Adopt energy means: Adopt energy describes the vibe of someone who immediately takes everyone under their wing - offering unsolicited care, feeding people snacks, calling you 'sweetie', and generally treating any. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.