Born right smack on the cusp of millennial and Gen Z years (ahem, 1996), I grew up both enjoying the wonders of a digital-free world—collecting snail shells in my pocket and scraping knees on my bike in the neighborhood cul-de-sac—as well as marveling at the birth of Web 2.0 in all of its glory. Talk about a glow up…iPhones, Instagram, Club Penguin, Vine—You name it, I did it. Not to flex or anything, but because my existence straddles the two generations, I find myself in a unique position of being able to decode Gen Z slang even though I’ve been told by many a bestie that I am the father, or dare I say, grandfather of the squad. Though I’m not shook by that assessment, I know where I stand. So, let me–a Zillenial–break down the 29 most important Gen Z slang terms for you to whip out at the next family gathering. And trust me, from simp to stan, these terms are anything but basic.
From ‘Basic’ to ‘Boujee,’ Here Are 29 Gen Z Slang Terms To Keep in Your Back Pocket
Basic, bet boujee and more
Gen Z Slang Terms to Know
1. Ate (and left no crumbs)
When someone does something so well that it’s likely no one will ever do it better than them. Think Simone Biles on the uneven bars or Mariah Carey’s high-pitched whistle singing.
In a Sentence:
“Did you see Sabrina Carpenter during the Short n' Sweet tour? Those sparkling body suits and bedazzled bath towels?! She ate.”
2. Basic
Plain Jane embodied. Someone who’s blindly following trends and usually doesn’t have a style of their own. Just regular. No razzle dazzle.
In a Sentence:
“Jenna’s so basic. She wears a hoodie, sweatpants and UGGs everyday. Boring.”
3. Bet
To agree with someone and is often used in place of ‘OK.’
In a Sentence:
“Hey! Do you wanna watch that new SNL skit tonight!? I heard Moo Deng was making an appearance.”
“Bet. Let’s get the TV set up.”
4. Boujee
“I feel like ‘boujee’ has always been around,” says Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, “But when Migos came out with ‘Bad and Boujee,’ it really became a more popular word to use to call someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else and wants the finer things in life. I tend to use this a lot with my friends and family for basic things like, ‘I only fly Delta.’ ‘Oh wow you’re so boujee.’” Sometimes this word can also be used ironically to describe something that isn’t actually all that nice.
In a Sentence:
“Ooh! This place serves caviar on French fries. How boujee!!”
5. Dead or dying or ded
No, Gen Z is not *actually* dead. They just say this when something’s funny to the extent that it could kill you. Think, ‘dying of laughter,’ tummy hurting to the point of tears. This time, they just shortened it to ‘dead.’ RIP saying things in full, I guess.
In a Sentence:
“LOL. I can’t believe that the cat got his head stuck in a tissue box. I’m dying. It was so funny. 😭”
6. Delulu
Short for ‘delusional,’ this word is all about living in a world of pure imagination (and only slightly detached from reality). Some might say unhinged, but we say inventive. “I like to think I’m delulu all the time,” says Candelario. “While I think I’m a pretty realistic person, there’s nothing wrong with living in a fantasy every once in a while. Honestly it builds character to be so positive and hopeful about something.”
In a Sentence:
“Just because I fantasize about a life with Prince William doesn’t mean I’m delulu, OK?”
7. Drip
Drip refers to stylish clothing. It’s on-trend, cool and more often than not, expensive. Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth says, “I also love drip for saying someone is a good dresser or has good style.”
In a Sentence:
“Tyler was wearing all of these funky silver chains and rings with his outfit. His drip was seriously something else.”
8. Extra
To be ostentatious or over-the-top. Basically, you’re doing way too much and definitely need to tone it down a little bit.
In a Sentence:
“My mom was being so extra the other day. She called me five times while I was at the mall with my friends just because I didn’t answer her text right away.”
9. Fire
When something is absolutely amazing or out of this world. It could refer to anything from an excellent playlist or a killer outfit to Ina Garten’s cooking or the entirety of Chappell Roan’s "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” If it’s great, it’s also fire. Not to be confused with actual flames. Nothing’s ‘on’ fire. Hold the extinguishers.
In a Sentence:
“The banger he just played was fire bro.”
10. Fit or Fit check
Short for ‘outfit.’ Usually used in reference to the outfit someone is wearing at that moment. People often send photographs of their outfits to friends to get a ‘fit check,’ making sure they’re dressed appropriately for whatever event they are about to attend.
