110+ Gen Z Slang Words & Terms + Meanings You Should Know (2025)

Gen Z has a whole new way of communicating, and it can feel like a secret language sometimes. If you have been scratching your head over some of the words your kids are using and wondering what on earth they mean, then you are at the right place.

In this guide, we will look into over 110 most used Gen Z slang terms and break down what they really mean. Whether you are trying to keep up with their online conversations or just want to ensure their online safety, this complete list of Gen Z slang will help you stay in the loop – and keep things safe!

What Are Gen Z Slangs?

Gen Z slang is the unique, playful language that Gen Z (those born roughly between 1997 and 2012) uses to communicate online and in person. It’s full of fun, expressive words that make conversations snappier. 

This Gen Z lingo mostly started online and spread through social media, where Gen Z interacts and shares content. It reflects their culture, values, and the fast-paced, meme-driven world they grew up in. 

Gen Z uses these slang terms to bond, express themselves, and sometimes just keep things fresh and lighthearted. It’s part of their identity and a way of showing they’re in tune with the digital age.

Why You Should Be Familiar With Gen Z Lingo?

As a parent, understanding Gen Z slang words and phrases is like getting a sneak peek into their world. It helps you stay connected and makes communication smoother and less awkward. Plus, when you know their slang, it shows you are engaged and respect their space.

Also, understanding Gen Z slang terms is crucial for keeping them safe online. Their online world is full of slang, memes, and codes that can sometimes hide risky behavior or unsafe situations. By knowing these Gen Z terms, you can spot when something might not be right—whether it’s a subtle sign of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or even an online scam. 

It also helps you understand their online habits and where they might be vulnerable. For example, knowing what “ghosting” or “sliding into DMs” means can help you keep track of their social interactions and recognize any red flags in communication. 

In short, staying up to date with Gen Z slang phrases empowers you to guide them through the digital world, ensuring they stay safe and make better choices online.

123 Most Used Gen Z Slang Terms & What They Mean

From TikTok trends to text messages, Gen Z slang terms pop up everywhere, and they are constantly shifting. But don’t worry, we will help you decode it all. Here are the 110 most popular Gen Z slang words along with their meanings, so you won’t feel left out of the conversation.

Gen Z Slang List for Social Media & Internet

1. DMs

Short for “direct messages,” it refers to private conversations on social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter.

2. Thirst Trap

A photo or post meant to attract attention, usually in a flirty or provocative way.

3. Ratio

When a post has more replies or retweets than likes, often seen as a sign that people disagree with it.

4. Ghosting

When someone stops all communication without explanation, often after initially showing interest.

5. Flex
Showing off something (like possessions or accomplishments) on social media to impress others.

6. Shadowban

A hidden restriction on social media accounts that limits post reach, often without the user’s knowledge.

7. Receipts

Screenshots or evidence that back up a claim, often used to prove someone is lying or hypocritical.

8. Main Character Energy

Acting with confidence and self-assuredness, like you’re the protagonist of your own story.

9. Clout

Influence or fame, especially when gained online through social media presence.

10. Vibe Check

Assessing someone’s attitude or energy in a space to see if it’s positive or aligns with the situation.

Gen Z Sayings for Expressing Emotions or Reactions

11. Mood

Used to express that something is relatable or reflects your current feeling or experience.

12. Lowkey

Describing something quietly or subtly, like having a slight preference or feeling without fully committing to it.

13. Highkey

Opposite of “lowkey,” meaning you’re openly enthusiastic or strongly feel a certain way.

14. It’s Giving…
Used to describe a certain vibe or impression something creates, like “It’s giving 90s vibes.”

15. Dead

Used to say something is so funny or shocking that it “killed” you with laughter or surprise.

16. Sending Me

Another way to say something is so funny or outrageous that you can’t contain your reaction.

17. Big Yikes

A stronger version of “yikes,” often used to react to something extremely awkward or embarrassing.

18. Slaps

When something is exceptionally good, typically referring to music but can apply to anything enjoyable.

19. Extra

Describing someone’s over-the-top behavior or reaction that goes beyond what’s needed.

20. Salty

Feeling irritated or resentful about something, usually due to jealousy or being slighted.

Gen Z Words for Friendship & Relationship

21. Bestie

A term of endearment for a close friend, used casually even with new acquaintances.

22. Ship

Short for “relationship,” it’s used to support or encourage a romantic pairing, even if it’s fictional.

