How to Decode Gen Z Slang: Guide to Understanding Youth Culture in 2025

Why Slang Matters (Even If You’re Not a Teen)

Sometimes ago, I asked Precious (my 16-year-old niece) how her day was and she replied, “It was mid, but then I got rizz and now I’m vibing.” I stared at her and I was like how do we get here… ?

That’s when I realized: Slang isn’t just words, it’s a cultural fingerprint.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, marketer, or just someone who wants to avoid sounding like a 2005 iPod commercial, understanding modern slang is key to connecting with younger generations.

In this guide, I’ll break down how slang evolves, why Gen Z’s vocabulary feels like a secret code, and practical tips to keep up without trying too hard.

I’ve spent years studying slangs, scouring TikTok trends, and even interviewing teens (yes, voluntarily) to bring you this crash course. Let’s dive in.

The Evolution of Slang: From Groovy to Gas

Slang isn’t new, even Shakespeare invented words like “swagger” and “bedazzled.” The 1920s gave us “bee’s knees” (meaning “excellent”), and the ’90s blessed us with “da bomb.” But Gen Z slang? It’s evolving faster than ever, thanks to the internet.

Why does slang change so quickly now?

• Social Media Acceleration: TikTok and Instagram spread new terms globally in hours. Remember “cheugy”? It went viral overnight in 2021 to describe “uncool” millennials.
• Irony as a Shield: Gen Z uses humor to cope with chaos. Words like “unalive” (to avoid saying “suicide” on platforms with content filters) show how slang adapts to digital censorship.
• Identity Markers: Slang creates belonging. Using “sus” (suspicious) or “cap” (a lie) signals you’re part of the in-group.

Example: “Gas” used to mean “fuel.” Now? “This pizza is gas” = “This pizza is amazing.”

Historical Deep Dive: A Timeline of Slang

• 1960s: “Groovy” (cool), “far out” (impressive).
• 1980s: “Rad” (radical), “gnarly” (extreme).
• 2000s: “Bling” (flashy jewelry), “emo” (emotional).
• 2020s: “Slay” (excel), “bet” (agreement).

Linguist Gretchen McCulloch, author of Because Internet, notes that slang today cycles 3x faster than pre-internet eras. The result? Parents feel more out-of-touch than ever.

Breaking Down Gen Z Slang Categories

Not all slang is created equal. Let’s sort today’s terms into bite-sized categories.

A. Social Media Slang

Platforms like TikTok and Twitch birth most slang. Here’s your cheat sheet:

• Rizz (noun): Short for “charisma,” it means flirtatious charm. “He’s got serious rizz.”
• NPC (noun): Borrowed from gaming (“non-playable character”), it describes someone who’s boring or lacks original thoughts.
• Glow-up (noun): A transformation, often physical. “Did you see her glow-up? She’s slaying now.”
• Fanum Tax (noun): A viral term from streamer Fanum, meaning to jokingly “tax” someone’s food or belongings.

Pro Tip: Follow TikTok’s “For You” page for real-time updates.

B. Emotional Expression

Gen Z uses slang to describe feelings in relatable, often exaggerated ways:

• I’m deceased = “That was hilarious.”
• I’m in my _ era = Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, this frames moods as phases. “I’m in my lazy era today.”
• Touch grass = A roast meaning “go outside and get real.”
• Delulu = Delusional, often used humorously. “I’m delulu for thinking I’ll pass this exam.”

C. Approval & Disapproval

• Valid = “I agree/respect that.” “You prefer cats over dogs? Valid.”
• Cringe = Something awkward or try-hard. “Stop singing, that’s cringe.”
• Mid = Average, mediocre. “The new Marvel movie was mid.”
• Goated = Greatest of all time (GOAT). “LeBron is goated.”

D. Cryptic Abbreviations

Gen Z loves shortening phrases:

• POV = “Point of view” (used in skits). “POV: You’re the quiet kid in class.”
• RN = “Right now.”
• TBH = “To be honest” (yes, this is millennial, but Gen Z revived it).
• ICYMI = “In case you missed it” (often used sarcastically).

Fun Fact: “No cap” (“no lie”) comes from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), highlighting how Black culture drives slang trends.

The Role of Memes, Gaming, and Niche Communities

Slang doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s often born in subcultures:

• Gaming: Terms like “OP” (overpowered) or “GG” (good game) crossed into mainstream chat. Gamers also popularized “poggers” (excitement) and “camping” (staying in one spot to ambush players).
• K-Pop Stans: Fan communities coined “OTP” (one true pairing) and “bias” (favorite band member). Terms like “stan” (obsessive fan) even made it into the Oxford Dictionary.
• Anime Fans: “Sus” gained traction from Among Us, but “simp” (obsessive fan) actually comes from 2000s anime forums.

