Think you know your Gen Z and Gen Alpha slangs? Gen Z and Gen Alpha slangs are taking over the internet, and if you’re not fluent, you might feel left behind. From viral terms like “rizz” to absurd phrases like “skibidi” younger generations are rewriting the dictionary, one TikTok trend at a time. To help you decode their language, here’s a breakdown of 20+ must-know slangs, complete with examples and why they matter, whether you’re a parent, marketer, or just curious.
Image Source: Victoria Flores on Pinterest
Here’s a list of 20+ popular Gen Z and Gen Alpha slangs and what they actually mean
1. Rizz
Meaning: Short for “charisma,” this term describes someone’s ability to charm others effortlessly. For instance, “Did you see how he asked her out? Total rizz!”
2. Slay
Meaning: To excel at something. Originally from drag culture, it’s now used universally.
Example: “You totally slayed that presentation!”
Interestingly, this word has roots in LGBTQ+ communities, showing how slang evolves across subcultures.
Image Source: @iac1992 on Tenor
3. Gyatt
Meaning: An exclamation of surprise or admiration (often used humorously).
Example: “Gyatt! Did you see that dunk?”
Despite its silly sound, it’s now a staple in comment sections.
4. Skibidi
Meaning: A nonsense word from a viral meme, often used humorously.
Example: “Bro, what’s this skibidi trend about?”
Surprisingly, this term has no real meaning but thrives in kid culture. Example, skibbidi toilet. (We’re as confused as you are)
5. Sigma
Meaning: A confident, independent person (often used ironically).
Example: “He’s such a sigma—doesn’t care what anyone thinks.”
6. Ohio
Meaning: Used to describe something chaotic or nonsensical (from the “Only in Ohio” meme).
Example: “This party is so Ohio right now.”
7. Glazing
Meaning: Overpraising someone (often used sarcastically).
Example: “Stop glazing him—he’s not that good.”
8. Brain Rot
Meaning: “Brain rot” is Gen Z slang for the feeling of your mind turning to mush after consuming too much pointless or overly chaotic internet content.
Example: “Twitter arguments gave me brain rot”
9. Womp Womp
Meaning: A sarcastic way to say “too bad” or “that’s unfortunate.”
Example: “You failed the test? Womp womp.”
10. Bussin’
Meaning: Really good (usually describing food).
Example: “This pizza is bussin’!”
11. Cap / No Cap
Meaning:
- Cap = Lie
- No Cap = Telling the truth
Example: “I aced the test, no cap!”
12. Bet
Meaning: Agreement or confirmation (like “okay” or “for sure”).
Example: *”We’re meeting at 8?” “Bet.”
13. Sus
Meaning: Suspicious or shady (from Among Us).
Example: “Why’d he leave so fast? That’s sus.”
Image Source: @carmellavandamme on Tenor
14. Touch Grass
Meaning: Telling someone to go outside (implying they’re too online).
Example: “You’ve been gaming for 10 hours—go touch grass.”
15. NPC
Meaning: Someone who lacks independent thought (like a video game non-playable character).
Example: “He just repeats whatever’s trending—total NPC.”
16. Ick
Meaning: A turn-off or something that makes you lose interest.
Example: “He chews with his mouth open—major ick.”
17. Delulu
Meaning: Short for “delusional,” often used humorously.
Example: “Thinking you’ll win the lottery is so delulu.”
18. Pressed
Meaning: Overly upset or annoyed.
Example: “Why are you so pressed about a meme?”
19. Extra
Meaning: Over-the-top or dramatic.
Example: “She showed up in a ballgown to a casual party—so extra.”
20. It’s Giving
Meaning: Describing a vibe
Example: “It’s giving rich auntie”
Why Does Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slangs Matter?
Image Source: @ejcds on Reddit
Understanding these terms helps with:
✔ Better communication with younger audiences.
✔ Staying relevant in marketing and social media. Brands like Chipotle use them in ads, for example, “That guac is bussin’!” (more here)
✔ Avoiding confusion when scrolling through TikTok or Instagram.
Congratulations! You’ve Partially Mastered in Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slangs
That’s the tea, 20+ Gen Z and Gen Alpha slangs decoded! Whether you’re trying to understand viral TikToks, bond with younger coworkers, or just avoid sounding like a “cap”, these terms are your cheat sheet to internet culture.
So go ahead, drop a “slay” in the group chat, side-eye the “sus” behavior, and embrace the chaos of “skibidi” humor. Pro tip: Bookmark this guide—because let’s be real, new slang drops faster than a surprise.
Tag us @citykaki.life when you use these slangs IRL! We’d love to see your ~rizz~ in action.
Also read: GIRL’S GIRL: Newest Spot in KL for All the Girly Girls!
