55 Gen Z Slang Words You Need to Know to Stay Lit

Gen Z has crafted a language of its own, full of vibrant slang words that reflect their unique perspective and experiences. This dynamic vocabulary not only showcases their creativity but also captures the essence of their digital-native lifestyle. Whether you're trying to keep up with your younger friends, decode TikTok comments, or simply stay hip, understanding this slang is essential. Each term is a snapshot of the values, humor, and trends that define Gen Z. From the playful to the profound, these words are used to express identity, form connections, and navigate the complexities of modern life. The speed at which these terms evolve can be dizzying, but staying updated is key to truly engaging with the Gen Z community. This list of 55 Gen Z slang words will have you talking like a Zoomer in no time, helping you bridge the generational gap and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of today's youth culture.

1. Bet - Used to express agreement or affirmation. This term is like saying "sure thing" or "you got it." It’s a quick way to show you’re on board with someone’s idea or plan.
   • Example: "You coming to the party tonight?" "Bet."
2. Flex - To show off or boast about something. It can be used both positively and negatively, depending on the context. Flexing can be about material things or personal achievements.
   • Example: "Check out my new kicks, just flexing a bit."
3. No Cap - Telling the truth, no lie. This term emphasizes that what you're saying is genuine and not exaggerated. It's often used to back up a statement with confidence.
   • Example: "That movie was the best, no cap."
4. Sus - Suspicious or suspect. This word is often used when someone’s behavior or situation seems off or shady. It’s shorthand for calling something or someone questionable.
   • Example: "Why is he acting so sus lately?"
5. GOAT - Greatest Of All Time. Used to describe someone who is the best in their field, often used in sports, music, and other areas where excellence is celebrated.
   • Example: "LeBron is the GOAT, no doubt."
6. Vibe Check - Assessing the mood or atmosphere. This can be about a place, event, or person’s energy. It’s a way to make sure everything feels right and everyone is in a good space.
   • Example: "Walking into the room and doing a quick vibe check."
7. Wig - Something so amazing it blows your mind, as if your wig has flown off. It’s often used to react to something shocking or incredibly impressive.
   • Example: "That performance was wild, wig!"
8. Yeet - To throw something with force or excitement. It’s often used humorously to describe throwing something energetically or getting rid of something with enthusiasm.
   • Example: "Watch me yeet this bottle into the trash."
9. Tea - Gossip or news. Spilling the tea means sharing juicy information. It’s a way to discuss the latest drama or interesting tidbits with friends.
   • Example: "Spill the tea, what happened at the party?"
10. Lowkey - To do something in a subtle or quiet way. It’s used when you want to keep things understated or when you're expressing a mild degree of something.
    • Example: "I'm lowkey obsessed with this song."
11. Highkey - To do something openly or blatantly. It’s the opposite of lowkey and is used when you want to emphasize something strongly or make it clear.
    • Example: "I'm highkey ready for summer break."
12. Slaps - Something that is really good or enjoyable, often used to describe music. If a song slaps, it means it’s very catchy and makes you want to move.
    • Example: "This song slaps!"
13. Shook - Shocked or surprised. This term is used when something happens that completely catches you off guard and leaves you stunned.
    • Example: "I was shook by that plot twist."
14. Receipts - Proof or evidence. It’s often used in arguments or discussions to back up a claim with concrete evidence, like screenshots or physical proof.
    • Example: "Show me the receipts of that conversation."
15. Drip - Stylish or trendy outfit. This term refers to someone’s overall style and how fresh or put-together their appearance is. It’s all about looking sharp.
    • Example: "Check out my drip for tonight."
16. Fire - Amazing or cool. It’s used to describe something that’s exceptionally good, exciting, or trendy. If something is fire, it’s top-notch.
    • Example: "That new album is fire."
17. Mood - Something relatable. When you say "mood," you’re expressing that something resonates with how you’re feeling or your current state of mind.
    • Example: "Sleeping all day is such a mood."
18. Lit - Exciting or fun. It’s used to describe events, parties, or experiences that are lively and enjoyable. If something is lit, it’s the place to be.
    • Example: "The party last night was lit!"
19. Bop - A good song. This term is used to describe music that’s catchy, fun, and makes you want to dance. If a song is a bop, it’s definitely playlist-worthy.
    • Example: "Her new single is a bop."
20. Big Yikes - Something very embarrassing or cringe-worthy. It’s a way to react to situations that are awkward or uncomfortable, expressing second-hand embarrassment.
    • Example: "I forgot my lines on stage, big yikes."
21. Salty - Bitter or upset. This term is used when someone is annoyed or holding a grudge about something. Being salty means you’re not happy with how things turned out.
    • Example: "He's still salty about losing the game."
22. Bussin' - Extremely good or delicious. Often used to describe food that tastes amazing. If something is bussin', it’s exceptionally tasty or impressive.
    • Example: "This burger is bussin'."
23. Stan - To be an overly enthusiastic fan. Originally from the Eminem song “Stan,” it means you’re a dedicated follower of someone, to the point of being almost obsessive.
    • Example: "I stan that band so hard."
24. Extra - Over the top or dramatic. This term is used to describe someone who goes beyond the normal level of effort or attention, often in a flashy or unnecessary way.
    • Example: "She's so extra with her outfits."
25. Simp - Someone who does too much for someone they like. It’s often used to describe someone who is overly attentive or submissive to someone they’re attracted to.
    • Example: "Stop simping and focus on yourself."
26. Clout - Influence or fame. This term is used when someone is seeking attention or trying to increase their social media presence and popularity.
    • Example: "He's just doing it for clout."
27. Shade - Subtle disrespect or criticism. Throwing shade means making a sly comment that insults someone indirectly. It’s all about being tactfully rude.
