Gen Z Slang Vibes : This one has layers, so bear with us. We can use this when referring to someone’s vibe, aka their energy/mood. Someone’s vibes can be off, in which case you want to stay away from them. But places and situations can also have vibes. For example, the vibes at this year’s COP28 climate summit were pretty tense. Or Putin might ask “what’s the vibe there?” before choosing to skip the G20 on legal grounds.
Gen Z Slang
Gucci
Everything’s Gucci; I’m feeling great today.
Finesse
She managed to finesse her way into getting free tickets to the concert.
Slide into DMs
I’m gonna slide into her DMs and ask her out.
Savage mode
When the competition started, he went into savage mode and dominated.
Lituation
The party turned into a situation when the DJ played everyone’s favorite songs.
Thirsty trap
Posting that picture was a total thirst trap; everyone’s commenting.
Yas
Yas, queen! You nailed that presentation.
OTP (One True Pairing)
I ship them so hard; they’re my OTP
Finsta
I only post my real thoughts on my first account; it’s my true self.
Say Less
conveys clear agreement and confirmation of shared feelings or sentiments
Flex
a showcase of accomplishments and self-promotion
Glow Up
refers to a positive personal transformation—a testament to resilience, growth, milestones and breakthroughs
Period
punctuates statements with unwavering finality, embodying conviction and resolve and leaving no room for debate or ambiguity
Basic
denotes a lack of originality or independent thought
Unserious
lightheartedly highlights the whimsical or frivolous nature of a subject or individual, dismissing them
L or W
refers to wins or losses, symbolizing triumphs and setbacks
Cringe
describes a strong feeling of discomfort, embarrassment or awkwardness in response to someone’s behavior, words or actions
Delulu
derives from the word “delusional” and refers to individuals who are perceived as being out of touch with reality
Brat
introduced by British pop star Charli XCX and denotes a confident, carefree and rebellious attitude
Slaps
Used to describe how exceptional something is.
Snatched.
If someone is looking snatched, they look really good, particularly their outfit.
Bussin’
A quirky word to use when you taste something delicious.
Guap
Money, and lots of it.
Smol
Something that is small, and in most cases exceptionally adorable.
This ain’t it, chief
Another way of giving disapproval for something.
Clapback
A response or comeback after you’ve been “called out” for something.
G.O.A.T.
Short for “The Greatest of All Time.” An acronym used to describe someone incredible.
YOLO
You Only Live Once
FOMO
Fear of Missing Out
Finsta
Fake Instagram I’d
I’m dead
Used to express extreme amusement or surprise.
Spill the tea
Refers to gossip or juicy information about someone or something.
Delulu is new solulu
It means being delusional is the new solution. It’s often used to refer to individuals who have unrealistic expectations or beliefs about love, relationships, or their own desirability.
Sus
It is a short for suspicious or suspect.
Cringe
Used to describe something embarrassing, awkward, or uncomfortable to watch or experience.
OP (Overpowered)
Used to describe something or someone that is exceptionally strong, dominant, or unbeatable in a given context, often in video games or sports.
Ick
Something someone does that is an instant turn-off for you, making you instantly hate the idea of being with them romantically.
Coquette
Coquette is mainly an aesthetic based on reclaiming girlhood and embracing a fun-loving, bubbly personality.
Gyat
Short term for goddamn
Slaps
It is used to describe music or food that is exceptionally good or enjoyable.
Lit
Something lit is exciting, fun, cool. Often used to describe an experience. It can also be used to describe someone as being drunk.
Example: “This party is getting lit!”
L / W
L, short for lose, is used to describe a loss or fail. W is short for win, and describe success, victory or generally as a positive remark.
Example: A person has announced online they have been nominated for an award. A friend comments “W.”
Let him cook
To let someone cook is not literally to let them cook but to provide space for that person to focus on what they are good at and do their thing. It first originated from a rap song by Lil B and somehow morphed into a viral meme used in different contexts.
Example: “Alright, everyone just needs to step back and let him cook.”
Living rent free
Living rent free is when something is permanently on your mind – this could be a person or a memory. Generally the phrase is followed by “in my head”. Originally it was used to describe a negative memory, but now it is evolved to be more positive and is used to refer to anything that you are obsessed about.
Example: “That movie scene is living rent free in my head.”
Lowkey / Highkey
To be lowkey is to keep a low profile, or keep on the ‘downlow’. Sometimes used in the context of wanting to not act too eager or seem too enthusiastic about something, even though in reality, you are very excited. The opposite of being lowkey is highkey.
