How to Decode the 30 Most Common Gen Z Slang Words
Updated: Jan. 05, 2023This list hits different, fam.
What’s Gen Z saying?
Have you ever heard a group of Gen Z-ers talking and thought, “Wait, what does that word even mean?” If so, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Just like the generations before them, Gen Z uses specific slang words when communicating (some of those slang words are now new words in the dictionary). If you aren’t in that generation, though, it can be tough to figure out what those words actually mean. You may know the origins of popular slang words, but Gen Z slang may be a whole new ballpark for you. No worries—we’ve decoded some of the most common Gen Z slang terms to keep you in the know.
Basic
Meaning: A word to describe someone who likes mainstream things and is considered unoriginal.
Example: “His taste in music is pretty basic.”
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Bet
Meaning: A term for agreement or approval.
Example: “Are we still on for Saturday night?” “Bet.”
Canceled
Meaning: To stop supporting something or someone by doing a number of things, including boycotting their work, products, or unfollowing on social media.
Example: “I can’t believe that company was caught dumping waste in the river—it’s canceled.”
Drag
Meaning: To criticize or make fun of something. Many people equate dragging someone to roasting someone.
Example: “Why are you dragging me so hard today?”
RELATED: 15 Slang Words You Didn’t Know Were in the Dictionary
Finesse
Meaning: The act of getting what you want by tricking or manipulating someone.
Example: “I finessed my co-worker into covering my shifts next week.”
High key
Meaning: The opposite of “low key;” commonly used when you want to emphasize something. Synonyms include “really” and “very.”
Example: “I high-key love those shoes.”
Hits different
Meaning: Used to describe something that stands out from the rest or makes you feel different compared to other things.
Example: “My mom’s cooking just hits different.”
Main character
Meaning: A phrase used to describe someone who seems to naturally have charismatic energy that draws people in. Someone described as a “main character” tends to be well-liked, confident, and knows they’re in control of their life. If a movie were to be made, they’d be the main character.
Example: “Debbie’s definitely the main character in this group.”
Periodt
Meaning: A more intense version of “period,” meant to add emphasis to the point being made.
Example: “This is the best song I’ve ever heard—periodt.”
Pressed
Meaning: Being mad or upset about something.
Example: “Why are you so pressed about what they said?”
RELATED: How Many of These 13 Old-School Slang Words Do You Know?
Sis
Meaning: A shortened version of “sister” typically used as an affectionate greeting for a close friend.
Example: “Sis, it’s been too long! How are you?”
Snack
Meaning: A term to describe someone you think is good-looking.
Example: “They’re looking like a snack today.”
RELATED: 10 Funny Vintage Slang Words People Should Start Using Again
Sus
Meaning: Short for “suspicious.” It typically means something is not as it may seem.
Example: “That story is sus.”
Tea
Meaning: Another word for gossip.
Example: “Sit down—I have some tea to spill.”
RELATED: These 17 “Modern” Words Are Much Older Than You Thought
Wig
Meaning: An expression used when something completely blows you away. It would refer to the fact that, if you had a wig on, what happened would cause so much shock and admiration that it would fly off your head.
Example: “Did you see that concert?! Wig!”
Next, find out what does the word “literally” mean.
Yeet
Meaning: So this one technically has two meanings. One is a word that’s essentially an exclamation of approval or excitement. The other is to describe a powerful throw.
Example 1: “He yeeted the football 30 yards!”
Example 2: “Did you see that throw? Yeet!”
Now that you know what these common Gen Z slang words mean, expand your vocabulary further by checking out these funny words you probably didn’t know existed.
