspect the credit card is stolen or fraudulent.

Code 10 was developed through a cooperative effort between major credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard, along with international standard organizations. As credit cards became more common in the 1960s and 1970s, stores needed a discreet way to alert banks about suspicious activity without directly accusing customers and potentially putting employees at danger. When a cashier requests a Code 10, the bank’s operator begins asking yes-or-no questions to assess the situation and guide the employee on what to do next.

You’ve probably experienced those long airport security lines. The wait is usually uneventful. But sometimes, you can hear "Code Bravo" over the speakers. Maybe it’s a delay, or maybe it’s an issue with luggage. Within seconds, people stop moving, the security line freezes, and exits may even close. It’s something bigger.

Code Bravo is the emergency phrase used by airport security and the Transportation Security Administration to signal a serious security threat, such as an unattended bag, a breach at a checkpoint, or someone slipping into a restricted area. The term comes from the international phonetic alphabet used in aviation and military communications, where "Bravo" represents the letter B. When this is called, security staff immediately lock down affected areas, stop screening lines, and search for the source of the threat. To passengers, it’s sudden and confusing, but to security, it’s a carefully rehearsed response.

You are heading back to your cabin on a cruise ship when the speakers announce, "Code Alpha, Deck 7." You may think Alpha is related to the captain, but that’s not the case. It means someone on board is suffering a medical emergency.

The phrase comes from the NATO phonetic alphabet, where "Alpha" represents the letter A. In maritime emergency jargon, it became shorthand for a Priority A medical situation requiring immediate response. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line commonly use the term, though some ships use variations like repeating "Alpha" three times. Once the code is announced, onboard medical teams rush toward the specified deck or cabin. If necessary, stretcher crews are mobilized, and in severe cases, the ship may even divert course toward the nearest port for emergency evacuation. Passengers are enjoying the views, but the staff is running to save a life.

Anyone who remembers the CB radio craze of the 1970s probably smiles when they hear "10-4." Movies, truckers, and radio fans turned those number codes into a part of American culture. So if you overhear "10-33" on a police scanner, you might assume it’s just another routine message. But it’s not as simple as it sounds.

The 10-code system was first created in 1937 by Illinois State Police communications director Charles Hopper and later standardized by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, better known as APCO. Officers needed short phrases they could understand clearly over crackling radio signals. The 10-33 code commonly means an officer needs emergency assistance. In some departments, it also signals radio silence so dispatchers can focus on the crisis unfolding in real time.

Disney World is amazing, the parks offer something for everyone, and there are things to see wherever you look. But that’s exactly the kind of place where a child can easily disappear into a sea of strollers, balloons, characters, and crowds. For that reason, Disney has developed the "Signal 70," which alerts cast members and security that a child has become separated from their family.

The number comes from older police and emergency radio systems, where "70" was commonly associated with missing persons. Disney adopted the phrase because it allows employees to communicate discreetly without frightening or alarming nearby guests. If a member finds the child, they gently -and magically- escort them to Baby Care Center, where they coordinate the reunion.

Cruises are great to relax, enjoying a good book under the sun with a nice drink by the side. Until you hear "Echo, echo, echo" on the speakers. If you do, something is happening somewhere else on the ship.

The code is used among cruise employees to signal that dangerous winds or a navigational hazard are affecting the ship. It comes from the international maritime phonetic alphabet, where "Echo" stands for the letter E. In maritime signalling, the letter traditionally means "I am altering my course to starboard." And, in time, the phrase became associated with urgent ship maneuvers and weather-related warnings. However urgent, the repetition of the word by three doesn’t represent life-threatening situations. It alerts the crew of a certain hazard to prepare while avoiding panic among passengers.