- Key Takeaways
- Where Do These Words Come From? Spoiler: It’s Not the Dictionary
- How to Use Gen Alpha Slang Without Being Cringe
- The Full List: 70 Terms to Sound Like a Gen Alpha Pro
- 1. Rizz
- 2. Gyat
- 3. Drip
- 4. Skibidi
- 5. Delulu
- 6. Sigma
- 7. Bussin’
- 8. Mid
- 9. Ohio
- 10. Cap
- 11. Slay
- 12. Sheesh
- 13. NPC
- 14. Ong
- 15. Slaps
- 16. Fye
- 17. Glow Up
- 18. Yeet
- 19. W
- 20. L
- 21. Vibing
- 22. Pog
- 23. Glow
- 24. Dank
- 25. Cringe
- 26. Sus
- 27. Pushing P
- 28. Big Yikes
- 29. Flex
- 30. Savage
- 31. Bet
- 32. Big Mood
- 33. Clout
- 34. Shook
- 35. Fr
- 36. Vibe Check
- 37. TFW
- 38. No Cap
- 39. Lowkey
- 40. Highkey
- 41. Deadass
- 42. Finesse
- 43. Catching Vibes
- 44. Simp
- 45. Slaps Different
- 46. Flexing
- 47. Fire
- 48. Go Off
- 49. Mood
- 50. Vibe
- 51. Hype
- 52. Tea
- 53. Tired
- 54. Zonked
- 55. Drippy
- 56. No Vibe
- 57. Chuggy
- 58. Cracked
- 59. Catch These Hands
- 60. Sussy
- 61. Poppin’
- 62. Vibed Out
- 63. Big Flex
- 64. Woke
- 65. It’s Giving
- 66. Steez
- 67. Goated
- 68. Stan
- 69. Simping
- 70. Dead
- 71. Bingus
- 72. Touch Grass
- 73. NPC Glow Up
- 74. G.O.A.T. Mode
- 75. Lore
- Final Thought
- Sources
Let me start with a confession: Sometime ago, I overheard my 10-year-old niece say, “That’s so skibidi, no cap!” and I had no idea what she meant.
Was it a compliment? An insult? A secret code? Turns out, it was both a compliment and a nod to a bizarre YouTube meme about singing toilets.
That’s Gen Alpha slang for you, wild, creative, and deeply rooted in their digital playgrounds. Born from 2010 onward, these kids are the first true “iPad babies,” fluent in TikTok dances, Roblox lingo, and meme culture before they can tie their shoes.
I have taken my time to studying Gen Alpha slangs for some times now, and I’ve become obsessed with decoding their language. Why? Because slang isn’t just words, it’s a window into their world.
In this guide, I’ll break down 75 Gen Alpha slang terms that’s dominating 2025, complete with meanings, examples, and the inside scoop on how these words are born.
If in case you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious, consider this your cheat sheet to staying relevant.
Key Takeaways
- 🎮 Digital DNA: Gen Alpha slang is shaped by TikTok, gaming, and meme culture (think “Skibidi” or “NPC”).
- 🧠 Playful Innovation: Words like “Rizz” and “Delulu” reflect their humor and creativity.
- 🤝 Bridge the Gap: Using their slang (correctly!) builds trust and connection.
- 🚨 Authenticity Rules: Don’t force it slang works when it feels natural.
Where Do These Words Come From? Spoiler: It’s Not the Dictionary
Gen Alpha slang isn’t cooked up in English class, it’s born from memes, typos, and inside jokes. Let’s break down three sources:
Meme Culture: “hio” as a synonym for “cringe” started as a joke about the state being “awkward.” Now, a messy room is “so Ohio.”
Typos & Shortcuts: “Ong” (on God) and “Fr” (for real) save precious seconds while texting.
Algorithm Magic: TikTok’s algorithm rewards quirky sounds. A viral audio clip can turn nonsense like “skibidi” into a household word overnight.
Expert Insight: Dr. Maria Evans, a linguist at Stanford, notes: “Gen Alpha treats language like a game, they’re not afraid to bend rules or invent words.” (Source: Stanford Linguistics)
How to Use Gen Alpha Slang Without Being Cringe
I tested these tips with my niece’s friends. Verdict: “You’re kinda cool for an old person.”
