Gen Z Explains: The Ultimate Guide to Our Slang, Trends, and Culture

Gen Z Lexicon 101: Do You Want to Understand What's Going On with Us? Start Here!

So, you’re trying to crack the Gen Z code, huh? Whether it's the slang we use, the memes we love, or the TikTok trends we can’t stop talking about, you’re in the right place. We know—it can seem like we’ve created our own language, but don’t worry, we’ve got the ultimate guide to help you keep up.

From words like “slay” (no, it’s not about murder—it’s about nailing life) to “rizz” (that smooth charm you’ve been missing), we’ve built an entire lexicon based on internet culture, music, and the digital world. And it’s not just about words. We’re all about vibing with lo-fi beats, repping our fav indie artists, and hitting up thrift stores to flex that sustainable drip.

But don’t get it twisted—Gen Z is also serious about activism, mental health, and eco-friendly living. Whether we’re organizing climate strikes or ghosting fast fashion for upcycled fits, we’re here to make a difference.

Ready to dive into the world of Gen Z? Let’s get started!

Slang & Communication

1. Slay

What it means: It’s not about killing, it’s about killing it. If someone’s slaying, they’re doing something flawlessly.
Example: “Her outfit? She’s slaying.”

2. No Cap

What it means: No lie. When we say “no cap,” we’re telling you we’re being 100% honest.
Example: “That concert was the best I’ve ever been to, no cap.”

3. Bet

What it means: It’s our way of saying “OK” or “I agree.” It’s usually used to confirm plans or show confidence.
Example: “You coming tonight?” “Bet.”

4. Simp

What it means: A person who goes too hard for someone they like. It's like someone doing way too much for someone who doesn’t reciprocate the same energy.
Example: “He bought her flowers again? What a simp.”

5. Stan

What it means: A combination of “stalker” and “fan.” But it’s not creepy! It just means you’re a die-hard fan of something or someone.
Example: “I stan Beyoncé so hard.”

6. Vibe Check

What it means: It’s about seeing if someone’s energy or mood matches the moment. If you pass the vibe check, you’re cool.
Example: “The party’s gonna be lit, but let’s see if it passes the vibe check first.”

7. It's Giving…

What it means: A way to describe a specific vibe, style, or energy that something (or someone) has. Usually used to point out a strong comparison or feeling.
Example: “That dress? It’s giving vintage Hollywood.”

8. CEO of…

What it means: You’re the absolute best at something. It’s like being the boss, but of whatever you’re known for.
Example: “She’s the CEO of being late.”

9. Lit

What it means: Something exciting, fun, or just generally amazing. It can refer to anything from a party to a movie.
Example: “That concert last night was lit!”

10. Mood

What it means: When something perfectly represents how you feel or what you’re going through at that moment. It’s like saying, “I feel this on a deep level.”
Example: Sees a meme of someone sleeping all day “Mood.”

11. Ghosting

What it means: When someone disappears on you, usually in a dating or texting situation. One minute they’re replying, and the next—poof—they’re gone.
Example: “I thought we were vibing, but he ghosted me.”

12. IYKYK (If You Know, You Know)

What it means: It’s an inside joke or reference that only a specific group of people will understand.
Example: “The old Taco Bell menu...IYKYK.”

13. Sus

What it means: Short for suspicious. If something’s shady or doesn’t feel right, we call it sus.
Example: “He said his phone died, but that’s kinda sus.”

14. Flex

What it means: Showing off, usually in a way that’s a little too much. If you’re flexing, you’re bragging about something.
Example: “Did you see him flexing his new car? Like, we get it.”

15. Sheesh

What it means: Used to express shock, excitement, or disbelief. Sometimes dragged out for extra emphasis.
Example: Sees someone’s $1000 sneakers “Sheeesh!”

16. Lowkey / Highkey

What it means: Lowkey means something is kind of low-profile, subtle, or something you’re not fully admitting. Highkey is the opposite—you’re being super obvious about it.
Example: “I’m lowkey obsessed with this new show.” / “I highkey want to quit my job.”

17. Main Character Energy

What it means: Acting like the star of your own movie. It’s the vibe of someone who’s living life like they’re the center of the universe (in a good way).
Example: “She walked in with that dress like she had main character energy.”

18. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

What it means: That anxious feeling you get when you think everyone else is having more fun without you.
Example: “I didn’t go to the party and now my FOMO is real.”

19. Rizz

What it means: Short for charisma, this is all about someone’s charm and ability to flirt or attract others.
Example: “He’s got mad rizz. Everyone loves him.”

20. Drip

What it means: Refers to someone’s style, especially if they’re wearing something expensive or fashionable.
Example: “His drip is on point today, check out those sneakers!”

21. Ratio

What it means: This happens when someone’s reply gets more likes than the original post, usually because they made a better point or roasted them.
Example: “That tweet got ratio’d hard. Everyone agreed with the reply.”

22. Extra

What it means: Doing way too much, being over-the-top in a situation where it wasn’t necessary.
Example: “She brought three outfit changes to brunch, she’s so extra.”

23. Canceled

What it means: When a person (usually a celeb or influencer) is publicly called out for problematic behavior and “canceled” by their fans.
Example: “After that scandal, he’s officially canceled.”

24. Bop

What it means: A song that’s super catchy and makes you want to dance.
Example: “That new track? Total bop.”

25. Glow Up

What it means: It’s about transformation, usually going from awkward to awesome—whether in appearance, personality, or confidence.
Example: “She had such a glow up since high school.”

26. Sksksk and I Oop

What it means: It’s a phrase used mostly for something unexpected or awkward happening. Originally popularized by VSCO girls.
Example: “I dropped my phone in the pool, sksksk, and I oop.”

27. Yeet

What it means: Used to express excitement or to throw something with force. The internet made it iconic for any kind of sudden movement or action.
Example: “He just yeeted his backpack across the room.”

28. Thirst Trap

What it means: A picture or video that’s meant to get attention, especially for being attractive.
Example: “That post was definitely a thirst trap.”

29. Snack

What it means: When someone looks really good, like so good you could eat them up.
Example: “He’s looking like a whole snack today.”

30. Big Yikes

What it means: When something is so cringey or awkward, you can’t just say “yikes”—it’s a big yikes.
Example: “She showed up in the same dress as me...big yikes.”

Music & Artists

31. Vibe Music

What it means: Music that isn’t necessarily fast or slow, but has an energy that just feels right in the moment. Think lo-fi beats, chill rap, or anything you’d put on in the background.
Example: “Lo-fi is the best vibe music for studying.”

32. Hyperpop

What it means: An experimental, electronic genre that’s like pop music on steroids—faster beats, glitchy sounds, and high-pitched vocals.
Example: “100 gecs and SOPHIE are icons of the hyperpop scene.”

33. Indie Artists

What it means: Artists who don’t come from big labels but are super popular online. Gen Z loves supporting independent musicians who blow up on TikTok or YouTube.
Example: “Clairo and beabadoobee are two indie artists I found on TikTok.”

34. Alt

What it means: Short for alternative, it refers to anything that's outside mainstream music and culture. Alt music can range from alternative rock to artists like Billie Eilish.
Example: “I’m really into alt music, like Phoebe Bridgers and The 1975.”

35. SoundCloud Rap

What it means: A subgenre of rap that blew up on SoundCloud, often featuring raw beats and emotional lyrics. Many Gen Z rappers, like Lil Uzi Vert and Juice WRLD, started here.
Example: “Juice WRLD was the king of SoundCloud rap before he blew up.”

36. Stan Culture

What it means: Being an obsessive fan of a specific artist or celebrity, engaging in Twitter or TikTok fandoms, and often going to war with other fanbases.
Example: “Ariana Grande’s stans and Selena Gomez’s stans are always fighting on Twitter.”

Pop Culture & Memes

37. VSCO Girl

What it means: A trend that started around 2019, based on a specific aesthetic involving oversized T-shirts, Hydro Flask water bottles, scrunchies, and the phrase “sksksk and I oop.” It was both loved and heavily memed.
Example: “She’s such a VSCO girl with her Hydro Flask and scrunchies.”

