Gen Z Slangs: A Fun Guide
Gen Z, the generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012, has a vibrant and ever-evolving linguistic culture, heavily influenced by social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. Their slang is dynamic, often spreading rapidly online and reflecting their values, humor, and creativity. If you’ve ever heard terms like “slay,” “bet,” or “yeet” and wondered what they mean, this blog is for you! Below, we’ll dive into some commonly used Gen Z slang words and idioms, each with a detailed explanation including origin and meaning, plus with detailed examples to show how they’re used in conversation.
1. Lit - Super exciting or awesome.
Explanation: Originated from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popularized in the early 2010s, "lit" initially meant drunk or intoxicated but evolved to describe anything highly exciting or energetic. It’s now a go-to term for hyping up events or experiences.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "The party last night had a DJ, crazy lights, and everyone dancing until midnight!"
Friend 2: "That sounds so lit, I wish I hadn’t missed it!"Example 2:
Person A: "This concert has fireworks, a huge crowd, and the band’s best hits!"
Person B: "Totally lit vibes, we need to record this moment!"
2. Extra - Over-the-top or dramatic.
Explanation: Emerging from online culture and reality TV in the 2000s, "extra" comes from "extraordinary" and is used to call out excessive or unnecessary behavior. It’s a playful way to note someone’s over-the-top actions.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "She started sobbing and yelling when her coffee spilled on the table!"
Friend 2: "That’s so extra, it was just a small spill!"Example 2:
Person A: "He packed a whole suitcase of clothes and accessories for a two-hour picnic!"
Person B: "Way too extra, who needs that much for a picnic?"
3. Vibe Check - Assessing someone’s mood.
Explanation: Coined around 2019 on TikTok, "vibe check" stems from the idea of checking the "vibes" or energy someone gives off. It’s a social tool to gauge emotions or atmosphere in a group.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "You’ve been super quiet and scrolling your phone all day at the park."
Friend 2: "Yeah, let’s do a vibe check to see what’s up with you!"Example 2:
Person A: "He’s been sitting alone in the corner during the whole movie night."
Person B: "Time for a vibe check, let’s make sure he’s okay!"
4. Stan - Huge fan of someone.
Explanation: Originating from Eminem’s 2000 song "Stan," the term blends "stalker" and "fan" to describe obsessive admiration. It’s now a badge of honor for dedicated fandoms across music, TV, and more.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "I’ve been streaming Taylor Swift’s new album on repeat and bought all her merch!"
Friend 2: "You’re such a stan, I love your dedication!"Example 2:
Person A: "I’ve watched this new series three times and joined its fan club online!"
Person B: "Total stan mode, you’re obsessed in the best way!"
5. Sus - Suspicious or shady.
Explanation: Short for "suspicious," "sus" gained traction from the 2018 video game Among Us and earlier AAVE usage. It’s used to flag dubious behavior or situations with a hint of humor.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "He grabbed his bag and ran out the door without saying goodbye during dinner."
Friend 2: "That’s sus, wonder what he’s hiding!"Example 2:
Person A: "She keeps whispering to her phone and avoiding eye contact at the meeting."
Person B: "Super sus, something’s definitely up!"
6. Glow Up - Big personal improvement.
Explanation: Popularized on social media around 2015, "glow up" refers to a dramatic transformation in appearance or confidence. It often highlights personal growth over time, celebrated with before-and-after comparisons.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "You went from baggy hoodies to rocking stylish jackets and perfect hair!"
Friend 2: "Thanks, it’s been a total glow up this year!"Example 2:
Person A: "His old photos show braces and glasses, now he’s got a chiseled jaw and confidence!"
Person B: "Big glow up, he’s unrecognizable!"
7. Rizz - Charisma or charm.
Explanation: Short for "charisma," "rizz" emerged on TikTok in 2021 from AAVE roots, describing someone’s ability to flirt or win people over. It’s a compliment for smooth social skills.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "He walked up to her at the café and had her laughing with one smooth line!"
