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It’s hard to keep up with all the new slang words, especially when they keep changing so fast. If you ever feel confused by Gen Z slang, you’re not alone.
But don’t worry, this blog is here to help.
We’ll show you more than 50 Gen Z slang words and phrases, so you can understand what’s being said and stay in the loop.
Disclaimer: Gen Z slang isn’t for millennials, boomers, or even the average human to casually throw around. No one, not even Gen Z uses most of these words irl. Trust us when we say that your Gen Z kids will appreciate you not trying to be cringy but props to you for trying to understand. If you don’t understand what irl, cringe, or props mean, this blog will tell you.
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Gen Z slang is the type of language used by people born between 1997 and 2012, known as Generation Z. This slang is often created and spread through social media and internet culture.
It’s always changing and can be hard to keep track of, but it reflects the ideas and experiences of today’s youth.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter play a huge role in spreading Gen Z slang. These platforms help make new slang terms go viral, meaning they can become popular in just a short time.
TikTok, in particular, helps slang spread quickly through short videos, while Instagram and Twitter help spread memes and trends to a larger audience.
Different groups and communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community and Black culture shape the slang used by Gen Z. Words like “tea” (gossip) and “slay” (to look great) came from these communities.
Gen Z tends to embrace a more diverse and inclusive approach to language, using words that come from various backgrounds and cultures.
Gen Z slang includes many interesting terms, each with its own meaning. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones.
These words are used to talk about things that are cool, trendy, or impressive.
Slang Term | Meaning | Example in a Sentence | What it Doesn’t Mean |
Stan | To strongly support or admire | "I stan Billie Eilish’s new album." | Not just liking something. |
Slaps | Really good (often music) | "This new song slaps hard!" | Not about hitting. |
Vibe | Feeling or atmosphere | "The vibe at the concert was amazing." | Not just any feeling. |
Lit | Exciting, fun, or awesome | "The party was lit last night!" | Not about stuff being on fire. |
No Cap | No lie, being truthful | "That movie was no cap the best I’ve seen." | Not about hats. |
Bet | Agreement or confirmation | "We’re going to the movies? Bet!" | Not about gambling. |
Cap | Lie, untruthful | "That sounds like cap to me." | Not a hat. |
Flex | Show off or boast | "He’s always flexing his new sneakers." | Not about muscles. |
Tea | Gossip or juicy details | "Spill the tea! What happened last night?" | Not the drink. |
FOMO | Fear of missing out | "I got FOMO after seeing everyone at the concert." | Not just missing out. |
Boujee | Fancy, high-class | "She’s always wearing boujee outfits." | Not about being snobby. |
Clout | Influence or popularity, especially online | "He’s doing it just for the clout." | Not about strength. |
Shook | Surprised or shocked | "I’m shook by that plot twist!" | Not about shaking. |
No Chill | Being overly dramatic or intense | "She had no chill during the argument." | Not about being calm. |
Lowkey | Secretly or subtly | "I lowkey want to see that movie." | Not about being quiet. |
These terms are used to describe how someone looks or their personality.
Slang Term | Meaning | Example in a Sentence | What it Doesn’t Mean |
Drip | Cool style or fashion | "That outfit is all drip." | Not water, seriously. |
Baddie | A confident, attractive person | "She’s such a baddie!" | Not just about being a model. |
Gucci | Good, well, or okay | "Everything’s Gucci!" | Not the brand. |
Snack | Someone who looks attractive | "He’s a whole snack." | Not about food. |
Finesse | To handle something smoothly | "She finessed that situation perfectly." | Not about tricking people. |
Tatted | Having tattoos | "He’s all tatted up." | Not about being physically injured. |
Woke | Being socially aware or conscious | "She’s woke about politics." | Not about just waking up. |
Zaddy | A good-looking, confident man | "He’s looking like a total zaddy today." | Not just an older man and don’t say that in front of anyone. |
Glow Up | A big improvement in appearance | "She had a major glow-up." | Not just putting on makeup. |
Rachet | Being loud or rude | "That party was rachet." | Not a literal machine. |
These words are more playful and lighthearted, used in everyday conversation.
