Navigating the teenage years has always been a complex journey, but in the digital age, a whole new layer of communication has emerged: Gen Z slang. If you’ve ever felt lost in translation when your teen uses words like “slay,” “bussin’,” or “delulu,” you’re not alone. This guide is your essential handbook to understanding the ever-evolving language of today’s youth, ensuring you can stay connected and informed. Understanding these terms isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about fostering open communication and building stronger relationships with your teens in 2024.
Decoding Gen Z Slang: Fun, Harmless, and Silly Terms
This section breaks down common slang terms that are generally lighthearted and fun, perfect for understanding the everyday conversations of Gen Z.
Addy: Short for address. Teens often use shortened versions of words for convenience. Example: “I’ll text you the addy to the party.”
Adulting: Refers to performing tasks typically associated with adults. Often used humorously when discussing mundane responsibilities. Example: “Adulting is hard, I just want to nap instead of doing laundry.”
Aesthetic: Describes the overall vibe or visual style of something. Can refer to a person’s style, a room’s decor, or even a social media feed. Example: “Her room has such a cool, vintage aesthetic.”
Ate and left no crumbs: An enthusiastic compliment meaning someone did an exceptional job. High praise for a performance, outfit, or achievement. Example: “Beyoncé’s performance last night? She ate and left no crumbs!”
Basic: Describes someone or something considered unoriginal, mainstream, or predictable. Often used with a slightly negative or dismissive connotation. Example: “Pumpkin spice lattes are so basic, but I still love them.”
BB: Short for “babe” or “baby,” used as a term of endearment, often among friends. Pronounced “bee bee.” Example: “Hey bb, what are you up to?”
Beige flag: A quirky or unusual behavior that’s neither a positive “green flag” nor a negative “red flag” in a person’s personality. Example: “His beige flag is that he alphabetizes his spice rack.”
Bestie: Short for best friend. Can be used genuinely or sarcastically depending on context and tone. Example: “Going to the mall with my bestie!”
Bet: A response word meaning “okay,” “for sure,” or agreement. Similar to “deal.” Example: “Want to grab pizza later?” “Bet.”
Biblically accurate: Describes something with an unsettling or bizarre appearance, inspired by artistic depictions of angels in religious texts. Often used humorously for things that are strangely designed or look frightening. Example: “That abstract sculpture is kind of biblically accurate looking.”
Big: An intensifier word used to emphasize emotions or states. Examples: “big mad” (extremely angry), “big sad” (very sad), “big brain” (very intelligent).
Blueprint: Used to describe something that sets the standard or is the original model for others to follow. Example: “The Beatles are the blueprint for modern rock bands.”
Boo: A term of endearment for a significant other or romantic partner. Example: “Hanging out with my boo tonight.”
Boo’d (or booed) up: To be in a romantic relationship. Example: “They’ve been boo’d up since prom.”
Boi: Alternative spelling of “boy” in text or social media. Example: “Hey boi, what’s going on?”
Bop: A catchy and enjoyable song. A modern synonym for “jam” or “hit.” Example: “This new Olivia Rodrigo song is a total bop.”
Bougie/boujee: Describing something as high-class, fancy, or luxurious. From the word “bourgeois.” Example: “That restaurant is so boujee, but the food is amazing.”
Boutta: Short for “about to.” Example: “I’m boutta head out, see you later!”
Bruh: A modern version of “bro,” used as a casual address or expression of disbelief or frustration. Example: “Bruh, you won’t believe what happened.”
Bussin’: Describes food that is extremely delicious. “Bussin’ bussin'” is used for exceptionally good food. Example: “These tacos are bussin’!” “Seriously, bussin’ bussin’!”
Exploring More Gen Z Terms
Canon/Headcanon: In the context of books, movies, or shows, “canon” refers to officially accepted plot points, while “headcanon” are fan-created ideas or interpretations not officially confirmed. Example: “In canon, Harry Potter’s parents died when he was a baby.” “My headcanon is that Draco Malfoy secretly liked Harry.”
Cap/No Cap: “Cap” means lying or exaggeration. “No cap” means telling the truth, no lie. Example: “I aced that test without studying, no cap.”
Catch feels: To develop romantic feelings for someone. Example: “I’m starting to catch feels for my lab partner.”
