Every generation has a language of its own, which is great for them — but can be highly confusing for the rest of us. Communication in your own home can feel like living in a foreign country.
But we’re here to help. Figure out what this latest generation of kiddos is trying to say in our guide to some of the most common Gen Z slang words and phrases.
Bestie
What it means: Bestie seems self-explanatory, but it’s not. For older generations, your bestie means your best friend. Gen Z uses the term more loosely. Anyone can be a bestie, as long as there’s something to like about them. It’s friendly and can signify you’re a part of the group.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: Get in, besties! It’s time for brunch.
Boujee
What it means: Also spelled bougie, this one is an abbreviation from the French “bourgeois,” implying something is high class or expensive. It’s often used in a mocking sense, poking fun at someone who’s trying to come off as richer than they are.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: She only wears those overpriced sneakers because it makes her look boujee.
Bussin
What it means: Amazing, positive or straight-up delicious. Bussin means something is exceptional, especially in reference to food. It was originally used in African American Vernacular English, which has earned the term’s current usage some criticism.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: The sushi place on 6th street is bussin.
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Cap/No Cap
What it means: Cap means inauthentic or fake. It’s a reference to gold teeth, which come in two forms: permanent gold teeth or gold caps, which can be pulled out. Caps are seen as inauthentic, so cap became a term for something fake.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I’m going to make myself study for finals today, no cap.
CEO
What it means: To be the best at something. The CEO of a company is a leader, and the term means the same thing everywhere else.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: You got how many views?? You’re like the CEO of going viral.
Clapback
What it means: A good clapback is the best feeling. It’s a strong, witty response to an insult, signifying you have the upper hand in the exchange.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: Her new record is a clapback to all the haters who thought she had already peaked.
Finna
What it means: Finna means getting ready to do something. It comes from the phrase “fixing to.”
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I’m finna get a summer job so I can finally get my own ride.
Fit
What it means: This one has nothing to do with being in shape. Fit is short for outfit, not anything to do with how many times a week you hit the gym.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: Do you have a date or something tonight? That fit is giving me serious main character vibes.
Hits Different
What it means: If something hits different, that means it’s way better than usual.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: Hot coffee on a rainy day just hits different.
Low-Key
What it means: Low-key means to downplay something, while high-key has the opposite effect.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: He might ask me to homecoming, and I’m low-key freaking out.
Mid
What it means: Just OK. Nothing special.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I really expected the “Euphoria” finale to be mind-blowing, but it was pretty mid.
Simp
What it means: A simp is a derogatory Gen Z term used for someone who’s acting desperate for attention or affection. If someone is constantly doing favors and giving over-the-top compliments, even when their actions aren’t reciprocated, they might be dubbed a simp.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I don’t know why everyone’s simping over him. He’s not that attractive.
Situationship
What it means: No one wants to be in a situationship, and yet most of us have been in one before. It’s when you’re not officially with someone, but you’re not exactly single either. It’s like how we used to put “it’s complicated” as our relationship status on Facebook. Is it really, though?
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I’m trying to turn our situationship into something more.
Slaps
What it means: If something slaps, it’s good. Really, really good. It’s most often used in reference to music.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I didn’t expect it, but the beat on Sam Smith’s new single slaps.
Snatched
What it means: Looking your best. Amazing outfit, stylish, feelin’ yourself. Snatched. It originated in the Black drag community in reference to the unique styles of drag queens.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: Bestie, who you tryna impress? That outfit is snatched tonight.
Stan
What it means: Combine the words stalker and fan, and you get stan. Stan can be used as a noun or a verb, usually describing a super fan who’s a little obsessed, but not to a creepy degree.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I don’t care if Jennifer Lawrence is a mom now. I’ll be stanning for her until the end of time.
Sus
What it means: We bet you can get this one. It’s short for suspicious, used to describe anything that seems slightly off.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: You’ve been acting pretty sus lately. What’s up?
Zaddy
What it means: An attractive man, usually older than the person using the word. He’s charming, confident, stylish and put together.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: I don’t know what happened, but Steve Carell has kind of turned into a zaddy.
Zillennial
What it means: A Zillennial is someone born on the cusp of the generational cut-off between Millennials and Gen Z. No one’s quite clear on what birth years count as Zillennial territory, but 1992 to 2000 seems to be the consensus.
Gen Z Slang in a sentence: As a Zillennial, I hate skinny jeans, but I will flee the planet if Gen Z brings back low rise.
