Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang moves fast, and a lot of it starts on TikTok, Twitch and YouTube before showing up at the dinner table. If you have heard someone say a meal is bussin, a movie is mid or their little brother has no rizz, this guide explains what those words mean in plain English. Open any term for the full entry, with examples and where the word came from.

Praise and approval

• ate: did something extremely well.
• left no crumbs: did it so perfectly there is nothing to criticize.
• slay: to do something brilliantly, or look amazing.
• bussin: really good, especially food.
• it’s giving: it has a certain vibe, or on its own, it looks great.

Truth, lies and judgment

• no cap: no lie, for real.
• cap: a lie, or to lie.
• sus: suspicious or a little off.
• mid: mediocre, just average.
• delulu: delusional, usually jokingly about a crush or a dream.

Attraction and charm

• rizz: charm, the ability to attract someone. Oxford’s 2023 Word of the Year.
• gyatt: a stunned reaction to someone very attractive. Crude.

Memes kids are repeating

• skibidi: a nonsense word from the YouTube series Skibidi Toilet.
• fanum tax: taking a bite of someone else’s food.
• mewing: a jawline posture trend, and a gesture for dodging questions.
• yeet: to throw something hard, or a shout of excitement.
• brain rot: the mushy-brain feeling from too much low-quality content. Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year.

More praise

• goated: the best, top tier.
• slaps: really good, especially a song.
• sheesh: a drawn-out “wow” for something impressive.
• lit: exciting or fun; older meaning, drunk.
• W: a win.
• let him cook: let someone keep going, they’re on a roll.

Everyday replies and emphasis

• bet: okay, deal.
• say less: I’m in, no need to convince me.
• deadass: seriously, for real.
• periodt: end of discussion.
• low-key: a little, or secretly.
• high-key: totally, openly.
• bruh: an exclamation of disbelief.

Attitude, drama and judgment

• based: boldly yourself, admirably unbothered.
• cringe: embarrassing to watch.
• L: a loss; “take the L” means accept defeat.
• extra: over the top.
• shook: shocked or rattled.
• salty: bitter or resentful.
• savage: boldly brutal, like a harsh but brilliant comeback.
• flex: to show off.

People and personalities

• rizzler: someone with a lot of rizz.
• sigma: a self-styled lone wolf, or for kids, just “cool.”
• bestie: best friend, or a cheeky nickname for anyone.

Vibes and reactions

• vibe: the feel of a person, place or moment, or (as a verb) to relax and enjoy it.
• vibe check: a quick read on someone’s mood or attitude.
• mood: “same,” or “that’s exactly how I feel.”
• dead: laughing so hard you can’t breathe. Not literal.
• fire: really good.
• drip: a stylish outfit, or style in general.

Gossip and receipts

• tea: gossip, or the real story behind something.
• spill the tea: tell me the gossip.
• shade: a quiet, sideways insult.
• receipts: proof, usually screenshots.
• gatekeep: keeping a good thing to yourself so it doesn’t get popular.
• gaslight: making someone doubt their own memory. Online it’s also used as a joke.

Newer words (2024–2025)

• aura: cool factor; “+1000 aura” is the joke scoring system.
• glazing: praising someone way too much.
• crash out: to lose control and snap.
• chopped: ugly or unattractive.
• lore: someone’s personal backstory.

Looks and style

• snatched: looking flawless and put together.
• It girl: the stylish woman everyone is watching.
• slay queen: praise in the US, an insult in Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.
• basic: unoriginal, with mainstream tastes.

Attitude and reactions

• girlboss: an ambitious businesswoman, now often said sarcastically.
• yikes: a wince at something awkward or alarming.
• full send: going all-in, no hesitation.

2010s classics that stuck around

• bae: a pet name for a partner. (No, it doesn’t stand for “before anyone else.”)
• on fleek: perfectly done, thanks to one famous 2014 Vine about eyebrows.
• YOLO: you only live once, now mostly said with irony.
• boujee: fancy or a bit pretentious. Also spelled bougie.
• clout: fame or influence online. Clout chasers want it badly.
• glow up: a big change for the better.
• OG: the original, someone who was there first.
• thicc: curvy or full-figured, or a chubby pet.

Everyday words with a slang twist

• finna: about to, from “fixing to.”
• pressed: upset or bothered, often over nothing.
• valid: fair, understandable or cool.
• side-eye: a sideways look of suspicion or judgment.

A note for parents

Most of these words are harmless, and kids often repeat them without knowing the meaning, which is part of the joke. A few, like gyatt, are crude, and each entry says when a word can be rude or offensive. If a word is new to you, the quickest way to keep up is to look it up and ask about it with curiosity rather than alarm.

We add new entries to this page as they are published.