Catch these hands: A playful threat to fight someone. Example: “You insulted my favorite anime? You boutta catch these hands!”
CEO Of: Used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or talented at something. Example: “She’s the CEO of winged eyeliner.”
Cheugy: Describes something considered outdated or trying too hard to be trendy, often referencing early to mid-2000s trends. Considered cringey by Gen Z. Example: “Wearing side-part jeans is so cheugy.”
Chill: Can describe a relaxed person or the act of relaxing or hanging out casually. Example: “He’s a really chill guy.” “Let’s just chill at home tonight.”
Clout: Social influence or popularity, often gained through social media presence. Example: “He’s trying to gain clout by posting controversial opinions.”
Dead/dying: Used when something is extremely funny. Example: “That meme is so funny, I’m dead!”
Delulu: Short for “delusional,” used humorously to describe someone who is rejecting reality for a more appealing interpretation. Example: “She thinks that celebrity winked at her, she’s so delulu.”
Doing the most: Being excessive or over the top. Example: “He’s doing the most just to get her attention.”
Done: To be completely finished with or over something, a person, or a situation. Example: “I’m so done with this homework.”
Drip: Refers to a fashionable and stylish outfit or item of clothing. Example: “Love your drip today!”
Eat/ate: Shorthand for “ate and left no crumbs,” a compliment meaning something is exceptionally good or stylish. Example: “Her performance? She ate.” “That dress ate.”
Era: A period in someone’s life defined by a particular aesthetic, lifestyle, or focus, popularized by Taylor Swift’s album cycles. Example: “I’m in my ‘self-care era’ right now.”
Extra: Over-the-top, dramatic, or excessive. Example: “Her birthday party was so extra, with a live band and a photo booth.”
F: Used to express respect or sympathy after something unfortunate happens, taken from “Press F to Pay Respects” in a video game. Example: “My phone just cracked.” “F.”
Facts: Expression of agreement or affirmation. Example: “Pizza is the best food.” “Facts.”
Fam: Short for family, used for close friends as well as relatives. Example: “Hanging with the fam tonight.”
Finna: Contraction of “fixing to,” meaning “going to.” Example: “I’m finna go to the gym.”
Fire: Cool, awesome, or excellent. Example: “That new song is fire!”
Fit: Short for outfit (in America). In England, it means attractive. Example: “Love your fit!”
Flex: To show off or brag. Example: “He’s always flexing his new car.”
FR: Short for “for real.” Used to emphasize sincerity. Example: “I’m actually tired, FR.”
G: Term of endearment for friends, short for “gangster” or “gangsta.” Example: “What’s up G?”
Gassing: To hype someone up or compliment them excessively. Example: “She’s always gassing up her friends.”
Girl dinner: A casual, often unconventional meal made up of snacks and random items, typically requiring no cooking. Example: “My girl dinner tonight is just cheese and crackers.”
Girl math: Humorous and illogical ways women justify spending or saving money. Used lightheartedly but sometimes criticized for reinforcing stereotypes. Example: “If I return something I bought last month, it’s basically free money, girl math!”
Glow-up: A significant improvement in someone’s appearance, often over a short period. Example: “She had a major glow-up over the summer.”
GOAT: Greatest Of All Time. Used to describe someone or something considered the best. Example: “Michael Jordan is the GOAT of basketball.”
Gucci: Good, cool, or okay. Example: “Everything’s Gucci, bruh.”
Highkey: Obvious, definite, or wanting something openly. Antonym is “lowkey.” Example: “I highkey want to go to that concert.”
Hoco: Short for Homecoming dance. Example: “Are you going to hoco this year?”
IGL: In Game Life. Term used by gamers to refer to events or situations within a game. Example: “That boss fight was intense IGL.”
IYKWIM: If You Know What I Mean. Used to imply a hidden meaning or innuendo.
IYKYK: If You Know You Know. Used to indicate an inside joke or shared understanding.
IRL: In Real Life. Used to differentiate online interactions from offline ones. Example: “We met online, but now we’re friends IRL.”
Keep it 100: To be honest and authentic, short for “keep it 100% real.” Example: “I’m gonna keep it 100 with you, I don’t like that shirt.”
Left on read: When someone reads a message but doesn’t reply. Example: “I hate being left on read.”
Let’s get this bread: Means to work hard and achieve success, especially financially. Example: “Time to get this bread and ace this exam.”