23. Bae

Short for “before anyone else,” it’s used for a significant other or someone you care deeply about.

24. Platonic

A close, non-romantic friendship, emphasizing emotional but non-romantic bonding.

25. Simp

A person who does way too much for someone they have a crush on, often at their own expense.

26. Caught Feelings

When you unexpectedly start developing romantic feelings for someone you didn’t intend to.

27. Sis

A friendly term of address, often used with close friends in a supportive or affectionate way.

28. Ghosted

When someone suddenly stops all communication after showing interest, leaving the other person confused.

29. Stan

Originally from “stalker fan,” it now means being a dedicated fan or very supportive of a friend.

30. Drip

Praising a friend’s cool or trendy appearance, especially their clothes or style.

New Gen Z Slang for Fashion & Style

31. Fit

Short for “outfit,” it’s used to compliment someone’s clothing or style choices.

32. Drip

Refers to a stylish and effortlessly cool look, often emphasizing expensive or trendy clothing.

33. Y2K

Refers to early 2000s fashion, which has made a big comeback and includes retro styles like low-rise jeans.

34. Vintage

Describes clothing from a past era, often styled to bring nostalgic vibes or a unique look.

35. Basic

Used to describe someone who follows overly mainstream trends, often with little originality.

36. Glo Up

A noticeable improvement in someone’s appearance or style over time.

37. Slay

To look amazing or completely own a certain style, often used to cheer someone on.

38. Hypebeast

Someone who’s very into limited-edition streetwear and high-demand fashion brands.

39. Aesthetic

The particular vibe or look someone is going for, often centered around a theme.

40. VSCO Girl

A specific aesthetic that includes scrunchies, oversized shirts, and reusable water bottles, popular on VSCO.

List of Gen Z Slang for Insults & Critiques

41. Cringe

Something that causes secondhand embarrassment due to awkwardness or lack of awareness.

42. Karen

A stereotype for an entitled person who demands special treatment, often in a rude manner.

43. Bougie

Pretentious behavior or style, usually trying to appear wealthier or more high-class than one is.

44. Savage

Acting boldly or making harsh comments without holding back.

45. Bye Felicia

A dismissive way to say goodbye, implying you don’t care if the person leaves.

46. Trash

Describing something as worthless, disappointing, or low-quality.

47. Basic

Used to critique someone who is unoriginal or too mainstream in their choices.

48. Bet

Can be used sarcastically to agree to something you don’t actually intend to do.

49. OK Boomer

Used to dismiss outdated attitudes, especially from older generations.

50. Try-Hard

Someone who puts too much effort into something, often to impress others in a way that feels desperate.

Best Gen Z Slang for Food & Drink Terms

51. Boujee

Used to describe fancy or high-end food, often meant humorously.

52. Snack

Refers to a small, tasty meal or an attractive person (who looks “good enough to eat”).

53. Mukbang

A trend where people eat large quantities of food on camera while interacting with viewers.

54. Thirsty

Really craving something, especially attention or a drink.

55. Tea

Gossip or juicy details shared with friends, usually about drama.

56. Juicy

Something full of interesting or scandalous details.

57. Bomb

Describes something delicious or impressive, typically food.

58.  Chill Vibes Only

Used to describe a relaxed or peaceful setting, often while eating or socializing.

59. Hangry

Being irritable or angry because you’re hungry.

60. Basic
Used to tease someone for liking trendy foods like avocado toast or pumpkin spice lattes.

Current Gen Z Slang for Gaming & Streaming

61. Noob

A beginner or inexperienced player in a game, often used humorously or insultingly.

62. AFK

Away from keyboard, meaning the player is inactive temporarily.

63. Sweaty

A player who tries really hard to win, sometimes in a way that’s seen as excessive.

64. GG

Short for “good game,” it’s said to show respect at the end of a match.

65. Lag

A delay in the game, usually due to slow internet, that disrupts gameplay.

66. Camp

When a player stays in one spot to get easy kills, considered unfair by some.

67. OP

Stands for “overpowered,” referring to a character or weapon that’s too strong.

68. Nerf

To weaken something in a game, usually a powerful weapon or ability.

69. Tilted

Getting frustrated to the point that it affects your gameplay.

70. Clutch

When a player performs well in a critical moment, often winning the game.

Gen-Z Slang Involving Humor & Jokes

71. Dead

Means something is so funny that it “killed” you with laughter.

72. I’m Screaming

Used to react to something that’s extremely funny or shocking.