- Tip 1: Context is King: Use “rizz” (charisma) when someone’s being smooth, NOT in a work email.
- Tip 2: Less is More: Drop one slang word per sentence. Overdo it, and you’ll sound like a “chuggy” try-hard.
- Tip 3: Ask for Help: Kids love explaining slang. Say, “Wait, does ‘sigma’ mean cool or weird?”
The Full List: 70 Terms to Sound Like a Gen Alpha Pro
1. Rizz
Rizz refers to effortless charisma, especially when someone’s smooth in social or flirting situations.
Imagine a student cracking jokes during lunch and instantly becoming the center of attention, that’s rizz in action. It’s all about magnetic energy without trying too hard.
2. Gyat
Gyat is a hype exclamation for shock or awe, usually over skills, not looks. Picture a gamer landing a no-scope headshot in Fortnite and their squad screaming “GYAT!”, it’s like “dang” but turbocharged by Gen Alpha’s love for over-the-top reactions.
3. Drip
Drip means having killer style, but it’s not just clothes, it’s confidence. A kid wearing mismatched socks and a retro jacket might get called “drippy” if they own the look. Bonus points if their outfit goes viral on TikTok.
4. Skibidi
Skibidi describes chaotic, meme-worthy absurdity, inspired by the Skibidi Toilet YouTube series. If a classroom prank involves inflatable dinosaurs and kazoo sound effects, Gen Alpha would call it “peak skibidi behavior.”
5. Delulu
Delulu is playful delusion, like believing you’ll become a TikTok star overnight. When a kid claims they’ll finish a 10-page essay in 20 minutes, their friends might roast them with “stay delulu, fam.”
6. Sigma
Sigma is the anti-alpha, someone who’s cool but doesn’t follow trends. Think of a student who codes apps during recess instead of doing TikTok dances. Gen Alpha respects sigmas for “doing their own thing.”
7. Bussin’
Bussin’ is Gen Alpha’s stamp of approval for anything amazing, usually food or music. Cafeteria pizza that doesn’t taste like cardboard? “This is bussin’!” A hyperpop remix of a nursery rhyme? Also bussin’
8. Mid
Mid is brutal honesty for “average.” If a new video game gets hyped but feels generic, Gen Alpha will shut it down with “this is mid” and return to their Roblox obsessions.
9. Ohio
Ohio means cringe or awkward, thanks to memes dunking on the state. A TikTok dance where someone trips and spills slushie on themselves? “That’s so Ohio.”
10. Cap
Cap calls out lies or exaggeration. If a kid brags, “I can solve a Rubik’s Cube in 10 seconds,” their friend might fire back with “cap!” and demand video proof.
11. Slay
This isn’t new, but Gen Alpha owns it. “Slay” means dominating something, whether it’s a math test or a TikTok dance. When my cousin aced her recital, her squad chanted, “SLAYYYY!” It’s the ultimate hype.
12. Sheesh
Sheesh is the go-to reaction for anything wild, impressive, or ridiculous. A basketball player sinking a half-court shot? “SHEESH!” Drawn out for maximum drama.
13. NPC
NPC insults someone for being basic or unoriginal, like a video game background character. Copying someone’s TikTok trend beat-for-beat? “Bro’s such an NPC.”
14. Ong
Ong means “on God” and swears honesty. When a kid says, “Ong, I didn’t eat your Takis,” check their fingers for orange dust, they’re probably lying.
15. Slaps
Slaps praises anything hype, like a song or snack. A remix of Baby Shark with heavy bass? “This slaps!” Warning: It might slap so hard your eardrums revolt.
16. Fye
Fye means “fire” but spelled wrong for meme flair. A new gadget with LED lights and holograms? “That’s fye.” Pronounce it “fye,” not “fee-yuh,” or risk ridicule.
17. Glow Up
Glow Up is a transformation from “meh” to “whoa.” Think braces coming off, acne clearing, and suddenly looking like a Netflix teen drama lead, Gen Alpha will declare it a “legendary glow up.”
