50 Most Used Gen Z Slang That’ll Leave You Lost in 2025

Get the scoop on 50 Gen Z slang terms for 2025. This guide makes it easy to understand and chat with the younger crowd.

Have you ever heard someone drop “rizz” or “sus” in a conversation and felt completely out of the loop? I’ve been there too. Gen Z, those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, has crafted a language all their own. It’s shaped by TikTok, Instagram, and the wild world of internet culture.

This isn’t just about trendy words—it’s how they connect, express themselves, and sometimes keep us outsiders guessing.

In this article, I’ll walk you through 50 of the most used Gen Z slang terms rocking 2025. You’ll get the meanings, examples, and a little insight into why they matter.

So, let’s go ahead and know about them!

Also read: Touch Grass: The SHOCKING Meaning Of It

Why Gen Z Slang Matters

Before we get to the list, let’s talk about why this slang is a big deal. It’s not just noise—it’s identity. Gen Z uses these words to bond with friends and show who they are.

For them, it’s a secret handshake in a digital world. But here’s the thing: understanding it can help you too.

Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or just someone trying to keep up, knowing these terms bridges gaps. I remember feeling lost when my younger cousin said “no cap” at dinner.

Once I figured it out, we connected better. That’s the value here—connection.

Compliments and Positivity

Gen Z loves to lift each other up. These terms are all about praise and good vibes. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Slay: Doing something amazingly well. Think top-tier confidence. Example: “You slayed that dance move!”
2. Snatched: Looking perfect or stylish. It’s a big compliment. Example: “Her outfit is snatched today.”
3. Drip: Cool, trendy style—usually fashion-related. Example: “His drip with those sneakers is unreal.”
4. Glow up: A transformation that’s a total win. Example: “She’s had a glow up since last summer.”
5. Main character energy: Owning the room like a movie star. Example: “He walked in with main character energy.”
6. Rizz: Charisma, especially for flirting. Example: “He’s got rizz; everyone loves him.”
7. GOAT: Greatest of all time. High praise! Example: “She’s the GOAT of this team.”
8. Savage: Bold and fierce in a cool way. Example: “That comeback was savage.”
9. Bussin’: Really good, often for food. Example: “This taco is bussin’.”
10. Slaps: Something awesome, like music. Example: “This beat slaps hard.”

These words make you feel good. They’re short, punchy, and perfect for a quick shoutout.

Criticism and Negativity

Not everything’s sunshine. Gen Z has slang for shade too. Here’s the rundown:

11. Sus: Suspicious or shady. Example: “He’s acting sus; something’s up.”
12. Cap: A lie. Simple as that. Example: “Stop capping; that’s not true.”
13. Cheugy: Uncool or trying too hard. Example: “That old trend is cheugy now.”
14. Delulu: Delusional, in a funny way. Example: “You’re delulu if you think that’ll work.”
15. Brainrot: Too much screen time messing with you. Example: “TikTok gave me brainrot.”
16. Salty: Bitter or mad. Example: “She’s salty about losing.”
17. Thirsty: Desperate for attention. Example: “He’s thirsty for those likes.”
18. Simp: Overdoing it for someone who doesn’t care. Example: “He’s simping so hard for her.”
19. Ghosting: Disappearing on someone. Example: “She ghosted me after one text.”

These terms call it like it is. They’re honest, sometimes brutal, but always real.

Emotions and Feelings

Feelings get their own spotlight with Gen Z slang. These words pack a lot into a little:

20. FOMO: Fear of missing out. Example: “I’ve got FOMO skipping that party.”
21. Shook: Totally shocked. Example: “I was shook by that plot twist.”
22. Vibing: Chilling and feeling good. Example: “We’re vibing with this playlist.”
23. Lowkey: Quietly, under the radar. Example: “I’m lowkey stressed out.”
24. Highkey: Loud and clear. Example: “I’m highkey into this game.”
25. Lit: Super exciting. Example: “That concert was lit!”
26. Hits different: Feels special or unique. Example: “Coffee hits different in the morning.”

