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No cap -

No cap actually existed well before the rise of social media. In the past, to cap meant to brag, exaggerate, or lie about something. Today, no cap means "no lie" or "for real."

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Cheugy -

This word is used to describe uncool things or people. Whether it's because they're out of style or simply trying too hard to be in style, cheugy people, known as cheugs, are totally not cool.

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Drip -

In the past, a drip was actually a negative thing and referred to a boring person. However, for Gen Z, it's a good thing. Drip references your look or style especially when it's considered to be very fashionable.

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Hits different -

At times, things will be so awesome that it positively impacts you on a whole new level. Thus, for Gen Z the term means "to have a marked effect or influence on." For example, "the new Taylor Swift album just hits different!"

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Main character -

Giving main character energy means you're the star. Whether that's in the latest drama or on a social media platform, everyone is looking to you.

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Snatched -

Thanks to the popular show RuPaul's Drag Race, Gen Z'ers are using snatched to mean fierce or on point, especially when referring to someone's hair, makeup, or physical appearance.

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Bet -

Bet is a term of affirmation, agreement, or even approval. It is equivalent to the likes of "Cool" or "I'm down!"

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Skkrt -

Skkrt is an onomatopoeia and is supposed to sound like screeching tires. This Gen Z slang is used as an interjection. An example would be, if a friend of yours told you some interesting gossip, you might then say "skkrt!" to get them to stop and repeat it.

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Understood the assignment -

If someone understood the assignment then they were successful or nailed whatever it was they needed to do. For example, "The well-dressed actor understood the assignment and looked great!"

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Ok Boomer -

Though Gen Z and Millennials are two very different groups, they have come together with the term, "Ok Boomer." This slang is a clapback when people from older generations say or post something condescending or out-of-touch with the younger generation.

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Say less -

Saying "say less" can be rude, but it's a funny way to say you understand or agree with someone. 'Say less' is also the title of songs by Ashanti and Roy Woods.

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Slaps -

If something slaps, this means it's excellent or amazing, especially music. It's been around since the 1800s but is especially popular now, likely thanks to a 2021 SNL skit. There are many other slang terms like "bops" and "bangers" to describe great music.

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Low-key -

Low-key means something is subtle or you want to keep it private, while high-key means you're openly excited. Low-key can be used as an adjective or adverb.

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Bussin -

Gen Z usually uses bussin to describe everything from music to a cool outfit. If something is bussin then it is really good.

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Vibing -

Vibing means relaxing, tapping into good feelings, and enjoying the vibes in general. Vibing is especially used when someone is lost in fantastic music or engaging conversations. It can also mean someone is just chilling. 

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Rizz -

Rizz is a word that is short for charisma. You might say that someone very cool or in the know has a lot of rizz.

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Yeet -

Yeet is a word that expresses excitement or forcefulness when throwing something. It can also be used more generally to celebrate success. For example, "I yeeted that test outta the park!"

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Moots -

Moots refers to the people you follow on social media, especially those you don't know personally. It's a shortened version of "mutuals."

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Ick -

Ick is an informal word for a dislike that causes disgust. It's often used for something mildly unpleasant, rather than something extreme. Ex: "This cafeteria food is ick. Let's hit the Mexican place instead." Something can also give you "the ick," meaning it's a real turn-off. 

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Sus -

Short for "suspicious," it's used to suggest someone or something seems untrustworthy. "That new transfer student is acting kinda sus, gotta keep an eye on him."

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Beige flag -

A beige flag means something is a boring character trait. For example, you might say someone loves puzzles and that that is such a beige flag.

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Mid -

Gen Z uses mid when describing something as average or unremarkable. For example, if a movie wasn't great you might say, "That movie was so mid."

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Delulu -

An abbreviation of the word delusional, delulu started in the K-pop scene. It's used to describe someone who holds overly optimistic and idealistic beliefs.

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W -

To Gen Z, the letter 'W' simply means a win.  Someone who is excited about an accomplishment might say "That's a W!"

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Glow up -

A glow-up is a transformation from bad to good. Sometimes it is used to describe someone who grew up less good-looking and then became more conventionally attractive as they aged.

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GOAT -

GOAT stands for "greatest of all time." It's a compliment that Gen Z'ers use when they value someone in a big way. They might say "James, he's the GOAT!"

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Lit -

Lit means that something was really awesome, exciting, or intense. It's like saying something is "on fire" but in a cool way.

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Slay -

Slay is used by Gen Z to express dominance and success at something. It can be used for anything from acing a presentation to rocking a new outfit: "She totally slayed that job interview!"

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Woke -

Being woke means being aware of and actively conscious of important social and political issues. It's all about understanding injustice and working together towards positive change.

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CEO -

If you're the CEO of something then it implies that you've mastered whatever it is or that you're a pro.

Sources: (Dictionary.com) (The Story Exchange)

See also: The hilarious decoding of Cockney rhyming slang

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