38. E-Girl / E-Boy

What it means: A style based on internet subcultures, mixing goth, anime, and alt aesthetics. E-girls and E-boys usually have striking makeup, dyed hair, and a very curated online presence.
Example: “Her dyed hair and eyeliner scream E-girl vibes.”

39. Finsta

What it means: A fake Instagram account where people post more personal or unfiltered content, as opposed to their main, more curated feed.
Example: “Her finsta is where she posts all her real, messy pics.”

40. Cancel Culture

What it means: When someone is publicly shamed or “canceled” for something problematic they’ve said or done, often resulting in a social media backlash and calls for them to lose their platform.
Example: “That YouTuber got canceled after their old tweets resurfaced.”

41. Mainstream vs. Alt

What it means: Gen Z often makes a big distinction between what’s “mainstream” (popular, commercial) and what’s “alt” (alternative, edgy). Alt culture often includes indie music, thrift shopping, and niche trends.
Example: “I don’t listen to mainstream music, I’m all about alt artists like Mitski.”

42. Memes

What it means: Visual, often funny, internet content that spreads rapidly through social media. Memes are basically the language of Gen Z.
Example: “Did you see the Bernie Sanders mittens meme? It’s everywhere right now.”

Food & Drink Trends

43. Plant-Based

What it means: A diet focused on eating foods made from plants, like vegetables, grains, nuts, and fruits. Vegan and vegetarian options are huge with Gen Z, who care about sustainability.
Example: “Most of my friends have switched to a plant-based diet.”

44. Hot Girl Summer Salad

What it means: A viral food trend where everyone started sharing healthy, fresh salad recipes in the spirit of having a fun, fit, and carefree summer.
Example: “I’m making the Hot Girl Summer Salad for lunch today.”

45. Avocado Toast

What it means: It started as a Millennial trend but is still going strong with Gen Z. Avocado toast is the ultimate Instagrammable breakfast and has become a foodie staple.
Example: “I can’t start my day without avocado toast and iced coffee.”

46. Boba / Bubble Tea

What it means: A tea-based drink originally from Taiwan, mixed with chewy tapioca balls (boba) or other toppings like fruit jelly. It’s trendy and available in a ton of flavors.
Example: “Let’s grab some boba after class.”

47. Charcuterie Board

What it means: An aesthetic platter of meats, cheeses, fruits, and crackers. It’s become a whole thing on TikTok, where people get creative with their board arrangements.
Example: “I’m hosting a wine night with a charcuterie board that’s gonna be Instagram-worthy.”

48. TikTok Food Challenges

What it means: Viral food trends that start on TikTok, where people challenge each other to try weird or creative recipes. Things like whipped coffee or cloud bread went viral this way.
Example: “I tried making the TikTok whipped coffee, and it’s actually bomb.”

Lifestyle & Fashion

49. Thrifting

What it means: Shopping for second-hand clothes at thrift stores. It’s sustainable, affordable, and helps Gen Z develop a unique, one-of-a-kind wardrobe.
Example: “All her fits are thrifted and super unique.”

50. Cottagecore

What it means: An aesthetic that romanticizes rural life, featuring dreamy countryside visuals, flowy dresses, and cozy home vibes. It’s like living in a fairytale.
Example: “I’m going full cottagecore this summer—think picnic baskets and flowy dresses.”

51. Athleisure

What it means: A style that combines athletic wear with everyday clothing, like pairing leggings with a stylish jacket. It’s about being comfortable while still looking on-trend.
Example: “Athleisure is my go-to. It’s like I could hit the gym, but I won’t.”

52. Streetwear

What it means: A fashion style influenced by hip-hop and skate culture, with oversized hoodies, sneakers, and statement pieces. Streetwear brands like Supreme are huge in Gen Z culture.
Example: “Her streetwear game is strong—she’s always got the coolest sneakers.”

Mental Health & Self-Care

53. Burnout

What it means: A feeling of being physically and mentally drained, often from school, work, or life pressures. Gen Z is very open about talking about burnout and its effects.
Example: “I’m so burned out from all these finals, I need a break.”

54. Therapy Culture

What it means: Gen Z is breaking the stigma around mental health and going to therapy. Talking about therapy, self-care, and emotional well-being is normalized and encouraged.
Example: “I started therapy this year, and it’s honestly been life-changing.”

