Slang Time: "Ghosting" and 14 More Gen Z Slangs

Blog

May 3, 2022

By Sarah Angela Almaden

Unsplash: Kevin Gil Musñgi

Isn’t it fascinating how there are so many words out there, yet there’s only one Wordle of the day and you have to guess that specific word in the span of six tries? Good thing the choices are narrowed down to a five-letter word. Still, the game is intense and can feel uncertain because you don’t know whether or not your first guess would bring you luck on this daily word guessing game.

Wordle would be impossible without words. Words are so interesting and they are always evolving, just like slang. Slang terms are always springing up left and right, moving from one corner to the next with the click of a button. Click. Click. Boom.

And then, you’re left confused and wondering …what does that phrase mean? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one asking this question. So just take a deep breath and ask away. I mean it is better to ask and find out what the Gen Z slang means than be left in the dark. Plus, you clearly shouldn’t be agreeing to something you don’t know in the first place, because that is very uncool.

If you’re ready to learn what the cool kids are saying and posting these days, try mastering these trending zoomer expressions. Periodt.

1. Fam

A short term for “family” and a way to describe your close friends; another way to say “bro.”

Sentence – Don’t worry about it. I got you fam.

Cartoon characters welcoming the new year by playing music

Giphy / Saturday Night Live

2. Cancel culture

It refers to the way of shaming and canceling support of public figures, organizations, or companies after doing something offensive.

Sentence – That famous influencer is blaming cancel culture for losing a million followers after one week.

Giphy / Nickelodeon

3. Stan

An obsessive and overly enthusiastic fan but not in a creepy way; “Stalker” + “fan” = stan.

Sentence – We stan Lindsay Lohan and we can’t wait to hear her voice on Amazon Prime’s dating series.

Giphy / MTV Brasil

4. Ghosting

It is the act of someone suddenly cutting off all communication without notice or any explanation.

Sentence – Oh no, is he actually ghosting you after talking for three months?

Giphy / The Righteous Gemstones

5. No cap

It means no lie.

Sentence – No cap, but that message looks sus.

Giphy / Paulana

6. Simp

A way to describe someone who is desperately doing too much to impress the person they like

Sentence – Do you think Ben from 90 Days is simping Mahogany?

Giphy / TLC

7. Woke

Someone who is aware of what’s really going on about important political issues and sensitive social topics.

Sentence – That remake was great but some parts were a bit cringe because the characters seem like they were trying to be woke.

Giphy / Grown-ish

8. Tea

A very good and juicy gossip.

Sentence – Okay, here’s the tea. Are you ready?

Giphy / Real Housewives of Atlanta

9. Vibe check

A random way to check someone’s vibe (emotional, physical, and mental state).

Sentence – Uh oh, I don’t think Tom is passing the vibe check right now.

Giphy / KUWTK

10. Smol

A cuter way to say small.

Sentence – OMG! That piece of cake is so smol.

Giphy

11. Heather

The perfect girl that everyone likes and wants to be.

Sentence – She’s a total Heather! I love and adore her.

12. TFW

TFW = That Feeling or Feel When; an expression used to describe when an idea or situation is something people can relate to.

Sentence – TFW you’re about to go to sleep but then you remember you haven’t replied to his message because you’re trying to act busy.

Giphy / CBS

13. Lewk

A signature outfit.

Sentence – Kate Bush’s red outfit from the “Wuthering Heights” music video is always a lewk.

14. TFW

Another word for a flashy and expensive car.

Sentence – She got a new whip for her birthday and I think it’s a custom Jeep.