Generation Z slang words explained: 30 terms you need to know

Generation Z, or Gen-Z, refers to those born between the early 1990s and early 2000s, and according to Collins Dictionary, they’re a prominent generation. So what’s the deal with the name ‘Gen Z’? Well, the ‘Z’ stands for ‘Zoomer’, a reference to the fact that they were the first generation to actually ‘zoom’ on the internet. Gen Z are the children of Generation X, and they’ve grown up in a world where Wi-Fi is as vital as oxygen.
What really sets Gen-Z apart is their creative and often incomprehensible slang. This generation has created a whole new language filled with words and phrases that may sound like code to outsiders. If you can’t keep up, you could be experiencing some serious FOMO (fear of missing out).
New slang words emerge at the blink of an eye, and staying informed can feel like a race against time. Whether you’re a parent trying to communicate with your kids or just curious about the latest trends, this list of Gen Z slang words and their meanings will help you navigate their unique jargon and stay in the loop.

List of Gen Z slang terms you need to know in 2024

Word	Meaning	Use
Bet	Agreement or ratification.	“Are you coming to the party? – I bet!”
Hat	Lie or fabrication.	“He said he was rich, but that’s a bail.”
No Limits	Real, no exaggeration.	“I finished the whole pizza by myself, no lid.”
Kill	To be successful or to perform exceptionally well.	“She did an amazing job at the talent show!”
Period	Emphasizing that a point is definite.	“This is the best movie of the year, period.”
Vibration	The general mood or atmosphere.	“This place has a very relaxing vibe.”
Ghost	To suddenly cut off communication with someone.	“She left me after our last date.”
Humble	Something you want to express subtly.	“I’m secretly excited about the concert.”
High key	Something you want to express out loud.	“I’m passionate about this new album.”
Shush	Doubtful or suspicious.	“This deal seems a little suspicious to me.”
Flexibility	Flaunt.	“He’s always stretching his new shoes.”
Shot	A beautiful song or piece of music.	“This new piece is a masterpiece.”
Stan	A passionate fan of someone or something.	“I admire his work ethic.”
B	Winning or success.	“Getting that job was a huge accomplishment for me.”
L	Loss or failure.	“To miss this opportunity is a big L.”
Henpecked	A person who does more than necessary for the person he loves.	“It suits her very well with these gifts.”
Drop by drop	Stylish or trendy clothing/accessories.	“Look at the drip, it looks so fresh.”
Yes	To throw something with force.	“He threw the ball across the field.”
Illuminated	Something exciting or wonderful.	“The party last night was amazing!”
Receipts	Evidence or proof of something.	“I have receipts to prove what happened.”
Tea	Gossip or juicy information.	“Give an account of what happened last night.”
Snack	Someone who is attractive.	“She looks like a snack in that outfit.”
Big Wow	It’s such a shame.	“That strange fall was a huge disaster.”
Shaken	To be shocked or surprised.	“This plot twist shook me!”
Spark plug	Luxury or upper class.	“She always rocks her designer bags.”
Extra	Excessive or disproportionate behavior.	“The birthday party decorations were too over the top.”
Fire	Something surprising or wonderful.	“That new jacket is amazing!”
Gucci	Everything is fine or beautiful.	“I am very excited about the project.”
Salty	Being angry or upset over a minor thing.	“He’s angry because he lost the match.”
Effect	Influence or fame, especially on social media.	“People are always looking for reputation on Instagram.”

Understanding the basic slang terms of Gen-Z

Bet

Used to confirm plans or to agree with something, like saying “okay” or “of course.” Often used in casual conversation when someone agrees with something that has been said or suggested.

Hat

This word means lie or falsehood. If someone says “this is a cap”, they are calling that person out for not telling the truth. It is often used to accuse someone of exaggeration.

No Limits

The opposite of cap is used to mean that something is true or honest. It is used to emphasize the sincerity or truthfulness of a statement, such as saying “really” or “no lies.”