Example: “I lowkey am so keen for the concert on Saturday.”
Menty b
Menty b is short for ‘mental breakdown’. It has been used to somewhat normalise and add humor to the prevalence of mental health issues.
Example: “I’ve had multiple menty b’s this week.”
Mid
Something mid is average or even below average or quality.
Example: “Honestly the options at the buffet was pretty mid – was expecting more for the price we paid.”
On Fleek
Something is on fleek if it is perfection, generally used to describe someone’s appearance in a positive way.
Example: “Look at you! Your eyebrows are on fleek.”
Peeps
Peeps is short for people. You would use it informally to refer to a group of individuals like friends, close colleagues, family.
Example: “It’s time to go. Let’s go peeps.”
Periodt
An even more final version of period, used to emphasise the finality of a statement.
Example: “We’re not going back when we’ve made it so far. Periodt.”
Slap
Definition: If you say something “slaps,” that means you really enjoyed it. This word can be used to describe food, a song, a movie, a book or anything you feel passionate about.
In a sentence: Thanks for buying lunch – this burrito bowl slaps!
Hint: Just don’t overdo it. Sure, the new soap in the office bathroom might smell good and you might be excited about it, but you don’t have to run around telling everyone how much the new soap slaps.
Clout
Definition: If someone has clout, it means they have fame, popularity or influence.
In a sentence: Abby’s TikTok went viral and now she thinks she has so much clout.
Bonus points: If it’s obvious that someone is trying to gain clout by befriending influential people or by showing off their wealth on social media, you could mockingly refer to that person as a “clout chaser.”
Yeet
Definition: This word is most commonly used as a verb, and means to throw something very hard or very fast.
In a sentence: Can you yeet this water bottle into the recycling bin?
Hint: Sometimes, young people exclaim “Yeet!” to show enthusiasm or excitement, or for no reason in particular. Just roll with it.
Shade
Definition: Subtle criticism or disrespect. This term is often used in the context of “throwing shade” – when someone passive-aggressively snubs someone else.
In a sentence: Do you think Chris was throwing shade at me in the meeting?
IRL
Definition: Stands for “In Real Life.” This one is typically used to differentiate between online and offline experiences, so you could use “IRL” to specify whether a meeting will be held in person or over Zoom.
In a sentence: We can do a call if you want, but I think it would be best to discuss this IRL.
Hint: This one is always typed out – do not say “IRL” out loud.
Sus
Definition: “Sus” stands for suspicious. It is used to describe something that you find questionable. Its popularity stems from “Among Us,” an online murder mystery game in which users type “sus” to call out other users they believe are secretly the “imposters.” It can be used to describe people, places, food, situations…really anything.
In a sentence: Don’t order from the place across the street, their sushi is really sus.
Dead
Definition: Not what you think. “Dead” is often used in response to something that you find very funny. The indication is that you thought this joke was so funny, you died of laughter. Because Gen Z likes to exaggerate.
In a sentence: I just watched a video of a cat riding a skateboard – I am DEAD.
Bonus points: If someone sends something funny over text or Slack, swap out the overused, outdated laughing emoji for a skull emoji instead.
Extra
Definition: You might be used to the word “extra” being followed by another word (extra fries, extra time, etc.) But in Gen Z language, the word “extra” is used as an adjective all on its own, typically to describe unnecessary, over-the-top or excessive behavior.
In a sentence: Don’t you think a baby shower for a fourth kid is a little extra?
W or L
Definition: W stands for “Win” and is used to convey a victory. L stands for – you guessed it – “Loss” and is used to convey defeat. Both can be either typed or said out-loud.
In a sentence: Today’s game was a big L. But don’t worry, we’ll get the W next time.
Tea
Definition: Tea means gossip. Often, the gossip is particularly juicy or sought-after.
In a sentence: I heard they got fired unexpectedly – what’s the tea?
Bonus points: To share your tea with others means to “spill the tea.” So if you have a juicy piece of gossip you can’t keep to yourself, invite your most trusted coworker to your cubicle so you can “spill the tea” with them.
Bet
Definition: Not at all related to gambling. This word is commonly used as an affirmative response in place of “ok” or “sure.”
Additionally, it is sometimes used to express enthusiasm, and can replace words like “cool” or “great.”
In a sentence: I asked Jane if she wanted to get lunch and she said “bet.” That’s a yes, right?
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