40 Gen Z Slang Terms
Learn Gen Z slang terms, like YOLO, lit, flex, and slaps, then try our Gen Z Slang Terms Quiz!
Related: Which generation are you from? – FREE ELT Worksheet Activity
Direct download: https://purlandtraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gen-z-slang-phrases-discussion-words.pdf
40 Gen Z Slang Terms
Note: sby = somebody / sth = something
- based (adjective) – agree with sth; true
- basic (adj.) – without individuality, mainstream
- bestie (noun) – best friend
- bet (exclamation) – sure, OK
- big yikes (adj.) – very cringeworthy
- bop (noun) – great song
- cheugy (adj.) – uncool (pron. chew-gee)
- clapback (noun/verb) – a comeback / to retort after criticism
- drag sby (verb) – criticise, roast sby
- drip (adj./noun) – very fashionable, a fashionable item
- fam (noun) – a trusted friend, as close as family
- flex (verb) – brag, boast
- fomo (noun) – fear of missing out
- fr (abbreviation) – for real; really? yes, really
- ghost sby (verb) – ignore, not reply to messages until sby stops contacting you
- glow up (noun) – successful transformation or makeover
- GOAT (acronym) – greatest of all time, the best at sth
- highkey (adverb/adj.) – really, definitely / exciting
- hits different (adj.) – unique, better than average, seems different
- let [sby] cook (phrase) – let sby carry on what they’re doing, e.g., speaking
- lit (adj.) – cool, awesome
- live rent-free (in sby’s head/mind) (phrase) – can’t stop thinking about sby or sth after an argument / sth memorable, e.g., a film, TV show episode
- lowkey (adverb; adj.) – in a small way, moderately / easy-going
- mid (adj.) – average, not good (derogatory)
- OK boomer (phrase) – to show disdain after a laughable baby boomer comment
- out of pocket (adj.) – wild, extreme, outrageous, e.g., a comment
- rizz (noun) – charisma, ability to charm sby
- salty (adj.) – upset over sth minor, sour and bitter
- shook (adj.) – shocked, surprised
- sip tea (verb phrase) – gossip, share news
- slap (verb) – be really good – it slaps, e.g., a bop
- slay (verb) – be amazing, e.g., a performance
- snatched (adj.) – fashionable, looking good (appearance)
- stan (verb/noun) – support sby or sth 110% / an obsessed fan
- sus (adj.) – suspicious
- understand the assignment (phrase) – do a specific thing well
- vibe (verb/noun) – chill out, relax / pleasant feeling
- [be] weak (verb) – laugh uncontrollably
- woke (adj.) – politically aware, enlightened or (negative context) indoctrinated
- YOLO (acronym) – you only live once, you might as well do sth because you only live once
Image by Jakob Schlothane from Pixabay