Navigating conversations with Gen Z can feel like learning a new language. From TikTok hashtags to Snap streaks, today’s teenagers and young adults pepper their speech with slang that can leave parents confused and out of the loop.
Meanwhile, Understanding these slang words isn’t just about staying hip, it shows you care enough to bridge the generational gap.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share with you the 21 essential Gen Z slang slang words parents should know, their meanings, origins, and real-world examples.
With these in your toolkit, you’ll be ready to decode any text, comment, or group chat, no Google search required.
Slangwise Tip: “Using one or two Gen Z terms in conversation goes a long way; authenticity matters more than fluency.”
In A Nutshell
- Gen Z slang blends meme culture, social media trends, and traditional AAVE roots.
- Terms evolve quickly, what’s hot today may fade tomorrow.
- Context and tone are critical for correct usage.
- Learning slang fosters empathy and strengthens communication with younger generations.
21 Slang Words Parents Should Know to Understand Gen Z/Alpha
1. NPC
NPC means acting like a boring, predictable robot (like a video game “Non-Player Character”). For instance, “Why is Dad being such an NPC about TikTok? He just says ‘back in my day…’ ugh.”
Slangwise Tip: If your kid calls you this, it’s code for “you’re stuck in your ways.”
2. Delulu
Delulu is short for “delusional,” but used humorously for someone ignoring reality. For instance, “Mom’s delulu if she thinks I’ll clean my room before Fortnite.”
Slangwise Tip: Don’t take it personally, it’s playful, not mean!
3. Firecore
Firecore in Gen Z Slang means super cool or trendy (mixes “fire” + aesthetic “-core” trends like cottagecore). For example, “Your new sneakers? Firecore, ngl.”
Slangwise Tip: Say this to compliment their style (but don’t overdo it).
4. Glazing
Glazing means overhyping something mid (see #7) or cringe. “Stop glazing that YouTuber, their videos are mid.”
Slangwise Tip: If they say you’re glazing, you’re trying too hard to be “cool.”
5. Rizz
Rizz in Gen Z Slang means charisma, especially flirting skills. Not about cheese. For Instance, “Did you see Jake’s rizz? He got her number in 2 seconds.”
Slangwise Tip: If your kid says you have rizz, take it as a win.
6. Pick Me
Pick me in Gen Alpha slang means someone who begs for attention by acting “not like other girls/guys.” E.g. “Sarah’s such a pick me, she fake-laughs at everything boys say.”
Slangwise Tip: A subtle burn. Don’t ask, “Pick you for what?”
7. Mid
Mid is gen z slang for average, boring, and unimpressive. The opposite of “fire.” For instance, “This pizza? Mid. Let’s get Chick-fil-A.”
Slangwise Tip: If they call your cooking mid, order takeout.
8. Ate
Ate means Crushed it, succeeded (like “killed it”). e.g. “Mom ate with her Halloween costume, she dressed as Barbie!”
Slangwise Tip: Use this to hype them up: “You ate that math test!”
9. Ghost Kitchen
Ghost Kitchen means a fake online persona (like a restaurant that only exists on UberEats). e.g. “His Insta’s a ghost kitchen, he’s not that hot IRL.”
Slangwise Tip: Basically, they’re calling someone a catfish.
10. Touch Grass
Touch Grass in slang means “Go outside, you’re too online.” A roast for screen addicts. For instance, “You’ve watched 10 TikToks about cats. Touch grass.”
Slangwise Tip: Say this when they’ve been gaming for 5 hours.
11. Dankrupt
Dankrupt means out of good memes, content, or jokes. Like being broke, but for humor. For example, “My TikTok feed is dankrupt, send me cat videos ASAP.”
Slangwise Tip: If they call you dankrupt, share a relatable meme (but avoid Minions).
12. No Cap
No Cap means “No lie” or “for real.” Used to emphasize honesty. “No cap, that new song is firecore.”
Slangwise Tip: Drop this to sound credible: “No cap, I ate making dinner.”
13. Valid
Valid in Gen Z Slang means reasonable, fair, or relatable. The ultimate approval. For instance, “Wanting to nap after school? Valid.”
Slangwise Tip: Use this to agree with their harmless requests (but not for chores).
14. AIn’t
It’s gen Alpha’s way of calling out AI-generated fakeness (like ChatGPT essays or deepfakes). e.g. “This selfie’s so AIn’t, her face looks like a filter.”
Slangwise Tip: If they accuse you of AIn’t, just own it. “Yes, I used Grammarly. Sue me.”
15. CringeTok
CringeTok means embarrassing or outdated TikTok content. Think parent dances or “hello fellow kids” vibes. e.g. “Dad’s CringeTok skit got 2 views… both from Grandma.”
Slangwise Tip: Avoid making TikToks. Just… avoid it.
16. Goon Mode
Goon mode in Gen Alpha slang means to be obsessively hyper-focused on something pointless (like arguing about Minecraft lore). Take for instance, “He’s been in goon mode about Pokémon cards for 3 hours.”
Slangwise Tip: Interrupt at your own risk, it’s their villain era.
17. Vibe Check
Vibe-check is Gen Z way of testing if someone’s energy is chill or chaotic. Fail = social exile. For Instance, “You brought kale chips to the party? Vibe check: failed.”
Slangwise Tip: If they say you “passed,” you’re officially cool(ish).
18. Sussy
Sussy means suspicious or sketchy (from Among Us, but now used everywhere). For instance, “Why’s Mom being so sussy about our Wi-Fi password?”
Slangwise Tip: If they call you sussy, you’re probably hiding snacks.
19. Slay
Slay means to absolutely crush something (outfits, goals, life). For instance, “Slay the day, bestie! You ate that presentation!”
Slangwise Tip: Say this sparingly, overuse = instant cringe.
20. Stan
Stan in Gen Z Slang means to obsessively fangirl/boy over someone/something (from Eminem’s “Stan”). e.g. “I stan that YouTuber’s dog, it’s a mood.”
Slangwise Tip: If they stan something, just nod. Don’t ask “Who’s Stan?”
21. Flex
It means showing off, often ironically (like bragging about your 2005 iPod). For example, “Why’s Uncle Greg flexing his Crocs? NPC behavior.”
Slangwise Tip: If they say you’re flexing, you’re either cool or cringe. No in-between.
Why Bother Knowing These Slangs?
These slang words aren’t random, they’re how Gen Z/Alpha navigates friendships, humor, and drama. Learn them, and you’ll decode their inside jokes, avoid accidental roasts, and maybe even earn a “valid” nod. Ignore them, and stay forever stuck in “👴 mode.” Your choice! 🔥
Using Slang Successfully
- Listen First: Observe tone and context before trying a word.
- Start Small: Use one or two terms naturally, don’t overload your speech.
- Be Ready to Laugh at Yourself: Missteps are part of learning.
- Ask for Feedback: Teens will appreciate your effort and correct you gently.
Conclusion
Mastering these 21 Gen Z slang terms will help you connect, empathize, and communicate more effectively with younger family members.
By understanding what these words mean, and when to use them, you’ll not only stay current but also show your teens and tweens that you value their world and language.
Keep this guide handy, and you’ll never be left wondering what “bussin,” “sheesh,” or “rizz” really means.
