What Are The Kids Saying These Days?
If you're not part of Gen Z, you may have heard some of these terms and thought, "What are these kids saying?" Well, you're not alone. After some research, we finally understand some of the generation's most popular slang.
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
A "Glow up" is a positive transformation, usually referring to a physical makeover.
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" combines two words: "fan" and "stalker." When you stan someone, you're acknowledging your obsession with them, but it isn't considered creepy.
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" can be used to describe a person's attractive appearance. For instance, you would say, "You look snatched," to show appreciation for someone's outfit.
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.
Salty
If you're feeling jealous, then you're feeling "salty."
Big Yikes
When "yikes" just doesn't do the job, you can use "big yikes," implying that the situation is even more 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" is a bit of an older term, but it means falsehood. Thefore, "no cap" means being truthful.
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 means that its style is exaggerated—something ironically trendy.
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 that you are listening to, or eavesdropping on, some 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
To say something "hits different" means that your experience is better than it was before—it's special, better, or unique.
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
"Catch these hands" can be used to instigate a fight. For example, "If you keep talking to me like that, you're about to catch these hands."
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" is a way of saying that something is both small and very cute.
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 the shortened form of "suspicious." Therefore, it's used to describe something mysterious, shady, or potentially threatening.
This ain't it, chief
If you disapproved of something, you might say, "This ain't it, chief."