Every generation develops its own words to communicate based on its cultural influence. This means that language is ever-evolving. As digital natives*, (people who have been surrounded by technology since birth) the language of Gen Z – born between the late 1990s and early 2010s – might seem difficult or hard to keep up with. A lot of Gen Z slang has been influenced by things like TikTok, celebrity culture or online trends.
But learning slang can help you communicate, and better understand a culture. It can help you to understand things you see online, and things you might hear in conversation.
Gen Z slang
1. slay (v)
Meaning: to do something really well, or do it with style
Example: ‘You totally slayed that presentation today!’ ‘Go slay it!’
You can use slay as a positive term used to praise someone for something, like an impressive performance or if you like their appearance. If someone excels at something, especially in a stylish or confident way, they’ve slayed it.
2. ghosting (n) / ghost (v)
Meaning: to suddenly stop communication with someone without any explanation
Example: ‘I thought things were going well, but then she ghosted me.’ ‘I hate ghosting – why doesn’t he just tell me what’s wrong?’
This term is often used in the context of relationships or friendships. When someone disappears from your life without explanation – no texts, no calls – they’ve ghosted you.
3. cringe (v) (n)
Meaning: something that is awkward, embarrassing, or uncomfortable to watch is cringe. If you feel any of these things, you cringe.
Example: ‘The way he tried to impress everyone at the party was so cringe.’ ‘I cringed when I saw the messages he sent her.’
You can use cringe to describe situations or behaviour that makes you feel embarrassed for you or for someone else.
4. flex (v) (n)
Meaning: to show off or boast* about something. Often, things like material possessions or achievements.
Example: ‘He’s always flexing his new shoes on Instagram.’ ‘That was such a flex.’
When someone flexes, they’re showing off or trying to impress others. It can be both positive (as a compliment) or negative (which implies* arrogance).
5. stan (n) (v)
Meaning: a very dedicated or obsessed fan of someone or something.
Example: ‘I totally stan that band – they’re amazing live!’ ‘I’m such a stan – I love Taylor Swift’
Stan originally comes from a song by Eminem (called Stan), about a fan who is obsessed with a singer. It can be used as both a noun and a verb.
6. low-key
Meaning: low-key means something is not extreme, or you do it quietly.
Example: ‘I’m low-key excited for the weekend.’ / ‘I’m low-key obsessed with that new show!’
This is a great term for expressing how much emotion you feel about something.
7. vibe (n)
Meaning: You can say something is a vibe, or talk about the vibe of a place when you want to talk about the mood or feeling of a person, place, thing or situation. It is usually positive, unless you say otherwise.
Example: ‘This café has such a chill vibe. I could stay here all day.’ ‘This song is such a vibe.’ ‘He gave me a bad vibe.’
You can also use an adjective with vibe. A good vibe means positive energy, while a bad vibe means negative energy.
8. lit (adj)
Meaning: amazing, exciting, or fun
Example: ‘That party was lit last night!’ ‘This photo is lit.’
You can use a fire emoji to mean lit – 🔥🔥🔥.
9. salty
Meaning: When someone is being salty, they are showing that they are upset, annoyed or bitter*, usually over something small or silly.
Example: ‘He’s still salty about losing the game last week.’ ‘Why are you being so salty today’?
When someone is salty, they’re acting in a way that might seem unreasonable for the situation.
10. mood (n)
Meaning: Use mood to express when something perfectly matches your current feelings or situation.
Example: ‘That cat lying on the couch all day is such a mood.’ ‘This Billie Eilish song is a mood.’
The meaning of mood here is different to the meaning of being in a bad mood (when you’re feeling negative) or the mood (the atmosphere). It’s similar to vibe (in 7).
Have a look online and see which of the Gen Z slang you hear. Then, why not try using it in your own vocabulary? At first, new slang might seem strange, but once you start using it and hearing it, you’ll feel comfortable and confident in talking like Gen Zers!
Do you know any other Gen Z slang and what it means? Share in the comments!
*Link to definitions
Activity
Write the correct word to complete the sentence. Write the word in its correct form.
- That was so awkward, it made me _____.
- I thought we were friends, but she totally _____ me after that argument.
- She always _____ her presentations, so it’s no surprise she got promoted.
- The _____ at last night’s party was off – everyone seemed bored.
- The concert last night was _____ – best night ever! 🔥
- Why are you so _____ about the situation? It’s not important.
- I’m _____ nervous about my job interview tomorrow.
- He’s always _____ about his travels on Instagram, posting photos every day.
Answers
- cringe
- ghosted
- slays
- vibe
- lit
- salty
- low-key
- flexing
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known coursebooks, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, OTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development platform and YouTube channel. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.