In a Sentence:
*Texting* “Hey Sarah, mind if I FaceTime you for a fit check? I wanna make sure I’m on theme for the party.”
11. Ghost or Ghosting
To stop talking to someone without cause or notice. Usually this happens quite unexpectedly and is cause for major confusion and a whole lotta tears.
In a Sentence:
“Kate ghosted Adam even though they had been texting and talking for three months and had gone on a couple of dates. No one knows why.”
12. GOAT
Stands for the “Greatest of All Time.” This one’s self-explanatory.
In a Sentence:
“‘Simone Biles is the GOAT’ and I will not be taking any questions. Thanks,” says Candelario.
13. Gucci
When something is ‘all good.’ Used in place of the word ‘good’ or as an affirmative reply to something. Not to be confused with the designer brand.
In a Sentence:
“Hey man, I’m sorry I’m late.”
“No worries. It’s all Gucci.”
14. Hits different
“This list just HITS DIFFERENT. The way this phrase has been all over New York. I’m sorry our city just creates the best slang around. 🤷🏻♀️ Anyways it means something is unique, special or stands above the rest,” says Candelario.
In a Sentence:
“Your dad’s chili was so good. Something about it just hit different. Maybe it was the spices he used?!”
15. Ick
The ick is an off putting feeling that you get when someone does something that rubs you the wrong way, sometimes inexplicably. “Ick is such a perfect term, it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of just being grossed out by something that isn't even necessarily gross,” says Hepworth
“When I tell you how many times I got the ick from the guys on my Hinge…wowzaaa. As soon as I think I found a good match, he hits me with something—either a response, outfit choice or cringey VOICE NOTE—that just makes you feel icky and immediately turned off. It can even happen to people in long-term relationships/marriages, too. One day, you see your husband wear socks with his flip flops and BOOM, you got the ick. I don’t make the rules. But don’t worry, it’s not a be-all and end-all for most people,” says Associate Commerce Editor Stephanie Meraz
In a Sentence:
"The guy that I just went on a date with totally gave me the ick. He chewed with his mouth open. There's no way I'm going out with him again.
16. Karen
We all know her. I’ve met her. She’s someone who complains about things that don’t need to be complained about, often obnoxious, annoying, angry and/or entitled. And she’s always calling wolf. Originally this term referred to a white woman who utilize their privilege to get things to go their way, but these days, Karens come in all shapes and sizes. The term can also apply to men, but they’re usually called Chads or Brads in this type of scenario. Avoid at all costs.
In a Sentence:
“The woman at the restaurant was being such a Karen. She was screaming at the wait staff, sent her order back three times and didn’t even leave a tip. 🙄”
17. Lit
“Certain words are so widespread at a specific moment that they become a fad in and of themselves. 'Lit' stands out to me as one of those words,” says VP of Editorial Candace Davison. I can immediately know I'm reading something from 2015 or 2016 when anything awesome is described as being 'lit.' It was so omnipresent that it hit critical mass, and like cheugy and rizz, soon found itself out of favor. (Basically, the moment your mom, your neighbor and your guidance counselor started using it to connect with the youths.)”
In a Sentence:
“That party was absolutely lit. It had a pool, endless Champagne, a DJ and a huge disco ball. And they ended the night with fireworks.”
18. Netflix & Chill
Though there is a bit of contention as to which generation gets to lay claim to ‘Netflix & chill,’ debatably this term might make the most sense for Gen Z. Netflix was founded in 1997 after all… And the service didn’t start streaming from home until 2007. “Millennials invented ‘Netflix & Chill’ and I won't stand for it to be taken from us by Gen Z! Unless it means something different nowadays lololol,” says Hepworth. Typically ‘Netflix & Chill,’ is a euphemism for having someone over to hang out with the ultimate goal of having a sexual experience by the end of the night.
In a Sentence:
“I invited Anna over for a Netflix & Chill sesh because things have been going really well lately. I think we’re headed for the next step and I want to feel out the vibes.”
19. Periodt
An expression of finality. Usually this word is used at the end of a sentence to solidify your point.
In a Sentence:
“I’m so sick of the way Theresa treats me and I definitely don’t wanna see her anymore. Periodt.”
20. Salty
To be upset about something.