Let them cook: Phrase used when someone is in the middle of doing something and you believe the outcome will be impressive or surprising. Example: “Just let him cook, he knows what he’s doing.”
Lewk: Alternative spelling of “look,” referring to someone’s unique style or appearance. Example: “Her Met Gala lewk was amazing.”
Live/living: Used when something is so amazing it makes you feel truly alive or fulfilled. Example: “This vacation is incredible, I’m living!”
Like my recent: Used on social media to ask for engagement on a recent post, often seen as attention-seeking. Example: “Like my recent, please!”
Mood: Describes something relatable or an expression of feeling. Example: Sees someone sleeping in class “Mood.”
Narrative: A situation or drama someone wants to be excluded from. Example: “I want no part in this narrative.”
No cap: You’re telling the truth, no lie. Example: “I actually did my homework this time, no cap.”
Oof: Expression of discomfort, shock, or empathy. Example: Someone trips and falls “Oof.”
OTP: One True Pairing. Used to describe a favorite romantic couple, real or fictional. Example: “Ron and Hermione are my OTP!”
Poggers: Expression of excitement or enthusiasm, originating from a Twitch emote. Example: “They just announced a sequel! Poggers!”
POV: Point Of View. Used to set up scenarios, often humorous or relatable, especially in TikTok videos. Example: “POV: You realize you have a test tomorrow you forgot about.”
Rent free: When something occupies your thoughts constantly. Example: “That song is living rent free in my head.”
RIP/RIP me: Used to express sadness or that something is bad. Example: “I failed the test, RIP me.”
RN: Right Now. Example: “I’m busy RN, call you later.”
Roman Empire: Something a person thinks about frequently for no apparent reason. Example: “Ancient Rome is my Roman Empire.”
Say less: Means “I understand,” “I agree,” or “count me in.” Example: “Pizza and a movie?” “Say less!”
Sending me: Making you laugh hysterically. Example: “That video is sending me!”
Ship: Short for “relationship.” Used to support a romantic pairing. Example: “I ship them so hard!”
Shook: Surprised, scared, or taken aback. Example: “I was shook when I saw the plot twist.”
Sis: Short for “sister,” used as a term of familiarity or filler word. Example: “Girl, sis, you look amazing!”
Slaps: Something that is really good or impressive. Example: “This song slaps!”
SMH: Shaking My Head. Expresses disappointment or disbelief. Example: “He actually did that? SMH.”
Smol: Online variation of “small,” often used to describe cute things. Example: “Look at that smol puppy!”
Snack: An attractive person. Example: “He’s a total snack.”
Snatched: Looking very good, stylish, or put-together. Example: “Her outfit is snatched.”
Stan: A hardcore fan of someone or something, from the Eminem song “Stan.” Example: “I stan this group so much.”
Take the L: To accept a loss or defeat. Antonym is “W” (win). Example: “I failed the test, I’ll just take the L.”
TBH: To Be Honest. Example: “TBH, I don’t really like coffee.”
TFW: That Feeling When. Used to caption relatable situations. Example: “TFW you finish all your homework before the deadline.”
This/that ain’t it chief: Used when someone says something wrong or uncool. Example: “Pineapple on pizza is delicious.” “That ain’t it chief.”
Understood the assignment: Used when someone excels at something or fulfills expectations perfectly. Example: “She really understood the assignment with that outfit.”
V: Short for “very.” Example: “I’m v tired today.”
Vibe check: Assessing someone’s “vibes” or personality, often jokingly. Example: “He doesn’t like cats? Vibe check failed.”
Vibing/straight vibing: Relaxing, chilling out, or enjoying oneself. Example: “Just vibing with my friends.”
Weird flex but ok: Sarcastic response to someone bragging or showing off in an odd way. Example: “I just ran a marathon without training.” “Weird flex but ok.”
Whip: Car. Example: “Nice whip!”
Wig: Short for “wig snatched,” used to express being amazed or blown away. Example: “Her vocals were so good, wig!”
Wig snatched: To be amazed, impressed, or caught off guard. Example: “That plot twist totally wig snatched me.”
Wild/Wylin’/ Wildin’: Shocking, crazy, or out of control. Can also mean hilarious or weird. Example: “That party was wild!” “He’s wylin’.”
