crash out

What it means

To lose your composure in a big way, whether that means rage, tears, or doing something reckless. It came up through rap lyrics and Black online slang, where crashing out meant ruining things for yourself in a moment of anger. Kids now use it for everything from a real meltdown to failing a quiz.

In the wild

"I'm about to crash out, I studied the wrong chapter."

The parent note

Usually it is hyperbole, but if your kid says it about themselves often and quietly, it can be worth a gentle check-in.

Tracked since August 26, 2026 across public sources. Meanings drift fast, so this entry is refreshed automatically as usage changes.