The Very Best 40 Gen Z Slang

What do you mean, bestie?

Have you ever felt lost while talking to Gen Z-ers? Can’t keep up with the newest internet slang? We’ve got the article just for you! 

Every young generation comes up with new ways to communicate and Gen Z isn’t the exception. With the rising popularity of the internet, innovative phrases spread like wildfire. Don’t worry, we’ll help you with avoiding the flames! Here are 40+ most common Gen Z Slang words to keep you in the know.

Gen Z Slang Words You Must Know

Cancelled

A phrase used to describe a public figure or company that had been caught taking part in unethical practices. When somebody is canceled, they are losing public support of their work. They are boycotted in various ways; people stop buying their products, unfollow them on social media, etc.

Example: Have you heard the allegations about James Charles? He is canceled!

Girlboss

A person who is taking care of their business (work-related or personal) in over the top manner, without caring about other people’s well-being. Used ironically in sarcastic response to people working in multi-level marketing schemes who use it in a serious manner to describe themselves.

Example: I cheated on my exam #girlboss!

Cap

A phrase used to confirm the seriousness and truthfulness of a situation or statement.

Cap?= really?

No cap= I am serious.

Example:

 -Robert bought a new Ferrari!

-You’re joking!

-No cap!

Hits different

When new information changes people’s perspective on a situation.

Example: Now that I know they’ve been in a relationship all along, their videos hit different.

Stan

To be a fan of somebody or to approve someone’s choices. 

Example: They broke up with her last week. Finally! We stan!

Next: 40 Must-Know New York Slang Terms! 

Vibe

Mood, energy, emotional state associated with a person, thing or place

Example: This club always has such a fun vibe! Everybody is so nice!

They had us in the first half

A phrase describing a moment of realization when circumstances are deceiving at first.

Example: I thought they won’t make it but they won! They had us in the first half!

Cringe

Something provoking second-hand embarrassment. 

Example: These photos are so cringy! My outfit was awful back then!

Bruh moment

Moment of failure.

Example: 

(when somebody falls from a skateboard)

-Bruh moment

To roast somebody 

To make fun of somebody. Most of the time it’s used in a friendly context.

Example: My haircut is so bad. Feel free to roast me.

_n’t

Humorous way of making a negation by adding “n’t” at the end of the word in a grammatically incorrect way.

Example: This comedy is funnyn’t. (This comedy isn’t funny)

Cursed

Something provoking unsettling feelings. Usually, it’s used to describe things belonging in the uncanny valley, inducing contradicting feelings.

Example: We took those photos at night. They are so cursed!

Sus

Short for suspicious. Describing something or somebody that doesn’t seem trustworthy. 

Example: This ad is sus. Don’t click it, it’s probably a scam.

Shipping

Thinking two people look cute together, wanting them to be in a romantic relationship.

Example: 

-What did you think of the Abby and Eddy scene in the last episode?

-It’s so obvious they are in love! I ship them!

Woke

Fake or performative awareness. It used to mean being conscious about worldwide problems. Now, it’s used ironically.

Example: He went to the protest not even knowing what it’s about. He’s so woke. 

Next: 50 British Slangs You Need to Learn Immediately 

Speedrun

The act of completing a videogame as fast as possible.

Example: Mary is doing a Mario Odyssey speedrun, she’ll be busy for the rest of the day.

Problematic 

Participating in unethical ways, being offensive, causing lots of unnecessary drama.

Example: He’s in another scandal, he’s so problematic!

Lit

An adjective used to describe something cool.

Example: This shirt is lit! I have to buy it!

Ghosted 

Openly ignoring somebody.

Example: I sent him a text a week ago and he still hadn’t replied. He is ghosting me again.

Vlogging

Short for video blogging. The act of recording your daily activities while they are happening. 

Example: Anna started vlogging! We are going to the beach to make her video more interesting.

Slay

Words of encouragement, approval, appreciation. Can describe a successful attempt.

Example: He is slaying the competition! I think he’s going to win!

Oof

Sound expressing sympathizing with difficult situations. 

Example:

-Monica didn’t pass the math test.

-Oof

Snapped

Somebody going through dramatic positive change, deliberately.

Example: She snapped, she quit her job and started her own business.

Tea

Another word for gossip.

Example: How was the party yesterday? Give me all the tea!

Flex

To brag about or show off one’s own accomplishments and wealth. 

Example: He is flexing his Lamborghini.

Balling

Partying, having fun. It frequently involves spending lots of money.

Example: We are going to Vegas this weekend. We’re balling!

Slaps

A word describing something you appreciate. 

Example: New Ariana Grande’s song slaps!

Chef’s kiss

Something very good quality or very tasty.

Example: We tried this new coffee shop on the corner and their cakes are so good. Chef’s kiss!

Simp

A person who is overly desperate to gain somebody’s approval. Doing way too much for them, always putting them first, disregarding their own good.

Example: He wants to date Kai so badly, he bought that expensive watch for them. He’s such a simp.

Alt

Short for alternative. A member of an alternative subculture or fashion movement.

Example: Josh is alt. Recently he dyed his hair pink.

Pick me 

A person agreeing with somebody’s values or ideas just to gain their approval. Usually, those beliefs are damaging to the pick me.

Example: She said women belong in the kitchen just so Micheal would date her. She’s such a pick me.

_tok

A genre of short videos on Tiktok. For example, videos about books are on book Tiktok which is then shortened to booktok.

Example: I’m reading this new book I got recommended on booktok. It’s fascinating!

Swipe left/right 

To show appreciation or dislike of something. Swipe left = to disapprove somebody, swipe right = to approve of somebody. A system mostly used on online dating apps.

Example: 

-Look, that’s Adrian, he’s 22…

-Is that a picture of him holding a fish? Swipe left!

Bestie

Abbreviation of “best friend”. 

Example: Let’s get some ice cream, bestie!

Kin

To relate to somebody, most frequently a fictional character.

Example: I kin Crowley from Good Omens.

Yeet

Another word for “throw” or sound accompanying the act of throwing something. 

Example: I yeeted the ball over the fence. I have to go get it now.

Drip

Style. Usually referring to fashionable outfit that looks expensive

Example: I bought new shoes. My drip is fire!

Fire

Really good, fashionable, tasteful. 

Example: Fiona’s bag is fire! I need to ask her where she bought it!

Bop

A word used to describe a catchy song. 

Example: Have you heard the new Lady Gaga’s song? It’s a bop!

Main character

Charismatic person, living an interesting life, like a main character of a movie.

Example: Sarah just won the concert tickets! She’s such a main character!

Glow up

Positive change in character, appearance or spiritual change. 

Example: Flora had a glow up this summer. She looks great!

Twitter thread 

A sequence of posts on Twitter, connected to each other, forming a longer text post about one topic.

Example: I saw this thread on Twitter about skincare. I’m adding this new cream to my routine now.

Squad

Another word for a close friend group.

Example: I’m hanging out with my squad today, I’ll be back home late.