Gen Z Slang (Find Out What Your Kids Are Saying!)


Want to decode Gen Z slang?

This guide will help you keep up with the vibes, whether you’re a zoomer yourself or just trying to understand what “yeet,” “simp,” and “vibe” mean.

Let’s get started! That’s a major W!

Gen Z Slang

Af/Asf

Quick Explanation: Shortened version of “as fuck”.

 

This term is used for emphasis and adds intensity to a statement. For example, “That was cool af” means “That was really cool.”

Examples in sentences:

  • “I’m tired af after that workout.”
  • “Her outfit is stylish af.”
  • “That party last night was fun af.”
  • “This coffee is strong af.”
  • “He’s rich af, driving that car.”

 

Asl

Quick Explanation: Shortened version of “as hell” (not to be confused with “age/sex/location”).

 

Commonly used for emphasis, similar to af, but slightly more casual.

Examples in sentences:

  • “I’m hungry asl, let’s get food.”
  • “This weather is hot asl.”
  • “She was mad asl when she found out.”
  • “This movie is funny asl.”
  • “He’s tired asl after working all night.”

 

Aura

Quick Explanation: Refers to someone’s overall vibe, energy, or personality.

 

The term “aura” reflects how someone’s energy is perceived by others, often used positively.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Her aura is so calming, I love being around her.”
  • “That guy has a mysterious aura.”
  • “The aura of this place makes it feel magical.”
  • “His aura screams confidence.”
  • “The teacher has an intimidating aura.”

 

Based

Quick Explanation: To agree with or approve of something, often used as an antonym of “cringe”.

 

Originally meaning to be yourself and not care what others think, “based” has evolved into an expression of agreement, particularly in political discussions.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That’s such a based opinion, I totally agree.”
  • “He’s based for standing up for what’s right.”
  • “This artist is based for their bold statements.”
  • “That tweet was so based, I had to share it.”
  • “You’re based for sticking to your values.”

 

Bussin’

Quick Explanation: Describes something extremely good or tasty.

 

Often used to refer to food, “bussin'” means something is excellent or enjoyable.

Examples in sentences:

  • “This pizza is bussin’!”
  • “Grandma’s cooking is always bussin’.”
  • “That movie was bussin’, I’d watch it again.”
  • “Her playlist is bussin’—every track is a hit.”
  • “That new café’s coffee is bussin’.”

 

Cap/No Cap

Quick Explanation: “Cap” means a lie, and “No Cap” means no lie or for real.

 

Used to clarify honesty, this term became popular through rap culture.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That’s cap, I don’t believe you.”
  • “No cap, this is the best burger I’ve ever had.”
  • “Stop capping, we know the truth.”
  • “No cap, I got an A on that test.”
  • “His story sounded like cap to me.”

 

Cheugy

Quick Explanation: A term for something outdated or trying too hard.

 

Cheugy often describes trends that were once popular but are now considered off-trend or overdone.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That old meme is so cheugy.”
  • “Wearing Uggs with leggings feels cheugy now.”
  • “The way he decorates his room is cheugy.”
  • “Posting a minion meme is peak cheugy.”
  • “Those shirts with ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ are cheugy.”

 

Drip

Quick Explanation: Refers to someone’s style or outfit, especially if it’s stylish or cool.

 

“Drip” means having a sense of fashion or a noticeable personal style.

Examples in sentences:

  • “His drip is unmatched, just look at those shoes.”
  • “Check out her drip—it’s giving luxury.”
  • “He walked into the party dripping in designer clothes.”
  • “The drip on that jacket is incredible.”
  • “Her whole outfit is straight-up drip.”

 

Fam

Quick Explanation: A term to describe a close friend, who is ‘like family.’

 

“Fam” is short for family but is often used to describe very close friends who feel like family.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That’s my fam right there!”
  • “I’m going to hang with the fam this weekend.”
  • “You know I’ve got your back, fam.”
  • “We’re all fam here, don’t worry.”
  • “You’re like fam to me.”

 

Flex

Quick Explanation: To show off something you’re proud of.

 

Often used when someone flaunts their achievements, possessions, or skills.

Examples in sentences:

  • “He’s always flexing his car on Instagram.”
  • “That’s a subtle flex, mentioning your new promotion.”
  • “Flexing those concert tickets was unnecessary.”
  • “She flexed her perfect grades in front of the class.”
  • “The way he talks about his new house is such a flex.”

 

FOMO

Quick Explanation: Fear of missing out.

 

“FOMO” refers to the anxiety that you’re missing out on something exciting or important.

Examples in sentences:

  • “I have FOMO about that party tonight!”
  • “Don’t let FOMO ruin your day.”
  • “I’m staying in, but FOMO is real!”
  • “You’ll get FOMO if you don’t join us!”
  • “That’s major FOMO – I wish I could go!”

 

Glow Up

Quick Explanation: A significant improvement in appearance, style, or confidence.

