No matter which generation you’re born in, slang words can sound like an entirely different language. Gen Z has developed many new phrases and transformed the meaning of words creating their own vernacular.
Slang words have been around for centuries and change with every new generation. In the past, slang was mainly spread through oral communication and music. However, in today’s society, the rapid growth of social media and technology has effectively allowed slang to reach more people and morph even faster than before. Movies, tv shows, and music incorporate Gen Z slang, allowing these trendy terms to reach audiences of various ages.
Older generations are often perplexed when hearing phrases such as ‘this slaps’ and ‘it hits different’ and have to resort to finding their meaning on the internet. Even to younger adults, slang words can be confusing to understand, and difficult to know when and how to use them. With some time and understanding, these words can be a special way of communication that introduces familiarity and connections among people. Whether it’s globally or locally, slang words apply to daily conversations.
Gen Z Glossary:
Ate – Doing something with style or impressively
Bet – To agree with or confirm something
Bougie – Describing something or someone as extravagant; derived from the French word “bourgeoisie”
Bussin – To describe something that you like, often about food
Cap – A lie
Cringey – Something that is embarrassing or awkward
Delulu – A word to define someone as unrealistic; short for “delusional”
Drip – To refer to someone’s style as fashionable
Facts – Used to agree with; adaptation of “factual”
Glow up -Transformation of appearance
Ghosting – To suddenly stop communicating with someone
Hits different – Something that affects one in a unique or special way
It’s giving – A phrase used to draw a comparison based on familiarity
Iykyk – An acronym for “if you know, you know”
Lowkey – Genuinely
Mid – Average or mediocre
Rizz – charm; short for “charisma”
Salty – To describe someone who is acting bitter or resentful
Slaps – To describe something as excellent
Slay – To do something amazing
Stan – An extremely enthusiastic or devoted fan
Sus – Giving the impression that something is questionable or dishonest; short for “suspicious”
Tea – Gossip
W – Short for win
