Read on to learn all about Gen Z slang. Roughly speaking, Generation Z encompasses anyone born in the late nineties. And like all generations, Gen Z-ers have their own slang and lingo that can sometimes sound like a totally different language.
Generation Z slang differs significantly from slang terminology of prior generations in history in that Gen Z was the first generation to grow up entirely within the internet age. Due to this, much of their slang originates from online media such as social media apps like TikTok, YouTube, or Twitch.
According Letters Lover, which analyzed the popularity of slang terms based on user votes on Urban Dictionary, "sleeping on" was the most popular Gen-Z slang term among users, with 93.9% of votes being positive.
They use traditional words (with brand new meanings) to describe the excitement, community, culture, an inside joke, and things unique to their age group. Gen Z ers are the ones setting mainstream trends, but they're super low-key about it.
Meaning: Fam is used the way our generation may have used “bro.” This term is used for your closest of friends. Example: “So glad you are part of my fam.” Where it came from: It's a derivative from the word family.
Cringy. For once this actually does mean what the root word implies, but Gen Z kids these days use it to describe anything that's embarrassing or try-hard. The Gen Z spelling has no time for that extra 'e' in cringey.
2. LOL- Leave out the laughs: According to Gen Z, no one says lol without it being sarcastic any more. “We use 'lmao' even though it isn't very appropriate,” said university student Sheza Saleem. “Lol is a very outdated thing to say.” According to 16-year-old Annie T., certain chat usages also depend on the culture.
Gen Z Americans have increasingly slipped into using a British accent in a number of situations, and some have pointed to a new cross-culture pollination of television shows.
Characteristics of Generation Z
They're money-driven and ambitious. They love to travel. They're prone to anxiety. They're known to set boundaries.
Situationship
So, situationship is basically a romantic relationship that exists but remains undefined. So, think of a casual and commitment-free relationship that you know would never be more than that. Talk about DTR!
Instead, Gen Z'ers are taking on a more casual and carefree approach to ending an email. That means that traditional closers of "Sincerely," "Thanks," "Warm regards" and "Best wishes" are out of the question. Instead, they are using closers like "Yours unfaithfully," "Bless up" or "Cold regards," to name just a few.
The term “rizz” is used online to describe someone's suave seduction skills and their ability to to attract someone.
Words We're Watching: 'Zoomer' Zoomer is used to refer to members of Generation Z, or people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The term is modeled on boomer, a common shortening of baby boomer, and earlier use of zoomer referred to physically active baby boomers.
Gen Zers are known for working, shopping, dating, and making friends online; in Asia, Gen Zers spend six or more hours per day on their phones. Digital natives often turn to the internet when looking for any kind of information, including news and reviews prior to making a purchase.
Lowkey – way of saying that you did or like something on the down low, hinting at embarrassment if you were to openly admit this. Tea – gossip.
Sus, lit, fire: Translating Gen Z's most-used office slang.
In addition, 34% of Gen Z say they are worried about the future, and 24% are concerned about a lack of learning and jobs. This concern doesn't keep them from looking for the next opportunity however, with 48% of Gen Z and Millennials (those ages 18-35) planning to look for a new job in the next 12 months.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has little to no memory of a world without the internet, smartphones, and social media. Technology is a substantial part of their life. Being continually connected can also result in self-esteem issues and feeling pressure to conform.
Gen Z kids are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts than their older counterparts. This is largely due to the excessive amounts of time they spend on social media, which can lead to feeling isolated, inadequate, and overwhelmed.
The Time article used birth dates of 1923 to 1933 for the generation, but the term somehow migrated to the later years currently in use. A reason later proposed for this perceived silence is that as young adults during the McCarthy Era, many members of the Silent Generation felt it was unwise to speak out.
Bet: Bet is a way of saying “yes” or “OK” or “it's on.”
According to Forbes, they are the “most extroverted generation.”
Millennials may be more likely to use a face with tears of joy emoji ? or the upside-down face emoji ? to indicate their own silliness. For Gen Z, this is the emoji that indicates that you're being goofy, dorky, partying, or just in a really weird mood.
Key Takeaways. Google Search is the go-to news discovery platform for U.S. adults, but that's less the case for Gen Z, which prefers TikTok and Instagram more than older generations.
New research from talent management company Cangrade has looked at workplace happiness generation by generation. And a survey of 600 individuals found that Gen Z is the most unhappy generation at work. Just 59% of Gen Z workers are happy, compared to 69% for Baby Boomers and 76% for Millennials and Gen X.