Are you tired of feeling lost when Gen Z starts speaking? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, marketer, or just someone who doesn’t want to sound like a confused millennial, this comprehensive guide has you covered. We’ve compiled the 20 most essential Gen Z words dominating social media and real-world conversations in 2025—complete with usage examples, context tips, and crucial advice on how to use them without standing out as a try-hard.
Why Learning Gen Z Slang Matters in 2025
Gen Z (born 1997-2012) has revolutionized how we communicate online and offline. Their slang spreads faster than wildfire through TikTok, Instagram, and group chats, often becoming mainstream within weeks. Understanding these terms isn’t just about staying relevant—it’s about connecting authentically with a generation that values genuine communication over forced corporate speak.
The 20 Essential Gen Z Words for 2025
Rizz
Meaning: Short for charisma; someone’s ability to charm or flirt successfully
Usage Example: “He’s got mad rizz with everyone he meets”
Context: Dating conversations, social media captions about confidence
Fun Fact: Oxford’s 2023 Word of the Year and still trending strong in 2025
Delulu
Meaning: Short for delusional; believing something unrealistic (often used affectionately)
Usage Example: “I’m totally delulu thinking my crush will text me back”
Context: Self-deprecating humor about unrealistic hopes or dreams
Note: Often used with self-awareness and humor, not as a harsh insult
Slay
Meaning: To do something exceptionally well; to look amazing or perform perfectly
Usage Example: “You absolutely slayed that presentation!”
Context: Compliments about performance, fashion, achievements
Versatility: Can be used as a verb or exclamation
Ate (and left no crumbs)
Meaning: Dominated completely; did something so well there’s nothing left for anyone else
Usage Example: “She ate that dance routine and left no crumbs”
Context: When someone performs flawlessly or looks incredible
Extended version: “…and left no crumbs” emphasizes total domination
It’s giving…
Meaning: Describes the vibe, energy, or aesthetic something has
Usage Example: “This outfit is giving main character energy”
Context: Fashion, moods, situations, aesthetics
Structure: Always followed by what the vibe reminds you of
No cap
Meaning: No lie; being completely honest
Usage Example: “That was the best pizza I’ve ever had, no cap”
Context: Emphasizing truthfulness, especially after bold statements
Opposite: “Cap” means lie or exaggeration
Bet
Meaning: Okay, sure, agreed; confirmation or agreement
Usage Example: “Meet me at 7?” “Bet.”
Context: Casual agreements, confirming plans
Tone: Confident acceptance
Sus
Meaning: Suspicious; something or someone acting sketchy
Usage Example: “That story sounds really sus to me”
Context: When something doesn’t add up or seems questionable
Origin: Popularized by the game “Among Us”
Mid
Meaning: Average, mediocre, or disappointing
Usage Example: “That movie was pretty mid, honestly”
Context: Reviews, opinions about quality
Impact: Often considered a harsh criticism by Gen Z standards
Periodt
Meaning: Period, but with emphasis; end of discussion
Usage Example: “I look amazing today, periodt”
Context: Making definitive statements, showing confidence
Pronunciation: “PEER-ee-odt” with emphasis on the “t”
Stan
Meaning: To be a big fan of someone or something
Usage Example: “I stan this new artist so hard”
Context: Expressing enthusiasm for celebrities, trends, products
Origin: From Eminem’s song “Stan” about an obsessive fan
Flex
Meaning: To show off or boast about something
Usage Example: “Stop trying to flex your new car”
Context: When someone is bragging or showing off
Can be positive: “That’s a valid flex” (worthy of showing off)
Bussin’
Meaning: Really good, especially food
Usage Example: “This pasta is absolutely bussin'”
Context: Primarily used for food, but can apply to anything excellent
Pronunciation: “BUSS-in” with emphasis on the first syllable
Glow up
Meaning: A significant positive transformation, usually in appearance or life
Usage Example: “She had such a glow up since high school”
Context: Personal transformations, before/after comparisons
Usage: Can be a noun or verb (“she glowed up”)
Touch grass
Meaning: Go outside; get off the internet and experience real life
Usage Example: “You need to touch grass instead of arguing online all day”
Context: When someone is too online or out of touch with reality
Tone: Usually sarcastic or mildly insulting
Main character
Meaning: Acting like you’re the star of your own life; confident and self-focused
Usage Example: “I’m in my main character era”
Context: Self-empowerment, confidence, taking control of your narrative
Positive connotation: Unlike being “self-centered,” this is usually aspirational
Cheugy
Meaning: Something that’s outdated, try-hard, or no longer trendy
Usage Example: “Those ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ signs are so cheugy”
Context: Fashion, decor, behaviors that feel outdated
Pronunciation: “CHEW-gee”
Lowkey/Highkey
Meaning: Lowkey = somewhat/secretly; Highkey = obviously/very much
Usage Examples: “I’m lowkey excited for this” vs “I’m highkey obsessed with this show”
Context: Expressing degrees of feelings or opinions
Usage: Can modify almost any emotion or statement
Sending me
Meaning: Something is so funny it’s making me laugh uncontrollably
Usage Example: “That TikTok is literally sending me”
Context: When something is hilariously funny
Modern equivalent: of “LOL” or “I’m dying laughing”
Vibe check
Meaning: Assessing the mood or energy of a situation
Usage Example: “Vibe check: how are we feeling about this party?”
Context: Gauging group mood, testing social atmosphere
Can be: A question or statement about energy levels
The Secret to Natural Usage
The key to using Gen Z slang authentically is confidence without overthinking. Gen Z can spot a fake from miles away, but they also appreciate genuine attempts to connect. The sweet spot is using one or two words naturally in appropriate contexts, rather than completely overhauling how you speak.
Remember: Gen Z values authenticity above all else. They’d rather you be genuinely yourself than try to perfectly replicate their communication style. Use these words as tools to better understand their world, not as a costume to put on
Final Thoughts
Language evolves constantly, and Gen Z slang is no exception. Some of these words might be outdated by next year, while others will become permanent fixtures in our vocabulary. The goal isn’t to become a Gen Z impersonator—it’s to build bridges of understanding and communication.
Stay curious, stay authentic, and remember: when in doubt, it’s better to ask “what does that mean?” than to use slang incorrectly. Gen Z appreciates genuine interest in their culture far more than clumsy attempts to speak their language.
