Generation Z Slang
Generation Z slang can be difficult to understand, particularly if you do not yourself belong to this generation. Below we have gathered a list of some of the most popular Generation Z slang, along with translations and example sentences, so that you can enter your next Generation Z conversation with confidence.
1. Bet
Translation: Okay, for sure.
Origin: Evolved from the phrase "you bet," used to confirm or agree.
Example: "You wanna hit up that new café later?" "Bet, it's gonna be lit!"
2. Ghosting
Translation: Suddenly cutting off communication
Origin: From the idea of disappearing like a ghost.
Example: She ghosted me after our last chat, smh.
3. No Cap
Translation: No lie, for real.
Origin: Derived from "capping," which means lying.
Example: "I aced that test, no cap!" "Bruh, you really did? That's wild!"
4. Savage
Translation: Bold or ruthless
Origin: Describes someone who is unapologetically blunt or fierce.
Example: She clapped back at the haters with a savage tweet.
5. Sus
Translation: Suspicious, shady
Origin: Popularized by the game Among Us.
Example: "Why's he acting so sus lately?" "IDK, maybe he's hiding something."
6. Drip
Translation: Stylish, fashionable.
Origin: Refers to the "drip" of expensive clothing and accessories
Example: "Check out my new kicks!" "Yo, your drip is fire!"
7. Slaps
Translation: Really good, especially music.
Origin: Likely from the sound of a beat that "slaps."
Example: "This new track slaps hard!" "Facts, it's a banger."
8. Fam
Translation: Family, close friends.
Origin: Short for family, used to describe close-knit groups.
Example: "What's up, fam?" "Just chillin', you?"
9. Glow up
Translation: Transformation, improvement.
Origin: From "grow up", but with a positive twist.
Example: "She had a major glow up over the summer." "Yeah, she's looking bomb!"
10. Simp
Translation: Someone who does too much for someone they like.
Origin: Short for "simpleton," used to describe overly attentive behavior.
Example: "He's always buying her gifts, such a simp." "For real, he's whipped."
11. Flex
Translation: Show off.
Origin: From bodybuilding, where "flexing" shows muscle.
Example: "Why you flexing your new ride?" "Just tryna stunt a bit."
12. Cap
Translation: Lie.
Origin: Opposite of "no cap," meaning falsehood.
Example: "You said you met Drake? That's cap!" "Nah, no cap, I got pics!"
13. Low-key
Translation: Slightly, secretly
Origin: From music, meaning subdued or understated.
Example: "I'm low key excited for the weekend." "Same, it's gonna be chill."
14. High-key
Translation: Very, openly.
Origin: Opposite of low-key, meaning obvious or intense.
Example: "I'm high-key obsessed with this show." "It's high-key the best!"
15. Cheugy
Translation: Out of date, trying too hard.
Origin: Coined by Gen Z to describe outdated trends.
Example: "That outfit is so cheugy." "Yeah, it's giving major 2010 vibes."
16. Stan
Translation: Super fan
Origin: From Eminem's song "Stan," about an obsessed fan.
Example: "I Stan BTS so hard." "Same, their new album is fire."
17. Yeet
Translation: Throw, express excitement
Origin: Viral internet meme, used for emphasis
Example: "Yeet that ball over here!" "Yeet, let's go!"
18. Bussin'
Translation: Really good, especially food.
Origin: African American Vernacular English (AAVE).
Example: "This pizza is bussin'!" "Facts, it's so good."
19. Vibe Check
Translation: Assessing someone's mood or energy.
Origin: Internet meme, checking if someone has good vibes.
Example: "Vibe check, you good?" "Yeah, just vibing."
20. Rizz
Translation: Charisma, charm.
Origin: Short for "charisma," popularized on social media.
Example: "He's got mad rizz." "No wonder he's always pulling."
21. Main Character
Translation: Someone who stands out, is the focus.
Origin: From storytelling, the protagonist.
Example: "She's got main character energy." "Totally, she's living her best life."
22. Big Yikes
Translation: Very embarassing or cringey.
Origin: Emphasis on "yikes" for stronger reaction.
Example: "Did you see his dance moves?" "Big yikes, that was rough."