Woke: Aware of social and political issues, especially relating to justice and equality. Example: “Stay woke.”
Terms Parents Should Be Aware Of
This category includes slang that may indicate more sensitive or potentially risky behaviors or topics.
AF: As f**. Used to emphasize something strongly. Example: “It’s hot AF outside.”*
ASMR: Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Refers to videos and sounds designed to trigger a tingling sensation and relaxation. While generally harmless, excessive ASMR consumption might be a sign of seeking constant stimulation or escapism.
BDE: Big D*** Energy. Describes someone with confident and charismatic energy, not necessarily related to physical attributes. Generally positive but be aware of context.
Bed rot: Spending excessive time in bed, often as a form of escapism or coping mechanism. Can be a sign of low motivation or potential mental health concerns if persistent. Example: “I’m having a bed rot day today.”
BFFR/BFR/Be So FR: “Be f** for real,” “be for real,” “be so for real.” Expression of disbelief or shock. Example: “You met Harry Styles? BFFR!”
Bomboclatt: Jamaican curse word equivalent to the f-bomb. In some online contexts, used humorously as “add caption” or “explain this picture.” Be mindful of its origins and potential offensiveness.
Boomer/Okay Boomer: Dismissive term for older people, especially Baby Boomers, who are perceived as out of touch or critical of younger generations. Can be disrespectful and shut down intergenerational communication. Example: “He’s complaining about TikTok again, okay boomer.”
Cancel: To withdraw support from or publicly condemn someone, often for perceived misdeeds. “Cancel culture” can be a complex issue with both positive and negative aspects. Example: “That celebrity got canceled for their problematic tweets.”
Caught in 4k: To catch someone doing something wrong, usually with video or photo proof. Example: “He got caught in 4k cheating on the test.”
Clapback: A sharp and witty response to an insult or criticism. Example: “Her clapback to the troll was epic.”
Clapped: Can mean either defeated badly or unattractive. Context is important. Example: “Their team got clapped in the game.” “That hairstyle makes her look clapped.”
Cringey: Awkward or embarrassing. Example: “That TikTok dance is so cringey.”
Curve: To reject someone romantically or sexually. Example: “She curved him when he asked her out.”
Deada***:* Straight up, for real, no joke. Intensifier. Example: “I’m deadass serious.”*
Finsta: Fake Instagram account, often used to share more private or unfiltered content than a main account. Can indicate a desire for privacy or separate online identities.
FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out. Anxiety about missing out on experiences others are having, often fueled by social media. Can contribute to anxiety and social pressure. Example: “I have major FOMO seeing everyone at the beach.”
Fruity: Suggestive of being gay, sometimes used in a joking or stereotypical way. Can be used playfully within the LGBTQ+ community but can also be homophobic if used negatively.
GD: God D**. Expletive. Example: “GD, this traffic is awful.”*
Ghost: To abruptly cut off all communication with someone without explanation. Can be hurtful and disrespectful in relationships. Example: “He ghosted me after our first date.”
Go off: To encourage someone to rant or express their anger. Example: “Tell me what happened, go off!”
Gyatt: Shorthand for “goddamn,” originally used on Twitch to express attraction. Can be objectifying and sexually suggestive.
Hop off: “Mind your own business.” Can be dismissive and rude. Example: “Stop asking questions, hop off.”
Hunty: Combination of “honey” and “c***.” Originated in drag culture, can be used playfully among friends but potentially offensive outside that context.
Ick/The Ick: A sudden feeling of disgust or turn-off towards someone, often for illogical or minor reasons. Example: “He chews with his mouth open, it gives me the ick.”
Karen: Stereotype of a middle-aged white woman who is perceived as entitled or demanding in public. Often used negatively and can be sexist and ageist. Example: “That lady is being such a Karen, complaining to the manager.”
Looksmaxxing: Term from online communities, sometimes associated with incel culture, referring to efforts to improve one’s physical attractiveness. Can be linked to body image issues and unhealthy fixations on appearance.
Lowkey: Discreetly, subtly, or wanting something without making it obvious. Antonym is “highkey.” Example: “I lowkey want to skip class.”
Main character/main character syndrome/main character energy: Behaving as if one is the central or most important person in a situation. Can be perceived as self-centered or attention-seeking. Example: “She’s always acting like she has main character energy.”
