Off the chain: A look at the language of local teenagers

It's as much a language as English or French.

There are those that are fluent in it, but to some it might as well be Greek.

It changes with every passing generation, influenced by world events and culture of all kinds. We're talking about teenage slang.

According to Webster's Dictionary, slang is defined by "an informal non-standard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced or facetious figures of speech."

High school students have developed a jargon, a kind of language that only they really understand. They take the phrases from every part of life -- from television programs, movies and certain celebrities.

And just like fashion and other aspects of pop cultures, the slang is constantly evolving.

Here's a taste of the talk local teens are talking right now:

"Props"

Translation: respect and/or recognition

Origin: Short for proper as in "proper respect"

"Off the chain"

Translation: "I'm cool/I'm the best"

Origin: Hip hop artist Twiztid

"Da bomb"

Translation: The best

Origin: The phrase was originally used by drug dealers to describe their stash.

"Tizzite"

Translation: Tight

Origin: Describes something particularly enjoyable or awesome.

"Keep it Real"

Translation: Be cool

Origin: Dave Chappelle's stand up comedy.

"Phat"

Translation: Cool.

Origin: Originated with Jazz musicians to describe sounds

"Bootylicious"

Translation: Gorgeous.

Origin: The 1992 song "Dre Day" performed by Dr. Dre.

"Bling"

Translation: Flashy and extravagant jewelry and accessories.

Origin: Created by The Cash Money Millionaires in their song "Bling-Bling"