Friend 2: "Mad rizz, he’s got game!"Example 2:
Person A: "She convinced the whole group to join her plan with a single smile and joke."
Person B: "All that rizz, she’s unstoppable!"
8. Bussin’ - Really good, especially food.
Explanation: Originating from Southern U.S. slang and boosted by TikTok in the late 2010s, "bussin’" means something delicious or excellent, often tied to food but can apply broadly.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "This burger has juicy patties, fresh lettuce, and the perfect bun!"
Friend 2: "So bussin’, I need another one!"Example 2:
Person A: "Tried the new taco truck with spicy salsa and grilled meat."
Person B: "Bussin’ for sure, best tacos ever!"
9. Drip - Stylish or fashionable.
Explanation: Rooted in hip-hop culture since the 2000s, "drip" refers to a person’s fashionable style or swagger, often tied to expensive or standout clothing. It’s a term of admiration.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "Your new sneakers, gold chain, and tailored jeans are on point today!"
Friend 2: "Thanks, all drip from head to toe!"Example 2:
Person A: "Check out his custom jacket and matching hat at the event!"
Person B: "Pure drip, he’s killing the fashion game!"
10. Cap - Lie or exaggeration.
Explanation: From AAVE, "cap" means a lie, with roots in the phrase "no cap" (no lie) gaining popularity on social media in the 2010s. It’s used to call out falsehoods.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "He claimed he scored the winning goal in the championship game!"
Friend 2: "That’s cap, he wasn’t even on the field!"
Example 2:
Person A: "She said she’s been to every country in Europe this year!"
Person B: "Total cap, that’s impossible in 12 months!"
11. Tea - Gossip or news.
Explanation: Originating in Black and queer communities, particularly drag culture in the 1980s, "tea" symbolizes juicy gossip or truth. It exploded online with phrases like "spill the tea."
Example 1:
Friend 1: "I heard something big happened between Jake and Mia at the party!"
Friend 2: "Spill the tea, I need all the details!"
Example 2:
Person A: "Is it true he’s dating someone new from his class?"
Person B: "Tea’s hot, let me tell you what I heard!"
12. Flex - Show off.
Explanation: Borrowed from bodybuilding slang in the 1990s, "flex" means to display something impressive like wealth or skills. Gen Z uses it for any boastful showcase.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "He pulled up in a shiny new sports car with the top down!"
Friend 2: "Just flexing his new ride, huh?"
Example 2:
Person A: "Look at my straight A’s report card from this semester!"
Person B: "Big flex, you’re crushing it!
13. Yeet - Throw or hype.
Explanation: Emerging from a 2014 viral Vine video, "yeet" started as an exclamation for throwing something energetically and evolved into a general expression of excitement or approval.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "I chucked the old textbook across the room after finishing it!"
Friend 2: "Yeet it, good riddance!"
Example 2:
Person A: "We’re heading to the beach with music blasting!"
Person B: "Yeet, let’s make it a blast!"
14. Slaps - Something great, like music.
Explanation: Originating in hip-hop slang, "slaps" means something hits hard or is exceptionally good, especially music. It’s been adopted widely by Gen Z for quality content.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "This new track has a killer beat and amazing vocals!"
Friend 2: "It slaps, I’m adding it to my playlist!"
Example 2:
Person A: "Heard the latest album drop today?"
Person B: "Slaps hard, can’t stop listening!"
15. Clout - Influence or fame.
Explanation: From old English meaning "influence," "clout" was revived in hip-hop culture and social media to denote online fame or power. Gen Z uses it to highlight someone’s reach.
Example 1:
Friend 1: "He got a shoutout from a huge influencer and now has thousands of followers!"
Friend 2: "All that clout, he’s blowing up!"
Example 2:
Person A: "She posted a video and now brands are sliding into her DMs!"
Person B: "Clout on lock, she’s a star now!"