55. Self-Care Sundays

What it means: Dedicating Sundays to taking care of yourself, whether it’s a skincare routine, reading, or just relaxing. Self-care has become a big part of Gen Z culture.
Example: “I’m doing a face mask and a bath tonight—self-care Sunday, baby.”

Entertainment & Media Consumption

56. Binge-Watching

What it means: Consuming multiple episodes of a TV show or an entire series in one sitting. Thanks to Netflix, Hulu, and streaming, binge-watching is the new way to watch.
Example: “I binged the entire season of Stranger Things in two days.”

57. Streaming Over Cable

What it means: Gen Z rarely watches traditional TV. We stream everything through platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. Cable is basically dead to us.
Example: “Who even has cable anymore? I watch all my shows on Hulu.”

58. YouTube Creators

What it means: YouTubers, or content creators, are the celebrities of Gen Z. From vloggers to makeup tutorials, we get entertainment, education, and culture all from YouTube.
Example: “Emma Chamberlain and MrBeast are my fave YouTube creators.”

59. Short-Form Content

What it means: With TikTok leading the charge, short videos (15 seconds to 3 minutes) are the go-to format for quick entertainment. Short-form content is fast, funny, and super digestible.
Example: “I spend hours watching TikToks because the short videos are addictive.”

60. Podcasts

What it means: While Millennials started the podcast boom, Gen Z has embraced it. Whether it’s true crime, self-care, or pop culture, we love listening to podcasts on the go.
Example: “I listen to Call Her Daddy and The Daily when I’m at the gym.”

Tech & Digital Culture

61. TikTok Trends

What it means: TikTok is where trends are born. Dance challenges, viral songs, and even social movements spread here faster than anywhere else.
Example: “The ‘Renegade’ dance challenge started on TikTok and blew up everywhere.”

62. BeReal

What it means: A social media app that encourages authenticity by prompting users to share a real, unfiltered photo once a day. No filters, no curated posts—just the real you.
Example: “BeReal is actually so refreshing, it’s not about looking perfect.”

63. NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens)

What it means: Digital assets that represent ownership of unique items like art, music, or even memes. NFTs have become popular in Gen Z’s world of digital art and crypto.
Example: “I just bought my first NFT—it's digital art, but it's all mine.”

64. Cryptocurrency

What it means: Digital currency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. A lot of Gen Z is curious about crypto and views it as a future investment, with some diving into the world of trading or holding.
Example: “I’ve got some crypto in Bitcoin and Dogecoin, just in case.”

65. Discord

What it means: Originally a platform for gamers, Discord is now a community hub where Gen Z hangs out, chats, and organizes events, either by voice or text.
Example: “We’re hosting a movie night in our Discord server tonight.”

Activism & Social Issues

66. Climate Change Awareness

What it means: Gen Z is all about raising awareness and taking action on climate change. Whether it’s supporting eco-friendly brands or advocating for environmental policy, this is one of our biggest issues.
Example: “I’m passionate about climate change, I even stopped using plastic straws.”

67. Social Justice Movements

What it means: We’re heavily involved in movements like Black Lives Matter (BLM), LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality. Social media is often the platform we use to mobilize and raise awareness.
Example: “I shared resources on my Instagram about how to support BLM.”

68. Eco-Friendly Fashion

What it means: Sustainability matters to Gen Z, and that means choosing eco-conscious brands, thrifting, or upcycling clothes. We’re avoiding fast fashion whenever we can.
Example: “I thrift almost all my clothes—it’s better for the environment.”

69. Political Memes

What it means: While politics is serious, Gen Z uses memes to make it more digestible. We joke about political figures, elections, or major issues as a way to cope and spark conversation.
Example: “That meme about Bernie Sanders at the inauguration went viral.”

70. Mental Health Advocacy

What it means: We’re open about mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout, and we push for accessible therapy, mental health days, and normalizing the conversation around it.
Example: “I’m taking a mental health day because school has been so stressful.”

