Devin Jacobs
Ever overhear Gen Z talking and feel like you’ve accidentally tuned into a new language? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This generation has mastered the art of remixing words into their own brand of humor and identity. Before you get lost in translation, here’s what their most viral slang actually means.
Rizz
Short for “charisma,” rizz is the ultimate Gen Z compliment for someone who just oozes charm. But it’s not only about smooth-talking or slick pickup lines anymore — oh no. There’s also “unspoken rizz,” that magical, wordless energy where someone can turn heads just by existing. Think quiet confidence meets pure magnetism.
Delulu
Ah, delulu. The crown jewel of Gen Z delusion, but make it self-aware. Born from the word delusional, it’s now a playful nod to embracing your wildest fantasies. When someone says, “delulu is the solulu,” they’re basically admitting they’re living in dreamland.
Skibidi
If you’ve seen those chaotic YouTube shorts with dancing toilets, you already know. Skibidi started there — a world of pure, meme-fueled nonsense — and somehow escaped into everyday slang. It’s now a wildcard word that can mean anything from cool to weird to hilariously stupid. Basically, it’s Gen Z’s “whatever that was.”
Gyatt
Say it out loud — “gyatt!” It’s the internet’s loud, exaggerated version of “goddamn!” Usually shouted when someone’s rocking serious curves or a jaw-dropping fit, it’s half exclamation, half celebration. You’ll see it flood TikTok comments and memes. The word itself? Just pure, unfiltered enthusiasm with a side of chaos.
Fanum Tax
We’ve all been there — you order fries, your friend says they don’t want any, and then somehow they’re eating half your order. That’s the Fanum Tax. Named after streamer Fanum, who made this food-grabbing habit famous, the term is now social media code for those little, hilarious acts of snack theft.
Era
Forget “phases” — Gen Z is living in eras. Whether it’s your healing era or soft girl era, the term helps define your current vibe and mindset. Inspired by pop culture icons (looking at you, Taylor Swift), it’s a stylish way to frame your personal growth journey — one era at a time.
NPC Energy
Ever talked to someone who sounds like they’re running on a script? That’s NPC energy. Borrowed from gaming, where “non-playable characters” just repeat the same lines, it describes those robotic social interactions that feel off. It’s a hilarious yet slightly tragic reminder to stay human.
Be So For Real
We all have that one friend saying things that demand a full mental reboot. That’s your cue to drop, “Be so for real.” It’s Gen Z’s polite-but-firm way of saying “come on now.” Used online or IRL, it’s the perfect phrase to reel someone back to reality — no attitude needed. (Okay, maybe a little.)
It’s Giving
This one’s everywhere. “It’s giving luxury.” “It’s giving chaos.” Born from LGBTQ+ and drag culture, it’s giving is Gen Z’s go-to phrase for capturing the vibe of a moment. No over-explaining, just the perfect way to label a feeling. It’s giving linguistic brilliance.
Main Character Energy
If life’s a movie, you might as well star in it. Main character energy is the mindset that says, “I’m not just surviving — I’m thriving.” Popularized on TikTok, it’s all about romanticizing your daily routine and owning your story. No background roles here, as this is your plotline.
Mother
Let’s get one thing straight — being called “mother” has nothing to do with parenting. It’s about serving power and absolute domination. Born from ballroom culture, this compliment is reserved for women who exude boss energy. When fans say “she’s a mother,” it means you’re not just admired, you’re worshiped.
Cook
“Cook” used to mean dinner prep. Now it means domination. Gen Z made it their MVP move—when you cook, you kill it. But twist the tense, and boom: “I’m cooked.” Translation? Toasted. Done. Mentally microwaved. Nothing says duality like slang that covers both triumph and total meltdown.
Out Of Pocket
“Out of pocket” used to mean “I can’t come to the meeting.” Now it means “I’ve officially lost my mind online.” Whether it’s a chaotic text, a drama-filled post, or a TikTok that went too far, this phrase perfectly captures those moments when someone’s behavior deserves a popcorn emoji and a front-row seat.
Bet
Who needs full sentences when you’ve got “bet”? It’s the all-purpose green light of Gen Z lingo — equal parts agreement and friendly challenge. Born in African American Vernacular English, it blends calm confidence with easy cool. “Movie tonight?” “Bet.” One syllable, endless attitude.
Ate
If someone ate, they devoured the moment. It’s Gen Z’s ultimate way of saying, “You absolutely slayed that.” Whether it’s a killer performance or a flawless fit check, “ate” means perfection achieved. Bonus points if they left no crumbs while doing it.
Situationship
Welcome to the situationship era — where labels are scary and relationship talks are avoided like bad Wi-Fi. It’s that in-between stage where you’re acting like a couple but without the commitment. Equal parts thrilling and exhausting, it’s love’s version of “it’s complicated.”
Mid
Few insults sting quite like being called mid. It’s short and it says, “You’re… fine, I guess.” Not terrible, not amazing — just aggressively average. Whether it’s a new show or someone’s cooking, “mid” is Gen Z’s mic drop for pure mediocrity. Ouch.
Slay
You’ve seen it everywhere — “She slayed.” “He’s slaying.” Originally rooted in LGBTQ+ and drag communities, slay now means to crush it with confidence and flair. Be it nailing a performance or just walking into a room like you own it, “slay” is the world’s loudest form of applause.
Goated
Why say “the best” when you can say goated? This modern superlative, spun from the acronym G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time), is the internet’s way of celebrating top-tier excellence. If it’s goated, it’s legendary, and you should have no qualms about it.
No Cap
Here’s how Gen Z keeps it real: no cap. It’s the modern “I’m serious” — the verbal equivalent of crossing your heart. If “cap” means lying or exaggerating, then no cap seals the truth. Drop it at the end of a sentence when you want everyone to know you mean it. No lies detected.