Language evolves. Always has, always will. But nothing quite prepared the world for the linguistic revolution happening right now among Generation Z—those born roughly between 1997 and 2012. Their vocabulary spreads like wildfire across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, morphing and multiplying faster than any dictionary could possibly track. One day you’re confidently using “slay,” the next you’re wondering what on earth “aura points” means.
If you’ve ever felt lost in a conversation with someone under 25, you’re not alone. According to research from Trinity College London, approximately 80% of Gen Z students acquire significant portions of their language skills from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This isn’t your parents’ slang anymore—it’s a constantly shifting lexicon born from memes, viral videos, and the chaotic beauty of internet culture.
This glossary dives deep into the words reshaping modern communication. Whether you’re a parent trying to decode your teenager’s texts, a marketer hoping to connect with younger audiences, or just someone who doesn’t want to feel ancient at 30, this guide will help you navigate the wild world of Gen Z speak.
The Origins: Where Does Gen Z Slang Come From?
Before we jump into definitions, it’s worth understanding where this linguistic phenomenon originates. Much of Gen Z slang stems from African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and ball culture, according to linguistic research documented in sources like Wikipedia’s extensive glossary of 2020s slang. Terms that originated in Black communities often go viral on platforms like TikTok, where they’re adopted (and sometimes appropriated) by wider audiences.
The rise of short-form video content has accelerated this process exponentially. A phrase can go from regional slang to global phenomenon in days. Just ask Haliey Welch, whose 2024 interview made certain expressions household words overnight. Social media platforms don’t just spread slang—they create ecosystems where language mutates in real-time.
The A-Z Guide to Gen Z Slang
A
Aesthetic – When something is visually pleasing or embodies a particular style. “That coffee shop has such a cozy aesthetic.” The term has expanded beyond simple beauty to encompass entire lifestyle categories: cottagecore aesthetic, dark academia aesthetic, minimalist aesthetic. Each represents not just a look but an entire vibe.
Ate – Did something exceptionally well, usually with confidence and style. “She absolutely ate that presentation!” This isn’t about food—it’s about excellence. When someone “ate,” they left no crumbs. They completely dominated.
Aura – A person’s distinctive energy or presence. Related to “aura points,” a gaming-inspired concept where actions build or diminish your social reputation. “He’s aura farming by volunteering for clout.” The European Youth Portal notes this term bridges digital and real-world interactions.
B
Banger – An excellent song or something outstanding. “Their new album is full of bangers.” Simple, straightforward, and universally understood among Gen Z.
Based – Being authentically yourself without caring about others’ opinions. “He said what everyone was thinking; that’s so based.” Originally from internet culture, “based” celebrates unapologetic honesty.
Basic – Following mainstream trends without originality; boring or predictable. “Ugh, pumpkin spice lattes are so basic.” It’s not necessarily an insult, but it’s definitely not a compliment.
Bet – Agreement or confirmation. “Want to grab lunch?” “Bet!” Concise, casual, and common.
Bussin’ – Extremely good, usually describing food. “This pizza is bussin’!” If something’s bussin’, it’s not just good—it’s phenomenally delicious.
C
Cap/No Cap – “Cap” means lying; “no cap” means you’re being truthful. “This coffee hits different, no cap.” According to multiple Gen Z dictionaries, this phrase appears in virtually every teenager’s vocabulary. “I can’t lie” serves the same function.
Cheugy – Outdated or trying too hard, particularly referencing early 2000s trends. “You’re still wearing skinny jeans? That’s so cheugy.” Gen Z uses this specifically to call out Millennial fashion and cultural references.
Chill – Either a relaxed person or the act of hanging out. “She’s really chill” or “Let’s chill tonight.” This one’s been around, but it persists.
Clout – Social influence or popularity, especially on social media. Someone with clout has significant following and impact.
Cooked – Extremely tired, overwhelmed, or in trouble. “I stayed up all night studying—I’m cooked.” Note the difference from “let them cook,” which is positive.
Core/Coded – Sharing traits or aesthetic similarities with something else. “This small town is so Gilmore Girls coded” or “Your outfit is very 2000s-core.” The suffix transforms any reference into an aesthetic descriptor.
Crash Out – Making reckless decisions due to emotional instability. “My crush left me on read, I’m about to crash out.” Originated in the African-American community, particularly Louisiana rap culture, before exploding on TikTok in 2024.
Cringe/Cringey – Awkward or embarrassing. Something that causes secondhand embarrassment.
D
Delulu – Delusional, often used humorously. “I’m being delulu thinking I’ll finish this project tonight.” It’s self-aware and playful.
Demure – Following beauty influencer Jools Lebron’s viral 2024 TikTok video, “very demure, very mindful” describes modest, professional appearance and behavior. The phrase took off to describe anything that appears understated or workplace-appropriate.
DMs – Direct messages on social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Private conversations away from public posts.
Drip – Stylish clothing or excellent fashion sense. “His drip is unmatched today.”
E
Edgy – Intentionally provocative or trying to be controversial in fashion or attitude.
F
Finsta – A fake or secondary Instagram account for close friends, more authentic than the polished main account.
