If you’re an ESL teacher or learner and looking for the best way to teach or learn social media idioms, you’re in the right place! This post gives you 50 of the most popular and useful expressions from the world of Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and more. These idioms are real, current, and used every day in online conversations.
Understanding social media idioms helps learners take part in modern online conversations, react to posts, and understand the tone and style of what others say. These expressions are not just trendy—they’re now a part of common English vocabulary.
This list is perfect for ESL classes that include questions, role-plays, and even group debates about online behavior, trends, and digital culture. Students can use these idioms in real-world settings and feel more confident when posting, commenting, or chatting online.
Each idiom includes clear meanings, real examples, and practice questions. These are great for sparking classroom discussions, writing practice, or even acting out fun role-plays. You can easily turn them into pair work, quizzes, or speaking games.
Whether you’re teaching common expressions related to digital life or helping students understand modern slang, this guide gives you everything in one place—no need to search further.
So, scroll down and explore all 50! Your students will thank you for bringing their English to life with real-world, relatable content.
Table of Contents
1. Binge scroll
Meaning: Mindlessly scroll through social media for hours.
Context: Used when someone spends a lot of time passively browsing posts online.
Examples:
- I lost track of time because I was binge scrolling on TikTok.
- Every night she binge scrolls through her Instagram feed.
- He admitted he binge scrolls instead of going to bed early.
Practice Question:
When was the last time you binge scrolled on your phone?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe spending too much time browsing social media without a goal.
2. Blow up (online)
Meaning: Become suddenly famous or popular online.
Context: Used when a post, person, or video rapidly gains a lot of attention.
Examples:
- Her dance video blew up overnight.
- That tweet blew up and now everyone’s talking about it.
- He blew up on YouTube after one viral prank.
Practice Question:
What kind of post do you think would blow up online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to talk about sudden internet fame or popularity.
3. Break the internet
Meaning: Cause an online frenzy; trend massively.
Context: Used when something causes an extreme reaction or massive attention online.
Examples:
- Beyoncé’s new photo shoot broke the internet.
- That shocking announcement broke the internet last night.
- The celebrity wedding basically broke the internet.
Practice Question:
What kind of news do you think could break the internet?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when something becomes so viral it seems like everyone is talking about it online.
4. Cancel culture
Meaning: Public shaming or boycotting of a person or company.
Context: Used when people stop supporting someone because of something offensive they said or did.
Examples:
- Many celebrities have faced cancel culture.
- He was a victim of cancel culture after his old tweets resurfaced.
- Cancel culture can be very powerful on social media.
Practice Question:
Do you think cancel culture is fair or harmful?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom often relates to online accountability, both positively and negatively.
5. Caught in 4K
Meaning: Caught doing something embarrassing or wrong on camera.
Context: Used when there’s clear video proof of someone’s actions.
Examples:
- He denied it, but he was caught in 4K.
- The thief was caught in 4K stealing the bag.
- She got caught in 4K lying in the group chat.
Practice Question:
Have you ever been caught in 4K doing something funny?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often used humorously when someone is caught clearly on video.
6. Clickbait
Meaning: A misleading headline or thumbnail to get clicks.
Context: Used when online content is designed to attract attention but may not deliver what it promises.
Examples:
- That article was total clickbait.
- Don’t fall for clickbait headlines.
- YouTubers often use clickbait to increase views.
Practice Question:
Have you ever clicked on something that turned out to be clickbait?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom helps describe online tricks to get attention, especially in titles.
7. Clap back
Meaning: Respond sharply to criticism.
Context: Used when someone gives a strong or witty response to an insult or negative comment.
Examples:
- She clapped back at the haters on Twitter.
- That was a savage clap back during the interview.
- He always knows how to clap back online.
Practice Question:
Do you think it’s better to clap back or ignore negative comments?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often used when someone defends themselves cleverly online.
8. Cringe content
Meaning: Posts that are awkward or embarrassing.
Context: Used to describe content that makes people feel uncomfortable or second-hand embarrassment.
Examples:
- His videos are just cringe content now.
- That dance was pure cringe content.
- I had to stop watching—it was so cringe.
Practice Question:
What kind of content do you find cringe-worthy?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe things that make you feel awkward or embarrassed online.
9. Deplatformed
Meaning: Removed or banned from a social media platform.
Context: Used when someone loses access to post or interact on a platform because of their content or behavior.
Examples:
- He got deplatformed for spreading false information.
- Many accounts were deplatformed after the incident.
