Every generation has been privy to its own secret code, its own slang. However, with the advent of the internet, platforms and sites like Urban Dictionary and TikTok facilitate the spread of slang in an entirely new way, as words and phrases spread like wildfire – or, honestly, a whole lot faster.
Here are 20 of the most commonly used phrases by Gen Z.
Cap: A synonym for “lie.”
Example: He ate five burgers in one sitting, no cap.
Sheesh: Used to hype someone or something up. Synonymous with damn.
Example: Person A: He ate five burgers in one sitting, no cap.
Person B: Sheesh!
Ice: Formerly bling, used to discuss fancy jewelry, and specifically, diamonds. Originated from a trend on TikTok.
Example: I tested this ring with a diamond tester. It’s ice.
Bussin: Something that’s extremely great.
Example: The pie was bussin.
Clap: To slap someone.
Example: Do you want to get clapped?
Basic: Someone whose tastes go as deep as the mainstream, regarded as unoriginal.
Example: Your sense of style is so basic.
Drip: A good sense of style.
Example: He has an iconic drip.
Hits different: Something that’s unique or extraordinary.
Example: This pizza just hits different.
Slap: Denotes that something is particularly good, generally used for music.
Example: This song slaps.
Stan: A die-hard fan of someone or something. Generally regarded as derogatory, it was popularized by the Eminem song of the same name.
Example: You’re such an Eminem stan.
Tea: Gossip.
Example: Person A: Do you know what happened at school today?
Person B: Spill the tea.
Sus: Short for suspicious. Popularized by the video game, Among Us.
Example: He is very sus.
Vibe: The “aura” emitted by someone which changes the mood of the room.
Example: You give me positive vibes.
Yeet: Used to express excitement when doing something, usually something physical.
Example: I yeeted the basketball across the court right before halftime.
Pressed: Being mad or upset about something.
Example: Don’t be pressed about what they said.
I’m dead: Used to describe something being extremely funny; suggesting that the speaker died of laughter.
Example: Your stand-up comedy is so funny, I’m dead.
Fam: Short for family, used for one’s tight inner circle of friends.
Example: Don’t worry fam, I got you.
Bet: Denotes agreement or approval.
Example: Person A: Let’s go to Taikoo Li.
Person B: A’ight bet.
Canceled: To disassociate from someone famous on a massive scale.
Example: I can’t believe Nestlé did so many horrible things, they are canceled.
Simp: Used for a person who publicly pours their heart out for someone else online, especially if the feeling is not mutual or reciprocated.
Example: Why is he donating so much money to that streamer? He’s such a simp.
Cheugy: A millennial who tries too hard to capitalize on trends.
Example: Did you see that older girl trying to do that TikTok dance? She’s so cheugy.
This article appeared in the jingkids 2021 July-August issue
