Decoding Gen Z Office Slang: A Guide for Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers

Bridging the Gap: A Guide to Gen Z Slang at Work

Picture this: You’re in a meeting, and someone says, “That new campaign is totally snatched.” The Millennials nod knowingly, the Gen Zers high-five, and the Boomers… are Googling. Welcome to the modern workplace, where lingo evolves faster than last week’s viral TikTok.

Gen Z, the newest generation to hit the workforce, isn’t just bringing fresh ideas—they’re bringing fresh words. From “glow-up” to “extra,” their slang is a vibe, adding personality to PowerPoints and Slack threads. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about being trendy. Understanding their lexicon means you’re not just in the know—you’re in sync.

In this guide, we’re decoding the Gen Z office lexicon for every generation. Whether you’re trying to decipher “no cap” or want to vibe with your teammates, we’ve got you covered. So grab your coffee (or your matcha latte, because Gen Z loves those), and let’s dive into the words that are reshaping workplace culture.

1. "It's Giving"

Translation: It’s evoking a vibe or feeling.
Example: “This new office setup? It’s giving startup energy.”
Perfect for calling out aesthetics, vibes, or even attitudes. Millennials might liken it to “feels like,” while Boomers might think of “reminds me of.”

2. "Slay"

Translation: To crush it, succeed, or look amazing.
Example: “You slayed that presentation, bestie!”
Use it to hype up someone’s achievement or outfit. Millennials might remember “killing it,” and Boomers? Think “you nailed it.”

3. "Bet"

Translation: Agreement, often with enthusiasm.
Example: Manager: “Can you handle this project?” Gen Z: “Bet.”
For Boomers, this roughly translates to “Okay” or “Consider it done.”

4. "Mid"

Translation: Mediocre or average.
Example: “That team-building exercise was so mid.”
The ultimate Gen Z way to say something was...meh. Millennials might call it “basic,” while Boomers would say “nothing special.”

5. "Low-Key"

Translation: Kind of, slightly, or subtly.
Example: “I’m low-key stressed about this deadline.”
Used to soften the intensity of a statement, it’s a casual way to keep things chill. Boomers might say “sort of.”

6. "No Cap"

Translation: No lie or for real.
Example: “That strategy is genius, no cap.”
This is Gen Z’s way of emphasizing honesty. Millennials might say, “Seriously,” and Boomers might go with “I’m not kidding.”

7. "Vibe Check"

Translation: Evaluating the energy or mood.
Example: “Let’s do a vibe check before we present to the client.”
It’s a lighthearted way to gauge readiness. Think of it as “gut check” for Millennials and Boomers.

8. "Main Character Energy"

Translation: Acting like the protagonist or standing out.
Example: “Your pitch had main character energy today.”
It’s a flattering way to say someone’s stealing the show. Millennials might liken it to “owning it.”

9. "Sus"

Translation: Suspicious or shady.
Example: “That email sounded sus. Are they hiding something?”
Boomers, think of it as “fishy.”

10. "Flex"

Translation: To show off.
Example: “That keynote? A total flex.”
Millennials know it as “humblebrag,” while Boomers might call it “tooting your own horn.”

11. "Dead"

Translation: Hilarious or extremely funny.
Example: “That meme in the Slack channel? I’m dead.”
It’s Gen Z’s way of saying they’re laughing uncontrollably. Millennials might remember saying “LOL,” while Boomers would simply go with “That’s so funny!”

12. "I Can't Even"

Translation: Overwhelmed, usually in a funny or exaggerated way.
Example: “The way everyone’s forgetting their passwords again—I can’t even.”
For Millennials, it’s familiar from Tumblr days, and for Boomers, think of it as “I’m at a loss for words.”

13. "Snatched"

Translation: Flawless or perfect, often referring to appearance or work.
Example: “Your design for the presentation? Snatched.”
It’s the new “on point” for Millennials and akin to “sharp” for Boomers.

14. "Extra"

Translation: Over-the-top or dramatic.
Example: “Using a full color palette for one slide is a bit extra, don’t you think?”
Boomers might say “excessive,” while Millennials would know it as “overdoing it.”

15. "Glow-Up"

Translation: A major transformation for the better.
Example: “That brand refresh was a total glow-up!”
Think of it as an upgrade or significant improvement. Boomers might call it a “makeover,” while Millennials are already familiar with the term.

How to Use Gen Z Slang Like a Pro

Know Your Audience

‍Slang is like hot sauce—use it in moderation, especially in a mixed-age workplace. Your Gen Z coworker might vibe with “slaps,” but your millennial manager could feel left out. Meanwhile, your boomer boss might think you’re talking about music genres. The key? Keep it tailored to your crowd and be ready to explain if someone gives you a puzzled look.

Context Is Key

‍Dropping “no cap” in the middle of a performance review? Probably not the move. Slang is great for casual convos or hyping up a team win, but it can sound too chill for formal settings. Always read the room (or email thread). If in doubt, play it safe and save the slang for Slack or coffee break chats.

Don't Force It

‍Trying too hard to use slang is the ultimate cringe. Nobody wants to hear “this spreadsheet slaps” if it doesn’t. Use terms naturally, like seasoning, not the main course. Bonus? When used authentically, it makes you relatable, not ridiculous.

Why This Lexicon Matters

Language is the ultimate connector, and Gen Z’s slang is proof. It’s playful, adaptive, and oh-so-refreshingly real, reshaping how we collaborate and communicate in the workplace. But here’s the tea: it’s not just about using the words—it’s about embracing the culture they represent.

Whether you’re a Boomer trying to keep up, a Millennial balancing between old and new, or a Gen Zer leading the charge, mastering this slang helps build bridges and spark creativity. It’s a little reminder that work doesn’t have to feel so… work-y.

So the next time someone says your spreadsheet had a “glow-up,” smile and own it. Because in this ever-evolving workplace, understanding each other—slang and all—is what truly makes us “snatched.”

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