TikTok captions, meme edits, and late-night group chats have rewritten how language moves. New words spread in hours, meanings shift by the day, and a single soundbite can turn into a phrase everyone repeats.
That speed makes slang exciting, and confusing if it arrives mid-conversation without an obvious meaning.
I checked trend feeds, community threads, and viral clips to pick the 72 most popular Gen Z slang words of 2026. Each entry below gives a clear definition, a bit of origin when it helps, and a short example sentence so the word lands like it would in real life.
This list isn’t about trying to sound cool; it’s about understanding context and using terms naturally. Read on to learn the language shaping short-form culture and to gather a few phrases that fit smoothly into everyday talk.
Key Takeaways
- Slang in 2026 moves fast, TikTok, Discord, and meme pages accelerate new words into everyday use.
- Many popular 2026 slangs are short, playful, and often ironic, they’re made to be replicated in short videos and captions.
- Lots of the newest terms are recycled or repurposed older phrases (AAVE, gaming lingo, meme culture) with fresh meanings, context matters.
- If you want to use slang naturally: mirror tone, don’t force it, and keep it to one or two terms per message.
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#1. CHEUGY refers to something that is:
#2. According to Gen Zs, If a song SLAPS, that means the song is:
#3. GLOWED UP in slang means:
#4. She ATE that outfit means:
#5. PERIODT is used to:
#6. NO CAP in Gen Z Slang means:
#7. GOAT stands for:
#8. What does SUS usually mean in Slang?
#9. What’s the meaning of TEA in internet slang?
#10. If someone says a snack is BUSSIN, they mean it is:
#11. To STAN someone is to:
#12. YEET! is commonly used to:
#13. LOWKEY in internet slang means:
#14. If a meme is SENDING ME, it means the meme is:
#15. SIMP refers to someone who:
#16. FLEX in Gen Z Slang most often means:
#17. If a post gets RATIOED on Twitter/X, it means:
#18. DRIP usually refers to someone’s:
#19. When someone says BASED, they usually mean:
#20. What does RIZZ mean?
72 Most Popular Gen Z Slang Words of 2026 (with meaning & example)
I arrange these roughly by how often I saw them across trend pieces and social platforms during my check – but remember: popularity changes week to week. Each slang below is a heading with its definition and an example sentence.
1. Rizz – What does Rizz Stand for in Gen Z Slang?
Rizz in Gen Z Slang is short for “charisma”, your ability to charm, flirt, or win someone over without trying too hard. I hear it everywhere on short videos when someone casually lands a smooth line or moves with confident energy.
It’s less about looks and more about delivery: tone, eye contact, timing. Use it when someone’s social game is genuinely effortless. Example: “He walked up and had instant rizz, she couldn’t stop smiling.”
2. Delulu – What does it mean in slang?
Delulu is playful shorthand for “delusional,” used when someone’s hopes or fantasies aren’t grounded in reality. Teens say it when a friend builds up an impossibly positive scenario, like expecting an influencer to DM them back.
It’s teasing, not clinical: meant to nudge someone back to earth. You’ll see it in memes and DMs when the fantasy feels charmingly unrealistic. Example: “She’s delulu if she thinks that actor noticed her comment.”
3. Ate – What’s ate in Gen Z Slang?
When someone “ate,” they absolutely nailed it. Think flawless outfit, a flawless performance, or a meal that blew expectations away. It’s high praise and often used instantly after the moment, a reaction word that signals admiration.
Gen Zs use it to celebrate small wins or polished looks. Example: “You ate that presentation, everyone was impressed and taking notes afterward.”
4. Skibidi – Meaning of Skibidi
Skibidi comes from a very specific viral trend, a dance/audio meme, but online it’s become shorthand for things that are absurdly catchy, chaotic, or memetic.
It’s playful nonsense that signals something funny or weirdly viral. Use it when a clip is so bizarre you can’t stop rewatching. Example: “That edit was pure skibidi, my feed won’t stop replaying it.”
5. Gyatt – What’s gyatt in Gen Z Slang?
Gyatt is a reaction word, usually praising someone’s figure, most often the butt. It’s casual and commonly used among friends as a compliment; tone matters because it’s about physical attraction.
It’s best used only in informal spaces where that sort of praise is welcome. Example: “Did you see her outfit? Big gyatt energy, the look was immaculate.”