    • Example: "She threw some shade in her last tweet."
28. Gucci - Good or fine. It’s a way to say everything is going well or that you’re okay with something. If things are Gucci, they’re all good.
    • Example: "Everything's Gucci over here."
29. Ghosting - Suddenly cutting off all communication. This term is often used in the context of dating or friendships, where someone stops replying without explanation.
    • Example: "Why did you ghost him?"
30. Hundo P - One hundred percent, definitely. It’s used to express complete certainty or agreement. If you’re hundo P, you’re fully committed or sure about something.
    • Example: "I'm hundo P coming to the event."
31. Thirsty - Desperate or eager for attention. This term is used to describe someone who is overly eager, especially in the context of seeking validation or affection.
    • Example: "Stop being so thirsty for likes."
32. Swole - Muscular or fit. Often used to describe someone who has clearly been working out a lot and has a very toned, muscular physique.
    • Example: "He's been working out and looks so swole."
33. Finesse - To maneuver or manipulate something skillfully. It’s often used to describe getting something done in a smooth, effortless, and clever way.
    • Example: "She can finesse her way out of any situation."
34. Throwing Shade - Making a sneaky or clever insult. It’s a way to indirectly criticize someone, often done in a way that’s meant to be witty or subtle.
    • Example: "She was totally throwing shade at him."
35. Hits Different - Something that feels especially good or unique. This term is used to describe experiences or things that stand out in a particularly positive way.
    • Example: "This sunset just hits different."
36. Karen - A derogatory term for an entitled or demanding woman. It’s used to describe someone, usually a middle-aged woman, who is perceived as being overly demanding or out of touch.
    • Example: "The manager had to deal with a Karen today."
37. Dank - High quality or excellent. This term is often used to describe memes, jokes, or other content that is particularly funny or well-made.
    • Example: "That meme is so dank."
38. Thicc - Curvy in an attractive way. This term is used to describe someone, usually a woman, who has a full, curvaceous body that is considered attractive.
    • Example: "She's got that thicc look."
39. Cap - Lie or false statement. When you say “cap” or “that’s cap,” you’re calling out someone for lying or exaggerating. It’s the opposite of “no cap.”
    • Example: "That's cap, there's no way that happened."
40. Snack - Someone who looks good. This term is often used to describe a person who is attractive and visually appealing, as if they’re a tasty treat.
    • Example: "Did you see him? Total snack."
41. Slay - To do something exceptionally well. It’s often used to praise someone’s performance, appearance, or actions that are done with impressive skill or style.
    • Example: "You totally slayed that presentation."
42. Fam - Close friends or family. It’s a term of endearment used to refer to people who are close to you, indicating a sense of camaraderie and trust.
    • Example: "What's up, fam?"
43. Whip - Car. This slang term is used to refer to someone’s vehicle, often implying that it’s stylish or impressive. It’s a fun way to talk about cars.
    • Example: "Just got a new whip!"
44. Cancelled - To reject or boycott someone. It’s used when someone is called out for problematic behavior and is subsequently ostracized or shunned.
    • Example: "He got cancelled for his controversial statements."
45. Finna - Going to. It’s a contraction of “fixing to,” often used in casual conversation to indicate someone’s immediate plans or intentions.
    • Example: "I'm finna head out."
46. Boujee - Luxurious or high-class. This term is used to describe someone or something that is extravagant, fancy, or associated with wealth and high status.
    • Example: "She's so boujee with her designer clothes."
47. Dead - Laughing hard. It’s used to describe something so funny that it metaphorically kills you with laughter. If something is dead funny, it’s hilarious.
    • Example: "That joke has me dead."
48. Boomer - An older person, typically from the Baby Boomer generation. It’s often used dismissively to refer to someone who is out of touch with modern trends.
    • Example: "Okay, boomer."
49. TFW - That Feeling When. This acronym is used to describe a relatable experience or emotion, often accompanied by a picture or meme to illustrate the sentiment.
    • Example: "TFW you ace the test you didn't study for."
50. Main Character - Feeling like the protagonist in one's own story. This term is used to describe a moment when someone feels particularly important or central in their narrative.
    • Example: "Today I'm feeling like the main character."
51. Periodt - End of discussion, often used for emphasis. It’s a way to assert that something is final and not up for debate, often adding intensity to a statement.
    • Example: "This is the best movie ever, periodt."
52. Receipts - Proof or evidence, often used in arguments. This term emphasizes the need for concrete evidence to back up claims, often in the form of screenshots or documents.
    • Example: "Show me the receipts!"
53. Cap - Lie or falsehood. Repeated here to emphasize its importance, calling out cap means identifying when someone is not being truthful or exaggerating.
    • Example: "That's cap, you didn't do that."
54. Yas - An enthusiastic agreement. Often used to express strong support or excitement, it’s a way to cheer someone on or show enthusiastic approval.
    • Example: "Yas, queen!"
55. Woke - Being socially aware and progressive. It’s used to describe someone who is aware of social injustices and issues, and actively supports or advocates for change.
    • Example: "Staying woke means being conscious of social issues."

Gen Z’s unique slang is a reflection of their innovative spirit and their knack for shaping culture. These words are more than just trends; they’re a glimpse into how this generation communicates, connects, and creates. From social media to everyday conversations, these terms capture the essence of what it means to be a Zoomer. So, whether you're a part of Gen Z or just trying to keep up, this list will help you navigate their dynamic world with ease. Keep these terms in your back pocket, and you’ll be ready to engage with the latest lingo and understand the pulse of Gen Z.

Stay tuned for more updates and dive deeper into the ever-evolving language and lifestyle of today’s youth.

#GenZ #Slang #ZoomerLanguage #ModernLingo #StayLit