I'm sure that 16-yr-olds are no longer using that expression and have moved on to something else.   I happen to like that word and think that it has its uses; often it is the best response to nonsense.
Gov't assistance helps people in need; cutting such aid hurts them.  Much has been written on the subject.  Here is a piece that might prove illuminating: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/01/08/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-war-on-poverty/?utm_term=.ae478ebde57d.