6. Main Character Meaning in slang
Calling someone the main character in Gen Z Slang means they act like they’re the center of the story, confident, dramatic, or deliberately spotlight-seeking.
It’s both celebratory and gently ironic. Gen Zs use it when a friend takes bold actions that make for great stories. It’s about owning your narrative. Example: “She booked a solo trip and is full main character energy, cinematic every step.”
7. NPC – What does it mean?
Originally a gaming term for “non-playable character,” NPC is used to describe people who seem robotic, predictable, or scripted in conversation and behavior.
It’s a blunt label, so its best reserved for obvious repetition or lack of originality. Use it sparingly or playfully, calling someone NPC can come off as harsh. Example: “He just repeats company slogans in every meeting, total NPC.”
8. Girl dinner / Boy dinner
These are tongue-in-cheek terms for snacky, thrown-together meals you eat when you don’t feel like cooking a full dinner. The phrase captures both the menu (cheese, chips, fruit) and the mood: casual, self-indulgent, slightly guilty.
It’s a mood descriptor as much as a food label. Example: “I did a girl dinner last night, crackers, hummus, and leftover cake, 10/10.”
9. Glow up – What’s glow up in Gen Z Slang?
A “glow up” is a visible improvement, in looks, style, confidence, or lifestyle. It implies growth and a positive transformation that others notice.
Use it to celebrate people who’ve clearly stepped into a stronger, more polished version of themselves. It’s aspirational and supportive. Example: “She had the biggest glow up after college, new hair, new job, new confidence.”
10. Bussin’ – What’s bussin in slang?
When something is “bussin’,” it’s extremely good usually about food, but it’s flexible. The word communicates strong approval and can be used in excited conversation.
Teens drop it when a bite or experience genuinely exceeds expectation. Example: “This ramen? Bussin’, I’d drive across town for this bowl.”
11. Slaps – What does slap mean in Gen Z Slang?
If a song or beat “slaps,” it hits hard and feels instantly satisfying. It’s an energetic, physical reaction to rhythm or quality. I’ll say a track slaps when I turn it up and it changes the whole mood.
The word traveled from music circles into everyday praise. Example: “That new single slaps, I have it on repeat all day.”
12. Brainrot – What’s the meaning of brainrot?
Brainrot describes the annoying, obsessive replay loop where one song, idea, or celebrity consumes your thoughts. It’s affectionate and a little embarrassed, you admit you can’t stop thinking about it.
Use it to confess small obsessions. Example: “I have total brainrot for that sitcom character, I’ve watched every episode twice.”
13. Clanker – What’s Clanker in slang
Clanker is a niche, edgy meme term used to call out loud, chaotic content or anything intentionally over-the-top in a meme subculture.
It’s specific and often ironic: if something tries too hard to be absurd, someone might call it clanker. I tend to see it in comment threads where users riff on deliberately noisy edits. Example: “That montage is clanker, my eyes!”
14. Delish – What doew Delish stand for?
Short for “delicious,” delish is a light, upbeat way to praise food, performances, or anything tasty in a figurative sense. It’s friendlier and less intense than “ate,” but still positive.
Gen Z use it when something is simply satisfying. Example: “This cake? Delish. Save me a slice next time.”
15. Skrrt / Yeet – What does yeet mean in slang?
These classic exclamations stick around because they’re fun and versatile. “Skrrt” mimics the sound of quickly leaving (or a sudden move), while “yeet” is an exclamation for throwing something or showing excitement.
Use skrrt when you want to joke about bailing; yeet when you toss something or celebrate. Example: “We saw the rain coming, so we skrrt-ed out of the park.”
16. Sheesh – What’s sheesh meaning in slang?
Sheesh is a drawn-out exclamation of awe, disbelief, or admiration, often accompanied by a certain hand gesture in videos.
It’s a reaction to something impressive or borderline absurd. I use it with playful exaggeration. Example: “Sheesh, that fit is immaculate, full vibes.”
17. Bet – What’s bet meaning?
Bet is casual agreement: “okay,” “watch me,” or “I accept.” It can contain an edge of challenge or confidence. Gen Alpha use it when they’re committing to do something or when answering a dare. Example: “You think I can’t finish this? Bet, watch me.”
