Confession culture glossary

Plain-language definitions for terms you'll see across Cheeky Confessions. If a confession uses a term that isn't here, let us know and we'll add it.

Petty

Doing something small and satisfying to get back at someone, out of proportion to how minor the original issue was — see Revenge & Petty.

The tea

Gossip, or the interesting details of a story — "spilling the tea" means sharing it.

Receipts

Proof of something — a screenshot, a saved message, anything that backs up a claim.

Glow up

A noticeable positive transformation over time, often used about confidence or style, not just appearance.

Delulu

Short for "delusional" — used self-aware and affectionately for convincing yourself of something that probably isn't true (yet, or ever).

Main character energy

Acting like the protagonist of your own story — usually said admiringly about someone being bold or unbothered.

Beef

An ongoing grudge or conflict with someone, usually over something that started small.

Throwing shade

A subtle, indirect insult or criticism, often disguised as an offhand comment.

Cringe

The specific feeling of secondhand embarrassment — see Awkward & Embarrassing.

FOMO

"Fear of missing out" — the anxious feeling that everyone else is having a better time somewhere you're not.

White lie

A small, usually harmless lie told to avoid an awkward truth — see White Lies & Secrets.

Guilty pleasure

Something you genuinely enjoy but feel a little embarrassed to admit to — see Guilty Pleasures.

Inside joke

A joke that only makes sense to people who were there for its origin — a hallmark of a close friend group or family.

Ghosted

Suddenly cut off contact with, no explanation — can apply to a friendship, not just dating.