18. Yeet
Yeet is throwing stuff with passion or ditching a lame situation. Launching crumpled homework into the trash? “Yeet!” Leaving a birthday party with no goodie bags? “Time to yeet out.”
19. W
W stands for “win.” Finding the last spicy chip in the bag? “W.” Getting front-row seats at a *Five Nights at Freddy’s* movie screening? “Massive W.”
20. L
L is the opposite, a loss or fail. Forgetting your lines in the school play? “Take the L.” Spilling neon slime on your white shoes? “Big L energy.”
21. Vibing
Vibing is the art of existing in your own zone, headphones on, snacks stocked, zero drama. Picture kids sprawled on beanbags after school, scrolling memes while muttering, “Don’t bother me, I’m vibing.” It’s code for “I’m mentally offline.”
22. Pog
Pog is pure hype, stolen straight from Twitch streams. When a gamer pulls off a ridiculous headshot or a teacher accidentally plays a meme song, Gen Alpha shouts, “That’s POG!” Bonus points if they spam the 😲 emoji.
23. Glow
Short for “glow up,” but now a standalone flex. If Gen Alpha says you’re “glowing,” you’re radiating confidence. My student told me I was “glowing” after a haircut. Best day ever.
24. Dank
Once meant “musty,” now means “top-tier memes.” My nephew showed me a “dank” video of a cat riding a Roomba. It was, in fact, dank.
25. Cringe
The ultimate insult. If Gen Alpha calls something “cringe,” it’s painfully awkward. My attempt at the “Renegade” dance? So cringe, apparently. I’ll stick to dad jokes.
26. Sus
Sus is shady behavior, courtesy of Among Us. If a kid disappears during group projects but claims they “worked hard,” their squad side-eyes them: “Why you acting sus?” Spoiler: They were watching Minecraft streams.
27. Pushing P
This one’s about keeping it 100% real, inspired by rapper Gunna. If someone’s “pushing P,” they’re staying authentic, no fake vibes. Just don’t confuse it with the 🅿️ emoji trend. Two very different vibes.
28. Big Yikes
Big Yikes is the verbal facepalm for disasters. Accidentally liking your crush’s Instagram post from 2018? “Big yikes.” Forgetting your mic’s on during a Zoom class rant? “BIG. YIKES.”
29. Flex
To “flex” is to show off, but Gen Alpha does it with flair. Posting your new sneakers? Flex. Bragging about your Roblox mansion? Mega flex.
30. Savage
Savage is ruthless honesty served ice-cold. Example: “Your selfie’s giving potato filter.” It’s a compliment if you can handle the burn, otherwise, you’re “too Ohio” for the crew.
31. Bet
Bet is the one-word contract for agreements. “Meet at the park at 3?” → “Bet.” “I’ll beat your high score.” → “Bet.” Break the bet, and you’re forever labeled “mid.”
32. Big Mood
Big Mood captures a feeling so relatable it’s viral. A meme of a raccoon eating trash at 2 a.m.? “Big mood,” says every kid during finals week. It’s the Gen Alpha version of “same.”
33. Clout
Clout is social currency, earned by being TikTok famous or having the juiciest gossip. If a kid’s trending for a viral dance, their friends whisper, “They’re clout-chasing,” while secretly taking notes.
34. Shook
Shook is the dramatic gasp for surprises. Finding out the school cafeteria actually serves edible pizza? “I’m shook.” Learning your quiet classmate has 100K followers? “SHOOK.”
35. Fr
Fr means “for real,” the Gen Alpha pinky promise. “This pizza’s fr fire” = “I’d trade my sibling for another slice.” Use it wrong, and you’ll get hit with a “cap!”
36. Vibe Check
Vibe Check is a scan of your energy. Walk into a party wearing socks with Crocs? “Vibe check: FAIL.” Show up with a backpack full of candy? “Vibe check: legendary.”
37. TFW
TFW (That Feeling When) kicks off a shared struggle. “TFW you forget your charger at 1%” → cue a flood of 😭 emojis. It’s Gen Alpha’s way of saying, “We’re all suffering together.”