73. Shade

Subtly insulting or criticizing someone, often behind their back.

74. Salty

Being overly bitter or annoyed about something trivial.

75. Sus

Short for “suspicious,” used to call out someone’s shady behavior.

76. Yeet

Either to throw something or to express excitement or approval.

77. Lowkey Funny

Something unexpectedly funny or amusing.

78. Pressed

Feeling bothered or stressed out, often over something small.

79. Iconic

Describes something extremely memorable or noteworthy.

80. Canceled

When someone is publicly rejected or criticized for their actions.

Gen Z Phrases for Work & School

81. Adulting

Taking on responsibilities typically associated with being an adult, like paying bills or going to work.

82. Vibe Check

Used to assess the mood in a workplace or class to see if it’s positive and collaborative.

83. I Can’t Even

Expressing that something is too overwhelming or ridiculous to handle.

84. Glow Up

A transformation, often refers to improving oneself or achieving something new, like a job or a good grade.

85. Hard Pass

A way of firmly declining something, like an assignment or task you’re not interested in.

86. Real Talk

Used before saying something honest or blunt about school or work struggles.

87. Bet

Agreement to do something or a confirmation, like saying “bet” when a classmate asks if you’ll join a study group.

88. On That Grind

Refers to putting in hard work or hustling, often with school assignments or work projects.

89. Brain Drain

Feeling mentally exhausted from too much work or studying.

90. Boss Up

Taking charge of a situation, being responsible, or stepping up in school or at work.

Gen Z Terminology for Music & Pop Culture References

91. Bop

A catchy song that’s hard to resist and enjoyable to listen to repeatedly.

92. Stan

A superfan who strongly supports a particular artist, often from “stalker fan.”

93. Main Character Vibes

Living with confidence or treating life as if you’re the star, inspired by characters in movies.

94. Iconic

Something memorable, groundbreaking, or legendary, often referencing pop culture moments.

95. Hype

Excitement or energy surrounding a trend, song, or celebrity.

96. Influencer

Someone who impacts others’ opinions or behaviors on social media through their content.

97. Playlisting

Curating a list of favorite songs, often shared on streaming platforms.

98. Throwback

Something that’s nostalgic or reminiscent of the past, like a classic song or style.

99. GOAT

Short for “Greatest of All Time,” usually in reference to a highly admired artist or celebrity.

100. Big Mood

A strong expression of feeling related to a pop culture event or trend that feels relatable.

Gen Z Slang Phrases for Lifestyle & Self-Improvement

101. Glow Up

A noticeable improvement in appearance or personality.

102. Vibing

Relaxing or going with the flow.

103. Manifesting

Trying to attract positive outcomes through mindset.

104. Self-Care

Taking time to relax and take care of mental health.

105. Adulting

Doing grown-up responsibilities.

106. Inner Peace

Feeling calm and centered.

107. On My Journey

Focusing on personal growth.

108. Detox

Taking a break from social media or negative influences.

109. Living Rent-Free

Something you can’t stop thinking about.

110. Mindset

The approach or attitude towards self-improvement.

Bonus Gen Z Slang Terms

111. Cap

A way of saying something isn’t true or is exaggerated. Saying “No cap” means you’re being completely honest.

112. Cheugy

Refers to something outdated or trying too hard to be trendy, especially if it’s associated with millennial culture.

113. Fam

Short for “family,” but used to describe close friends or people you consider part of your inner circle.

114. Rizz

Short for charisma or charm, especially used to describe someone’s flirting skills.

115. Bussin

Used to describe something that’s exceptionally good, often about food but can apply to other things as well.

116. Ick

A sudden feeling of disgust or discomfort with someone, especially in a romantic context, often triggered by a small action or trait.

117. Delulu

Short for “delusional,” used when someone has unrealistic expectations or is imagining things in a way that’s far from reality.

118. Beige Flag

A term for mildly odd or quirky traits in a person that aren’t necessarily bad but are noticeable enough to stand out.

119. Ate

Means to do something really well, often used when someone nails a look, performance, or challenge. “She ate that up!”

120. W

Short for “win,” used to express approval or success, like scoring a “W” when you’ve accomplished something.

121. Fire

Describes something that’s amazing or really cool, often used to compliment things like fashion, music, or experiences.

122. CEO

Calling someone the “CEO” of something means they’re exceptionally good at it, like “CEO of making people laugh.”

123. Dank

Originally used to describe high-quality marijuana, it’s now used more broadly to mean something cool, especially memes or humor.