- The influencer was deplatformed due to repeated policy violations.
Practice Question:
Do you think deplatforming is a good way to control harmful content?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when someone loses their online voice due to violating rules.
10. Do it for the ‘gram
Meaning: Do something just for Instagram content.
Context: Used when someone does something mainly to post about it online.
Examples:
- She’s not really into hiking—she just did it for the ‘gram.
- That restaurant visit was just for the ‘gram.
- He wore that outfit just for the ‘gram.
Practice Question:
Have you ever done something just for the ‘gram?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this to describe actions done mainly to impress or entertain followers online.
11. Double-tap
Meaning: Like a post (especially on Instagram).
Context: Used when someone taps twice on an Instagram photo to show they like it.
Examples:
- I always double-tap her travel photos.
- He double-tapped the meme but didn’t comment.
- That picture was so cute—I had to double-tap.
Practice Question:
What kinds of photos do you usually double-tap?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom refers to liking something on Instagram with a quick gesture.
12. Face reveal
Meaning: Showing your real face publicly for the first time.
Context: Used when an anonymous or faceless person finally shows their face online.
Examples:
- The YouTuber finally did a face reveal after five years.
- Fans were excited about her face reveal on TikTok.
- He teased his face reveal for weeks before posting.
Practice Question:
Why do you think face reveals are so popular?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this to talk about online creators who show their face after being anonymous.
13. Filter bubble
Meaning: Algorithmic content that reinforces beliefs.
Context: Used when online platforms only show content similar to what users already like.
Examples:
- Social media creates filter bubbles that limit diverse opinions.
- He lives in a political filter bubble online.
- Her newsfeed is just one big filter bubble.
Practice Question:
How can filter bubbles affect your view of the world?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when discussing how online content is shaped by algorithms and preferences.
14. Filter face
Meaning: A face altered heavily with beauty filters.
Context: Used when someone looks unrealistically perfect due to filters.
Examples:
- That selfie was total filter face.
- She’s known for always using filter face on her posts.
- People compare themselves to filter face without realizing it’s fake.
Practice Question:
Do you think using filters creates unrealistic beauty standards?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when filters are so strong that the face no longer looks natural.
15. Finsta
Meaning: A fake/private Instagram account.
Context: Used for a more private or honest Instagram account, often shared only with close friends.
Examples:
- She only posts real stuff on her finsta.
- His finsta is way more fun than his main account.
- I created a finsta to post silly selfies.
Practice Question:
Why do you think some people create finstas?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This slang blends “fake” and “Insta” to describe a more private online space.
16. Flex on (someone)
Meaning: Show off or boast online.
Context: Used when someone posts to display their wealth, looks, or success.
Examples:
- He always flexes on his followers with designer clothes.
- Don’t flex on me with your vacation photos!
- She loves to flex on Instagram stories.
Practice Question:
Do you think people should flex online or be more humble?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe someone showing off online, often to make others jealous.
17. Follow in someone’s footsteps
Meaning: Copy someone’s online style or path.
Context: Used when someone imitates another’s content, ideas, or journey.
Examples:
- She followed in her sister’s footsteps and became a beauty vlogger.
- Many TikTokers follow in his footsteps by copying his style.
- He wants to follow in her footsteps and start a gaming channel.
Practice Question:
Is there anyone online you’ve followed in their footsteps?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom can be used for real-life or online situations where someone imitates another person’s success.
18. Ghost someone
Meaning: Disappear from communication without explanation.
Context: Used when someone suddenly stops replying or disappears from messages or chats.
Examples:
- He ghosted me after our last conversation.
- She ghosted all her followers and deleted her account.
- Don’t ghost people—it’s rude.
Practice Question:
Have you ever ghosted someone or been ghosted?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is common in online dating and friendships when one person cuts off communication.
19. Go off
Meaning: Speak passionately or rant online.
Context: Used when someone strongly expresses an opinion, often emotionally or angrily.
Examples:
- She really went off in that comment section.
- He went off about politics on Twitter.
- The influencer went off after receiving hate.
Practice Question:
When is it okay to go off online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when someone expresses strong emotions publicly or online.
20. Go viral
Meaning: Become hugely popular very quickly online.
Context: Used when content spreads rapidly and reaches a large audience.
Examples:
- Her funny video went viral in just two days.
- That meme went viral and got shared everywhere.
- I hope this post goes viral!
Practice Question:
What kind of content do you think goes viral easily?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when talking about fast online fame or sudden internet popularity.