I love how these capture moods so fast. You’ll hear them everywhere—trust me.

Also read: Fun Facts About Ted Lasso

Actions and Behaviors

Next, we’ve got words about what people do. They’re fun and full of energy:

27. Flex: Showing off something cool. Example: “She’s flexing her new phone.”
28. Yeet: Throwing stuff with gusto. Example: “Yeet that paper in the bin!”
29. Finna: About to do something. Example: “I’m finna grab a snack.”
30. Ghosted: When someone vanishes on you. Example: “He ghosted me mid-chat.”
31. Stan: Obsessed fan status. Example: “I stan this band so hard.”
32. Cooking: Nailing it or working on something. Example: “He’s cooking a killer project.”
33. Yapping: Talking too much. Example: “Quit yapping; let’s move.”
34. Cracked: Crazy good at something. Example: “She’s cracked at gaming.”

These are action-packed. They paint a picture of what’s happening fast.

Miscellaneous Gems

Some slang doesn’t fit neatly anywhere else. These are wild cards you’ll still hear a lot:

35. Tea: Hot gossip. Example: “Spill the tea—what went down?”
36. Woke: Socially aware. Example: “He’s woke about the environment.”
37. Clout: Online fame or influence. Example: “She’s chasing clout with that post.”
38. Periodt: End of story, with sass. Example: “I’m right, periodt.”
39. Bet: Yep, I’m in. Example: “Meet up later?” “Bet.”
40. No cap: Straight truth. Example: “I’m tired, no cap.”
41. Situationship: A messy, undefined romance. Example: “We’re in a situationship.”
42. Aura: Someone’s whole vibe. Example: “Her aura is so chill.”
43. Gyat: Wow, that’s wild! Example: “Gyat, look at that car!”
44. Skibidi: Random and crazy. Example: “That move was skibidi.”
45. Ohio: Weird or awkward. Example: “This vibe is so Ohio.”
46. Fanum tax: Stealing food, playfully. Example: “He took my chips—fanum tax!”
47. Sigma: Lone wolf coolness. Example: “He’s sigma, doesn’t need anyone.”
48. Mentil: Mental health talk. Example: “She’s real about her mentil stuff.”

These are quirky but common. You’ll catch them in random chats.

How to Use Gen Z Slang Right

Okay, so you’ve got the words. But hold up—there’s a right way to use them. Some come from specific cultures, like AAVE or queer communities. I’ve learned it’s key to respect that. Here’s how to do it:

49. Know the roots: Look up where a word started. It matters.
50. Pick your spot: Slang fits with friends, not your boss.
51. Read the room: Not everyone gets it, so don’t force it.
52. Keep it natural: Too much slang sounds fake.

I once overused “slay” at work and got weird looks. Lesson learned—context is everything.

How Gen Z Slang Grows

Ever wonder where this stuff comes from? It’s wild how fast it spreads. TikTok, X, and influencers make words blow up overnight. “Rizz” started with streamers and now it’s everywhere.

Gen Z also remixes old slang into something fresh. That’s why it’s tough to keep up—but also why it’s so alive. I’ve seen terms pop up and fade in weeks. It’s a living thing.

Gen Z vs. Older Slang

Our parents had slang too, but Gen Z’s is different. Theirs is global—thanks, internet. My Millennial friends say “cool beans,” but Gen Z’s “woke” ties to bigger ideas.

Older slang was about rebellion; this is about inclusion and speed. Knowing that helps you see what drives them. It’s fascinating how language shifts with each crew.

Wrapping It Up

Gen Z slang is a whirlwind, but it’s worth learning. It’s their way of talking, feeling, and being. I’ve found that picking up a few terms makes chats with younger folks way easier.

Sure, it changes fast—blink and “skibidi” might be old news. But that’s the fun part. Keep an ear on social media, and you’ll stay in the loop.

Next time “rizz” or “bussin’” comes up, you’ll nod and maybe toss it back. We’re all just trying to connect, right?

Also read: Silly Wankok