 

“Glow up” describes someone who has undergone a positive transformation, often from adolescence to adulthood.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Her glow up since high school is unreal.”
  • “After college, he really had a glow up.”
  • “That glow up is thanks to her new skincare routine.”
  • “Your glow up is inspiring—what’s your secret?”
  • “After her glow up, everyone was shocked at the reunion.”

 

G2G

Quick Explanation: Got to go.

 

“G2G” is often used when someone needs to leave or end a conversation quickly.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Hey, G2G, talk later!”
  • “It’s getting late, G2G.”
  • “I G2G, see you soon!”
  • “G2G, I have work tomorrow.”
  • “Sorry, G2G, but I’ll catch up with you later.”

 

Hits Different

Quick Explanation: Something that feels unique, special, or impactful.

 

Usually refers to experiences or feelings that stand out from the ordinary.

Examples in sentences:

  • “This song just hits different when you’re in your feelings.”
  • “Ice cream in the summer hits different.”
  • “Watching the sunset after a long day hits different.”
  • “That homemade pizza hits different compared to frozen.”
  • “Seeing old friends hits different as an adult.”

 

IYKYK

Quick Explanation: If you know, you know.

 

“IYKYK” is used when something is understood only by a specific group of people who have the context.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That joke was hilarious, IYKYK.”
  • “The vibe at the concert was amazing, IYKYK.”
  • “Only true fans will get this, IYKYK.”
  • “I went to that place last week, IYKYK!”
  • “IYKYK, you had to be there!”

 

I’m Dead

Quick Explanation: An exaggerated response to something extremely funny.

 

“I’m dead” is used to express amusement when something makes you laugh a lot.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That meme? I’m dead!”
  • “I’m dead at how he tripped over his own feet.”
  • “This stand-up comedian is so good, I’m dead.”
  • “The way she reacted had me dead.”
  • “I’m dead, this video is hilarious.”

 

It’s Giving

Quick Explanation: A phrase used to describe something’s vibe, often with humor or sarcasm.

 

“It’s giving” is typically followed by a reference to the mood or impression something creates.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Her outfit is giving boss energy.”
  • “That restaurant is giving fancy but overpriced.”
  • “It’s giving main character vibes.”
  • “This party is giving high school reunion.”
  • “That décor is giving 90s nostalgia.”

 

Lowkey

Quick Explanation: Subtly or secretly; not overly expressed.

 

“Lowkey” is used to express something you feel or do in a toned-down or casual way.

Examples in sentences:

  • “I lowkey love pineapple on pizza.”
  • “She’s lowkey the funniest person in our group.”
  • “I lowkey don’t want to go to the party.”
  • “That movie was lowkey better than expected.”
  • “I lowkey think he likes you.”

 

Main Character

Quick Explanation: Refers to someone who is acting like the protagonist of their own story.

 

Often used to describe someone embracing confidence, individuality, or living in the spotlight.

Examples in sentences:

  • “She’s walking in here like the main character.”
  • “That vacation photo is giving main character vibes.”
  • “You’re the main character in this story, own it.”
  • “Main character energy means putting yourself first.”
  • “He’s always the main character wherever we go.”

 

No Cap

Quick Explanation: Used to emphasize truthfulness or honesty.

 

“No cap” means “no lie” or “seriously,” often used to confirm the authenticity of a statement.

Examples in sentences:

  • “This cake is the best I’ve ever had, no cap.”
  • “I’m telling you the truth, no cap.”
  • “She’s the fastest runner in school, no cap.”
  • “No cap, this movie changed my life.”
  • “That concert was amazing, no cap.”

 

Periodt

Quick Explanation: A word used for emphasis at the end of a statement to indicate finality or certainty.

 

Often used to reinforce a point, usually in a confident or assertive manner.

Examples in sentences:

  • “I’m not changing my plans, periodt.”
  • “This is the best burger in town, periodt.”
  • “She’s the queen, periodt.”
  • “We deserve a break after this week, periodt.”
  • “This outfit slays, periodt.”

 

Rizz

Quick Explanation: Short for charisma; used to describe someone who is charming or flirtatious.

 

Often relates to someone’s ability to attract or impress others romantically.

Examples in sentences:

  • “He’s got so much rizz, everyone likes him.”
  • “She’s the queen of rizz in our friend group.”
  • “How do you have that much rizz with no effort?”
  • “His rizz game is strong.”
  • “Rizz isn’t just about looks; it’s about confidence.”

 

Shook

Quick Explanation: Shocked or surprised.

 

“Shook” describes the feeling of being shaken up or taken aback by something surprising.

Examples in sentences:

  • “I was shook when I saw the news!”
  • “That plot twist left me shook!”
  • “I’m shook by the performance, honestly.”
  • “You’re telling me that? I’m shook!”
  • “She was totally shook when she heard that joke!”

 

Slaps

Quick Explanation: Refers to something exceptionally good or impressive, especially music.

 

“Slaps” is used to describe something that resonates strongly or feels satisfying.

Examples in sentences:

  • “This new album slaps so hard.”
  • “That pasta recipe slaps, you need to try it.”
  • “This party slaps, everyone’s having a great time.”
  • “Their live performance really slaps.”
  • “The beat in this song slaps like no other.”