Fire – Excellent or amazing. “That concert was fire!” Often accompanied by the fire emoji 🔥.
Flex – Showing off possessions or accomplishments. “Stop flexing your new phone.”
FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out. Anxiety about missing exciting events or experiences others are having.
G
Gassing – Hyping someone up; giving excessive compliments. “I’m always gassing up my girlfriend so she knows she looks cute.”
Ghost/Ghosting – Suddenly stopping all communication without explanation. “He totally ghosted me after our second date.”
Girl Dinner – The random assortments of food young women compile for easy meals, ranging from elaborate charcuterie boards to leftover fries and cheese. It’s relatable, it’s chaotic, and it’s distinctly Gen Z.
Girl Math – Humorous justifications for spending money. “If I return this $50 shirt, I basically earned $50, so buying these $60 shoes only costs $10. Girl math!”
GOAT – Greatest Of All Time. High praise for anyone excelling in their field.
Glow Up – A significant positive transformation, usually physical but sometimes personal growth.
H
Hits Different – Something that feels uniquely special or emotional. “Coffee hits different on Monday mornings.”
Huzz – A variation of “hoes” used to objectify or belittle women. Popularized on TikTok by streamer Kai Cenat, though problematic.
I
Ick – Sudden disgust or loss of attraction toward something previously liked. “I got the ick when I saw how he treated the waiter.”
IJBOL – “I Just Burst Out Laughing.” Modern alternative to LOL.
IYKYK – “If You Know, You Know.” Referencing inside jokes or niche knowledge.
J
Jit – An inexperienced or young person. Originally African-American slang from the 1970s.
K
Karen – Stereotypical entitled person who demands special treatment, usually middle-aged women. Male equivalents exist too.
L
L – Short for “loss,” indicating failure or defeat. Contrasted with “W” for win.
Lit – Exciting, excellent, or fun. Something truly enjoyable and energetic.
Locked In – Total concentration on a task. Similar to being in a flow state. “I’m locked in on this essay.”
Looksmaxxing – Attempting to maximize physical attractiveness, sometimes through pseudoscientific methods.
Lowkey/Highkey – “Lowkey” means somewhat or discreetly; “highkey” means obviously or intensely. “I’m lowkey tired” versus “I’m highkey exhausted.”
M
Mid – Mediocre, average, nothing impressive. If something’s mid, it’s aggressively okay. As the European Youth Portal explains, calling chocolate ice cream “mid” means it’s plain and simple—though many would disagree.
Mewing – A tongue posture technique claiming to improve jawline definition. Part of the looksmaxxing trend.
N
NPC – “Non-Player Character,” referring to someone who seems to lack independent thought or personality, following scripts like background video game characters.
O
OK Boomer – Dismissive response to outdated attitudes, especially from older generations. Less common now but still culturally significant.
P
Period/Periodt – Emphatic agreement; end of discussion. “That outfit is amazing, period!”
Preppy – Once meaning preparatory school style, now encompasses neon colors (especially pink and yellow), elaborate Starbucks drinks, trendy skincare routines, and brand consciousness. On TikTok, #preppy sometimes includes “mean girl” content shaming off-brand clothes.
Pulling/Pulled – Getting romantic attention or partnership. “Woah, did you see who he pulled for prom?”
R
Ratio – When a post gets more negative replies than likes, indicating disagreement or criticism.
Receipts – Proof of something, usually screenshots. “I’ve got receipts of what she said.”
Rent Free – When something occupies mental space constantly. “I don’t even like that song but it lives rent free in my head.”
Rizz – Charisma, especially in romantic contexts. Ability to charm someone. Derived from “charisma,” this term absolutely dominated 2024 conversations. “He’s got rizz” means he’s smooth with romantic interests.
S
Salty – Upset, bitter, or annoyed about something.
Sending Me – Finding something hilarious. “That meme is sending me!”
Shadowban – Hidden social media restriction limiting post reach without user knowledge.
Sigma Male – Introverted but successful, cool, and popular male archetype. Similar to “lone wolf.” “Michael is definitely a sigma.”
Simp – Someone desperate for romantic attention or affection. “Dude, you’re being such a simp.”
Situationship – Romantic relationship lacking clear definition, more than friendship but less than commitment.
Skibidi – Originally from the bizarre YouTube series “Skibidi Toilet,” the term evolved into Gen Alpha slang meaning “bad” or serving as meaningless filler. Its usage varies wildly depending on context.
Slap – Amazing or excellent, usually music. “This song slaps!”
Slay – Doing something extremely well or looking fantastic. “You slayed your dance recital!” According to the European Youth Portal, this adjective describes exceptionally impressive fashion, music, or artistic expression.
Sus – Suspicious or questionable. Short for “suspect.” “That’s kinda sus.”
T
Tea – Gossip or interesting information. “Spill the tea!” Wanting to hear the drama.
Thirsty – Desperate for attention, especially romantic or sexual.
Threw/Throw – Past tense of performing exceptionally. “She threw in that competition.”
Touch Grass – Suggestion to go outside and reconnect with reality, usually said to someone too absorbed in online life.
