Gen Z Slang Terms Explained

Slang terms used by Gen Z—those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s—have gone viral due to the ease of online communication, especially through social media platforms. But for the uninitiated, the latest language trends and cultural references utilized by this generation can be confusing and unrelatable.

Whereas Baby Boomers and Gen X idolized movie stars, pop icons, and sporting heroes in their younger years, Gen Z are obsessed with content creators and influencers.

At Game Quitters, we’re here to help people of all ages understand the latest words, phrases, hashtags, and internet celebrities. This compilation of Gen-Z terminology is the most recent in our series of jargon-busting guides for baffled parents. Others include:

• Teen slang words and phrases decoded
• Snapchat slang explained
• Instagram slang, acronyms, and hashtags
• TikTok slang meanings every parent should know
• Emoji slang meanings explained
• Brainrot slang words and phrases
• Roblox slang words—what your kids are really saying
• Twitch, slang, emotes, and lingo
• Gamer slang words and phrases

Gen Z terminology explained

Gen Z place a lot of value on community and belonging, which they find on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok — their preferred social media sites ¹ 1. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1446950/gen-z-internet-users-social-media-use/ × . As digital natives, much of their lives are played out online. In fact, the average Gen Zer spent 7 hours and 18 minutes per day on screens in 2024 ² 2. https://www.demandsage.com/screen-time-statistics × . So it’s no wonder this generation has developed unique words and expressions to reflect their social identity.

Gen Z slang words and phrases

• Basic – derogatory term for something that’s dull and predictable
• Bougie – comes from the word “bourgeois” and describes something or someone as a bit pretentious or overly concerned with wealth and status
• Brainrot – doomscrolling memes, videos, and other low-value online content to the extent that it affects how a person thinks, behaves, and speaks
• Cheugy – way of describing something that’s not on-trend
• Clickbait – using a tantalizing title to entice people to click a link
• Crush it – do something particularly well
• Drip – fashionable clothes or accessories
• Fam – short for family, but extends further than blood relatives and refers to close friends
• Fire – something that’s super cool or impressive
• Ghosting – ignoring someone or breaking off communication
• Glow up – transform someone’s appearance or style
• Hits different – something so great that it takes things to the next level
• Ick – expression of disgust or repulsion
• Lit – something full of energy and fun
• Mid – middle of the road and underwhelming
• Moots – mutual followers on social media platforms
• No cap – used to emphasize something serious, it means “No lie” or “I’m not joking”
• OK boomer – said in a humorous way to mock out-of-touch ideas
• Rizz/Rizzing up – to charm someone or flirt with them
• Slay/Slaying – to do something really well
• Slide into someone’s DMs – randomly send a direct message to someone
• Spilling the tea – gossiping about someone or something
• Throw shade – a passive/aggressive way to subtly criticize someone
• Understood the assignment – when someone has done something successfully
• Yaaas – an enthusiastic way to say yes

Popular Gen Z abbreviations

• BRB – be right back
• CU – see you
• FR – for real
• FYP – for you page, the main landing page when logging into TikTok
• FTW – for the win
• GOAT – greatest of all time
• ICYMI – in case you missed it
• IJBOL – I just burst out laughing
• IYKYK – if you know you know
• JOMO – joy of missing out, the opposite of FOMO (fear of missing out)
• KK – OK
• NBD – no big deal
• NVM – never mind
• OOMF – one of my followers
• PFP – profile picture
• POV – point of view
• SMH – shaking my head (in disbelief or astonishment)
• TFW – that feeling when
• WP – well played, popular gaming abbreviation
• YW – you’re welcome

Viral Gen-Z hashtags

• #CancelCulture – a social trend where people stop supporting individuals, groups, or businesses they perceive to have acted inappropriately
• #GamerLife – used by gamers to showcase all things related to gaming culture
• #MasterDating – treating oneself to gifts, treats, and experiences rather than someone else doing it
• #NoFilter – to show that images and videos are authentic and haven’t been edited or filtered
• #NotLikeOtherGirls – can be used seriously or ironically to describe someone who is different from the stereotypical girl
• #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt – hashtag added to social posts about something that was purchased after seeing it on TikTok
• #Unboxing – when content creators and influencers unpack a new product for the first time and share it on social media
• #VibeCheck – used to casually check in with an individual or group to gauge the mood
• #XYZBCA – not short for anything; it’s a popular hashtag used on TikTok videos to help them get more views
• #Y2K – means the year 2000 and reflects Gen Z’s passion for trends and styles from that era

Content creators and influencers with a big Gen Z following

• Andrew Tate – highly controversial influencer who is part of the “manosphere,” a network that promotes masculinity and misogyny
• Baby Gronk (Madden San Miguel) – social media personality and American youth football star; his nickname is used to describe someone with great potential
• Charli D’Amelio – YouTube and TikTok personality known for her viral dance moves
• Emma Chamberlain – fashion icon and vlogger with a huge Gen Z following on Instagram and YouTube
• Fanum (Roberto Escanio) – content creator best known for originating the term “fanum tax,” which refers to the theft of food between friends
• Kylie Jenner – since appearing in the reality TV show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” she has become one of the world’s biggest influencers
• MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) – YouTuber known for his epic challenges and charity-focused content
• Ninja (Richard Tyler Blevins) – pro gamer who is one of the most followed streamers on Twitch
• Pokimane (Imane Anys) – YouTuber, influencer, and internet personality best known for streaming gaming content on Twitch
• Valkyrae (Rachell Hofsetter) – most-watched female streamer on YouTube and co-owner of the lifestyle brand and gaming organization, 100 Thieves

Need help?

If you’re still struggling to connect with your Gen Z’er despite understanding their slang terms, and you’re concerned about their social media use or gaming habits, don’t despair. Expert support is available.

At Gamer Quitters, our specialist coaching programs are designed to help young people have a healthier relationship with technology and develop a better online/offline balance.

Get in touch today to book a Gameplan call where we will discuss your situation and make a plan of action. Please note that there are limited spaces available.