Menty b: Shorthand for “mental breakdown.” Example: “I’m about to have a menty b if this keeps happening.”
Preppy: Style associated with wealth, brand awareness, and sometimes “mean girl” behavior on social media. Can promote materialism and exclusionary attitudes.
Receipts: Proof, often screenshots, used to back up claims or expose someone. Example: “Show me the receipts!”
Salty: Jealous, bitter, or upset. Example: “He’s salty because he didn’t get invited.”
Sip tea: To mind one’s own business and observe drama from a distance. Example: “I’m just gonna sip tea and watch what happens.”
Slay: Expression of approval, often for appearance or performance. Generally positive, but overuse can sound performative. Example: “You look amazing, slay!”
Slim thick/thicc: Body type considered ideal by some, emphasizing curves in specific areas. Can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and body image issues.
Subtweet: Indirectly criticizing someone on Twitter without tagging them. Passive-aggressive communication. Example: “She subtweeted me after our argument.”
Sus: Short for suspicious. Example: “That’s kinda sus.”
Tea: Gossip. “Spilling the tea” means sharing gossip. Example: “Spill the tea, what happened?”
Thicc: Describing a curvy or full-figured person in an attractive way. Can be objectifying.
Thirsty: Desperate for attention, often romantic or sexual attention. Example: “He’s so thirsty for likes on Instagram.”
Thirst trap: A social media post designed to attract attention and flirtatious comments. Example: “She posted a thirst trap to get his attention.”
Touch Grass: Admonishment to spend less time online and reconnect with the real world. Can be dismissive of online experiences and mental health struggles. Example: “You need to touch grass, you’re online too much.”
Tweakin: Acting erratically, strangely, or overreacting, sometimes implying drug use. Example: “He’s tweakin’ out about something.”
Red Flag Terms for Parents
These terms signal potentially harmful or risky behaviors and should be taken seriously.
Body: Objectifying term for someone with whom one has had sexual relations. Reduces people to objects and contributes to a dehumanizing view of sex. Example: “She’s just a body to him.”
Catfish: Someone who creates a fake online profile to deceive others, often for romantic or sexual purposes. Can be emotionally damaging and dangerous.
D: Short for d**. Used in sexual contexts. Example: “She just wants the D.”*
DTF: Down To F***. Explicitly sexual and disrespectful.
FWB: Friends With Benefits. Often describes casual sexual relationships that can lead to emotional complications and misunderstandings, especially for teens.
Hooking up: Vague term encompassing various levels of sexual intimacy, from kissing to intercourse. Lack of clarity can be problematic for young people navigating relationships.
Juul/Juuling: Vaping, specifically using Juul brand e-cigarettes. Vaping is harmful and addictive.
KMS: Kill MySelf. Indicates suicidal ideation and requires immediate attention and support.
KYS: Kill YourSelf. A harmful and aggressive statement, potentially contributing to cyberbullying and mental health crises.
NSFW: Not Safe For Work. Indicates sexually explicit or inappropriate content. Exposure to NSFW content may be harmful for young people.
Pull: Ability to attract sexual partners. Objectifies people and reduces relationships to conquests. Example: “He thinks he has a lot of pull.”
Rizz: Short for charisma, specifically referring to romantic or sexual charm. While seemingly innocuous, excessive focus on “rizz” can prioritize superficial charm over genuine connection.
Simp: Derogatory term for a man who is overly eager to please a woman in hopes of romantic or sexual reciprocation. Often used in misogynistic online communities.
Smash: To have casual sex. Reduces sex to a purely physical act without emotional connection.
Stealthing: Removing a condom during sex without consent. A form of sexual assault and a serious violation of trust and safety.
-Ussy: Suffix derived from “p***y,” added to words in a crude and often misogynistic way. Highly offensive and disrespectful.
A Final Word for Parents in 2024
Staying informed about Gen Z slang, including terms like “slay,” is crucial for effective parenting in 2024. This guide provides a starting point for understanding the language your teens are using. Remember, the goal is not to become fluent in teen slang yourself, but to open lines of communication and show your teens that you are making an effort to understand their world. By staying informed and approachable, you can better navigate the complexities of adolescence and build stronger, more trusting relationships with your children. Continue to explore resources and engage in open conversations to remain a supportive and understanding presence in your teen’s life.
