Slang Time: Decoding 15 Gen Z English Slang Words

Let’s talk about Gen Z or Generation Z! Gen Z refers to the generation of people born between 1997 to 2012. Although, some sources say that Gen Z are people born between 1995-2010. However, one thing in common for this generation is that they are the generation after Millennials.

Gen Z, also known as Zoomers, is the social generation. This group is born and raised under the influence of social media. They are digital natives. They are growing up having access to various social media platforms. You name it, they know it.

This generation of youth values individual expression. They like to have fun. At the same time, they’re aware of their surroundings – emotionally, physically, and mentally. And they’re not afraid to make this world a bit more colorful, particularly with their creation of fun expressions aka Gen Z Slangs.

Now on Slang Time, we'll go over 15 English Slangs to help you understand what people are saying.

1. Basic

Used to describe someone who enjoys conventional and mainstream items or someone who is "unoriginal." This word has a negative connotation most of the time.

Sentence – Her fashion choice is pretty basic.

2. Mood

Expresses how you feel in a given situation, but it can also be used to describe something that you find relatable.

Sentence – Adele’s album is a total mood, don’t you think?

3. Bop

A song or album that is very catchy.

Sentence – Okay, the Foo Fighters’ new song Love Dies Young is such a bop!

4. Karen

A middle-aged white woman who is always complaining about something and acts very entitled. A Karen is often racist and condescending to other people around her.

Sentence – Yikes, that Karen just made a huge scene at Trader Joe’s.

5. Cheugy

Cheugy is pronounced as chew-gee. This word became popular on TikTok describing someone who is untrendy or uncool and refers to someone who is trying too hard. (I hate to break it to you, but if you're obsessed with wearing skinny jeans, anything rose gold, and using the phrase "girl boss," then you might be considered a cheugy.)

Sentence – Sorry not sorry, but those skinny jeans are cheugy.

6. Finesse

Getting something you want from tricking or manipulating someone.

Sentence – I need to finesse my way to join the group.

7. Glow up

To go through a positive transformation be it physical, mental, or emotional.

Sentence – Mia Thermopolis glowed up like the true Queen that she is!

8. Highkey

A modifier that means “very,” “intensely,” and “extremely.” The term is used to emphasize and draw attention to a situation.

Sentence – I’m highkey stressed right now.

9. Periodt

A more intense version of the expression “period.” This term is used more of like an exclamation, emphasizing a point being made. You can say periodt at the end of a sentence.

Sentence – You’re so over him, PERIODT!

10. Pressed

Being mad or upset about something.

Sentence – Lilo is pressed with Stitch ruining her homework.

11. Slaps

The word is used to express something cool, awesome, great, or fantastic. This term is typically used to describe a piece of music.

Sentence – This collaboration slaps!

12. Snack

A person you find very attractive.

Sentence – Harry Styles is a snack *heart eyes emoji*.

13. Sus

Sus is short for the word suspicious. When someone or something just doesn't feel right and you just can’t pinpoint why you’re feeling that way.

Sentence – Why do they always leave after mentioning his name? Very sus.

14. Shook

Feeling of surprise or shock, and can either be a positive or negative thing, depending on the context. Another form of shook is shooketh.

Sentence – I’m shook, why did they break up?!

15. Yeet

Yeet has two meanings. One is to show approval, agreement, or excitement. The other is to describe an intense and powerful throw.

Sentence – Yeet!

Sentence – My sister just yeeted the paper ball ten feet away.