97 Gen Z Slang: Your Ultimate Guide to Modern Lingo

You think you’re up on all the lingo, but let’s be real – when you hear “rizz” or “drip”, you’re like, “Huh?” Don’t sweat it; we’ve got your back. This guide isn’t just for keeping up; it’s your key to fully vibing with the Gen Z crew, no matter where you’re from. Let’s break down the slang that’s revolutionizing how we chat, post, and connect in today’s world.

1. Bet – Used to show agreement or confirmation, similar to saying “okay” or “sure.”
2. Cap – Refers to lying or exaggeration. “No cap” means “no lie” or “truth.”
3. Drip – Refers to someone’s style or fashion sense, especially when it’s considered very fashionable or cool.
4. Extra – Used to describe someone or something that is over-the-top or unnecessary in its behavior or appearance.
5. Fam – Short for “family,” but used to refer to close friends or a group one feels close to.
6. Finna – Short for “fixing to,” meaning “going to” or “about to” do something.
7. Flex – To show off or brag, often about achievements or possessions.
8. FOMO – Acronym for “Fear Of Missing Out,” the anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere.
9. GOAT – Acronym for “Greatest Of All Time,” used to describe someone or something considered the best.
10. Hits Different – Something that has a unique or more profound impact compared to others.
11. Lit – Describes something that is amazing, exciting, or fun.
12. Lowkey – Means quietly, secretly, or subtly. Can also mean “kind of” or “sort of.”
13. Mood – Used to express that something resonates with one’s current feelings or state of mind.
14. Rizz – Charm or the ability to attract others romantically or sexually through charisma.
15. Salty – Being upset or irritated, often used to describe someone who is bitter about something.
16. Simp – Someone who does too much for someone they like, often at the expense of their own dignity.
17. Slay – To do something exceptionally well or look incredibly good.
18. Sus – Short for “suspicious,” used when something or someone seems off or untrustworthy.
19. Tea – Gossip or interesting personal information, often used with “spill” to mean sharing secrets or gossip.
20. Vibe – The mood or atmosphere of a situation or person. “Vibing” means enjoying or resonating with that mood.
21. Ate – Filipino term for older sister, used respectfully for any older female.
22. Bae – Stands for “before anyone else,” used for romantic partners or close friends.
23. Bop – A catchy or good song.
24. Bougie – Short for “bourgeois,” implies someone is acting or living in a fancy, upper-class manner.
25. Cancelled – When someone’s reputation is ruined due to their actions or opinions, often on social media.
26. Cheugy – Something that’s out of style or not cool, especially if it’s trying too hard to be trendy.
27. Clapback – A quick, sharp, and often humorous comeback in response to criticism or insult.
28. Curve – To reject someone’s advances or flirtation indirectly.
29. Dead – Used to express that something is extremely funny, to the point of being incapacitated by laughter.
30. E-boy/E-girl – Stereotypical aesthetic of boys and girls on the internet known for their emo-inspired look.
31. Edgy – Pushing boundaries, often in a way that’s considered cool or daring.
32. Facts – An expression of agreement, affirming that what was said is true.
33. Gucci – Used to mean something is good or cool, stemming from the luxury brand.
34. Hundo P – Short for “hundred percent,” meaning completely agree or something is totally true.
35. Icks – Things that someone finds unattractive or off-putting in others.
36. Juice – Information or gossip, similar to “tea.”
37. Lituation – A combination of “lit” and “situation,” meaning a very exciting event or party.
38. Main Character Energy – Acting as if you’re the protagonist of your life, with confidence and flair.
39. No Chill – Someone who doesn’t hold back or relax, always intense or overreacting.
40. Oof – An expression of discomfort, pain, or embarrassment.
41. Periodt – Emphasizes the end of a statement, like saying “period” but with more conviction.
42. Pog – An exclamation of excitement or celebration, often used in gaming contexts.
43. Ratio – Refers to the comparison of likes to comments on a social media post, usually when comments (often critical) outnumber likes.
