Let’s face it, if you’ve ever opened TikTok, watched a meme fly by, or heard a 16-year-old talk like they invented English, you’ve probably asked yourself: What are they even saying?
Welcome to Gen Z slang — the chaotic, hilarious, and ever-evolving language of the internet generation.
From “rizz” to “delulu,” this isn’t your typical vocab list. It’s an entire culture in word form.
So whether you’re trying to decode the group chat, stay relevant online, or just avoid saying something totally embarrassing, this guide is for you.
Here are the top Gen Z slang terms you should absolutely know (and maybe start using).
Top Gen Z Slang You Must Know (With Meanings You’ll Actually Understand)
1. Rizz
Meaning: Flirting skills or charisma.
Use it like: “He’s got mad rizz” or “She rizzed him up in two texts.”
2. Delulu
Meaning: Short for “delusional” — but in a fun, self-aware way.
Use it like: “I’m delulu enough to think he’ll text back.”
3. Slay
Meaning: To absolutely dominate or look amazing while doing it.
Use it like: “You slayed that outfit.” or “Slay, queen.”
4. Ate
Meaning: When someone absolutely killed it — usually in fashion or performance.
Use it like: “She ate and left no crumbs.”
5. No Crumbs
Meaning: A follow-up to “ate,” meaning nothing was left. Just vibes.
Use it like: “He dropped that look and left no crumbs.”
6. It’s Giving
Meaning: Used to compare a vibe or aesthetic to something else.
Use it like: “It’s giving main character.” or “It’s giving high school musical.”
7. Mid
Meaning: Average or disappointing. Nothing special.
Use it like: “The movie was kinda mid.”
8. Sus
Meaning: Suspicious or shady.
Use it like: “That excuse is mad sus.”
9. Bet
Meaning: Agreement or confirmation. Like saying “okay” but cooler.
Use it like: “You down for tacos?” — “Bet.”
10. Bussin’
Meaning: So good. Usually used for food, but not always.
Use it like: “This pizza is bussin’.”
11. Cap / No Cap
Meaning: Cap = lie. No Cap = truth.
Use it like: “That’s cap, he didn’t do that.” or “No cap, that was wild.”
12. Ick
Meaning: Something that instantly turns you off.
Use it like: “He ran for the bus and it gave me the ick.”
13. Lit
Meaning: Really fun, exciting, or cool.
Use it like: “That party was lit.”
14. Ghost
Meaning: To disappear on someone — usually ignoring texts or cutting off communication.
Use it like: “He ghosted me after our date.”
15. Main Character
Meaning: Someone who lives life dramatically or like the world revolves around them.
Use it like: “I’m having a main character moment at this coffee shop.”
16. Ratio
Meaning: When your reply gets more likes than the original post — usually used as a clapback.
Use it like: “L take. Ratio.”
17. Skrrt
Meaning: Sound effect for a quick exit. Also used to express excitement or surprise.
Use it like: “Skrrt I’m out!” or “Skrrt, that’s fire.”
18. Mood
Meaning: Used to relate to something emotionally or mentally.
Use it like: “Her crying in bed is such a mood.”
19. Vibe Check
Meaning: Testing someone’s energy or attitude.
Use it like: “He failed the vibe check.”
20. Shook
Meaning: Extremely surprised or affected.
Use it like: “I’m shook after that twist.”
21. Glow Up
Meaning: A major transformation, usually for the better.
Use it like: “She had a glow up over summer.”
22. Sending Me
Meaning: Something is so funny you’re metaphorically “sent.”
Use it like: “That TikTok is sending me.”
23. Dead
Meaning: When something is so funny or ridiculous, you’re “dead” from laughter.
Use it like: “Omg I’m dead at this comment.”
24. L + Ratio
Meaning: Someone took an L (loss) and got out-liked in replies.
Use it like: “L + ratio + no one asked.”
25. Stan
Meaning: A die-hard fan or supporter.
Use it like: “We stan her confidence.”
26. Flex
Meaning: Showing off, sometimes in a humblebrag way.
Use it like: “Not to flex, but I got front row.”
27. Periodt
Meaning: Used to emphasize something — final word.
Use it like: “I said what I said. Periodt.”
28. Pick Me
Meaning: Someone who tries too hard to get attention or approval.
Use it like: “She’s such a pick me girl.”
29. Slaps
Meaning: Really good — usually music or food.
Use it like: “This song slaps.”
30. Wildin’
Meaning: Acting crazy, out of control.
Use it like: “Bro was wildin’ last night.”
31. Touch Grass
Meaning: Telling someone to get offline and go outside — especially if they’re acting out.
Use it like: “You’re too online, go touch grass.”
32. Out of Pocket
Meaning: Saying or doing something totally inappropriate or wild.
Use it like: “That comment was out of pocket.”
33. Say Less
Meaning: “Got it” or “No need to explain further.”
Use it like: “Say less, I’m in.”
34. No One: / Literally No One:
Meaning: Used to highlight how randomly or unnecessarily someone acts.
Use it like:
“No one:
Me at 3 AM: Googling how tall SpongeBob is”
35. Purr
Meaning: Used to express agreement or approval — like “yas.”
Use it like: “You got the job? Purr!”
36. Big Yikes
Meaning: When regular “yikes” just isn’t enough.
Use it like: “You texted your ex again? Big yikes.”
37. Chill
Meaning: Relaxed, cool, easygoing.
Use it like: “He’s super chill.”
38. Bop
Meaning: A really catchy song.
Use it like: “This new track is a bop.”
39. Girl Dinner / Boy Dinner
Meaning: A random, often chaotic meal.
Use it like: “This is my girl dinner: 3 crackers and vibes.”
40. Corecore / ___core
Meaning: A hyper-specific aesthetic or vibe.
Use it like: “This gives cozycore energy.”
Final Words
There you have it — Gen Z slang, decoded.
Whether you’re trying to keep up, join the conversation, or just understand what your cousin means when they say “delulu is the solulu,” this list has your back.
Language evolves. And in Gen Z world, it evolves faster than your iPhone updates. So save this guide, share it with your group chat, and slay your next convo with confidence. No cap.
Ankit is an engineer by profession and blogger by passion. He is passionate to do all the stuff such as designing the website, doing the SEO, researching for the content, writing tech blog posts and more.