18. No cap / Cap Meaning in Slang
No cap signals sincerity: “I’m not lying.” “Cap” calls out a lie or exaggeration. They’re quick truth-checks in casual talk.
Use “no cap” when you want to stress honesty; “cap” when something smells false. Example: “That concert was the best live show I’ve ever seen, no cap.”
19. Sus – What does sus stand for?
Short for “suspicious,” sus is used when behavior or facts don’t add up. It’s informal and often playful, but it can also warn of real distrust.
Gen z use it for sketchy explanations or odd timings. Example: “He said he was working late but was last active online an hour ago, sus.”
20. Sus drip / Drip – Meaning in Slang
“Drip” means stylishness or impressive outfit. Adding “sus” makes it jokingly suspicious, like you look too put-together or theatrical.
Teen use “drip” when admiring style and “sus drip” when someone’s outfit seems intentionally extra. Example: “Her outfit was full drip, those boots were chef’s kiss.”
21. Stan / Stanning – What’s stan in Gen Z Slang?
To “stan” is to enthusiastically support a person or work, a level of fandom that’s both devoted and public. It comes from a pop-culture source but evolved into everyday language for passionate support.
I stan artists and creators; stanning is about community too. Example: “I stan her music, she keeps reinventing her sound.”
22. Simp – What’s simp in Gen Z?
“Simp” describes someone who over-invests attention or resources in someone they like, often to their own detriment. It’s used playfully among friends but can be shaming if misapplied.
Gen z use simp jokingly when someone’s gestures are overboard. Example: “Buying concert tickets for someone you just matched with? Big simp move.”
23. Based – What does based mean in slang?
“Based” praises honesty or unapologetic opinions that run counter to popular views. It’s approval for being confidently yourself.
I call a take “based” when it’s refreshing and blunt in the best way. Example: “She called out the trend and I agree, totally based.”
24. Cringe / Total cringe – What’s cringe meaning in slang?
“Cringe” flags something painfully awkward, embarrassing, or out of touch. It’s a judgment word and can be mean-spirited, so use it carefully. “Total cringe” amplifies the discomfort. Example: “That corporate dance video? Total cringe.”
25. Hits different – What does hit different mean?
When something “hits different,” it resonates more strongly than before, a song or memory that feels more intense or emotional now. It’s subjective and often nostalgic.
Gen z say it when adult life makes older things land harder. Example: “Listening to that album now hits different, it’s more bittersweet.”
26. Ratio – What’s Ratio in gen z slang?
On social platforms, being “ratioed” means replies have more engagement than the original post, signaling disagreement or fail. It’s become shorthand for public rejection.
Example: “He tweeted that take and the replies got way more likes, classic ratio.”
27. Chef’s kiss – What does Chef’s kiss mean in slang?
This phrase is praise-for-perfection imagery: a quick hand gesture implying something is executed flawlessly. Use it when something is elegant or perfectly done. Example: “The choreography in that scene? Chef’s kiss.”
28. Deluxe / Deluxe cringe – what does deluxe mean in slang?
“Deluxe” is a small, playful intensifier: it turns ordinary cringe into “deluxe cringe,” meaning extra special (in a bad way). It’s part of the joking scale people use to rank moments.
Use deluxe when something is theatrically worse than expected. Example: “That apology video was deluxe cringe.”
29. Mainstream vs. niche labels (alt, core) – What’s this lavel in slang?
These labels help people describe whether something fits broad culture or a small subculture; “core” suffixes like cottagecore or goblincore identify a specific aesthetic.
Use these tags to summarize a vibe quickly. Example: “Her feed is peak cottagecore, floral dresses and teacups everywhere.”
30. Mood – What does mood mean in Gen Z Slang?
A one-word reaction that says “I relate” or “that describes me.” It’s shorthand for emotional resonance. Drop “mood” when a picture or line perfectly captures your current feeling. Example: “Seeing my bed after finals? Mood.”
31. Vibe check – What’s vibe check in gen z lingo?
A casual way to assess whether a person/place fits the group’s energy. You “pass” the vibe check or you don’t. Use vibe check when entering a new hangout or scanning a room’s atmosphere. Example: “The cafe had indie music and good lighting, it passed the vibe check.”