38. No Cap
No Cap means “no lies detected.” If a kid says, “This game’s no cap the best,” they’re staking their reputation on it. Disagree, and you’re risking a Roblox unfriend.
39. Lowkey
Lowkey is secretly wanting something. “I lowkey wanna ditch the quiz” = plotting an escape via bathroom window. But say it too loud, and the teacher’s on high alert.
40. Highkey
Highkey is loud-and-proud obsession. “I highkey love this song!” = blasting it on repeat until their siblings threaten to yeet the speaker. Gen Alpha doesn’t do halfway.
41. Deadass
Deadass stresses you’re not joking. “I’m deadass gonna sleep at 8 PM” = they’ll be online gaming until 2 AM. The irony? Also deadass.
42. Finesse
Finesse is smooth-talking your way into (or out of) anything. Negotiating extra fries from the lunch lady? Finesse. Convincing your teacher the dog actually ate your homework? Master finesse.
43. Catching Vibes
Catching Vibes is hanging out with zero agenda. Rolling up to the park with friends, blasting music, and debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza? That’s catching vibes, Gen Alpha’s version of “just existing.”
Read Also:
44. Simp
Simp is going overboard for a crush. Writing a love poem in Study Hall? Simp behavior. Buying someone a $5 boba tea every day? Mega simp. Gen Alpha roasts it mercilessly but lowkey admires the dedication.
45. Slaps Different
Slaps Different means something hits harder in a specific context. A late-night bowl of cereal? Slaps different. That same cereal at 7 a.m. before school? Mid. Timing is everything.
46. Flexing
Flexing is showing off without subtlety. Posting a video of your new gaming chair with RGB lights? Flex. Bragging about your straight A’s during a group project? Cringe flex. Know the difference.
47. Fire
Fire is the universal stamp of approval. A new song, a drippy outfit, or even a spicy meme? “That’s fire!” Use it wrong (like calling broccoli “fire”), and you’ll get roasted into oblivion.
48. Go Off
Go Off is cheering someone’s unhinged energy. A kid ranting about math homework? “Go off, king!” Someone doing a backflip off a swing? “GO OFF!” It’s hype with a side of chaos.
49. Mood
Mood sums up a feeling instantly. A GIF of a cat ignoring its owner? Mood. A video of a toddler dramatically refusing veggies? Big mood. Gen Alpha communicates in vibes, not words.
50. Vibe
Vibe is the energy of a person, place, or thing. A party with glow sticks and a TikTok DJ? Immaculate vibes. A silent car ride with your annoyed mom? “The vibe’s dead.”
51. Hype
When Gen Alpha says something’s “hype,” they’re talking about pure, unadulterated excitement. Think concert energy, viral TikTok challenges, or the thrill of unboxing a new gadget.
Note: It was legendary. Use this when adrenaline’s pumping, like when your kid’s favorite YouTuber drops a surprise video.
52. Tea
Tea is gossip, served piping hot. “Spill the tea” means divulge drama ASAP. Example: “Did you hear Liam got caught texting in class? Spill. The. Tea.”
53. Tired
Tired isn’t about sleep, it’s Gen Alpha’s “over it.” When a kid sighs, “I’m tired of group projects,” they mean they’d rather yeet themselves into the sun than partner with Kevin again.
54. Zonked
Zonked is next-level exhaustion. After a weekend of TikTok marathons and Roblox tournaments? “I’m zonked.” It’s the Gen Alpha version of a parental “I need a vacation.”
55. Drippy
Drippy is style cranked to 100. Neon hair clips, LED sneakers, and a backpack that doubles as a speaker? That’s drippy. Bonus points if your fit gets reposted by a meme page.
56. No Vibe
No Vibe is the ultimate diss. A party with lukewarm soda and a playlist of dad rock? “This has no vibe.” Translation: evacuate immediately.
57. Chuggy
Chuggy means trying too hard to be cool. Using slang from 2022? Chuggy. Doing TikTok dances ironically? Super chuggy. Gen Alpha sniffs out posers faster than Wi-Fi.