V
Vibe Check – Assessing someone’s mood or energy. “What’s the vibe check today?”
VSCO Girl – Specific aesthetic including scrunchies, oversized shirts, and reusable water bottles, popular around 2019-2020.
W
W – Win; something good or successful. Opposite of “L.”
Washed – Past one’s prime; no longer relevant or good.
Y
Yapping – Talking excessively, often about nothing important. “Stop yapping and let’s go.”
YOLO – “You Only Live Once.” Justification for risky or spontaneous decisions.
How Gen Z Slang Reflects Cultural Values
This isn’t just random words—it’s a linguistic mirror reflecting Gen Z’s worldview. Notice how many terms relate to authenticity (“based,” “cap”), mental health awareness (“crash out,” “ick”), and digital culture (“aura points,” “NPC”). This generation values:
Irony and Self-Awareness: Terms like “delulu” and “girl math” demonstrate comfortable self-mockery. Gen Z doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Efficiency: Short phrases like “bet,” “mid,” and “ate” convey complex meanings instantly. Why use many words when few do trick?
Identity and Aesthetics: The explosion of “-core” and “-coded” terminology shows how Gen Z thinks in aesthetic categories. Everything can be labeled, categorized, and understood through visual/cultural lenses.
Social Commentary: Words like “Karen,” “cheugy,” and “OK Boomer” critique societal behaviors and generational differences.
Fluidity: Language changes weekly. What’s fire today might be mid tomorrow. This constant evolution reflects their digital-native experience where content cycles measure in hours, not years.
The Dark Side: Appropriation and Authenticity
Not everything about Gen Z slang is fun and games. Significant concerns exist around cultural appropriation, particularly when AAVE terms go viral among non-Black users who don’t credit or understand their origins. Terms that originated in Black communities often become mainstream without acknowledgment, sometimes even getting monetized by others.
Additionally, some slang perpetuates problematic attitudes. Terms objectifying women or promoting toxic masculinity (like certain “sigma male” discourse) spread just as quickly as harmless expressions.
Why Understanding Gen Z Slang Matters
“Why should I care?” you might ask. Fair question.
For Parents: Understanding your kids’ language helps you stay connected and aware of their online activities. When you know slang, you can spot potential issues like cyberbullying or inappropriate content more easily.
For Educators: Meeting students where they are linguistically creates better classroom connections and engagement. It shows respect for their culture.
For Marketers: Brands that successfully use Gen Z language (authentically, not cringily) connect better with this massive consumer demographic. But beware—nothing screams “how do you do, fellow kids” faster than forced slang use.
For Everyone Else: Language shapes culture. Understanding how younger generations communicate helps bridge generational divides and keeps you culturally literate.
How to Use Gen Z Slang (Without Being Cringe)
The cardinal rule: Context is everything. Don’t force it. Nothing’s more painful than watching someone awkwardly insert “slay” into every sentence.
Do: Use slang naturally when it fits. If something genuinely slaps, say it slaps.
Don’t: Use slang you don’t understand. You’ll get called out, and deservedly so.
Do: Acknowledge where terms come from, especially AAVE origins.
Don’t: Try too hard to sound young. Authenticity matters more than vocabulary.
Do: Ask questions. Gen Z generally appreciates genuine curiosity.
Don’t: Use slang in inappropriate contexts. Job interviews and funeral eulogies are probably not the place for “no cap, this slaps.”
The Future of Gen Z Language
Where does this linguistic revolution go from here? If history teaches anything, today’s slang becomes tomorrow’s standard language. Shakespeare invented words. So did every generation since. Gen Z’s contribution to English will outlast their youth, even if specific terms fade.
Already, we see cross-pollination with Gen Alpha (those born after 2012), who bring their own bizarre contributions like “skibidi” and numerical references like “67” (Dictionary.com’s 2025 Word of the Year—a nonsensical rating for something mediocre). The youngest generation learns from Gen Z while simultaneously creating their own distinct vocabulary.
Artificial intelligence and augmented/virtual reality platforms will likely spawn entirely new categories of slang. As digital and physical worlds blur further, language will evolve to describe experiences that don’t even exist yet.
Conclusion: Speaking the Language of Tomorrow
Gen Z slang isn’t just about individual words—it’s a whole communication philosophy emphasizing brevity, humor, authenticity, and cultural awareness. It’s messy, constantly shifting, and sometimes problematic. It’s also creative, expressive, and undeniably effective.
You don’t need to use every term in this glossary. But understanding them helps you navigate an increasingly youth-dominated digital landscape. Whether you’re parenting a teenager, teaching students, marketing to young consumers, or just trying to understand what your younger coworker means when they say something “hits different,” this knowledge bridges gaps.
Language always belongs to the young. They shape it, remix it, and ultimately pass it forward. Gen Z’s linguistic legacy will influence English long after “rizz” and “bussin’” fade from everyday use. The words might change, but the creative spirit driving them won’t.
So next time someone tells you they’re “locked in” on their “main character energy” and ready to “slay,” you’ll know exactly what they mean. No cap, that’s pretty fire.
Just don’t try to use all those terms in one sentence. That would be incredibly cringe.
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