32. POV – What is Pov in slang?
POV stands for “point of view.” In short-form video, it places the viewer in a scenario. In chat it sets up a relatable scene. Use POV to drop a quick setup that feels immersive. Example: “POV: your friend texts ‘we need to talk.’”
33. Girlboss / Brat (ironic) – What’s Girlboss?
These are ironic labels for performative confidence: “girlboss” once empowered but now can read as performative hustle culture; “brat” is playful self-aware bossiness.
Use them with irony, and be aware of the critique behind the words. Example: “She went full girlboss and negotiated that raise, messy but effective.”
34. Cheugy – What’s Cheugy in slang?
Cheugy calls out trends that feel outdated or trying too hard. It was a viral term and still pops up as a gentle tease. I say something’s cheugy when it clearly belongs to an older era of trends. Example: “Using hashtags on every post? Slightly cheugy, ngl.”
35. Aesthetic tags (cozycore, soft girl, dark academia)
These shorthand tags package a whole visual and lifestyle vibe into a single phrase. They help people find communities and craft identities online.
Gen z use them when describing someone’s mood board or room decor. Example: “She redecorated with dark academia vibes, moody lamps and old books everywhere.”
36. Vibes / Good vibes What does Good vibes mean in slang?
Simple emotional shorthand: “vibes” describes the overall feeling, and “good vibes” is an approval stamp. Use them to sum up atmospheres quickly. Example: “This playlist gives me calm vibes — perfect for studying.”
37. IYKYK – What’s IYKYK in Gen Z Slang?
A compact way to signal an inside joke or exclusive knowledge. It creates a sense of belonging for those who get it. I do use IYKYK when I want to nod to a shared memory without explaining. Example: “We only meet at that bench at midnight – IYKYK.”
38. W – What is W in teen slang?
A single-letter celebration: “W” stands for win. It’s a fast way to celebrate success in comments or chat. Gen Alphas drop “W” when something small but meaningful lands. Example: “Got my freelance client? Big W.”
39. Fr – What’s Fr in slang?
Short for “for real,” fr emphasizes sincerity. It attaches weight to casual statements. Use Fr when you want someone to know you mean what you say. Example: “That documentary changed how I see things, fr.”
40. Gaslight / Gaslight-gate – What does it mean to gaslight?
“Gaslight” is a serious term for manipulative denial; in meme culture it’s also used to call out obvious spin or denial.
Treat this slang carefully: real gaslighting is harmful, but the word appears in jokes too. Example: “They denied the meeting even happened, that’s gaslighting behavior.”
41.Big yikes – What does Big Yikes mean in Gen Alpha’s slang?
An amplified “yikes.” Use it when something is especially awkward or cringey. I say “big yikes” when a situation feels uncomfortably wrong. Example: “He sent that breakup text at 2 a.m.? Big yikes.”
42. Skedaddle / Skrrt – What’s skrrt in slang words?
These playful verbs mean to leave quickly. “Skedaddle” is comic and old-school; “skrrt” is modern and onomatopoeic. Use them slangs for dramatic exits or joking about sprinting away from awkwardness. Example: “As soon as the lecture turned into chaos, we all skedaddled.”
43. She’s / He’s a whole mood
Saying someone is “a whole mood” means they embody a relatable energy, iconic, meme-ready behavior that others admire or imitate. Gen Zs use it when a friend’s vibe feels distinct and repeatable. Example: “She walked in with that outfit and hairflip; she’s a whole mood.”
44. Soft launch / Hard launch – What’s soft launch in slang?
These terms describe subtle vs. overt announcements on social media. A soft launch teases; a hard launch reveals everything.
Usen them when tracking relationship or life updates and how people choose to share. Example: “They soft launched their trip pics, then went full hard launch with the engagement photos.”
45. Cottagecore / Goblincore – What does cottagecore and Goblincore mean in Gen Z Slang Words
Micro-aesthetics that describe lifestyles and visuals: cottagecore is pastoral and romantic; goblincore loves odd nature finds and thrifted chaos. They function as identity tags and community markers.
Use them to sum up someone’s home feed quickly. Example: “Her balcony is peak cottagecore, linen, plants, and vintage teacups.”
46. Skibidi-related offshoots (absurdist tags & onomatopoeia)
These are playful nonsense words that spread because they’re easy to repeat in memes and captions. They don’t always have fixed meanings, they carry energy more than definition.
