Every generation comes up with or adopts its own slang and expressions. There’s always some overlap, but particular language does seem to be more prevalent among certain age groups. So what do Gen Zers most like to say, and what do they mean?
When something “slaps”
This means something is really good. For example, someone might say that a food or song slaps. It’s a compliment.
Bussin
An alternative for “slaps,” something that’s “bussin” is something pretty awesome. It’s used in the same ways and for the same situations.
Cap
“Cap” is a newer slang term for a lie or something false. If you hear someone shout, “That’s cap!” someone’s getting called out on a lie. It may have started as a way for kids to avoid getting in trouble for using a common profane expression related to a farm animal.
Mid
Something that’s average or mediocre is “mid,” similar to how slightly older generations used “meh.” It’s short for “middling, which means the same thing.
Uncomfy
It means exactly what it seems to be: not comfortable. Gen Zers are known for liking to shorten things, maybe because that makes texting faster and easier. If you’re feeling a little uncomfy, you’ve been more comfortable in similar situations before.
OK boomer
The heyday for this term seems to have come and gone, but it was big for a time and still gets used. It’s generally a way for younger people to express disagreement or exasperation for someone older. It can also be snarky to tell someone they’re out of touch.
Bruh
Although it started out as slang for “brother,” similar to “bro,” it morphed into an adjective for something frustrating, embarrassing, or unpleasant. Mother: Honey, I forgot to tell you I need to make a few stops on the way home from practice tonight. Daughter who wants to get home and stream Netflix: Bruh.
Facts
If you state something and someone replies with “Facts,” that indicates agreement. That person says what you’ve said is true or makes sense.
Based
This is another way to express agreement, but it can also be a way to express awe or admiration when used as an adjective. It might seem short for “Based in facts” or something similar, but it goes back to the rapper Brandon “Lil B” McCartney, also known as “The Based God,” who popularized the term.
Red pilled
In The Matrix, the character Neo takes a red pill that allows him to see the truth. If you’ve been red pilled, you’ve suddenly come to an understanding of something you previously didn’t see. The term can be tied to belief in conspiracy theories.
Sus
The current informal meaning of this word is to describe something as questionable or dishonest. If you come up with some scheme and your friend describes it as sus, he or she says it sounds sketchy.
Memes and Emojis
Memes and emojis have been popular since before Gen Z got online, but this generation has expanded their use, and sometimes conversations consist largely of them. They also add their own meanings. For example, a skull emoji can mean the equivalent of LOL because, you know, you almost died laughing at something. See more popular expressions among the Gen Z crowd.
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