50 Gen Z Slang Words That Instantly Make You Sound Cooler: Communication trends are set differently by every generation; with Gen Z having taken the term to its best heights ever since they came along, as if birthed from around the late 1990s to the early 2010s. In the time of a whole world governed through social media channels like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, this technologically advanced generation created an entire language that, without knowing them, can sometimes resemble an alien’s tongue.
Want to decipher their slang and perhaps even infuse a dash of cool slang into your vocabulary? Whether you seek to connect with your Gen Z colleagues, and kids, or just want to remain relevant in today’s fast-paced culture, this guide to 50 popular Gen Z slang words will keep you in the know.
Gen Z Slang Words (With Meanings)
1. Fam
Short for “family,” but used to describe close friends or a tight-knit group.
Example: “Can’t wait to hang with my fam this weekend!”
2. Glow Up
A huge change, usually for the better regarding appearance or attitude.
Example: “Her glow-up after high school is unreal!”
3. CEO
When someone is the “CEO” of something, that means they’re the best at it.
Example: “He’s the CEO of baking cakes.”
4. Cancel Culture
The modern social phenomenon of publicly calling out and boycotting a public figure over their actions or opinions.
Example: “Cancel culture can be harsh but sometimes necessary.”
5. Stan
A portmanteau of “stalker” and “fan,” refers to someone who is obsessed with a celebrity or trend.
Example: “I stan Taylor Swift so hard!”
6. E-boy/E-girl
A digital-age offshoot of emo or goth styles, typically characterized by dramatic fashion and a strong social media presence.
Example: “Her eyeliner screams E-girl vibes.”
7. W
Short for “win,” often used to celebrate success.
Example: “Scored free concert tickets—big W!”
8. Dank
The description of something of high quality or excellent.
Example: “This coffee is dank, bro.”
9. Ghosting
To cut off communication without explanation, most especially when dating.
Example: “I thought we had a connection, but then he ghosted me.”
10. Salty
When you are feeling bitter or annoyed because of jealousy.
Example: “She got salty when I won the game.”
11. Big Yikes
A situation that’s embarrassing is that just saying “yikes” is not enough.
Example: “When he spilled coffee on his boss, it was a big yikes moment.”
12. Boujee
Something or someone fancy, extravagant, or high-end.
Example: “Her boujee lifestyle includes brunch at the Ritz.”
13. Finna
Shortened slang for “fixing to,” meaning “going to.”
Example: “I’m finna take a nap after this.”
14. Cap/No Cap
“Cap” means a lie; “no cap” means being truthful.
Example: “That story you told? Total cap.”
15. High-Key
The opposite of “low-key,” meaning something is openly acknowledged.
Example: “I high-key love that movie.”
16. Cheugy
It’s something old or trying too hard to be cool.
Example: “Using Comic Sans in 2024 is so cheugy.”
17. Simp
Someone who does too much for someone they’re attracted to.
Example: “He bought her 20 roses—such a simp move.”
18. Camp
An aesthetic that’s exaggerated or ironically trendy.
Example: “That feathered dress is giving camp vibes.”
19. Snack
A term for someone physically attractive.
Example: “Wow, he’s looking like a snack today!”
20. TFW
Abbreviation for “That Feeling When.”
Example: “TFW you find $20 in your pocket.”
21. Woke
Someone who is socially and politically aware.
Example: “He’s very woke when it comes to climate change.”
22. Sip Tea
To sit back and observe gossip without participating.
Example: “I’m just here to sip tea and watch the drama.”
23. L
Short for “loss,” used when something goes wrong.
Example: “I missed my train this morning—such an L.”
24. Take Several Seats
This is a phrase to tell someone to chill out or stop overacting.
Example: “Your overreaction is unnecessary. Take several seats.”
25. Drip
Slang for something that is cool or fashionable clothes or accessories.
Example: “Your new sneakers have a serious drip.”
26. Bop
A song that’s hot or great.
Example: “That new track by Dua Lipa is a total bop.”
27. Sheesh
An exclamation was used to pump someone up.
Example: “Sheesh, that haircut looks amazing on you!”
28. Iykyk
Abbreviation of “If You Know, You Know,” when referencing a specific thing that you understand because only those in the know get it.
Example: “That restaurant’s secret menu is amazing—Iykyk.”
29. Living Rent-Free
Something stuck in your head.
Example: “That song is living rent-free in my head.”
30. Hits Different
Used to say that something feels differently impactful.
Example: “This song hits differently when you’re on a road trip.”
31. Bet
Means okay, the same way the word is used in agreement.
Example: “You want to grab food later? Bet.”
32. Vibe Check
Evaluating someone’s energy or mood.
Example: “He failed the vibe check with that bad attitude.”
33. Periodt
Used for emphasis at the end of a statement.
Example: “That’s the best pizza in town, periodt.”
34. Catch These Hands
A humorous way to express readiness for a fight.
Example: “Keep talking, and you’ll catch these hands.”
35. Drag
To harshly criticize or make fun of someone.
Example: “She dragged him for his terrible fashion choices.”
36. Finesse
To skillfully navigate or manipulate a situation.
Example: “She finessed her way into the VIP lounge.”
37. I’m Weak
Another way to say something is hilarious.
Example: “That joke has me weak!”
38. Main Character
Refers to someone who stands out or acts like the star of their own story.
Example: “She’s the main character of her group.”
39. Sis
A slang term for a friend, regardless of gender.
Example: “Sis, you killed that presentation!”
40. Sending Me
Used when something is too funny to laugh at.
Example: “That meme is sending me!”
41. Slaps
Something is very good or enjoyable.
Example: “This new album slaps.”
42. Bussin’
A fun way of saying something tastes great.
Example: “This pasta is bussin’.”
43. Sus
Short for “suspicious,” meaning something doesn’t seem right or shady.
Example: “That excuse sounds sus to me.”
44. Snatched
You look fabulous or fashionable.
Example: “Her makeup is snatched today.”
45. Guap
Slang for a large amount of money.
Example: “He’s earning serious guap with that new job.”
46. Smol
Something adorably small.
Example: “That puppy is so smol and cute!”
47. This Ain’t It, Chief
Used to express disapproval or disagreement.
Example: “That outfit? This ain’t it, chief.”
48. Extra
Being overly dramatic.
Example: “Her reaction to the surprise party was so extra.”
49. Clapback
A sharp or witty comeback.
Example: “Her clapback to that rude comment was epic.”
50. G.O.A.T.
An abbreviation of “Greatest of All Time.”
Example: “Serena Williams is the G.O.A.T. of tennis.”
Conclusion
Gen Z slang is as dynamic and vibrant as the generation. The words range from “fam” to “G.O.A.T,” which speak of a playful, expressive, and socially conscious way of communication. Mastering these terms will make you sound cooler and also help you understand how language evolves in this digital age.
Go ahead and sprinkle these words into your conversations. Who knows? You might just earn yourself a “W” in the coolness department!