21. Hashtag war
Meaning: Competing posts using specific hashtags.
Context: Used when different groups or users try to dominate a hashtag with their own content or views.
Examples:
- A hashtag war broke out between rival fan bases.
- They started a hashtag war to support different political opinions.
- The brand joined the hashtag war to stay relevant.
Practice Question:
Have you ever followed a hashtag war online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about online battles using trending hashtags.
22. Hit the like button
Meaning: Approve or show support online.
Context: Used to encourage people to like a post on social media platforms.
Examples:
- Don’t forget to hit the like button if you enjoyed the video.
- He asked everyone to hit the like button on his new post.
- I always hit the like button on my friends’ content.
Practice Question:
When do you usually hit the like button on a post?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is often used by influencers to increase engagement.
23. Hot take
Meaning: A bold or controversial opinion.
Context: Used to describe an opinion that’s unexpected or might upset people online.
Examples:
- Her hot take about the movie got a lot of reactions.
- That’s a hot take—I totally disagree!
- He posts hot takes just to get attention.
Practice Question:
Can you share a hot take about social media?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when expressing strong or unpopular opinions online.
24. In your feels
Meaning: Feeling emotional and expressing it online.
Context: Used when someone is deeply emotional, often posting about personal thoughts or sadness.
Examples:
- She posted a long message—definitely in her feels.
- That song put me in my feels.
- He was in his feels after watching that drama.
Practice Question:
What kind of content puts you in your feels?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is great for expressing emotional moments or posts.
25. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: Join a popular trend.
Context: Used when someone follows what others are doing just because it’s popular.
Examples:
- Everyone jumped on the bandwagon with that dance challenge.
- He only bought that phone to jump on the bandwagon.
- She jumped on the bandwagon after the trend went viral.
Practice Question:
What trend did you recently jump on the bandwagon for?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when talking about copying popular trends online.
26. Keyboard warrior
Meaning: Someone who aggressively argues online.
Context: Used for people who act tough or rude online but not in real life.
Examples:
- He’s just a keyboard warrior—never says anything face to face.
- Don’t waste your time with keyboard warriors.
- Social media is full of keyboard warriors.
Practice Question:
Have you ever come across a keyboard warrior?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is used for online-only fighters or critics.
27. Keep it low-key
Meaning: Stay subtle or private online.
Context: Used when someone avoids public attention or flashy posts.
Examples:
- I’m keeping it low-key this weekend—no posts.
- They had a low-key celebration and didn’t post anything.
- She keeps her relationship low-key online.
Practice Question:
When do you prefer to keep things low-key?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when describing a quiet or private approach online.
28. Link in bio
Meaning: A call to action directing people to a profile link.
Context: Used to tell followers to visit the link in someone’s bio for more info or content.
Examples:
- Check out the new video—link in bio!
- I posted all the details in my link in bio.
- Want to sign up? Link’s in my bio!
Practice Question:
Why do influencers often say “link in bio”?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when you want others to find more information on your profile page.
29. Living your best life
Meaning: Portraying an ideal lifestyle on social media.
Context: Used when someone shares photos or posts showing happiness, success, or enjoyment.
Examples:
- She’s traveling every month—really living her best life.
- His vacation pictures scream “living your best life.”
- I’m trying to live my best life this year.
Practice Question:
What does “living your best life” look like to you?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is used to show a happy, successful life—often on Instagram.
30. Lurk
Meaning: Browse social media without engaging.
Context: Used when someone watches or reads content without liking, commenting, or posting.
Examples:
- I just lurk on Reddit—I never post.
- She lurks on Instagram but never interacts.
- He’s always lurking but never joins the conversation.
Practice Question:
Do you ever just lurk on social media without commenting?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when you observe online activity quietly without participating.
31. Main (account)
Meaning: One’s main or public social media profile.
Context: Used to refer to the primary social media account someone uses openly.
Examples:
- I post all my travel pics on my main.
- She only follows celebrities on her main account.
- He keeps it professional on his main.
Practice Question:
What do you usually share on your main account?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom helps differentiate between public and private online identities.
32. Mute someone
Meaning: Silence someone’s posts without unfollowing.
Context: Used when someone doesn’t want to see another person’s updates but stays connected.
Examples:
- I had to mute him—he posts way too much.
- She muted her coworker to avoid drama.
- You can just mute someone instead of unfollowing.
Practice Question:
Why might you mute someone on social media?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is useful for polite ways to manage your feed.
33. Post and ghost
Meaning: Post something and then go offline.