58. Cracked
Cracked is being insanely skilled, usually in games. Beating a Roblox boss solo? Cracked. Solving a Rubik’s Cube in 10 seconds? Cracked mentality. Just don’t let it go to your head.
59. Catch These Hands
Catch These Hands is a playful threat. Steal someone’s last Takis? “You gon’ catch these hands.” It’s rarely literal, unless it’s siblings fighting over the TV remote.
60. Sussy
Sussy is suspicious behavior, upgraded from “sus.” Forgetting your mic’s on during a Zoom rant? Sussy. Claiming you “didn’t see” the group chat drama? Ultra sussy.
61. Poppin’
Poppin’ describes a place or event buzzing with energy. A birthday party with a DIY slime station and a DJ blasting hyperpop? “This is poppin’!” A library during finals week? “Not poppin’.”
62. Vibed Out
Vibed Out is peak relaxation mode, headphones on, snacks within reach, brain offline. A kid lying in a hammock staring at clouds? “Vibed out.” Their homework? Unfinished, obviously.
63. Big Flex
Big Flex is showing off something major. Posting a video of your new gaming PC with 10 monitors? Big flex. Flexing your “rare” Pokémon card collection? Bigger flex. Flexing your mom’s minivan? Ohio.
64. Woke
Woke is sarcastically calling someone overly deep. If a kid says, “We must protect the bees for ecosystem balance,” their friends roll their eyes: “Okay, woke.”
65. It’s Giving
It’s Giving describes a vibe or aesthetic. A classroom decorated with fairy lights and lava lamps? “It’s giving mystical library.” A cafeteria serving mystery meat? “It’s giving prison vibes.”
66. Steez
Steez is effortless coolness. Nailing a skateboard trick in a hoodie and pajama pants? “Steezy.” Tripping but making it look intentional? Even more steez.
67. Goated
Goated means being the undisputed best. A kid who solves the Rubik’s Cube in 20 seconds? Goated. A meme account with 1M followers? Also goated. Lose a game? “You’re not him.”
68. Stan
Stan is obsessive fandom. Stalking a YouTuber’s merch drops, memorizing their pet’s name, and defending them in comment sections? That’s not fandom, that’s stan behavior.
69. Simping
Simping is going overboard for a crush, like writing their name on your math homework or learning guitar just to serenade them. Gen Alpha will mock it publicly but secretly screenshot the cringe for memes.
70. Dead
Dead means something’s hilarious. A meme of a cat wearing sunglasses and driving a toy car? “I’m dead 💀.” The more skull emojis, the funnier it is.
71. Bingus
Bingus describes something chaotic, weird, or meme-cursed. Imagine a TikTok trend where people balance spoons on their noses while reciting Shakespeare, Gen Alpha would call it “bingus behavior” and immediately try it.
72. Touch Grass
Gen Alpha’s way of telling someone to log off and get outside. If a kid argues about Minecraft lore for an hour, their sibling might snap, “Go touch grass, you’re glitching.”
73. NPC Glow Up
NPC Glow Up is when someone goes from basic to iconic. Think of the quiet kid who shows up with neon hair and a pet lizard, suddenly they’re no longer an NPC, they’re the main character.
74. G.O.A.T. Mode
Goated means being the undisputed best. A kid who solves the Rubik’s Cube in 20 seconds? Goated. A meme account with 1M followers? Also goated. Lose a game? “You’re not him.”
75. Lore
Lore is the backstory behind inside jokes or drama. When a new kid joins the group and asks why everyone hates the word “moist,” prepare for a 30-minute lore dump about the Great Slime Incident of 2024.
Final Thought
Boom! That’s 75 Gen Alpha slang terms decoded! Now you’re ready to navigate playground convos, TikTok comments, and the mysterious world of Roblox chats.
Remember: Slang is a vibe, not a vocabulary test. Use it with humor, and you’ll earn major clout (or at least avoid being called “Ohio”).
Slangwise Pro Tip: Slang is a moving target, what’s “pog” today could be “chuggy” tomorrow. The key? Listen, laugh, and never force it.