Tea

What is tea in slang?

Tea is a popular slang term used to refer to gossip, juicy information, or the revealing of secrets. 

When someone says they have "tea" or asks "what's the tea?", they're typically looking for the latest gossip or inside information on a situation or person. 

The expression "spilling the tea" is equivalent to "spilling the beans" – sharing information that might be private, controversial, or particularly interesting. 

In today's social media landscape, tea has become a staple expression for content creators and social media influencers who build engagement around sharing information.

Origin of tea as slang

The slang use of "tea" originated in LGBTQ+ and Black drag culture during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly in the Southern United States. 

It gained mainstream popularity through shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race" and eventually became widespread on social media platforms. 

There are several theories about the term's exact origins:

• One theory suggests "tea" is derived from the letter "T" in "truth" – referring to someone sharing their truth or the actual facts of a situation
• Another theory connects it to the gossip sessions that would happen during afternoon tea gatherings
• Some believe it originated from the physical act of sipping tea while engaging in gossip

The term was further popularized by Black women on reality TV shows in the early 2000s and eventually made its way into broader social media culture, where it continues to evolve.

Types of tea in social media conversations

In the context of social media communication, different "strengths" or types of tea are often referenced:

Hot tea

Hot tea refers to fresh, breaking gossip that's particularly juicy or scandalous. When someone has "hot tea," they have information that's recent, relevant, and potentially explosive.

Content creators often use phrases like "I have some HOT tea to spill" in their captions to generate anticipation and engagement.

Good tea

Good tea is gossip that's interesting, entertaining, and worth sharing. It might not be as shocking as hot tea, but it's still compelling enough to capture audience attention and generate conversation in comment sections or social media engagement.

Weak tea

Weak tea refers to gossip that's either already widely known, not particularly interesting, or potentially untrue. When social media accounts share "weak tea," they risk losing credibility with their audience.

How to use tea in a sentence?

The term "tea" is versatile in its usage across social media conversations. Here are some common ways the term is used:

• "Spill the tea": A request for someone to share gossip or information
• "What's the tea?": Asking for the latest news or gossip
• "That's the tea": Confirming that what was just said is the truth
• "I've got some tea": Indicating you have gossip to share
• "Sipping tea": Watching drama unfold without getting involved

Across different social media platforms, tea-related slang may appear in different formats. On Twitter (X), it might be part of a thread, while on TikTok, creators might use the term in video captions to tease upcoming content reveals.

Tea across different social media platforms

The use of tea slang varies slightly across different platforms:

Instagram and tea

On Instagram, influencers often use tea-related hashtags to categorize gossip content. The platform's Stories feature is particularly popular for "spilling tea" as it allows for quick, time-sensitive updates that create a sense of urgency and exclusivity. 

Many influencers use the "Close Friends" feature to share premium tea with their most engaged followers, creating a tiered system of information sharing.

TikTok and tea

TikTok has embraced tea culture with dedicated sounds, effects, and trends centered around gossip sharing. 

The platform's algorithmic feed means that particularly juicy tea can quickly go viral, reaching millions of viewers within hours. Users often incorporate tea-sipping gestures or actual teacups as visual props when sharing gossip, creating a recognizable visual language around the slang term.

Twitter/X and tea

On Twitter/X, tea is often shared in the form of threads or cryptic tweets that hint at information without explicitly stating it. 

The platform's real-time nature makes it ideal for breaking tea, with trending topics often centered around the latest celebrity or influencer gossip. The phrase "This is the tea" is commonly used as a definitive statement when revealing information.

Why tea became popular in social media marketing

Tea has become integral to social media marketing strategies for several reasons:

• Engagement driver: Content framed as "tea" typically generates higher engagement rates as followers want to be in the know
• Community building: Sharing exclusive information creates an insider feeling among followers
• Content hooks: Teasing "tea" in social media captions or headlines drives clicks and views
• Authenticity signaling: Brands sharing "behind-the-scenes tea" can appear more transparent and authentic

Many social media managers have incorporated tea-related content into their content calendars as a way to boost engagement and foster community.

Best practices for brands using tea slang

For brands looking to incorporate tea slang into their social media strategy, there are several considerations:

• Understand your audience: Tea slang may resonate more with Gen Z and millennial audiences than older demographics
• Respect the origins: Acknowledge that tea slang comes from Black and LGBTQ+ communities
• Stay authentic: Only use the term if it fits your brand voice
• Verify information: When sharing industry "tea," ensure the information is accurate to maintain credibility
• Consider context: What might be appropriate tea for an entertainment brand might not work for a financial services company

When done correctly, incorporating tea slang can help brands connect with younger audiences and show cultural awareness. However, misusing the term can lead to negative comments on social media and accusations of cultural appropriation.

How to monitor tea about your brand

With the proliferation of tea slang, many brands now actively monitor what "tea" is being shared about them online. This has become an important aspect of social media monitoring:

• Track mentions: Use social media monitoring tools to track when your brand is mentioned alongside tea-related terminology
• Analyze sentiment: Determine whether the tea being shared about your brand is positive or negative
• Engage strategically: Decide whether to address the tea directly or let it play out
• Learn from feedback: Use tea shared about your brand as valuable feedback for improvement

For brands managing their online presence, understanding and monitoring tea has become part of comprehensive social media management.

Tea vs. other gossip-related slang

Tea exists in a rich ecosystem of gossip-related slang terms on social media:

• Tea vs. Shade: While tea refers to gossip or information, shade refers to subtle insults or criticism
• Tea vs. Receipts: Tea is the information itself, while receipts are the evidence that proves the tea is accurate
• Tea vs. Drama: Tea typically involves revealing information, while drama refers to the conflict that might result

Understanding these distinctions can help brands navigate social media communication more effectively and craft more authentic messaging.

The future of tea slang

Like all slang terms, the use of "tea" continues to evolve. As with many terms that originate in specific communities and gain mainstream popularity, its meaning and usage shift over time. 

Brands that want to stay relevant in their social media marketing need to stay attuned to how language evolves online.

While tea remains popular in 2025, it's important for social media teams to monitor emerging slang and adapt their communication strategies accordingly. 

The most effective brands maintain authenticity on social media by using slang organically rather than forcing it into their messaging.