Language is always changing, and each generation brings new words and phrases into our vocabulary. Gen Z, born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has created its own unique way of speaking. This new slang can sometimes confuse older generations, especially Baby Boomers.
In this blog, I’ll explain 25 Gen Z slang phrases that Boomers should know.
Salty
Salty means being upset, angry, or bitter about something. It’s often used when someone is overreacting to a minor issue. For example, “He’s so salty about losing the game.” This term comes from the idea of salt in a wound, making things worse.
Flex
To flex means to show off or brag about something. It can be used as a noun or a verb. For example, “His new car is such a flex.” This term comes from the idea of flexing muscles to show strength.
Cap
Cap means lie or fake. If someone says “no cap,” they mean “no lie” or “for real.” For instance, “This party is boring, no cap.” The origin of this term is unclear, but it’s widely used in Gen Z slang.
Yeet
Yeet is a versatile word used as an exclamation or to describe throwing something with force. It can express excitement or be used when tossing an object. For example, “I yeeted my phone across the room.” This word gained popularity through internet memes and videos.
Tea
Tea refers to gossip or drama. When someone says “spill the tea,” they want to hear the latest news or rumors. It can also mean truth, as in “That’s the tea.” This phrase likely comes from the idea of friends gossiping over tea.
Lit
Lit means exciting, amazing, or very enjoyable. It’s often used to describe parties or events. For instance, “That concert was lit!” This term has evolved from its original meaning of being intoxicated.
Boujee
Boujee, short for bourgeois, describes something luxurious or high-class. It can be used positively or negatively depending on context. For example, “That restaurant is too boujee for me.” This term comes from French and has been popularized in hip-hop culture.
Slay
Slay means to do something exceptionally well or to look amazing. It’s often used as encouragement or praise. For instance, “You aced that test? Slay!” This term originated in drag and LGBTQ+ communities.
Shook
Shook means shocked, surprised, or emotionally affected by something. It’s often used to express disbelief. For example, “I’m shook by that plot twist.” This term is a play on the past tense of “shake,” implying being shaken by surprise.
Finsta
Finsta is a combination of “fake” and “Instagram.” It refers to a secondary, more private Instagram account. For instance, “I only post my real thoughts on my finsta.” This term reflects the desire for privacy in a social media-driven world.
Bet
Bet is used to agree with someone or to say “okay.” It’s a short way of saying “you bet” or “for sure.” For example, “Want to go to the movies?” “Bet.” This term has become a quick and casual way to confirm plans.
Sus
Sus is short for suspicious or suspect. It’s used when something or someone seems untrustworthy, such as “That guy acting sus.” This term gained massive popularity through the online game Among Us.
Lowkey
Lowkey means slightly, secretly, or to a small degree. It’s often used to downplay something. For instance, “I’m lowkey excited about the party.” This term is the opposite of “highkey,” which means very or extremely.
Vibe
Vibe refers to a mood, atmosphere, or feeling. It can be used as a noun or a verb. For example, “This cafe has a good vibe” or “I’m just vibing.” This term has expanded from its original meaning in music to describe general feelings or situations.
Snack
Snack describes an attractive person. It suggests that someone looks so good, you want to eat them up. For instance, “He’s looking like a snack in that outfit.” This term is a playful way to compliment someone’s appearance.
Extra
Extra means over-the-top, excessive, or dramatic. It’s often used to describe behavior that’s unnecessarily much. For example, “He’s being so extra about the dress code.” This term comes from the idea of doing more than what’s required.
Clap Back
Clap back means to respond to criticism with a sharp comeback. It’s a way of defending oneself verbally. For instance, “She really clapped back at the haters.” This phrase originated in hip-hop culture and has become widely used.
Snatched
Snatched means looking really good, typically referring to a perfect or flawless appearance. It’s often used to compliment someone’s outfit or look. For example, “Your eyebrows are snatched!” This term originated in drag culture and has been adopted by Gen Z.
Wig
Saying “wig” or “my wig flew” means being impressed or shocked by something amazing. It’s as if something is so good, it figuratively blew your wig off. For instance, “That performance? Wig!” This phrase comes from drag culture and has spread to mainstream use.
Stan
Stan means to be an overzealous or obsessive fan of someone. It can be used as a noun or a verb. For example, “I stan that singer” or “He’s such a Taylor Swift stan.” This term comes from the Eminem song about an obsessed fan named Stan.
Mood
Mood is used to express agreement or relation to something. It’s a way of saying “I relate to that” or “same.” For instance, seeing a picture of a tired person and commenting “Mood.” This term has become a quick way to show empathy or understanding.
Slaps
Saying something slaps means it’s really good, especially referring to music. It can also be used for other things that are impressive. For example, “This new song slaps!” This term likely comes from the idea of a song hitting hard or having a strong impact.
It Hits Different
Saying something hits different means it has a unique or special impact. It’s often used for experiences that feel more meaningful. For instance, “Homemade cookies just hit different.” This phrase expresses that something feels uniquely satisfying or important.
G.O.A.T.
G.O.A.T. stands for “Greatest Of All Time.” It’s used to describe someone who is the best at what they do. For example, “Michael Jordan is the G.O.A.T. of basketball.” This acronym has become a popular way to give high praise.
Periodt
Periodt is an emphatic way of saying “period,” used at the end of a statement to emphasize a point. It’s like saying “and that’s final.” For instance, “This is the best pizza in town, periodt.” The extra ‘T’ adds emphasis and reflects how it’s often pronounced in slang use.
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