 

Snatched

Quick Explanation: A term for looking stylish, fashionable, or flawless.

 

Often used as a compliment for someone’s outfit, makeup, or overall look.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Your makeup is snatched today.”
  • “Her outfit is so snatched, I’m jealous.”
  • “You always look snatched for events.”
  • “That hairstyle is snatched to perfection.”
  • “Snatched and slaying, as usual.”

 

Sus

Quick Explanation: Short for suspicious; used to describe someone or something that seems off.

 

“Sus” is often used humorously or casually to point out questionable behavior or situations.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Why are you acting so sus right now?”
  • “That deal sounds a little sus to me.”
  • “He’s being sus about his weekend plans.”
  • “Leaving the party early was kinda sus.”
  • “That text was sus, what’s going on?”

 

Tea

Quick Explanation: Gossip, news, or drama.

 

“Tea” is often shared as juicy details about someone or something, either in a lighthearted or scandalous way.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Spill the tea, what happened at the meeting?”
  • “I’ve got some tea about our neighbors.”
  • “This celebrity tea is too much to handle.”
  • “No tea, no shade, but that outfit’s wild.”
  • “We need a coffee date to catch up on all the tea.”

 

Thirsty

Quick Explanation: Desperate for attention, often in a romantic or social context.

 

Usually refers to someone seeking validation or affection in an obvious way.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Posting 20 selfies in a day is kinda thirsty.”
  • “He’s being so thirsty, liking all her pics.”
  • “Stop being thirsty; it’s not a good look.”
  • “Thirsty comments like that won’t impress her.”
  • “Why are you so thirsty for compliments today?”

 

TNTL

Quick Explanation: Trying not to laugh.

 

“TNTL” is used when you’re holding back a laugh, often while watching something funny.

Examples in sentences:

  • “That meme was hilarious, but I’m TNTL.”
  • “TNTL during the movie – it’s just too funny!”
  • “Stop, I’m TNTL in class!”
  • “I saw her doing the dance, TNTL.”
  • “You made me TNTL with that joke!”

 

Vibe

Quick Explanation: A feeling, atmosphere, or mood.

 

Often used to describe the overall energy of a situation, person, or place.

Examples in sentences:

  • “The party last night had such a chill vibe.”
  • “I’m not feeling the vibe here; let’s leave.”
  • “Her vibe is so positive, I love being around her.”
  • “This playlist has all the summer vibes.”
  • “It’s a vibe—just go with it.”

 

W

Quick Explanation: Short for “win”; used to celebrate a success or victory.

 

Often used in gaming, social media, or general conversation to highlight a positive outcome.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Finally got that promotion—big W!”
  • “You got tickets to the concert? That’s a W.”
  • “Getting free pizza is always a W.”
  • “His comeback was a major W.”
  • “Scoring a goal in the last minute? W for the team.”

 

Yeet

Quick Explanation: To throw something with force or excitement; also used as an exclamation.

 

“Yeet” can refer to tossing something energetically or simply expressing enthusiasm or surprise.

Examples in sentences:

  • “He yeeted the ball across the field.”
  • “I’m about to yeet this assignment into the trash.”
  • “Yeet! That was an awesome shot.”
  • “She grabbed the keys and yeeted out the door.”
  • “This is so fun, yeet!”

 

YNK

Quick Explanation: You never know.

 

“YNK” is used when something is uncertain, or when you’re unsure about an outcome.

Examples in sentences:

  • “YNK, maybe they’ll show up.”
  • “YNK, it could happen, right?”
  • “It might rain later, YNK.”
  • “YNK, I might get that job!”
  • “You never know what could happen next, YNK!”

 

YOLO

Quick Explanation: You only live once.

 

“YOLO” is often used to encourage living life to the fullest, as you only have one shot at it.

Examples in sentences:

  • “I’m going to Paris next weekend – YOLO!”
  • “Quit worrying about the small stuff – YOLO!”
  • “She went bungee jumping because, YOLO!”
  • “We’re going out tonight – YOLO!”
  • “Take that trip, YOLO!”

 

Zaddy

Quick Explanation: A stylish, attractive man who exudes confidence and charm.

 

Often used to compliment someone’s appearance or aura, especially in a playful or admiring way.

Examples in sentences:

  • “Look at that suit—he’s a total zaddy.”
  • “Brad Pitt is the definition of a zaddy.”
  • “You’re turning into a zaddy with that new haircut.”
  • “He’s not just a dad; he’s a zaddy.”
  • “That model is giving serious zaddy vibes.”

 

Zoomer

Quick Explanation: A nickname for members of Generation Z.

 

“Zoomer” is a playful take on “boomer,” referring to the younger generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012.

Examples in sentences:

  • “As a zoomer, I’ve grown up with the internet.”
  • “Zoomers have such a unique sense of humor.”
  • “This trend is definitely a zoomer thing.”
  • “Zoomers are so tech-savvy it’s unreal.”
  • “He’s a proud zoomer and loves TikTok.”

 

  • Polly

    Founder - @PollyWebster

    Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.

    Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.

    Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.

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