Gen Z Slang, Words, Lingo, Phrase & How to Use Them
by Ricebowl Team
Oct 18, 2024
at 10:09 AM
Generation Z includes anyone born in the late nineties, and like all generations, they have their own slang and terms that can sound confusing. If you don’t keep up, you might feel FOMO (fear of missing out). You’ve probably heard a group of young people chatting and thought it sounded like gibberish. But those words are their own way of communicating!
With new slang appearing all the time, it can be hard to keep up with what Gen Z is saying. Don’t worry—our list of 50 Gen Z slang words will help you stay in the loop and avoid feeling out of touch!
50 Gen Z Slang Words (With Meanings)
Fam:
Meaning: Short for family; can refer to friends too. The way that Millennials use "bro".
Example: "What’s up, fam? You ready for the party?"
Glow up:
Meaning: A big transformation for the better.
Example: "Did you see her glow up? She looks amazing now!"
CEO:
Meaning: Means you’re really good at something.
Example: "He’s the CEO of TikTok dances; everyone copies his moves."
Cancel Culture:
Meaning: Shaming someone for their actions or opinions.
Example: "She faced cancel culture after that controversial tweet."
Stan:
Meaning: A mix of "stalker" and "fan"; means you're really into someone.
Example: "I totally stan that singer; her voice is incredible!"
E-boy/E-girl:
Meaning: Internet-savvy kids who express emo or goth styles online.
Example: "He dresses like an e-boy with those chains and dyed hair."
W:
Meaning: Stands for "win."
Example: "That test was easy—total W for me!"
Dank:
Meaning: Something that’s excellent or high quality.
Example: "This meme is so dank; I can't stop laughing!"
Ghosting:
Meaning: Ignoring someone you’re dating.
Example: "He ghosted me after our third date, and I never heard from him again."
Salty:
Meaning: Feeling jealous or upset.
Example: "She was salty after losing the game."
Big Yikes:
Meaning: Used when you're really embarrassed.
Example: "I just realized I sent that text to the wrong person—big yikes!"
Boujee:
Meaning: Describes something fancy or extravagant.
Example: "That restaurant is so boujee; we need to dress up to go there."
Finna:
Meaning: Short for "I'm going to."
Example: "I'm finna grab some food before the movie."
Cap:
Meaning: Means to lie; "no cap" means you’re being honest.
Example: "I didn’t eat your fries, cap or no cap!"
High-key:
Meaning: Very obvious.
Example: "I high-key love that new show everyone’s talking about."
Cheugy:
Meaning: Something that’s not trendy anymore.
Example: "Wearing those graphic tees is so cheugy now."
Simp:
Meaning: Someone who does too much for their crush.
Example: "He’s such a simp for her; he buys her gifts all the time."
Camp:
Meaning: Something that’s ironically trendy.
Example: "Those Crocs are totally camp—everyone loves them now."
Snack:
Meaning: An attractive person.
Example: "Did you see him? He’s a total snack!"
TFW:
Meaning: Stands for "that feeling when."
Example: "TFW you finally finish all your homework."
Woke:
Meaning: Being politically aware.
Example: "He’s really woke; he knows a lot about social issues."
Sip tea:
Meaning: Listening to gossip without joining in.
Example: "I’m just here to sip tea and enjoy the drama."
L:
Meaning: The opposite of a W; means a loss.
Example: "We took an L in the game last night."
Take several seats:
Meaning: A way to tell someone to calm down.
Example: "You’re being so dramatic; just take several seats."
Drip:
Meaning: A cool or stylish look.
Example: "Check out her drip; she always dresses so well."
Bop:
Meaning: A really good song or album.
Example: "That new track is a bop; I can’t stop listening!"
Sheesh:
Meaning: Used to hype someone up.
Example: "You got a new car? Sheesh, that’s nice!"
Iykyk:
Meaning: Stands for "if you know, you know."
Example: "The party last night was wild—iykyk."
Living rent-free:
Meaning: When something is stuck in your mind.
Example: "That catchy song is living rent-free in my head."
Hits different:
Meaning: Something that feels special or unique.
Example: "This song hits different when you’re feeling down."
Bet:
Meaning: Means "yes" or "I agree."
Example: "Are you coming to the party? Bet!"
Vibe check:
Meaning: Checking someone's mood.
Example: "Let’s do a vibe check before we head out."
Periodt:
Meaning: Adds emphasis to a statement.
Example: "I’m not going—periodt."
Catch these hands:
Meaning: A challenge to fight.
Example: "If you keep talking like that, you might catch these hands."
Drag:
Meaning: To criticize or make fun of someone.
Example: "She really dragged him for his outfit."
Finesse:
Meaning: To cleverly manipulate a situation.
Example: "He finessed his way into the VIP section."
I'm weak:
Meaning: Used when something is really funny.
Example: "That joke was hilarious; I’m weak!"
Main character:
Meaning: Someone who stands out or is charismatic.
Example: "She really knows how to be the main character at parties."
Sis:
Meaning: A friendly greeting, regardless of gender.
Example: "Hey, sis! How have you been?"
Sending me:
Meaning: Used when something is really funny.
Example: "That meme is sending me; I can’t stop laughing!"
Slaps:
Meaning: Describes something exceptional.
Example: "This burger slaps; it’s the best I’ve ever had!"
Bussin':
Meaning: Means something tastes really good.
Example: "These tacos are bussin'!"
Sus:
Meaning: Short for "suspicious."
Example: "That story sounds sus; I don’t believe it."
Snatched:
Meaning: Looking really good, especially in terms of fashion.
Example: "Her outfit is snatched; she looks amazing!"
Guap:
Meaning: A lot of money.
Example: "He must have guap to afford that car."
Smol:
Meaning: Something small and cute.
Example: "Look at that smol puppy!"
This ain't it, chief:
Meaning: A way to express disapproval.
Example: "That haircut? This ain't it, chief."
Extra:
Meaning: Someone who is overly dramatic or flamboyant.
Example: "She’s so extra with her birthday parties."
Clapback:
Meaning: A clever response to criticism.
Example: "Her clapback was so quick; she shut him down."
G.O.A.T.:
Meaning: Stands for "Greatest of All Time."
Example: "Michael Jordan is the G.O.A.T. of basketball."
Staying updated with Gen Z slang is important for good communication with friends and coworkers, especially in today’s varied workplace. Knowing and using their language can help you connect better, making conversations more engaging and relatable. Embracing this way of communicating can help you build stronger relationships, both at work and in your social life. So, explore slang and see your connections grow!
Having trouble with Gen Z slang at work? You’re not alone! Join our forum and let our community help you out. Ask your questions, and we’ll make communication easier and more fun!
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