Do You Speak Gen-Z? Slangs Evolve. Can You Keep Up?

Every generation has been privy to its own secret code, its own slang. However, with the advent of the internet, platforms and sites like Urban Dictionary and TikTok facilitate the spread of slang in an entirely new way, as words and phrases spread like wildfire – or, honestly, a whole lot faster.

Here are 20 of the most commonly used phrases by Gen Z.

Cap

A synonym for “lie.”

Example

He ate five burgers in one sitting, no cap.

Sheesh

Used to hype someone or something up. Synonymous with damn.

Example

Person A: He ate five burgers in one sitting, no cap.

Person B: Sheesh!

Ice

Formerly bling, used to discuss fancy jewelry, and specifically, diamonds. Originated from a trend on TikTok.

Example

I tested this ring with a diamond tester. It’s ice.

Bussin

Something that’s extremely great.

Example

The pie was bussin.

Clap

To slap someone.

Example

Do you want to get clapped?

Basic

Someone whose tastes go as deep as the mainstream, regarded as unoriginal.

Example

Your sense of style is so basic.

Drip

A good sense of style.

Example

He has an iconic drip.

Hits different

 Something that’s unique or extraordinary.

Example

This pizza just hits different.

Slap

Denotes that something is particularly good, generally used for music.

Example

This song slaps.

Stan

A die-hard fan of someone or something. Generally regarded as derogatory, it was popularized by the Eminem song of the same name.

Example

You’re such an Eminem stan.

Tea

Gossip.

Example

 Person A: Do you know what happened at school today?

 Person B: Spill the tea.

Sus

Short for suspicious. Popularized by the video game, Among Us.

Example

He is very sus.

Vibe

The “aura” emitted by someone which changes the mood of the room.

Example

You give me positive vibes.

Yeet

Used to express excitement when doing something, usually something physical.

Example

I yeeted the basketball across the court right before halftime.

Pressed

Being mad or upset about something.

Example

Don’t be pressed about what they said.

I’m dead

Used to describe something being extremely funny; suggesting that the speaker died of laughter.

Example

Your stand-up comedy is so funny, I’m dead.

Fam

Short for family, used for one’s tight inner circle of friends.

Example

Don’t worry fam, I got you.

Bet

Denotes agreement or approval.

Example

Person A: Let’s go to Taikoo Li.

Person B: A’ight bet.

Canceled

To disassociate from someone famous on a massive scale.

Example

 I can’t believe Nestlé did so many horrible things, they are canceled.

Simp

Used for a person who publicly pours their heart out for someone else online, especially if the feeling is not mutual or reciprocated.

Example

Why is he donating so much money to that streamer? He’s such a simp.

Cheugy

A millennial who tries too hard to capitalize on trends.

Example

Did you see that older girl trying to do that TikTok dance? She’s so cheugy.

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