Use them when something is gloriously absurd and needs no explanation. Example: “This caption was pure skibidi energy, nonsense but iconic.”
47. Brainlet / Brainlet move
A jokey self-insult for small, silly mistakes. It’s light-hearted and often self-directed, used when you do something absent-minded.
I often call my own forgetful moments “brainlet moves” to keep it fun. Example: “I microwaved my phone by accident, total brainlet move.”
48. Exclusive / VIP (paywalling slang as flex)
Calling something “exclusive” or “VIP” is a playful flex: it signals special access or taste. Brands use it, but friends also use it to brag about inside info.
Geb Zs say it when a moment or item feels rare and privileged. Example: “We snagged the limited drop, VIP energy for sure.”
49. Ghosting / Orbiting
Ghosting is the abrupt end of contact with no explanation; orbiting is the passive, lingering interaction (likes, views) after distancing. Both describe modern digital relationship behaviors.
Gen Zs use these terms when unpacking online dating or friend dynamics. Example: “He ghosted after two dates but still watches my stories, classic orbiting.”
50. NPC energy – What does NPC energy mean in slang?
A more specific version of NPC: “NPC energy” implies someone follows scripts and lacks personal nuance. It’s descriptive and slightly mocking. Use this slang to poke fun at autopilot behavior. Example: “At family reunions he has pure NPC energy, just reciting the same stories.”
51. Mid – What does mid mean in Gen Z slang?
Mid means average, unimpressive, or simply not worth the hype. Gen Z uses it to describe movies, music, food, or trends that feel forgettable rather than terrible. It signals polite disappointment instead of harsh criticism.
Example: “Everyone said that burger spot was amazing but honestly it was mid.”
52. Rent Free – What does rent free mean in slang?
Rent free describes when a thought, meme, song, or person stays stuck in your mind constantly. It suggests an idea is occupying your head without effort. The phrase is usually playful and slightly self aware. Example: “That TikTok sound has been living rent free in my brain all week.”
53. Soft Flex – What does soft flex mean in Gen Z slang?
A soft flex is a subtle way of bragging without sounding arrogant. Instead of loudly announcing success, someone casually reveals it in conversation so the achievement speaks for itself. It feels understated but still impressive.
Example: “Mentioning your business class upgrade like it was nothing was a soft flex.”
54. Glow Down – What does glow down mean in slang?
Glow down is the opposite of a glow up. It describes a visible decline in style, mood, confidence, or overall appearance after a period of improvement. The term is usually used playfully among friends. Example: “After finals week I definitely had a glow down for a few days.”
55. Touch Grass – What does touch grass mean in Gen Z slang?
Touch grass is a sarcastic phrase telling someone to step away from the internet and reconnect with real life. It suggests the person is overly invested in online drama or arguments. Example: “You’ve been arguing in that comment section for hours, go touch grass.”
56. WYA – What does WYA stand for in slang?
WYA stands for “where you at.” It is commonly used in text messages when coordinating plans or checking someone’s location. The phrase is short, direct, and practical for meetups. Example: “WYA? We’re already inside the café waiting for you.”
57. Lowkey / Highkey – What do lowkey and highkey mean in Gen Z slang?
Lowkey means quietly, secretly, or slightly, while highkey means openly, strongly, or obviously. These modifiers help people express the intensity of their feelings in casual talk. Example: “I lowkey want to stay home tonight but I highkey need a break from work.”
58. Periodt – What does periodt mean in slang?
Periodt is an emphatic version of “period” used to end a statement with strong confidence. It signals that the speaker’s point is final and not open for debate. Example: “That was the best performance of the night, periodt.”
59. Snack – What does snack mean in Gen Z slang?
Snack is a playful compliment for someone who looks attractive, stylish, or appealing. The term compares an attractive person to a tasty treat, making the praise fun and lighthearted. Example: “He posted a new photo today and honestly he’s a snack.”
60. Finsta – What is a finsta in Gen Z slang?
Finsta means “fake Instagram,” a private or secondary social account used for close friends. People post candid photos, jokes, or unfiltered moments there instead of their polished public profiles. Example: “I shared the messy party pictures on my finsta.”
61. Receipts – What does receipts mean in slang?
Receipts refer to proof, often screenshots, saved messages, or old posts used to confirm a claim or expose contradictions. Asking for receipts means demanding evidence during a disagreement. Example: “If they deny saying it just show the receipts from the group chat.”
