Gen Z has turned everyday talk into a whole new art form. Their slang isn’t just language – it’s identity, humor, and rebellion rolled into one. If you’ve ever read a comment thread and thought, “Wait, what does rizz even mean?” – this is your ultimate Gen Z dictionary.

What is Gen Z slang, really?

Gen Z slang is the digital dialect of the internet generation – the words, abbreviations, and phrases that color every DM, TikTok caption, and group chat. It’s a living language that flips between irony and sincerity in seconds.

Think of it as a remix culture: part meme, part music, part social commentary. You’ll hear words like “bet,” “slay,” and “delulu” tossed around, but behind them sits a whole world of in-jokes and cultural references.

If you’re curious how Gen Z’s editing habits differ from older generations, check out how different generations edit. You’ll instantly see how creativity and communication evolve with each new wave.

The ultimate Gen Z slang list (A–Z)

Here’s your list of Gen Z slang – from “ate” to “zoomers.” Bookmark it, because this stuff changes faster than a TikTok trend.

A

  • Ate: When someone completely nails it. “That outfit ate – no crumbs.”

  • Am I the drama?: A self-aware way to ask if you’re the one causing the chaos (usually, yes).

B

  • Bet: Basically “okay” or “deal.” “Bet, I’ll be there at 8.”

  • Bussin’: So good it’s almost unfair. “This ramen is bussin’.”

C

  • Cap / No cap: Cap means lie, no cap means truth. “You said you met Drake? That’s cap.”

  • Caught in 4K: When someone’s busted – with proof.

D

  • Delulu: Playfully “delusional.” “She thinks he’ll text back? Delulu.”

  • Drip: Killer style or outfit. “He’s dripping in designer.”

E

  • Extra: Over-the-top or dramatic. “She brought confetti to brunch. Extra.”

F

  • Finsta: A secret Instagram account only close friends know.

  • Flex: To show off, usually with pride. “He’s flexing that new car again.”

G

  • Glow-up: A transformation, inside or out.

  • GYAT: An expression of surprise or admiration (often about looks).

H

  • Hits different: Something that just feels special. “This song hits different at 2 AM.”

I

  • IYKYK: “If you know, you know.” A wink to those in the loop.

J

  • Jit: Slang for a kid, often used playfully.

K

  • Keep it 100: Be honest. No games.

L

  • L + Ratio: When you take an “L” (loss) and get outnumbered online. Classic comment-section chaos.

M

  • Main character energy: Acting like the world is your movie. Confidence on max.

N

  • NPC: Someone acting like they’re on autopilot. “That cashier was such an NPC.”

O

  • Oof: Reaction to something cringe or awkward.

P

  • Periodt: End of discussion. “We stan confidence, periodt.”

Q

  • Quiet quitting: Doing your job – but only what’s required. Work-life balance vibes.

R

  • Rizz: Charisma or flirting skills. “He’s got no rizz at all.”

S

  • Slay: To absolutely crush it. “She slayed that look.”

  • Simp: Someone doing way too much for their crush.

T

  • Tea: Gossip or juicy truth. “Spill the tea!”

U

  • Unalive: A softer, coded way of referring to death online.

V

  • Vibe check: Testing someone’s energy. “She passed the vibe check.”

W

  • W: Shorthand for “win.” “Free coffee? That’s a W.”

X

  • XOXO, Gossip Girl: Ironic sign-off still living rent-free in Gen Z’s head.

Y

  • Yeet: To throw something with force – or pure chaos. “He yeeted his phone.”

Z

  • Zoomer: Just another way of saying “Gen Z human.”

How to come up with your own Gen Z slang ideas

Language evolves every day – and sometimes you want to get creative too. If you’re brainstorming your own slang or social captions, try Picsart’s AI Idea Generator. Just type in the vibe or topic you’re after, and it instantly spits out smart, trend-savvy ideas you can tweak for TikTok, Reels, or anywhere else you post.

The best part? It feels more like chatting with a creative friend than using a tool. No endless scrolling – just quick, spot-on inspiration made for creators.

FAQs

What are the Gen Z lingos?
They’re the slang, abbreviations, and online phrases Gen Z uses to express themselves. It’s a mix of humor, culture, and connection that changes with every trend.

What are the top 10 Gen Z words?
“Rizz,” “slay,” “bet,” “delulu,” “ate,” “tea,” “bussin’,” “vibe check,” “no cap,” and “main character energy.”

What are some Gen Z words for cool?
“Fire,” “lit,” “drippy,” and “slay” – all mean something’s impressive or stylish.

Does Gen Z still say yeet?
Oh, sometimes. It’s used less literally now – more as a vibe. “He yeeted out of there” still hits.

Wrapping it up

Gen Z slang is fast, funny, and fearless. It breaks the rules on purpose – because that’s the point. Each phrase tells you something about how this generation moves through the world: confident, ironic, and creative to the core.

So the next time someone says “ate” or “delulu,” you won’t just understand them – you’ll get them.