Kill

To do something exceptionally, usually used in the context of fashion, makeup, or performance. It means to impress others by excelling at something or looking great.

Period

This word is used to emphasize a point and make it clear that there is nothing more to discuss. It often adds certainty and finality to strong statements or opinions.

Vibration

It refers to the general mood or atmosphere of a person, event, or place. It can also describe someone’s energy or how they make others feel in social situations.

Ghost

Cutting off contact with someone suddenly without explanation, especially in romantic or friendship contexts. This is seen as a negative way to end a relationship or avoid confrontation.

Humble

A way of describing something as secretly or imperceptibly. When someone is feeling “secretly excited,” it means that they are not openly expressing their excitement but are still feeling it internally.

High key

The opposite of lowkey, meaning that something is openly stated or obvious. Used when someone feels strongly about something and isn’t afraid to show or make it known.

Shush

This word, short for suspicious, is often used to indicate suspicious behavior or intentions.

Flexibility

To show off or brag about something, usually material possessions, achievements, or personal style. Can be both a positive and negative term, depending on context.

Shot

A term for a catchy or groovy song, usually one that makes you want to dance or sing along. If a song is a “bop,” it is fun and enjoyable to listen to.

Stan

A combination of the words “deviant” and “fan”, used to describe someone who is an extremely enthusiastic or obsessive fan of a celebrity, band, or something they love. It is both a noun and a verb.

B

Short for “Win”, used to indicate success or a positive outcome. Getting a “W” means achieving something or having a successful moment. Common in online games and social media.

L

Short for “Loss,” reversed for “W.” Getting an “L” means experiencing failure or defeat.

Henpecked

A person, usually male, who is overly attentive or submissive to someone they are romantically interested in, often to the point of doing too much. Used as a joking insult.

Drop by drop

It refers to someone’s trendy or on-trend style, especially when their clothing or accessories are high-end. If someone has a “dripping” style, they are considered to have a great sense of fashion.

Yes

A term used to express excitement or to describe throwing something with force. It is often used in a playful or exaggerated way and has become popular in internet memes.

Illuminated

It describes something fun, exciting, or surprising. It is often used to describe events or experiences that are energetic and lively. If something is “lit up,” it’s a good time.

Receipts

It refers to evidence or proof, usually in the form of screenshots, text messages, or photographs, used to support an argument or claim. People want a “receipt” to verify the truth.

Tea

Gossip or juicy information, usually about someone’s personal life. “Spilling the tea” means sharing gossip, while “sipping tea” means quietly enjoying listening to someone else’s drama.

Snack

Used to describe someone who is physically attractive or good looking, as if they are “a snack”. It is a fun way to compliment someone’s appearance, implying that they look delicious.

Big wow

An exaggerated form of “yikes” used when something is extremely embarrassing, awkward, or shameful. It is a stronger reaction to an uncomfortable or shocking situation.

Shaken

It describes the feeling of being shocked, surprised, or emotionally affected by something. When someone is “shaken,” they are deeply affected by a surprising event or situation.

Spark plug

Short for “bourgeois”, this word describes someone who is ostentatious, extravagant, or showy, usually with upper-class tastes. It is used to mock or describe someone who tries to live a luxurious lifestyle.

Extra

It refers to someone who goes overboard in their behavior or appearance, usually in an unnecessary or dramatic way. If someone is acting “extra,” they are doing more than is necessary.

Fire

Used to describe something awesome, cool, or impressive. If something is “hot,” it’s considered really good or high quality, like a song, outfit, or performance.

Gucci

Another word for “great” or “good”, meaning that everything is going well. If someone says “gucci”, it’s a positive way of saying that everything is fine or okay.

Salty

Feeling hurt or upset, usually over something small or unimportant. If someone is “salty,” they are usually reacting negatively to something trivial or in an exaggerated way.

Effect

Influence refers to fame or social status and is often achieved through social media. People pursue “influence” by doing things to gain attention and increase their online visibility or popularity.