Teen Slang · Social & friendship

What does “411” mean?

Information or the latest news/gossip. 'Give me the 411.'

Where “411” comes from

From the old U.S. phone number for directory information; slang since the 1990s.

Why teens actually say it

A casual way to ask for the scoop on something.

What it means for you as a parent

Harmless. Just means 'the info.'

How it’s used

  • “Give me the 411, what happened at the party?” Hungry for the latest news or gossip. Curious and eager.
  • “She’s got all the 411 on the new kid.” Pointing to whoever has the inside info. Playful nosiness.

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