Tilapia means: Any of various edible fish, formerly species of the genus , but now placed in other cichlid genera , native to Africa and the Middle East but cultivated worldwide.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. As a place or proper-name reference it is purely descriptive. 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.