Slang Term | Meaning | Example in a Sentence | What it Doesn’t Mean |
YEET | To throw something with force | "I yeeted the ball across the field." | Not just saying "yes" or agreeing. |
Sus | Suspicious or shady | "That guy seems sus." | Not about being a suspect in a crime. |
Mood | A relatable feeling or emotion | "That’s such a mood." | Not just about being in a mood. |
Dead | Something so funny it’s unbelievable | "I’m dead, that joke was hilarious." | Not literally dead. |
Lowkey | Subtle or quiet | "Lowkey, I’m into that idea." | Not about being quiet like a mouse. |
Highkey | The opposite of lowkey, obvious | "I highkey love pizza." | Not about being loud or noisy. |
Lurk | To secretly watch or stalk | "She’s been lurking on Instagram all day." | Not about hiding in a corner. |
Big Mood | A strong emotion or vibe | "That’s a big mood." | Not about being a giant feeling. |
Vibing | Enjoying or relaxing | "I’m just vibing at home today." | Not about listening to music only. |
Ghost | To suddenly stop responding to someone | "He ghosted me after our date." | Not about disappearing in real life. |
Gen Z slang is not just used in personal conversations, it’s also part of music, movies, and other parts of pop culture.
Slang Term | Meaning | Example in a Sentence | What it Doesn’t Mean |
Fam | Close friends or family | "I’m hanging out with my fam this weekend." | Not just any group of people. |
Cringe | Something awkward or uncomfortable | "That video was so cringe!" | Not just something embarrassing. |
Mood | Feeling or state of mind | "That’s such a mood!" | Not just an emotion. |
Hype | Excitement or buzz around something | "The hype around the new game is real." | Not just excitement in general. |
Sus | Suspicious or shady | "That’s kinda sus, don’t you think?" | Not about a person being undercover. |
Bop | A good song or tune | "This track is such a bop!" | Not about hitting something. |
Wavy | Cool or amazing | "That outfit is wavy." | Not about water. |
Dead | Something hilarious or funny | "I’m dead after that joke!" | Not about actually dying. |
Yass | Expressing excitement or approval | "Yass, you slayed that performance!" | Not about saying yes. |
Lituation | A situation that’s cool or fun | "This party is a whole lituation!" | Not about a regular event. |
Real Talk | Speaking truthfully or honestly | "Real talk, this movie was amazing." | Not about having a conversation. |
Savage | Bold or fearless behavior | "That was a savage move!" | Not about being violent. |
Snatched | Looking amazing or flawless | "She looks snatched in that dress!" | Not about physical removal. |
Litty | A variation of "lit," meaning really fun or exciting | "The concert was litty!" | Not about something small or boring. |
G.O.A.T | Acronym for greatest of all time | "Messi is the G.O.A.T" | Not about the animal. |
Gen Z uses creative and funny phrases to express themselves, often blending internet trends and daily experiences. These phrases reflect their humor, individuality, and knack for turning ordinary words into something iconic.
Phrase | Meaning | Usage Example | What It Doesn’t Mean |
Not me doing this... | Playfully admitting to doing something awkward or funny | "Not me spilling my coffee at the coffee shop." | Not about refusing to do something. |
It’s giving [vibe/thing] | Describes something with a specific aesthetic or energy | "This reel? It’s giving high-quality content." | Not about physically giving something away. |
I can’t even | Expressing extreme frustration or disbelief | "That vibe check during class? I can’t even." | Not about actually not handling something. |
Catch flights, not feelings | Focusing on fun and freedom instead of relationships | "After that breakup, I’m catching flights, not feelings." | Not about literally avoiding emotions. |
I’m screaming | Used when something is extremely funny | "He fell during the vibe check? I’m screaming!" | Not about literally yelling. |
We move | Moving on despite challenges | "The coffee shop canceled my order, but we move." | Not about physically moving somewhere. |
Say it louder for the people in the back | Agreeing emphatically or making a point clear | "Gen Z is more environmentally conscious—say it louder for the baby boomers in the back!" | Not about increasing your volume in real life. |
You understood the assignment | Successfully completing or excelling at something | "Her speech was flawless—she understood the assignment." | Not about doing homework. |
Love that for you | Supporting or congratulating someone in a playful way | "You got promoted? Love that for you." | Not about romantic love. |
We’re not the same | Bragging humorously about being unique | "He edits videos in 4K? We’re not the same." | Not about being literally different people. |
This ain’t it | Calling out something as wrong or disappointing | "A $7 latte? This coffee shop ain’t it." | Not about missing something physically. |
Alexa, play [song] | Reacting dramatically to a situation | "That test ruined me—Alexa, play ‘drivers license.’" | Not about actually using Alexa. |
I can’t with you | Playfully expressing annoyance or disbelief | "You forgot to vibe check the playlist? I can’t with you." | Not about being unable to interact. |
That’s on [topic/trait] | Stating the cause or principle behind something | "I overslept again? That’s on binge-watching." | Not about actually blaming someone. |
Big [trait/energy] vibes | Describing a significant energy or mood | "Her confidence during the presentation? Big high-key vibes." | Not about measuring physical size. |
Slang reflects the personality of each generation, shaped by their cultural and technological environment.