Context: Used when someone shares content and disappears without interacting.
Examples:
- He always posts and ghosts—never replies to comments.
- She posted a big update and ghosted.
- Don’t just post and ghost, reply to your followers.
Practice Question:
Do you ever post and ghost on your social media?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this to describe people who share without engaging.
34. Put (someone) on blast
Meaning: Publicly criticize or call someone out.
Context: Used when someone is shamed or exposed publicly online.
Examples:
- She put him on blast for lying.
- The comments section put the brand on blast.
- He got put on blast for copying content.
Practice Question:
Have you ever seen someone put on blast online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is strong—use it for serious public criticism.
35. Ratioed
Meaning: Receive more negative replies than likes.
Context: Used when a post is unpopular, especially on Twitter/X.
Examples:
- That opinion got ratioed so fast.
- He posted a hot take and got ratioed.
- You’ll get ratioed if you post that.
Practice Question:
Why do some posts get ratioed online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom signals social disapproval of a post.
36. Reel it in
Meaning: Share a short-form video (Instagram Reels, etc.).
Context: Used when someone uploads or shares a short video.
Examples:
- I just reeled it in—go check my new dance video.
- She reels it in every week with fun content.
- They reeled it in with a cooking tip.
Practice Question:
Have you ever created a reel or short video?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom connects to video-sharing culture on platforms like Instagram.
37. Scroll through
Meaning: Browse a social media feed.
Context: Used when someone casually looks through posts online.
Examples:
- I scrolled through TikTok for an hour.
- She likes to scroll through before bed.
- He scrolls through news updates on Twitter.
Practice Question:
How often do you scroll through social media each day?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom when describing light, passive online activity.
38. Slide into the DMs
Meaning: Send someone a private message.
Context: Used when someone privately contacts another, often for flirting or networking.
Examples:
- He slid into her DMs after seeing her story.
- I’ll slide into their DMs with the offer.
- Don’t be afraid to slide into DMs for help.
Practice Question:
When is it okay to slide into someone’s DMs?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe casual or bold private messaging.
39. Social butterfly
Meaning: A very socially active person online.
Context: Used for people who frequently interact and post online.
Examples:
- She’s a real social butterfly—always commenting.
- He’s the social butterfly of our group chat.
- Social butterflies know all the online drama.
Practice Question:
Would you consider yourself a social butterfly online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom fits those who are friendly and active across platforms.
40. Spill the tea
Meaning: Share gossip or news.
Context: Used when someone shares juicy or exciting updates.
Examples:
- Come on, spill the tea already!
- She spilled the tea about the breakup.
- I have some tea to spill—guess what happened.
Practice Question:
What’s the last bit of “tea” you heard online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this fun idiom when sharing or asking for gossip.
41. Story time
Meaning: Introduction to a personal anecdote or confession.
Context: Used to signal that a personal or dramatic story is about to be shared online.
Examples:
- Story time: You won’t believe what happened at the airport.
- She always starts her vlogs with “Story time!”
- He posted a “Story time” about quitting his job.
Practice Question:
Have you ever posted a “Story time” moment on social media?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this phrase when you’re about to share a personal or exciting experience.
42. Tag along
Meaning: Join in with someone’s post or trend.
Context: Used when someone joins a challenge or viral trend others are already doing.
Examples:
- I decided to tag along with the latest dance trend.
- He tagged along with her makeup challenge video.
- They tagged along with the trending meme.
Practice Question:
What’s a trend you’ve tagged along with recently?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom shows you’re participating in something others are already doing.
43. Tag someone
Meaning: Mention or link someone in a post or photo.
Context: Used when identifying someone in social media content.
Examples:
- Don’t forget to tag me in the group photo.
- I tagged my friends in the comment section.
- She tagged her coach in the workout post.
Practice Question:
Who do you usually tag in your social media posts?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when you want someone to be notified or associated with a post.
44. Thirst trap
Meaning: A post meant to attract attention, usually suggestive.
Context: Used when someone posts a photo or video to get compliments or admiration.
Examples:
- That gym selfie was definitely a thirst trap.
- She posted a thirst trap after the breakup.
- He knows how to set a thirst trap.
Practice Question:
Why do you think people post thirst traps?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom is playful and often used humorously or casually.
45. Throw shade
Meaning: Subtly criticize someone.
Context: Used when someone makes an indirect but noticeable negative comment.
Examples:
- Did you hear her throw shade in that tweet?
- He threw shade at his ex in that video.
- No need to throw shade—just be direct.