Case Study: “Based”
This term started in hip-hop circles, popularized by rapper Lil B. It originally meant “being yourself” or “not caring about others’ opinions.” Now, Gen Z uses it to praise authenticity. “She wore socks with sandals? That’s based.”

Why Slang Changes Quickly (And How to Keep Up)

I once tried using “lit” in a sentence, only to be told it’s “cheugy” (outdated). Here’s how to stay current without overdoing it:

• Follow the Right Accounts:
• @internetlinguist (Dr. Lauren Squires, linguist) explains slang origins.
• @daquan (10M followers) posts meme translations.
• TikTok’s #slangexplained hashtag has over 1.2B views.
• Watch Gen Z Shows: Euphoria, Heartstopper, and Never Have I Ever drip with slang. Even cartoons like Big City Greens sneak in terms like “yeet.”
• Ask Nicely: Most teens love explaining slang if you’re genuinely curious. Try: “I keep hearing ‘skibidi’, what’s that mean?”

Warning: Avoid forcing slang! Nothing’s worse than a 45-year-old CEO tweeting, ‘Let’s yeet these KPIs!’ 😂

The Dark Side of Slang: Cultural Appropriation and Misuse

Many terms originate from AAVE or LGBTQ+ communities. Using them without context erases their roots.

Case Study: “Woke”

• Origin: Black activist term for social awareness.
• Misuse: Corporations now use it for performative marketing (e.g., “Stay woke with our new kale chips!”).

Case Study: “Slay”

• Origin: Ballroom culture (LGBTQ+ Black/Latinx communities in 1980s NYC).
• Mainstream Use: While Gen Z uses it casually (“Slay the day!”), it’s important to credit its roots.

Rule of Thumb: If you don’t know a term’s origin, Google it. Respect > trends.

Slang in Professional Settings: When to Use It (And When to Avoid)

Can you say “slay” in a meeting? Depends.

Do:

• Use slang in casual workplaces or to bond with younger colleagues. “That presentation slayed!”
• Test the waters with light terms like “vibe check” or “glow-up.”

Don’t:

• Use it in formal emails or with clients. “Per your request, I’ve yeeted the report to your inbox.”
• Mimic accents or overdo AAVE terms like “periodt” if it’s not your culture.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, mirror the language of the person you’re talking to.

The Future of Slang: AI, Globalization, and Beyond

With AI like ChatGPT generating slang (looking at you, “cheugbot”), and non-English terms (e.g., Hindi “chill maro” – “relax”) crossing borders, slang is becoming a global mashup.

Trends to Watch:

• Spanglish/Franglais Hybrids: Terms like “parquear” (Spanglish for “to park”) or “le weekend” (Franglais) will grow.
• AI-Generated Slang: Platforms like Discord use bots to create inside jokes (e.g., “L+Ratio” as a roast).
• VR/AR Influence: As metaverse platforms rise, expect slang like “AFK” (away from keyboard) to evolve into “AVA” (away from avatar).

How to Teach Slang (Without Sounding Cringe)

Teachers and parents: Slang can be a bridge, not a barrier.

For Classrooms:

• Assign a “Slang Journal”: Have students document new terms and their origins.
• Analyze Lyrics: Compare slang in hip-hop (e.g., Kendrick Lamar) vs. pop (Olivia Rodrigo).

For Parents:

• Play Games: Try “Slang Charades” (act out “rizz” or “mid”).
• Stay Open-Minded: Instead of dismissing “weird” words, ask: “How’d that term start?”

Regional Slang: How Location Shapes Language

Slang isn’t universal. Geography plays a role:

• UK Gen Z: “Peng” (attractive), “peak” (unfortunate).
• Australia: “Maccas” (McDonald’s), “heaps” (a lot).
• Nigeria: “Ajebutter” (privileged person), “sef” (emphasis, like “though”).

Even U.S. regions differ:

• West Coast: “Hella” (very). “That concert was hella gas.”
• South: “Fixin’ to” (about to). “I’m fixin’ to dip.”

The Psychology of Slang: Why We Love Secret Codes

Dr. Crystal Abidin, a sociologist studying internet cultures, explains that slang fosters ingroup bonding. Teens use it to:

• Exclude Authority Figures: If parents don’t understand, it’s a “safe” language.
• Assert Identity: Choosing “vibe” over “mood” signals cultural awareness.
• Cope with Stress: Humorous terms like “doomscrolling” name shared struggles.

Final Thoughts: Stay Curious, Not Judgmental

Slang is more than words, it’s a window into how younger generations see the world. You don’t have to use it, but understanding it builds empathy (and saves you from Google-searching “what does rizz mean” at midnight).

Got questions? Drop them below. And hey, no cap: You’ve got this.

Sources:

1. Pew Research Center: “Teens, Social Media, and Technology 2022”
2. Gretchen McCulloch, Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language
3. Oxford Languages: “Words of the Year” Reports
4. Dr. Lauren Squires, “Language and Digital Media” (Ohio State University)