14 Canadian Gen Z Slang Words to Help You Sound Like a Local

From 'Bet' to 'Vibe Check': 14 Canadian Gen Z Slang Words You Need to Know

Think you’ve got Canadian slang figured out because you know “eh” and “sorry”? Well, Canadian Gen Z has taken slang to a whole new level. Mixing internet culture, local phrases, and their own unique twist, Canadian youth are creating some seriously fun and quirky expressions. Whether you’re strolling through the streets of Toronto or watching the latest TikToks, Canadian Gen Z slang is all about being casual, funny, and a bit cheeky.

Ready to talk like a true Canadian Gen Z? We’ve got you covered with 14 must-know slang phrases that’ll level up your Canadian street cred instantly. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or keeping up with memes, these words will help you fit right in. Let’s dive into the latest Canadian lingo that’s trending with Gen Z!

1. "Bet"

A word that’s exploded across Canadian Gen Z conversations, bet means “okay” or “I agree.” It’s the ultimate way to confirm plans or say you’re down for something. Whether you’re hyping up a friend’s idea or just agreeing, bet is your go-to.

Pronunciation: “Bet” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "You want to hit the mall later? Bet!"
In short: Use bet to say “for sure” or to agree to a plan.

2. "Sus"

Short for “suspect” or “suspicious,” sus is used to call someone out when they’re acting shady or something doesn’t seem right. It’s common on TikTok, but Canadian Gen Z loves using it in everyday conversations to add a bit of sass.

Pronunciation: “Sus” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "Why are you being so quiet? That’s kinda sus."
In short: Use sus to describe someone or something that seems shady or questionable.

3. "Deadass"

Deadass means “seriously” or “for real,” and it’s all about emphasizing that you’re not joking. Canadian Gen Z uses this phrase to let people know they’re being 100% honest, and it’s often used to start or end a serious statement.

Pronunciation: “Dead-ass” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "Deadass, that was the best concert I’ve ever been to."
In short: Use deadass when you want to emphasize that you’re being serious.

4. "Peak"

In Canadian Gen Z slang, peak can mean two opposite things depending on the context. It’s either something “bad” or “unfortunate” when used sarcastically, or it can mean the “best” of something when used positively. Confusing, but versatile!

Pronunciation: “Peek” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "That test was so hard, it was peak."
In short: Use peak to describe something as either bad or amazing, depending on the tone.

5. "Skrrt"

This one’s borrowed from hip-hop culture but is now firmly in Canadian Gen Z’s slang list. Skrrt means to leave quickly or dodge something, kind of like hitting the brakes and swerving out of a situation. It’s perfect for describing slick moves or quick exits.

Pronunciation: “Skrrt” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "That conversation got awkward, so I skrrt out of there."
In short: Use skrrt when you’re talking about escaping a situation fast.

6. "Vibe Check"

Vibe check is used to assess the overall mood or energy of a situation. Canadian Gen Z uses this phrase to see if the vibes are good or bad, whether they’re at a party, hanging out with friends, or just scrolling through social media.

Pronunciation: “Vibe chek” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "That party last night? Total vibe check, it was lit."
In short: Use vibe check to talk about the energy or atmosphere of an event or person.

7. "Slaps"

If something slaps, it means it’s awesome, especially when talking about music or food. If a song, outfit, or meal is on point, slaps is the slang to use. Canadian Gen Z uses it to hype up anything that’s impressive or fun.

Pronunciation: “Slaps” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "This new album slaps, you gotta listen!"
In short: Use slaps to describe something that’s really good, usually music or food.

8. "Jokes"

Jokes is a casual way of saying something is funny. It’s short, sweet, and easy to slip into conversation. If someone cracks a funny joke or does something hilarious, calling it jokes is a way to acknowledge the humor.

Pronunciation: “Jokes” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "That TikTok video is pure jokes!"
In short: Use jokes to describe something that’s super funny.

9. "Sending It"

To send it means to go all out or do something with no hesitation, like taking a bold risk. Canadian Gen Z loves using this phrase when they’re about to take on a challenge, whether it’s something physical, social, or even just for fun.

Pronunciation: “Sending it” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "We’re going cliff jumping? Let’s send it!"
In short: Use sending it when you’re about to go full throttle into something daring.

10. "Glow Up"

A glow up is when someone has a major transformation, usually for the better, whether it’s their looks, confidence, or vibe. Canadian Gen Z uses this phrase to hype up someone who’s leveled up in life, whether that’s through style, fitness, or personality.

Pronunciation: “Glow up” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "You’ve had such a glow up since high school!"
In short: Use glow up to describe someone’s impressive transformation.

11. "No Cap"

When someone says no cap, it means they’re not lying or exaggerating—it’s the truth. It’s a way for Canadian Gen Z to emphasize that what they’re saying is legit, especially when something seems too good to be true.

Pronunciation: “No cap” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "No cap, that was the best pizza I’ve ever had."
In short: Use no cap to say you’re telling the truth, no exaggeration.

12. "Chill"

Chill is the ultimate casual slang in Canada, meaning to relax or hang out. Canadian Gen Z uses it to describe laid-back plans, easygoing vibes, or to simply tell someone to relax when they’re stressed or overreacting.

Pronunciation: “Chill” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "Let’s just chill at my place tonight."
In short: Use chill when you’re talking about relaxing or doing something low-key.

13. "Fire"

If something is fire, it’s amazing, super cool, or impressive. This slang is used for anything from outfits to food, and it’s a quick way for Canadian Gen Z to give props or hype something up.

Pronunciation: “Fi-er” (like it sounds)
How to use it: "That jacket is fire, where’d you get it?"
In short: Use fire to describe something that’s really cool or awesome.

14. "Finesse"

To finesse something means to pull it off smoothly, whether you’re getting something done with ease or convincing someone to go along with your plan. Canadian Gen Z uses finesse to describe slick moves or clever ways of getting things done.

Pronunciation: “Fi-ness”
How to use it: "I finessed my way into that concert for free."
In short: Use finesse when you’re describing a smooth or clever move.

Now that you know these 14 Canadian Gen Z slang words, you’re ready to talk like a true local! Whether you’re hanging out in Toronto, chilling with friends in Vancouver, or just vibing online, these phrases will help you fit right in with Canada’s coolest Gen Z crowd. From saying bet when you’re agreeing to calling something slaps when it’s awesome, you’ve got all the lingo you need. So, go ahead and use them in your next conversation and watch your Canadian slang game glow up!

Stay tuned to Woke Waves Magazine for more global Gen Z slang and cultural deep dives!

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