Tea

Online, tea refers to gossip. “Spilling the tea” is another way of saying “spilling the beans”.

What does it mean to spill the tea?

In slang, "tea" is a term used to refer to gossip or inside information. It is often used in the phrase "spill the tea" or "serve the tea," which means to share juicy or exclusive details about a situation or person.

In African American Vernacular English (AAVE), "tea" is used as slang to refer to gossip, news, or personal information. The origin of the term is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the LGBTQ+ community and then spread to other aspects of African American culture before being adopted by mainstream culture. The term "spilling tea" is often used to describe the act of sharing gossip or revealing personal information.

Where does the saying “spill the tea” come from?

The origin of the term "tea" is believed to have roots in African American Vernacular English and has become popular across various social media platforms.

One theory is that "tea" is an acronym for "truth" or "the truth”. The term was used as a shorthand for sharing information or gossip that was considered to be true. Another theory is that "tea" is a reference to the idea of "spilling the tea," meaning to reveal something that was previously hidden or kept secret.

Regardless of its origin, the term "tea" has become a popular slang term in various communities, particularly among young people and Gen Zs. It is widely used on social media and in everyday conversations. The term has also been adopted in popular culture, with celebrities and influencers often using the term when discussing gossip or revealing information about their lives.

How do you use “Tea” in a sentence?

Here are a couple of examples of how the term "tea" can be used in a sentence:

• "Can you spill the tea and tell me what's been going on with you?"

• "She always has the best tea, I can't wait to hear what she has to say."