Salty
Resurrected🪃BoomerangDefinition
Being upset, bitter, or resentful about something, often in a petty way. 'She's salty about losing' = she's being a poor sport. Has been around since the 1930s but resurged in gaming/internet culture.
Translation for Parents
It means bitter or upset in a petty way. 'He's salty because I won' = he's being a sore loser. This word has existed in some form since before your grandparents were born. It's one of the most enduring slang terms in English. Truly immortal.
Examples
“She's so salty I got a better grade”
“She's bitterly upset that I got a higher grade than her”
“Don't be salty just because you lost”
“Don't be a poor sport about losing”
Cringe Score
Safe to use
Calling someone 'salty' is safe across all generations. Your grandmother would understand this. Your grandchild will too. It's legacy slang.
Category
insult
Peak
2015-01
Last Verified
2026-02-25
Sources
editorial, urban_dictionary