What Are The Kids Saying These Days?
Not Gen Z? Yeah, some of their slang probably has you thinking, “Wait, what?” You’re not the only one scratching your head. After some digging, we’ve cracked the code on their coolest and quirkiest phrases!
Slaps
To say something "slaps" means that you find it amazing. For instance, "This sushi slaps!"
Fam
"Fam" is the short-form word for family. However, it's usually used to address a friend—similar to how millennials say "bro."
Drip
"Drip" is a way of saying something is very stylish or cool. For instance, "Wow! You're new outfit is drippin'!"
Glow up
Think of a “glow up” as a glow-rious transformation—usually a snazzy physical upgrade.
CEO
If someone calls you the "CEO" of something, it means you're really good at it—a pro or a master.
GOAT
"GOAT" is the acronym for "The Greatest of All Time." It's used to compliment someone, implying that they're amazing. For instance, "In Hollywood, Meryl Streep is the GOAT."
Cancel Culture
"Cancelling" someone is a part of cancel culture. This is when people turn their backs on a public figure, organization, or company based on their actions. It usually involves shaming them.
Stan
“Stan” is a mashup of “fan” and “stalker". When you stan someone, you’re totally obsessed—but in a good way!
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Living rent-free
If there's something on your mind that you just can't stop thinking about, you might say that it's "living rent-free" in your head.
E-boy or E-girl
The "e" in "e-boy" or "e-girl" stands for "electronic." These e-boys and e-girls are part of a youth subculture defined by its association to the internet. They create an online persona based around their looks. It evolved out of emo, scene, and goth fashion—and is also influenced by Japanese and Korean street fashion.
W
To the rest of us, "W" is just another letter, but if you're from Gen Z, it actually means "win."
Snatched
“Snatched” means looking absolutely on point—like, “You look snatched!” is a major style compliment.
Ghosting
"Ghosting" refers to cutting off communication with someone. This can be a friend or someone you've just started dating. It usually involves ignoring someone's texts and never responding to them.
Dank
According to the Oxford Dictionary, dank means "damp, cold, and unpleasant." However, when it comes to Gen Z slang, it actually means the opposite—amazing or high quality.
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Salty
If you're feeling jealous, then you're feeling "salty."
Big Yikes
“Big yikes” is what you say when “yikes” doesn’t pack enough punch—because wow, that’s embarrassing!
Boujee
When something is luxurious or extravagant it can be described as "boujee."
L
"L" is the opposite of "W." Therefore instead of a win, it means a loss.
Finna
Instead of saying "I'm going to," one can say, "I'm finna."
Cap
“Cap” means a lie, so when someone says “no cap,” they’re keeping it 100% real.
High-key
The opposite of being "low-key" is being "high-key."
Cheugy
Someone who is "cheugy" is usually being mocked for their aesthetic, usually those who still prescribe to trends from the 2010s (for instance, wearing skinny jeans). It usually means that someone is uncool or behind the times.
Simp
Someone is a "simp" when they put too much effort into the person they're romantically interested in.
Camp
When something is “camp,” it’s all about that over-the-top, ironic style that’s oddly cool.
Snack
When you call someone a "snack," you're saying that you find that person attractive.
TFW
"TFW" means "that feeling when." For instance, "TFW I take my first sip of coffee in the morning."
Woke
If someone calls you "woke," it means that they think you're informed and up to date with current politics.
Sip tea
“Sip tea” means you’re quietly soaking up all the juicy gossip.
Take several seats
You might tell someone to "take several seats" if you're unhappy with them. They could be talking too much or trying too hard, or saying something dumb.
IYKYK
IYKYK is the acronym for "if you know, you know." When used, it's usually referencing an inside joke or something only a particular group of people might clue into.
Bop
When you call a song or album a "bop," you're saying that you think it's extremely good.
Hits different
When you say it “hits different,” you’re saying it’s a whole new level of awesome.
Bet
"Bet" means "yes," and is often used as a confirmation.
Vibe check
The phrase "vibe check" can be used to ascertain a place's atmosphere, as well as the overall mood of a situation. It might even be used in regard to a person or group of people.
Periodt
"Periodt" is used for emphasis, usually at the end of the sentence. It adds intensity to whatever's being said.
Catch these hands
Saying “catch these hands” means someone’s ready to throw hands if provoked.
Drag
Getting "dragged" means that you've been made fun of or openly criticized. If you "drag" someone, you're the one roasting them.
Finesse
"Finesse" means getting what you want through manipulation, smooth talking, or persuasion. It's the ability to skillfully handle a situtation.
I'm weak
"I'm weak" can be used in the same situations as "I'm dead"—when something is extremely funny or shocking.
Smol
“Smol” means tiny and adorable all wrapped into one cute package.
Main character
If someone has "main character" energy they appear confident and seem to be the center of attention; they are the hero of their own story and are the dominate force in a given situation.
Bussin'
"Bussin'" means something is extremely good.
Sending me
"Sending me" can be a response to multiple things. It can be a reaction to something hilarious, amusing, or even annoying.
Sus
“Sus” is short for suspicious and means something feels shady or off.
This ain't it, chief
If you disapproved of something, you might say, "This ain't it, chief."
