Decoding Montana’s Top-Searched Slang Words of 2024

Montana’s Hottest Slang Words of 2024: Explained for the Uninitiated

When I was a kid, I'm sure I used plenty of slang words that my parents thought were dumb. It's probably been like this since the beginning of spoken language. And while I consider myself fairly in touch with pop culture, lately I feel like I need a dictionary to translate some of the words my 8 and 12-year-old kids incorporate into their vernacular.

According to Google search data shared by Unscramblerer.com, plenty of Montanans have questions about some of these words that sound like nonsense. Here are the top 10 slang word searches in Big Sky Country for 2024.

@joolieannie #fyp #demure ♬ original sound - Jools Lebron

1. Demure – Traditionally, this meant reserved or modest, but TikTok’s Jools Lebron has remixed it. Thanks to her viral videos, “very demure” now applies to everything from tasteful eyeliner to well-behaved eyebrows. Tell Grandma she’s got “demure vibes” and watch her nod with pride.

2. Sigma – If you’re picturing a lone wolf in a cowboy hat with an unshaven look and a disdain for society, you’re spot on. “Sigma” folks don’t care about fitting in. They’re out there…not needing friends because their vibe screams “I’m enough.” It’s the Montana Mountain Man but with more attitude and probably a bit of flannel.

3. Skibidi – Imagine animated, singing toilets dancing on screen, and somehow it’s *funny*. Montana youth have embraced Skibidi for its sheer absurdity. It’s like a bizarre dance-off between bathroom fixtures. We don't get it either... just roll with it.

4. Aura – Not to be confused with a mystical glow, “aura” is about how awesome you are. Aura points are to teens what bonus miles are to your parents. Got the right aura? You’re the VIP of the high school cafeteria. No aura? Sit at the kid table.

5. Rizz – A critical term in the dating world. If you have “rizz,” you’ve got charm, swagger, and can probably make anyone swoon. No rizz? Well, best to stick to your day job.

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6. Sobriquet – Yes, a real word Montanans are Googling. Just a fancy French term for a nickname, but try throwing it around at the next bonfire. “Y’all can call me by my sobriquet, Lone Trout.” You’ll have ‘em talking.

7. Oeuvre – Usually thrown around by people who want to sound artsy. For most of us, it’s our high school mixtape, but for literature professors, it’s serious business. Next time you’re chatting up someone in an art gallery, just mention Van Gogh’s “oeuvre” – guaranteed to make you look smart.

8. Schmaltz – Perfect for describing those over-the-top country love songs that tug a bit too hard at the heartstrings. Got a friend who cries during Hallmark commercials? Total schmaltz addict.

9. Hawk Tuah – This one’s wild. Thanks to a street interview with Hailey Welch, “hawk tuah” now describes a very…let’s say, *confident* gesture. Whether or not you want to incorporate it into your flirting game is up to you.

10. Katz – Is it a jazz club? Is it a yes? Nope, “katz” is the latest feel-good word. “Katz” is a way to say something’s awesome, or just to confirm. So, if someone asks if you’re heading to Chico for the weekend, just say, “Katz!”

There you have it – your essential guide to understanding the slang terms Montanans can’t get enough of in 2024. Use them wisely – or don't.