Language is always evolving, but Gen Z has taken it to a whole new level. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, this generation is known for its creativity, speed, and online fluency. From TikTok to group chats, Gen Z slang has spread like wildfire—and if you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
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| 20+ Gen Z Slang Words You Need to Know in 2025 |
Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a millennial trying to keep up, or just someone curious about modern lingo, here are 20+ Gen Z slang terms you’ll probably hear in 2025 (and what they actually mean).
1. Rizz
Meaning: Short for “charisma,” it refers to someone’s ability to charm or flirt.
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“He’s got mad rizz—everyone falls for him.”
2. Delulu
Meaning: Short for “delusional,” usually used playfully to describe unrealistic optimism.
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“I’m delulu for thinking my situationship is going somewhere.”
3. No Cap
Meaning: No lie, for real.
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“That movie was the best I’ve seen all year, no cap.”
4. Slay
Meaning: To dominate or do something exceptionally well (often fashion or confidence-related).
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“She slayed that presentation.”
5. Bet
Meaning: Agreement or confirmation, like saying “OK” or “watch me.”
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“You think I won’t do it?” “Bet.”
6. It’s Giving
Meaning: Describes the vibe something gives off.
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“That dress? It’s giving rich auntie at brunch.”
7. Mid
Meaning: Mediocre, not great.
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“That new album? Mid.”
8. Sus
Meaning: Suspicious or sketchy.
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“He’s being kinda sus about where he went last night.”
9. Touch Grass
Meaning: A humorous way to tell someone to log off or go outside and get real-world perspective.
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“You’ve been on Reddit for 6 hours. Go touch grass.”
10. Gyatt
Meaning: Slang version of “gosh” or “god,” often used to react to someone attractive.
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“Gyatt! Did you see her walk by?”
11. Main Character Energy
Meaning: Someone acting confidently or being the center of attention in a good way.
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“You walking in late with Starbucks? Main character energy.”
12. Side Eye
Meaning: A subtle expression of judgment or disbelief.
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“She said pineapple belongs on pizza, and I gave her the side eye.”
13. NPC
Meaning: Non-player character; used to describe someone who seems basic, robotic, or lacking originality.
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“He just repeats TikTok trends like an NPC.”
14. Skibidi
Meaning: A nonsense catchphrase that went viral on TikTok (often paired with “Sigma face”), now used to joke about weird or chaotic behavior.
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“That guy dancing in the aisle? Straight-up Skibidi behavior.”
15. Corecore
Meaning: A mash-up of aesthetics, often surreal or emotionally charged edits online.
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“This video is pure corecore—no words, just vibes.”
16. Goated
Meaning: Greatest of All Time (GOAT); used to describe something legendary.
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“Kendrick’s verse? Goated.”
17. W
Meaning: Win. Used to celebrate success or something cool.
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“You got that promotion? That’s a W.”
18. L
Meaning: Loss. The opposite of a W.
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“Forgetting your charger before a long trip? Big L.”
19. Ratio
Meaning: When a reply to a tweet or post gets more likes than the original—used more broadly to signal a clapback or failure.
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“That take was so bad, you got ratioed instantly.”
20. Iykyk
Meaning: “If you know, you know.” Used to reference niche experiences or inside jokes.
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“That feeling when you finish finals and just stare at the wall… iykyk.”
21. Snatched
Meaning: Perfectly styled or on-point, often related to fashion or appearance.
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“That contour is snatched.”
22. Simp
Meaning: Someone who does too much for someone they like—can be playful or critical.
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“He drove her to work at 6am again? Simp behavior.”
Honorable Mentions:
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Bussin: Really good (usually about food).
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Cheugy: Out of style or trying too hard (mostly used ironically now).
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Hot Take: An unpopular or controversial opinion.
Final Thoughts
Slang is more than just trendy words—it reflects how a generation communicates, jokes, and builds identity. While some of these terms might fade, others will likely evolve into everyday language. So next time you hear someone say, “No cap, that mid show was giving delulu energy,” you’ll know exactly what’s going on.
Want more Gen Z lingo updates? Drop your fav slang word in the comments 👇 or let us know which one made you feel personally attacked.
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