Tea

Contextual Example:
“Did you hear the tea about their breakup?”

Synonyms / Related Terms:

• Dish
• Gossip
• Juice

Alternate Spellings / Variations:

• Spill tea
• Sipping tea

History & Evolution:
Derived from “T” in drag culture (short for “truth”). Meme culture adapted it into “tea” for gossip. Viral talk show segments and reaction videos helped popularize it.

Cultural Relevance:
Captures Gen Z’s love for drama updates. “Tea” indicates a playful or scandalous reveal, especially on social platforms like Twitter or YouTube drama channels.

Practical Usage:

• Appropriateness & Tone: Informal, fun. Works in marketing if focusing on lighthearted revelations.
• Platform Popularity: Widespread on all major socials.
• Trend Status: Staple slang for gossip.

Dos and Don’ts:

• Do use it playfully to share juicy stories or fun news.
• Don’t treat serious or sensitive topics as “tea” if they deserve a more respectful approach.

Common Misconceptions:

• Not about actual tea (the drink)—it’s about gossip or big news.

Example in Pop Culture or Media:

• YouTube drama channels always say, “Spill the tea,” and include teacup emojis.