Teen Slang · Social & friendship

What does “Gaslight” mean?

To manipulate someone into doubting their own perception or memory. 'Stop gaslighting me.'

Decoded for parents by Pouya & Hengameh, parents of two — the team behind My Teen's World.

Where “Gaslight” comes from

From the 1944 film 'Gaslight'; became mainstream psychology-adjacent slang in the late 2010s.

Teens use it (sometimes loosely) to describe manipulation in friendships and relationships.

Sometimes overused, but it can flag genuinely unhealthy relationship dynamics. Worth listening for what they mean.

“Stop gaslighting me, I know what you said.” Calling out someone twisting the truth. Frustrated and standing their ground.
“She gaslit me into thinking it was my fault.” Naming real manipulation that left them doubting themselves. Hurt and serious.