62. FOMO – What does FOMO mean in Gen Z slang?
FOMO stands for “fear of missing out.” It describes the uneasy feeling that others are experiencing something fun or important without you. The term explains why people rush into plans or constantly check social media. Example: “I joined the road trip because I didn’t want FOMO.”
63. Thirst Trap – What does thirst trap mean in Gen Z slang?
A thirst trap is a photo or post designed to attract attention, compliments, or flirtatious reactions online. It usually features confident poses or stylish visuals meant to drive engagement. Example: “That gym selfie was definitely a thirst trap.”
64. Canceled / Cancel Culture – What does canceled mean in slang?
Canceled describes someone losing public support after controversial behavior or statements. Cancel culture refers to the broader online practice of calling out and rejecting such actions. Example: “After that clip went viral he was basically canceled on social media.”
65. Clapback – What does clapback mean in Gen Z slang?
A clapback is a quick, clever reply that shuts down criticism or disrespect. It mixes humor and confidence to regain control of a conversation. Strong clapbacks often go viral online. Example: “Her response to that rude comment was the perfect clapback.”
66. Goblin Mode – What does goblin mode mean in Gen Z slang?
Goblin mode describes embracing messy, lazy, or unapologetic behavior where someone ignores social expectations and simply indulges in comfort. It often celebrates being unfiltered or carefree. Example: “I stayed home in sweatpants eating snacks all day, full goblin mode.”
67. FYP – What does FYP mean in Gen Z slang?
FYP stands for “For You Page,” the personalized TikTok feed where viral videos appear. When a post reaches the FYP it gains massive exposure and views. Creators often aim for this visibility. Example: “That dance video finally hit the FYP and blew up overnight.”
68. Tea – What does tea mean in Gen Z slang?
Tea means gossip, updates, or juicy information about people or situations. Saying “spill the tea” invites someone to share the latest story or drama. The phrase is playful and widely used online. Example: “Come sit down and spill the tea about the party.”
69. Clout – What does clout mean in Gen Z slang?
Clout refers to influence, popularity, or social media fame. People chasing visibility or attention are often called clout chasers. The word is frequently used to criticize actions done purely for popularity. Example: “He joined that trend just for clout.”
70. Pog / Poggers – What does pog mean in Gen Z slang?
Pog or poggers is an excited expression from gaming culture used to celebrate impressive moments or surprising wins. It signals hype and enthusiasm during gameplay or online reactions. Example: “You pulled off that impossible move, poggers.”
71. Humblebrag – What does humblebrag mean in slang?
A humblebrag is a disguised brag that sounds modest but secretly highlights success or privilege. It often appears as a complaint that reveals an achievement. Example: “I hate traveling so much for conferences lately, classic humblebrag.”
72. TFW – What does TFW mean in Gen Z slang?
TFW stands for “that feeling when.” It introduces a relatable moment or emotion, often paired with a meme or caption describing a common experience. Example: “TFW you realize tomorrow is a holiday and you can sleep in.”
A few notes on origins and respectful usage
- Many Gen Z words come from AAVE, gaming, or meme culture. That matters because language has roots and cultural value, if you use terms from AAVE or other communities, do so respectfully and don’t assume ownership.
- Trends accelerate through short video platforms. TikTok and short clips make words spread so fast they can feel universal within days, but a word’s lifespan can be short. Use it only when it sounds natural.
- Context is everything. Many terms change tone depending on who says them and how. “Simp” can be playful among friends; it can also be mean-spirited. I always read the room first.
Quick tips for using Gen Z slang without sounding fake
- Use one or two terms at most in a sentence. Less is more.
- Match tone and context, slang reads differently in DMs vs. formal posts.
- If you’re unsure, mirror a friend’s usage before dropping a new word into your own speech.
- Avoid cultural appropriation: respect origins and don’t weaponize terms.
Final Thought
Language on the internet never sits still, and that’s exactly what makes Gen Z slang fun to watch. One week a word is everywhere, the next week a new phrase takes over the comment section. The real trick is not forcing these terms but noticing how people naturally use them.
Try a few that genuinely fit your conversations. Which one from this list do you already use, and which one surprised you the most?
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