From 'Kanka' to 'Flex Yapmak': 14 Turkish Slang Words Gen Z is Loving

Turkish Slang 101: Gen Z Edition – 14 Must-Know Phrases to Level Up Your Turkish Game

Think you’ve mastered Turkish because you know “Merhaba” and “Teşekkürler”? Well, if you want to hang with Turkish Gen Z, you’ve got to learn their slang. The younger generation in Turkey has created their own fun, fast-paced language, mixing Turkish with internet culture, English phrases, and a whole lot of humor. Whether you’re in Istanbul or scrolling through Turkish Twitter, these slang phrases will help you fit right in.

Ready to talk like a true Turkish Gen Z? We’ve got 14 must-know slang phrases that’ll instantly boost your Turkish skills. Whether you’re chatting with friends, keeping up with memes, or exploring TikTok, these words will have you sounding like a local. Let’s dive into the freshest Turkish slang that Gen Z is loving right now!

Talk Like a True Turkish Gen Z: Top Slang Guide

1. "Kanka"

Kanka is short for kankardeş, meaning “bro” or “bestie.” It’s the ultimate way to refer to your close friends. Turkish Gen Z uses kanka in almost every conversation, whether they’re talking to friends or just hyping someone up.

Pronunciation: “Kahn-kah”
How to use it: "Hey kanka, are you free later?"
In short: Use kanka to call your friends, similar to “bro” or “bestie.”

2. "Aynen"

Aynen is the go-to word for “exactly” or “totally.” You’ll hear this everywhere in Turkey, especially among Gen Z. It’s a simple way to agree with someone or emphasize that you’re on the same page.

Pronunciation: “Eye-nen”
How to use it: "That movie was amazing, right? Aynen!"
In short: Use aynen to agree with someone or say “exactly!”

3. "Boş yapma"

Boş yapma translates to “don’t talk nonsense” or “stop saying pointless stuff.” It’s a fun way to call someone out when they’re talking too much without making sense. Turkish Gen Z uses it to keep things real and cut through the noise.

Pronunciation: “Bosh yap-mah”
How to use it: "Stop complaining, boş yapma!"
In short: Use boş yapma to tell someone to stop talking nonsense.

4. "Cringe"

Borrowed from English, cringe is now a staple in Turkish Gen Z slang. It’s used just like in English, to describe something that’s awkward, embarrassing, or just too much to handle. If something makes you uncomfortable in an awkward way, it’s cringe.

Pronunciation: “Kringe”
How to use it: "That speech was so cringe, I couldn’t watch!"
In short: Use cringe to describe anything awkward or embarrassing.

5. "Şok oldum"

Şok oldum means “I’m shocked,” and Turkish Gen Z uses it to react to something surprising or unbelievable. It’s the perfect way to express how mind-blown you are in any situation.

Pronunciation: “Shok ol-doom”
How to use it: "You’re moving to the US? Şok oldum!"
In short: Use şok oldum when you’re totally shocked or surprised.

6. "Noob"

Another borrowed term from gaming culture, noob is used to describe someone who’s new to something or isn’t very good at it yet. Turkish Gen Z uses noob in games and everyday situations to joke about someone’s inexperience.

Pronunciation: “Noob” (like in English)
How to use it: "You’ve never been ice skating? You’re such a noob!"
In short: Use noob to describe someone inexperienced or new at something.

7. "Yasamak"

In Turkish, yaşamak means “to live,” but Gen Z has flipped it into a slang term to mean “living it up” or “living your best life.” It’s all about having fun, enjoying the moment, and making the most of life.

Pronunciation: “Yah-shah-mak”
How to use it: "We’re going to a concert tonight—just yaşamak!"
In short: Use yaşamak when you’re living your best life or enjoying yourself.

8. "Hayvan gibi"

This phrase literally means “like an animal,” but it’s slang for “a lot” or “to the extreme.” Turkish Gen Z uses it to emphasize something that’s super intense or excessive, whether that’s hunger, effort, or excitement.

Pronunciation: “Hi-van gee-bee”
How to use it: "I ate hayvan gibi yesterday—so full!"
In short: Use hayvan gibi to describe something extreme or intense.

9. "Salça olmak"

Salça olmak literally means “to be like tomato paste,” but in slang, it means to butt into someone’s business or be overly involved in something. It’s the Turkish Gen Z way of saying “don’t be nosy.”

Pronunciation: “Sal-cha ol-mak”
How to use it: "Don’t salça olmak in my conversation!"
In short: Use salça olmak to tell someone to stop being nosy or interfering.

10. "GG"

GG is shorthand for “good game,” borrowed from gaming culture, and is now used by Turkish Gen Z in all kinds of situations. Whether you’ve done something well or you’re done with something, GG can mean “well done” or “that’s it.”

Pronunciation: “Gee-gee”
How to use it: "Finished that assignment—GG!"
In short: Use GG to say “well done” or to end something with a positive note.

11. "Flex yapmak"

Flex yapmak is Turkish Gen Z’s way of saying “showing off” or “bragging.” Whether you’re talking about someone flaunting their new shoes or bragging about their grades, flex yapmak is all about showing off.

Pronunciation: “Fleks yap-mak”
How to use it: "He’s always flex yapmak with his new sneakers."
In short: Use flex yapmak to talk about someone showing off.

12. "Ez"

Ez is short for “easy,” and it’s another gaming term that’s made its way into everyday slang. Turkish Gen Z uses ez to describe something that’s simple or when they win at something without much effort.

Pronunciation: “Ez” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "That exam was ez, no problem!"
In short: Use ez to describe something that’s easy or simple to win.

13. "Kafayı yemek"

Kafayı yemek means “to eat your head,” but in slang, it means going crazy, losing your mind, or being super frustrated. Turkish Gen Z uses this when things are too much to handle or when someone’s acting wild.

Pronunciation: “Kah-fah-yee ye-mek”
How to use it: "I’ve been studying all day, I’m about to kafayı yemek!"
In short: Use kafayı yemek to describe feeling overwhelmed or going crazy.

14. "Toxic"

Borrowed from English, toxic has become a key word in Turkish Gen Z slang to describe someone or something that’s unhealthy or negative. Whether it’s a bad friendship, a toxic relationship, or negative vibes, toxic is the go-to word.

Pronunciation: “Toxic” (like in English)
How to use it: "That conversation was so toxic, I had to leave."
In short: Use toxic to describe a bad vibe, relationship, or person.

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Now that you’ve got these 14 Turkish Gen Z slang words in your arsenal, you’re ready to blend in with the coolest crowds in Turkey. Whether you’re hanging out in Istanbul, keeping up with TikTok trends, or chatting with friends, these phrases will help you stay in the loop. From calling your best friend kanka to saying boş yapma when someone’s talking nonsense, you’ve got all the slang you need to fit right in with Turkish Gen Z. Start using these words, and you’ll be talking like a local in no time!

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more slang guides and cultural insights from around the world!

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