Perhaps you first heard it at your go-to coffee shop, or while you were queuing at the grocery store. Whatever generation you belong to, you’ve definitely had this experience: passing a gathering of young adults and hearing terms that sound like complete nonsense to you.
Although it was popularised by social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, Gen Z slang is much more than just online jargon. You can hear or read it almost anywhere and everywhere, and it’s pervaded almost every stratum of society. You might start to feel like you’re being left out. So how are you supposed to keep up with the way Gen Zers communicate? Fret not and don’t experience FOMO, because we gotchu!
Here’s a list of some of the more popular Gen Z slang terms you gotta know!
Slaps
“Slap” means “to be excellent or amazing.” It’s particularly used to describe music that someone believes to be exceptionally wonderful, as in “that music slaps!”
Bussin
“Bussin” means that something is really, really good. For instance, when someone really likes a type of food, instead of using the word “tasty”, they say “it’s bussin”.
Bop
“Bop” denotes “a good song.” People use it to describe music they really like (especially in text messages and social media posts). In addition to expressing that a song is wonderful for dancing to, the term “bop” also means that it is neither peaceful nor depressing music.
Cringe
A term used to describe someone or something that makes you feel exceedingly uneasy, embarrassed or ashamed.
Boujee
Although the term “boujee” usually denotes a wealthy or materialistic individual, it can also be used to jeer at someone who makes an effort to portray an opulent way of life.
I’m Dead
When something is humorous, stunning, surprising, or ludicrous, this phrase is used to express a strong emotional response. Just use a skull and casket emoji to convey this term.
Facts
It’s another way of emphasising that what you’re saying is TRUE and indisputable.
Flex
This means to brag or show off.
Glow-up
This denotes a big evolution, for the better, of someone’s physical appearance or presentation. It involves changing who you are to become a more attractive, successful, and confident version of yourself.
ICK
This is used frequently to express disgust or antipathy towards something or someone.
IYKYK
An abbreviation of “if you know, you know”. It means only those who have experienced the same circumstance or event as you can comprehend what you’re speaking about.
NGL
“Not gonna lie”. In other words, you’re telling the brutal truth!
Period
A remark made to indicate that what you’ve just said is conclusive and that there is no further discussion or dispute necessary. For instance, “I’m always right. Period!”.
Red Flag
This refers to a signal or indication warning of possible impending trouble or danger, or a manipulative act or person.
Salty
This characterizes a person who exhibits resentful, bitter behaviour or annoyance. This is used especially in response to criticism or perceived slights; it’s frequently used to describe someone who is acting too sensitively, defensively, or angrily.
Slay
A phrase used to describe someone who excelled to the point of “killing it”. It could be a look, a deed, or anything else that they outdid.
Simp
This is used to describe someone who is overly sympathetic and attentive to others. When they care about someone, they will go out of their way to make them happy – something seen as pathetic and desperate by those around them.
Sus
A short form for “suspicious”. As in, “you’ve been acting sus lately”.
Tea
Ahh… who doesn’t love to spill some “tea”, which basically means to gossip or share some inside information.
TFW
This stands for “the feeling when” or “the face when”. It refers to your reaction when a flashback or an incident hits your mind.
Woke
Being conscious of and paying attention to significant societal facts and situations, especially problematic ones, and advocating for change.
Lowkey/Highkey
“Lowkey” means to keep a low profile or to be discreet. On the other hand, “highkey” describes something that was meant to be kept secret, but which has been made obvious.
It’s Giving
Frequently used to indicate an event or scenario that is especially intense, dramatic, or exaggerated.
Wig
A term used to express amazement, to the point that it would make a wig take off in response to excitement.
Vibing
Someone who’s vibing is having a pleasant sensation about a particular circumstance, or a sense of connection and understanding with the people they’re with.
Fam
Fam is the short form of “family”, but don’t be misled; it may also be used to refer to your buddies (the way Millennials use the word “bro”).