Practice Question:
Can you think of a time someone threw shade online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom helps describe subtle insults or negative comments.
46. Trendsetter
Meaning: A person who starts or spreads online trends.
Context: Used to describe influential users who begin viral movements.
Examples:
- She’s a fashion trendsetter on TikTok.
- He became a trendsetter with his editing style.
- Every time she posts, it becomes a trend—true trendsetter.
Practice Question:
Do you know any trendsetters on social media?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this for someone whose actions or posts influence others.
47. Troll someone
Meaning: Intentionally provoke or upset people online.
Context: Used when someone posts to annoy or anger others.
Examples:
- Don’t feed the trolls—they want attention.
- He loves to troll people in the comment section.
- She got trolled after her opinion post.
Practice Question:
What should you do if someone trolls you online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Be cautious with this idiom—it refers to rude or harmful online behavior.
48. Unfollow drama
Meaning: Conflict or gossip from unfollowing someone.
Context: Used when relationships get tense due to someone being unfollowed.
Examples:
- There was major unfollow drama after the breakup.
- She noticed the unfollow and started drama.
- Unfollow drama isn’t worth your peace.
Practice Question:
Why does unfollowing someone sometimes cause drama?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
This idiom shows how even small online actions can cause real emotional reactions.
49. Unfriend
Meaning: Remove someone from your online friend list.
Context: Used when ending a digital friendship by cutting the connection.
Examples:
- I had to unfriend him after the argument.
- She unfriended half of her contacts last week.
- He noticed I unfriended him and messaged me.
Practice Question:
When is it okay to unfriend someone online?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this when you’re talking about ending a connection on platforms like Facebook.
50. Vibe check
Meaning: Assess the mood or tone of a post or person.
Context: Used to ask if someone or something has a good emotional energy.
Examples:
- That post? Major vibe check fail.
- He passed the vibe check with that comment.
- Time for a quick vibe check—how’s everyone feeling?
Practice Question:
What’s something that always passes your vibe check?
Quick Tip for ESL Students:
Use this idiom to describe whether something feels right or gives good energy.
Conclusion
Bringing social media idioms into your ESL classroom is one of the most engaging and relevant ways to connect students with real-life English. These expressions reflect the language people actually use online every day.
By exploring them through conversations, role-plays, vocabulary practice, and debate, students can build both fluency and cultural understanding.
Whether you’re working with teens, young adults, or professionals, these idioms offer a powerful way to build confident, modern English speakers.
So, bookmark this resource, print it out, or use it in your next lesson plan—because teaching today’s English means teaching the language of the internet, too.
FAQs: Teaching Social Media Idioms in ESL Classes
Why should I teach social media idioms in an ESL class?
Because they’re part of everyday English now. Your students hear them in YouTube videos, social posts, and conversations. Knowing these idioms makes them feel more connected and confident in modern English.
Are social media idioms appropriate for all age groups?
Most are! Just choose the ones that match your students’ age and maturity. You can skip idioms like “thirst trap” for younger students and focus on friendlier ones like “hit the like button” or “go viral.”
How can I introduce these idioms in class?
Start with a few each week. Use pictures, short dialogues, or real posts from social media (keep it school-friendly). Let students guess the meaning, then explain and give examples.
Can I use role-plays with these idioms?
Absolutely! Role-plays are a great way to practice idioms in real situations. Try scenarios like influencers talking to fans, friends texting about a viral post, or students giving “hot takes” on trends.
Do these idioms help with listening skills too?
Yes. Students will often hear these idioms in songs, vlogs, or TV shows. If they recognize them, they’ll understand the conversation better and feel more fluent.
Are these idioms just slang?
Not exactly. Some are slang, but many have become common expressions in modern English. They’re widely used, and understanding them is key to being part of digital conversations.
What kind of activities work best with this idiom list?
Use conversation questions, matching games, mini debates, or even ask students to write posts using five idioms. Creativity makes the learning stick!
Can I use this list with advanced learners?
Yes! Even high-level students enjoy exploring idioms they hear but don’t fully understand. Plus, it helps them sound more natural and up-to-date.
How can I assess students’ use of social media idioms?
Try short writing tasks (e.g., “Write a post that might break the internet”) or speaking tasks (e.g., “Explain a trend using three idioms”). It’s fun and shows how well they’re using what they’ve learned.
What if I’m not active on social media myself?
No problem! This guide gives you everything you need. Use the examples, questions, and practice tips to confidently teach these idioms without needing to scroll all day.
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