In a Sentence:
“I’m really salty that they didn’t have any of my favorite flavors in stock. I guess I’ll just have to get strawberry instead. 🙄”
21. Shook
Just like Ron says to Hermione, it’s always the tone of surprise. ‘Shook’ means to be shaken up by something. And that something is usually unexpected. Potentially cause for panic or anxiety.
In a Sentence:
“I’m shook that J.Lo and Ben Affleck are trying to date again.”
22. Simp
“LMAO. A simp is referred to someone (usually a man) who is so thirsty, sex whipped or head over heels in love that they'll do whatever you want. I love simps but a lot of dudes' goal is to never become one because basically a simp can easily be taken advantage of,” says Associate Editor of Sales and Deals Destinee Scott.
In a Sentence:
"I went on a date with this guy, and he's been blowing my phone up for the past week. He's clearly a simp,” says Scott.
23. Slaps
Anything can slap. As long as it’s really good, it slaps. Like a solid cup of coffee or an amazing movie.
In a Sentence:
“‘Like ‘This sandwich slaps,’ says Scott, or ‘That new Kendrick Lamar song slaps.’”
24. Slay
‘Slay’ is often used as a verb or adjective and typically refers to doing something really well. It can also be used as a filler word or as an affirmative like ‘okay’ or ‘yas.’
In a Sentence:
“Unfortunately I will probably keep using ‘slay’ well into my elderly years of life,” says Assistant Editor of Branded Content Madeline Merinuk. “It's a phrase I can't stop saying no matter how hard I try because everything good slays. Fridays slay. My rare beauty mascara slays. It also is fav word replacement of mine for ‘okay’ or ‘heard.’ You're heading to the grocery store? Slay.”
25. Sleep on or Slept on
When something or someone isn’t recognized enough for their abilities. Perhaps it’s an underrated beauty product or an indie singer whose music is incredible. It should be more popular than it is, but hasn’t gained traction and doesn’t have a huge following yet.
In a Sentence:
“People totally slept on Chappell Roan before her newest album blew up this summer.”
26. Stan
“Stan means to be an avid fan, it's from Eminem's 2000 song of that name, about a crazy fan named Stan. Now we have stan armies (legions of fans for an artist) even. It's a noun and a verb,” says Senior Editor Dana Dickey.
In a Sentence:
"I stan Charlie XCX" or "I'm hard stanning Kristen Bell's outfits in Nobody Wants This," says Dickey.
27. Sus
Short for ‘suspicious.’ Something is ‘sus’ when you can’t quite understand it right away. It may leave you with questions or uncertainty.
In a Sentence:
“That sandwich looks sus. It’s been sitting there since yesterday. I wonder whose it was?”
28. Tea or Spill the tea
“I've gotten so used to ‘spill the tea’ (or literally any variation—my personal favorite saying is "this tea is piping hot," depending on just how good the ‘tea’ is). But I'd say tea means a really good scoop or gossip that's genuinely interesting/shocking. And the more shocking the better (because no one like lukewarm tea),” says Associate Editor of News and Entertainment Nakeisha Campbell.
In a Sentence:
*A friend after a much anticipated date* “So…spill the tea. How was your night? Tell me everything. Don’t leave anything out.”
29. Vibe or Vibe check
“Vibe usually refers to the mood of a place, people or even situations. A vibe check is like when a person is assessing the ‘vibe’ or mood of a situation. For instance, when my boyfriend and I get into tiffs, he'll do a vibe check to see if I'm actually mad. i.e. ‘I just wanted to do a vibe check before we go out,’” says Scott.
In a Sentence:
"This lame party is NOT the vibe." "That Janelle Monáe concert WAS a vibe."
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 😭 mean for Gen Z?
With the invention of emojis in 1999, people have found a number of ways to express themselves using little pictures instead of words, but there are generational divides on what certain emojis mean. For example, for Gen Z, “😭” is used to convey that you are laughing so hard that you’re crying. Think tears streaming down your face. You might respond to a photo of something really cute with 😭.
What does Gen Z use instead of 😂?
See above. Gen Z opts for this emoji: 😭instead of 😂. I feel like it’s comparable to the way that we used to type out faces using brackets, dashes and other symbols. :) is Gen Z’s answer to :-) or :].
What does 👁👄👁 mean for Gen Z?
A combination of emojis that when used together are supposed to convey a sense of shock, disbelief or awe. Similar to the millennial usage of O_O or :O.