Let’s explore how Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha express similar ideas in unique ways. But first, let’s quickly define the age ranges for each generation:
(Note: Since Gen Alpha is fairly new, there might be some overlap with the Gen Z slang.)
Concept | Millennial Slang | Gen Z Slang | Gen Alpha Slang |
Complimenting Someone | On Fleek (perfect) | Snatched (stylish) | Drip (fashionable) |
Excitement | Lit (amazing) | Hyped (energized) | Gas (extremely excited) |
Telling the Truth | No Cap (honest) | Bet (confirmed) | Real Talk (serious) |
Feeling Awkward | Cringe (awkward) | Shook (surprised) | Skibidi Toilet (awkward, absurd) |
Gossip | Tea (drama) | Spill the Tea (share gossip) | Chill (casual talk) |
Love/Admiration | Bae (significant other) | Crush (romantic interest) | Rizz (flirting skill) |
Being Stylish | Swag (cool style) | Vibe (aura) | Flex (showing off style) |
Are you truly fluent in Gen Z slang? Test your knowledge with these fun quiz questions and see how well you know the latest terms and trends! Ready to prove you’re a slang expert?
Let’s get started!
Sr. No | Sentence | Correct or Incorrect? |
1. | "That party was so lit, we had an amazing time dancing!" | Correct / Incorrect |
2. | "I can’t believe he just flexed his new shoes in front of everyone." | Correct / Incorrect |
3. | "She was acting so sus when she didn't want to hang out with us." | Correct / Incorrect |
4. | "I just spilled the tea about our project, it’s going to be great!" | Correct / Incorrect |
5. | "I’m totally gas about the new movie coming out this weekend!" | Correct / Incorrect |
6. | "That outfit is so snatched, I want one just like it!" | Correct / Incorrect |
7. | "I got so rizzed up at the party last night, everyone was flirting!" | Correct / Incorrect |
8. | "You’re so woke, you always know what’s going on!" | Correct / Incorrect |
9. | "His new drip is looking fire, he’s got the best style." | Correct / Incorrect |
10. | "That new trend is so skibidi toilet, I can’t even explain it." | Correct / Incorrect |
11. | "I’m so done, everything feels like a vibe lately." | Correct / Incorrect |
12. | "They’re trying to throw shade at her for no reason." | Correct / Incorrect |
13. | "I don’t get the point of all these clout-chasers, it’s annoying." | Correct / Incorrect |
14. | "She’s such a stan for that band, she knows all the lyrics!" | Correct / Incorrect |
15. | "Stop being extra, nobody wants to hear your drama." | Correct / Incorrect |
Quiz Answers
In Conclusion
Gen Z slang is important because it shows how young people communicate today. It helps them express themselves in fun and creative ways.
Knowing these terms helps you stay up to date with what's cool and relevant. It also shows you understand the latest trends, whether on social media or in everyday life.
Gen Z slang is always changing, and it’s a big part of today’s culture. CollegeEssay.org is always aiming to spread knowledge and help those in need.
By learning these terms, you can keep up with how people talk and what they care about.
What’s your favorite Gen Z slang? Share it with us!
WRITTEN BY
Betty P. (Literature)
Betty is a freelance writer and researcher. She has a Masters in literature and enjoys providing writing services to her clients. Betty is an avid reader and loves learning new things. She has provided writing services to clients from all academic levels and related academic fields.
Betty is a freelance writer and researcher. She has a Masters in literature and enjoys providing writing services to her clients. Betty is an avid reader and loves learning new things. She has provided writing services to clients from all academic levels and related academic fields.
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