English is a dynamic language, constantly evolving and understanding English slang, especially as a new learner who has just been introduced to this global language, can feel frightening. But don’t be afraid! By understanding Gen Z slang and their meanings with examples from everyday life, you can learn how to use them confidently in your conversations. Whether you are a student who wants to learn some modern lingo for chatting with friends, a teacher who wants to connect with your students or a language learner who is just curious about the latest language trends, our guide will help you crack the code of how Gen Z speaks.
Top 20 Gen Z slang terms
Understanding Gen Z slang terms will not only help you to communicate in modern English but also connect with today's youth. Let's explore the most common yet popular Gen Z terms, what they mean and how you can use them with examples.
1. Slay (succeed/dominate)
- Meaning: To perform exceptionally well or achieve something impressive.
- Example: She totally slayed her presentation in front of the board members.
2. Lit (exciting/awesome)
- Meaning: To describe something exciting, fun, or an enjoyable activity.
- Example: This party is lit! The music is great and everyone is having a good time.
3. Bet (sure/agreement)
- Meaning: Similar to "okay" and is used to express agreement or show confirmation.
- Example: You want to grab pizza after class? - Bet!
4. Bop (catchy song)
- Meaning: To describe a song that's fun, catchy and makes you want to dance.
- Example: This new song by my favourite artist is such a bop, I can't stop listening to it!
5. Mood (current emotional state/relatable situation)
- Meaning: To express your current emotional state or describe a relatable situation.
- Example: Feeling stressed about exams? Big mood.
6. Salty (bitter/mild upset)
- Meaning: To describe a state of mind or person who is bitter, annoyed or a little bit upset.
- Example: I lost the game to my friend. That's why I'm just a little salty about it.
7. Snatched (looking flawless/amazing)
- Meaning: To describe someone or something that looks incredibly stylish, put-together and amazing.
- Example: Her outfit for the party was snatched. Everyone was talking about it.
8. Flex (boast/show off)
- Meaning: To brag or show off about something, often possessions, skills, or achievements.
- Example: He was flexing his new car on social media all day.
9. Tea (gossip/information)
- Meaning: Gen Z slang for gossip, juicy information, or secrets.
- Example: Spill the tea! What happened in the class?
10. Shook (deeply surprised/stunned)
- Meaning: To express a big surprise or shock, often in a negative way.
- Example: I was shook when I saw my final score in the English exam.
11. Simp (someone who does too much for someone they like)
- Meaning: To describe someone who shows excessive attention or does anything to please someone they have a crush on, often in an unreciprocated way.
- Example: Don't be a simp. She's clearly not interested in you.
12. Cap (lie/untruth)
- Meaning: Short for "capping," which means to lie or tell an untruth.
- Example: He said he won the lottery, but I think he's capping.
13. Ghost (disappear suddenly)
- Meaning: To abruptly stop communicating with someone, often in an online interaction via text messages.
- Example: He ghosted me after our first date, so rude!
14. Vibe (atmosphere/feeling)
- Meaning: To describe or refer to the overall atmosphere, feeling, or energy of a place, person, or situation.
- Example: The coffee shop has a really chill vibe. Perfect for studying.
15. GOAT (Greatest of All Time)
- Meaning: An acronym for “greatest of all time” or the best in a particular field.
- Example: With her record-breaking number of Academy Award nominations, Meryl Streep is the GOAT of acting!
16. Extra (excessive/over-the-top)
- Meaning: To describe something or someone who is being overly dramatic or excessive.
- Example: Her outfit for the party was extra with all the sequins and feathers.
17. Stan (obsessive fan)
- Meaning: A highly dedicated and sometimes obsessive fan of a particular celebrity, musician, or public figure.
- Example: She's a total stan for that K-pop group. She knows all their songs and even dance choreography!
18. Low-key (secretly/somewhat)
- Meaning: Keeping something secret/mild or doing something with less intensity.
- Example: Low-key, I'm freaking out about this presentation. I hope I do well.
19. High-key (openly/very)
- Meaning: It shows openness, a high intensity, or a strong degree of something.
- Example: High-key, I'm obsessed with this new artist, I can't wait to see them live!
20. No Cap (telling the truth/seriously)
- Meaning: To emphasise that you are telling the truth or being serious about something.
- Example: This film is one of the best action films I’ve ever seen, no cap!
English is the most widely spoken language in the whole world. So, it's not that surprising that global language is constantly evolving and will continue to do so for generations to come. Staying updated with changes and understanding some of the most popular Gen Z slang terms can help you communicate naturally with today’s youth and improve your speaking skills. It will also help you to adapt to different social groups and settings. You can also learn English slang and improve your English skills by joining English Path.
As part of the courses, you’ll have access to our Social Programme, which includes trips to famous landmarks in cities around the world! This is a great opportunity to learn Gen Z slang and practice your English skills in real life.
Frequently asked questions about Gen Z slang
Q1. What is Gen Z slang?
A1. Gen Z slang are the modern English words and phrases that the younger generation, born between 1997 and 2012, uses in everyday communication. These words are greatly influenced by social media and online interactions.
Q2. What are the most popular Gen Z slang words?
A2. Some of the most popular Gen Z slang words used by the younger generation in everyday communication, apart from the ones mentioned above, are:
- FOMO: Fear of Missing Out
- IRL: In Real Life
- W or L: W-Win and L-Loss
- Fam: Family
- Glow up: Good transformation
- CEO: Master/pro
- Dank: Excellent/high-quality
- TFW: The Feeling When
- Woke: Politically aware
- Drip: Swag/cool style
English Path's Social Programme can help you improve your English skills and learn Gen Z slang in a natural setting. The programme gives you a chance to meet new people and practise your speaking skills while exploring famous landmarks in some of the most famous cities in the world, such as Paris, Brisbane, London, Malta, Dubai, Toronto, etc.
Q3. Why is it important to learn Gen Z slang?
A3. Learning Gen Z slang will help you understand current trends, communicate with younger people and fit in social groups.
Q4. Are Gen Z slang terms used in formal writing?
A4. There is no hard and fast rule that you cannot use Gen Z or English slang in formal communication, but as a good thumb rule, it's recommended not to use these terms in professional settings. Slang is used in casual conversation and informal writing within familiar groups.
Q5. Will Gen Z slang become outdated?
A5. Like all English slang, Gen Z terms will also evolve and change with time as new words and phrases take their place.