44. Real – Used to affirm something as genuine or true, similar to “facts.”
45. Shook – To be shocked or surprised.
46. Shade – Subtle or indirect insult or disrespect.
47. Sksksk – A way to express amusement or laughter, popularized on TikTok.
48. Stan – An overzealous or obsessive fan of someone or something.
49. Vibe Check – Assessing the mood or energy of a situation or person to see if it’s good.
50. Aesthetic – Refers to a particular style or visual theme someone is into.
51. Bussin’ – Something that’s really good, especially food.
52. Catch these hands – An invitation to fight, meaning someone is ready to punch.
53. Clout – Fame or influence on social media.
54. Dank – Used to describe something excellent or high quality, often memes.
55. Dank meme – A meme that’s particularly funny or well-made.
56. Deadass – Seriously, truly, or for real.
57. Eyeroll – An expression of disbelief, annoyance, or impatience.
58. Finesse – To manipulate a situation to one’s advantage.
59. Finsta – Short for “Fake Instagram,” a secondary, more private account.
60. Ghost – To suddenly stop all communication without explanation.
61. Glow-up – A transformation from an unremarkable state to something much better.
62. Gorilla Glue Girl – Refers to a viral mishap where someone used Gorilla Glue as hair spray.
63. Hypebeast – Someone obsessed with fashion trends, especially streetwear.
64. IYKYK – “If You Know, You Know,” used for inside knowledge or experiences.
65. Karen – Stereotypical name for a demanding, entitled woman, usually white.
66. Kicks – Shoes, particularly sneakers.
67. Lowkey – Secretly, quietly, or in a subtle manner.
68. Mid – Something that’s just okay, not great or terrible.
69. NPC – Non-Player Character from video games, used to describe people with unremarkable personalities.
70. Poggers – An evolution of “pog,” used to express excitement or happiness.
71. Pop off – To do something with great energy or success.
72. Pookie – An affectionate term for someone, often used for pets or loved ones.
73. Rizzler – Someone with exceptional “rizz,” or charm.
74. Savage – Someone who is bold, fearless, or does something impressive.
75. Sending me – Something is so funny or surprising it’s “sending” you into laughter or shock.
76. Ship – Short for relationship, used when fans want two people to be together.
77. Shook – Shocked or taken aback.
78. Skibidi – From the “Skibidi Toilet” meme, used to describe something bizarre or nonsensical.
79. Slaps – Something, particularly music, that is very good.
80. Sleeping on – Not recognizing or appreciating the value of someone or something.
81. Smol – Small and cute.
82. Snack – Someone attractive or good-looking.
83. Snatched – When someone looks very good, often in terms of fashion or appearance.
84. Spill the tea – Share the gossip or secrets.
85. Stan – An extremely devoted fan, combining “stalker” and “fan.”
86. Stitch – On TikTok, to add your own video to another’s.
87. Thirsty – Desperate for attention or affection, often in a sexual or romantic context.
88. Throw shade – To insult or criticize someone indirectly.
89. Vibe check – Assessing someone’s mood or the atmosphere.
90. Vibes – The feel or atmosphere of a situation or person.
91. W – Short for “win,” indicating success or a good outcome.
92. Wack – Something that’s bad, not cool, or of poor quality.
93. Woke – Aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues.
94. Yeet – An exclamation of excitement or to throw something with force.
95. Ye – An informal way to say “yes.”
96. Zaddy – An attractive, stylish older man who has a certain charm.
97. Zoomer – Another term for Generation Z.

Now that you’re clued in on these 97 slangs, there’s literally no excuse to be out of the loop. Whether you’re chilling in the city or in cyberspace, this lingo is your ticket to being the life of the chat. Remember, language is always on the move, and staying in the know is how you stay relevant. Next time you’re hit with a new term, don’t just nod and pretend; dive in or use this guide to keep your slang game strong.

Don’t just mimic the talk; live it, breathe it, and make those connections. Language is our vibe, our way to connect. So, are you ready to ride the wave of Gen Z slang, or will you be left in the dust?