Fashion & Style Trends

71. Y2K Fashion

What it means: Early 2000s styles like low-rise jeans, baby tees, and chunky sneakers are back. Gen Z is obsessed with Y2K fashion, even though we were too young to remember it the first time around.
Example: “I found the perfect low-rise jeans for my Y2K aesthetic.”

72. Chunky Sneakers

What it means: Big, oversized sneakers are a major trend, and brands like Fila and Balenciaga have made them a style staple. Think of them as the opposite of sleek, minimal shoes.
Example: “Chunky sneakers are everywhere right now—they’re ugly, but in a good way.”

73. Matching Sets

What it means: Athleisure or loungewear that comes in matching top-and-bottom sets. Whether it’s a cozy sweatsuit or a cute workout set, matching sets are a huge part of Gen Z style.
Example: “I just bought this lavender matching set—it’s so comfy and cute.”

74. Crocs Comeback

What it means: Crocs, the famously controversial shoes, are back in style. What was once considered ugly is now ironic and cool, especially when accessorized with “Jibbitz” charms.
Example: “I just bought some Crocs and customized them with Jibbitz.”

Relationships & Dating

75. Talking Stage

What it means: The phase before officially dating where you’re talking to someone, flirting, and figuring out if you want to take it further. It’s like pre-dating.
Example: “We’ve been in the talking stage for weeks, but I’m not sure where it’s going.”

76. Situationship

What it means: More than friends, but not officially dating. It’s that messy middle ground where the relationship doesn’t have clear labels, but feelings are involved.
Example: “We’re not dating, it’s more like a situationship right now.”

77. Breadcrumbing

What it means: When someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested but never commits to anything serious. They’re stringing you along without ever going further.
Example: “He’s totally breadcrumbing her—texting just enough to keep her on the hook.”

78. Love Languages

What it means: Gen Z is really into knowing and understanding love languages—ways we show and receive affection, like words of affirmation, gifts, or physical touch.
Example: “My love language is quality time, I feel closest when we’re just hanging out together.”

Gaming & E-Sports

79. Twitch Streaming

What it means: Twitch is a live-streaming platform mainly for gaming, but also for things like "Just Chatting" or creative content. Gen Z uses Twitch to connect with gamers, influencers, and communities in real-time.
Example: “I’m streaming Valorant on Twitch tonight, come through!”

80. Battle Royale Games

What it means: A game mode where players fight to be the last one standing, often in a shrinking map. Popularized by games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warzone, Battle Royale is one of the biggest gaming genres for Gen Z.
Example: “We need to squad up for a Fortnite Battle Royale session this weekend.”

81. E-Sports

What it means: Competitive gaming at a professional level. Gen Z loves e-sports, whether as players or viewers. Games like League of Legends and Overwatch have massive tournaments with millions of dollars in prize money.
Example: “The League of Legends World Championship is bigger than most sports events.”

82. Discord Servers

What it means: Discord is a platform for group chats, mostly used by gamers but now expanding to include communities for every interest. People hang out, chat during games, and create fan groups.
Example: “Join my Discord server, we’re streaming movies and doing gaming nights.”

83. Among Us

What it means: A multiplayer game that blew up during the pandemic, where players work together to complete tasks while trying to figure out who the "imposter" is. It became a massive social game for Gen Z.
Example: “We’re playing Among Us tonight—don’t be sus.”

Personal Identity & Self-Expression

84. Pronouns

What it means: Gen Z is very mindful of gender identity, with many openly sharing their pronouns (he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.) to respect individual identity.
Example: “I added my pronouns to my bio to make sure people know how I identify.”

85. Non-Binary

What it means: Someone who doesn't exclusively identify as male or female. Non-binary people exist outside the traditional gender binary, and Gen Z is very supportive of gender fluidity.
Example: “They’re non-binary, so they don’t identify strictly as male or female.”

86. Chosen Family

What it means: Gen Z often values their friendships and support systems as much, if not more, than biological family, referring to close friends as "chosen family."
Example: “My friends are my chosen family, they support me more than anyone.”

87. Body Positivity

What it means: Celebrating bodies of all shapes, sizes, and appearances, rejecting unrealistic beauty standards. Gen Z pushes for inclusivity in fashion, media, and representation.
Example: “She’s all about body positivity and loving herself as she is.”

