Did you know that 73% of Gen Z employs daily slang confusing to other generations? If you ever found yourself stumped when someone uttered “that’s so slay” or puzzled as to what “peridot” means, you’re not alone!
Gen Z slang has also evolved apace, with an entirely new vocabulary that will leave Gen X and millennials confused. The catch, however, is this: communicating in the language of Gen Z is not a matter of desire to be hip with contemporary linguistics. It’s a matter of communicating with the largest generation to enter the workforce and become primary spenders.
In this ultimate guide, I’ll dissect 50+ of Gen Z’s favorite slang words, tell you where they came from, and demonstrate how to use them correctly. Prepare to level up your vocabulary!
Gen Z Slang Words With Meanings
- Glow Up
This means a makeover or transformation from bad to good.
- CEO
If you’re the CEO of something, it means you’ve mastered it, or you’re a pro.
- Fam
Fam is a shorter word for family, but don’t be fooled it can be used to describe your friends or the way Millennials use “bro.”
- Cancel Culture
Cancel culture is a form of shaming the actions or opinions of a public figure, company or organization.
- Stan
No, it’s not short for Stanley. Instead, it’s a combination of “stalker” and “fan.” If you stan someone, it means you’re obsessed, but not in a creepy way.
- E-boy or A-girl
This is similar to emo or goth culture, but they use the internet to express themselves.
- W
To most, it’s just a letter of the alphabet, but to Gen Zers, it simply means “win.”
- Dank
If something is dank, it’s excellent or of very high quality.
- Ghosting
This term is common in the earlier talking stages of a relationship. Ghosting someone means you start ignoring them or stop texting them back.
- Salty
Gen Z uses this term when they’re feeling jealous.
- Finna
Finna is a shorter way of saying, “I’m going to.”
- Big Yikes
The slang speaks for itself in this one. Big Yikes is used when you’re so embarrassed that “yikes” doesn’t do justice.
- Boujee
This term can be used if you’re describing something or someone that is extravagant or fancy.
- Cap
An older but still relevant term, cap means to lie. If you say “no cap,” it means you are being authentic or truthful.
- High-Key
High key is simply the opposite of being low-key.
- Chegg
Something that is chewy is not at all trendy.
- Simp
Someone who does way too much for the person they have a crush on.
- Camp
Something that is ironically trendy. One might consider Crocs to be of the camp aesthetic.
- Woke
Woke refers to being politically aware.
- TFW
TFW stands for “that feeling when.” TFW you get off work early on a Friday.
- Snack
A snack is a person that you find attractive.
- Sip Tea
Sip tea is an alternative to “spilling the tea,” meaning you’re sitting back and listening to the gossip rather than partaking in it.
- L
Another simple letter-turned-slang, L is the opposite of a W meaning a loss rather than a win.
- Take Several Seats
If someone is really getting on your nerves, you might tell them to take several seats.
- Drip
Another way of saying swag, drip is a term for a cool or sexy trend/style.
- Bop
When a song or album is exceptionally good.
- Sheesh
Sheesh is used to hype someone up if they’re looking good or doing something good.
- Iykyk
This acronym is short for “if you know, you know.” It’s commonly used in reference to an inside joke or something only a specific community might understand.
- Living Rent-Free
If something is “living rent-free” in your head, that means you can’t stop thinking about it.
- Bet
Simply put, this slang term means “yes.” It can be used to confirm something and could be compared to the Millennial term “word.”
- Vibe Check
To check someone’s energy or mood.
- Hits Different
When something is unique or better than the usual.
- Peridot
Using this at the end of the statement adds emphasis or intensity to the point made.
- Catch These Hands
To start a fight. This term is generally used in a contentious matter.
- Drag
If you drag someone, you’re criticizing or making fun of them. This can be equated to roasting someone.
- Finesse
Finesse means to trick or manipulate someone or a situation in order to get what you want.
- I’m Weak
Similar to “I’m dead,” this is just another term to use when you find something hilarious.
- Main Character
This is a phrase used to describe someone who is generally well-liked and charismatic. It can also be used to describe someone when they’re making a scene, but not necessarily in a bad way.
- Sis
A shortened version of “sister,” this term is typically used to greet a friend, no matter their gender.
- Sending Me
Another term to use if you find something particularly funny.
- Slaps
Used to describe how exceptional something is.
- Bussin’
A quirky word to use when you taste something delicious.
- Sus
Short for “suspicious,” sus typically means something is not as expected, or shady.
- Snatched
If someone is looking snatched, they look really good, particularly their outfit.
- Guap
Money, and lots of it.
- Smol
Something that is small and, in most cases, exceptionally adorable.
- This Ain’t It, Chief
Another way of giving disapproval for something.
- Extra
Someone who is out there and enjoys taking things to a new level of flamboyance.
- Clapback
A response or comeback after you’ve been “called out” for something.
- G.O.A.T.
Short for “The Greatest of All Time.” An acronym used to describe someone incredible.
Also Read: 75 + Romantic Love Letters For Her To Make Her Happy
Conclusion
Catching up on Gen Z slang isn’t about totally overhauling how you speak, it’s about staying in touch and relating to a force generation that’s shaping our culture. These 50+ words are only a flavor of the energetic, perpetually shifting language Gen Z has developed.
Keep in mind that the secret to successfully using Gen Z slang is being aware of their context and meaning, rather than memorizing what they use. Whether it’s to relate to your teen, communicate with younger clients, or just remain culturally current, these terms will guide you through conversations without that pesky “chevy” tag.
Language is always changing, and Gen Z slang will only keep changing as new platforms pop up and cultural moments dictate how we speak. Be curious, be aware of the origins, and don’t hesitate to ask for a definition when you hear something new. Being willing to learn and adapt is never cheesy it’s actually really fire!
