What Does “Menty B” Mean (and Why Are Teens Saying It)?

What does “menty b” mean?

“Menty B” is short for “mental breakdown.” When someone uses the phrase, they usually don't mean they're having a literal mental breakdown. It's usually more of a comedic or self-deprecating phrase they use when they're dealing with something exciting, stressful, or hard. Using slang to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by daily stressors aligns well with Gen Z’s values, which include destigmatizing mental and emotional struggles by making the terminology more relatable and palatable. The phrase is often used on social media to discuss mental health issues with humor and sincerity. This expression was invented and popularized by Gen Z, and it helps to normalize conversations around mental health, a topic previously deemed to be taboo by society. Therapist Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP, shines a light on the American mental health landscape: “According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that more than 16.2 million Americans have at least one major depressive disorder in a year. That's 6.7 percent of the population!”

Origins of “Menty B”

“Menty b” is thought to have originated in online gaming culture. Although the exact origins of the term are not known, it’s thought to have roots in online gaming and social media platforms. Gen Zers may have begun shortening the term “mental breakdown” to “menty b” as a new, fun way of conveying their excitement when executing a good play or winning a game: “Omg, I can’t believe we won! I’m having a menty b!” So originally, the phrase was actually more of a positive and over-dramatic exclamation. Although it began as a silly reaction, it opened up conversations surrounding mental health and sparked a sense of unity and camaraderie among those who used it.

How to Use Menty B in a Sentence

Use “menty b” to describe being overwhelmed. Whether you’re experiencing stress at work, feeling down about something someone said, or are simply out of sorts, you can use “menty b” to describe your state of mind. It’s a lighthearted way to speak on your current struggle, so it’s best reserved for minor moments of stress and emotional turbulence. Here are a few examples to guide you: “My plate is way too full right now, I’m going to have a menty b.” “I’m trying to avoid a menty b right now, please give me good news.” “I’m going to have a full menty b if this situation doesn’t get resolved.”

Use “menty b” to express excitement. Originally, “menty b” was used to share one’s excitement while playing an online multiplayer game, like Fortnite or Minecraft. While it grew more serious in definition, now widely used to discuss mental health with a candid twist, it can still be used in the way it was initially intended. Here are a few ideas on how to do so: “Omg, I think I’m getting a promotion at work— menty b incoming!” “Congrats on getting engaged! Menty bs all around!” “My mom let me take her vintage Pucci dress on vacay and I had a menty b over it.”

Other Examples of Mental Health-Related Slang

“Stressy” This cutesy expression takes cues from “menty b” by shortening the original word, “stress,” into “stressy.” The word may seem a bit cutesy, but it's often used when the speaker is overwhelmed in their personal or professional lives. Use this colloquial adjective in place of its more serious counterpart to convey feelings of anxiety in a funny yet honest way. For example: “My job is making me stressy—I should quit.” “Sorry, I’m too stressy to go out tonight. Rain check?” “Being alive right now is so stressy, there’s a crisis everywhere you look!”

“Depressy” Similar to “stressy,” this happy-go-lucky version of “depressed” aims to make the condition sound as effervescent and nonchalant as popping open a can of soda. And maybe that’s a good thing, too, as these terms help normalize feelings of sadness and disappointment, which are inarguable and, often, inescapable parts of our everyday lives. Here’s how you can use it, too: “Her boyfriend just broke up with her and she was too depressy to come out.” “His team lost, so he’s feeling depressy.” “I’d rather be depressy than delusional.”

“Grippy Sock Vacation” This refers to the footwear sported by patients at psychiatric facilities. This might be the most unhinged expression on the list, as it implies that the speaker should be institutionalized. But hey, if that’s the case, we love a self-aware queen or king! Here’s how you can use the Gen Z-inspired idiom without ringing too many alarm bells: “After I ended my last relationship, I thought I was going to need a grippy sock vacation.” “The way this week is sending me headfirst into a grippy sock vacation…” “I needed a grippy sock vacation after my dog died.”

FAQ

Is having a “menty b” a cause for concern? “Menty b” is a term often used by teens and young adults to refer to a moment of mental or emotional distress. Due to its abbreviated and casual nature, most people who claim to be experiencing a “menty b” are likely exaggerating their current plights for comedic effect. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a sign of underlying emotional disturbances. Clinical psychologist Lauren Urban, LCSW says that “an increase in apathy” paired with “a decrease in enjoyment of activities and personal hygiene” are telltale signs that someone is struggling mentally. If a close friend or family member confesses that they’re going through a serious mental health episode, don’t be judgmental, create a safe space for them, and let them know you’re there to support them. Clinical psychologist Sirvart Mesrobian, PsyD provides some tips on how to help a struggling friend cope: “Meet them where they are at. Show support by offering your time and attention to listen to their struggle. Do not assume, but instead ask what they may need. [...] If the individual rejects [your ideas], they may just need your physical support and presence, and not necessarily an activity.” Additionally, you can suggest that they speak to a therapist, call a crisis hotline, or join a support group. If this person seems to be in the throes of a mental breakdown and could pose a threat to themselves or others, you may need to look for emergency help.

Is “menty b” offensive? While the term itself is not inherently offensive, “menty b” does put its own funny spin on the phrase “mental breakdown,” which may be considered offensive to some. “Menty b” was introduced as an exaggerated reaction to a small victory or inconvenience, but has recently been credited with normalizing mental health issues in our society. So, although the intention is not to offend, people who take mental health seriously could still be offended by the cutesy appropriation of the expression. Exercise caution when using “menty b” as it’s definitely not safe to use in certain circles. The same applies for other terms that poke fun at mental health topics, like “grippy sock vacation.”

Can you use “menty b” in the workplace? Since “menty b” can be considered a controversial and offensive term, avoid using it in the workplace or among groups of people you don’t totally trust to understand your humor. In a professional setting, if you want to communicate that you’re not doing well, try saying something like, “I’m struggling a little bit,” or, “Honestly, I’m not doing great.”