88. Queer Representation

What it means: Gen Z demands representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in media, fashion, and politics. Queer representation in shows, movies, and social media is important for visibility and inclusion.
Example: “Seeing queer representation in TV shows helps me feel seen.”

Wellness & Self-Care

89. Digital Detox

What it means: Taking a break from social media or technology to focus on mental health. Gen Z is increasingly recognizing the toll that constant online connection takes on mental well-being.
Example: “I’m doing a digital detox this weekend to clear my head.”

90. Skin Care Routine

What it means: Gen Z has taken skincare to another level, with everyone sharing their detailed regimens online. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about self-care and feeling confident.
Example: “My skincare routine is a whole mood. It’s how I unwind.”

91. Mindfulness

What it means: Practicing being present in the moment, whether through meditation, breathing exercises, or just slowing down. Gen Z uses mindfulness to cope with anxiety and stress.
Example: “I use mindfulness apps to help me deal with stress from school.”

92. Journaling

What it means: Writing down thoughts and feelings as a form of therapy. It helps Gen Z process emotions, reflect on goals, and reduce anxiety.
Example: “Journaling every morning has really helped me manage my anxiety.”

93. Crystals & Spirituality

What it means: Gen Z is turning to crystals, tarot cards, and other spiritual practices as alternative ways to find balance and peace. It’s a way to connect with themselves beyond traditional religion.
Example: “I keep crystals in my room for positive energy.”

Education & Career Goals

94. Side Hustles

What it means: Gen Z is all about having multiple income streams. Whether it’s freelancing, selling on Depop, or launching a small business, side hustles are how we stay financially flexible.
Example: “I run a Depop shop as a side hustle to make extra cash.”

95. Gig Economy

What it means: Working in short-term, flexible jobs (like Uber, freelancing, or delivery apps) rather than traditional full-time positions. Gen Z loves the freedom and independence of gig work.
Example: “I prefer the gig economy over a 9-to-5 job, it lets me be my own boss.”

96. Remote Learning

What it means: With the rise of online education during the pandemic, remote learning has become the norm for many students. Gen Z adapted to Zoom classes, digital textbooks, and virtual study groups.
Example: “I did my entire semester remotely and honestly, I love the flexibility.”

97. Work-Life Balance

What it means: Gen Z values time away from work and prioritizes mental health over hustle culture. We want fulfilling careers, but not at the expense of our personal lives.
Example: “I’m looking for a job with good work-life balance so I can enjoy my time off.”

98. Entrepreneurship

What it means: Gen Z is entrepreneurial at heart. Many of us dream of starting our own businesses, whether it’s a clothing line, a tech startup, or becoming a social media influencer.

Eco-Conscious & Sustainability Trends

99. Zero Waste Movement

What it means: A lifestyle trend focused on producing as little waste as possible, with an emphasis on reusing and recycling. Gen Z is committed to sustainability and protecting the environment.
Example: “I’m trying to go zero waste by using refillable containers and avoiding plastic.”

100. Thrift Flip

What it means: Upcycling or redesigning second-hand clothes to make them stylish. It’s part of Gen Z’s love for thrifting and sustainability, combining eco-consciousness with creativity.
Example: “I found a vintage jacket and thrift-flipped it into something trendy.”

Gen Z is more than just a generation—we’re a movement of creativity, self-expression, and digital innovation. From the slang we use to the music we vibe to, from our commitment to activism and social justice to redefining how we think about mental health and self-care, we’re rewriting the rules of what it means to live in a hyper-connected world. Whether it's turning to TikTok for trends, fighting for climate action, or finding empowerment through gaming and entrepreneurship, we’re all about pushing boundaries and challenging the norms.

Our unique blend of tech-savviness, cultural awareness, and passion for authenticity drives us to seek out real, meaningful connections. Whether we’re posting on social media, thrifting for the perfect fit, or diving into the world of side hustles, every part of our culture reflects the spirit of staying true to ourselves while striving for a more inclusive, sustainable, and mentally healthy future.

Stay plugged in to more insights on what shapes Gen Z’s world at Woke Waves Magazine, where we break down the trends, culture, and ideas that are shifting the game for our generation.

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