This IS it, chief: 79 Gen Z slang phrases you need to know

If there's one thing I'll never not find hilarious (and rather cringe-worthy), it's parents attempting to understand the bizarre language of Millennials and Gen Zs.

I mean, I guess they can't really be blamed for getting it wrong, there are new words popping up practically every time you blink. Thankfully, our list should help get you a bit more up-to-date with what the kids are saying these days.

Congratulations if you know some of the phrases and words listed, and if you think there are ones missing, chances are, nobody's saying it anymore (sorry). 

Then again, I don't claim to know it all here either (who does, really?) so let's all marvel at this list together. 

What slang words are your kids using? Want to use some of these words and phrases on our list on your kids and tell/show us screen shots of how they react? We could publish your responses! We'll blur out all names in screen shots, and do let us know if you'd like your letter to remain anonymous. Oh, and don't forget to send us the slang words you used when you were at school. 

What the kids are saying these days:

@ me next time 

This term originated on Twitter, where you could "subtweet" someone, that is, talk about them indirectly. Telling someone to "@" you is telling them to stop being shady and talk to you directly if there's an issue, instead of behind your back. Even though it refers to online interaction, people use it in real life too. 

It is said more jokingly these days, though.

For example: If you say, "Someone in this house doesn't wash up properly," your child could say "@ me next time, Mom."

A whole meal

If someone is looking good, they're "a whole meal". This phrase does have somewhat of a sexual connotation, so don't go throwing it around.

Basic

If someone is regular, boring or does typical things, they are "basic".

Bop/Banger

If a song is really good or enjoyable, it's a "bop" or a "banger".

Boujee 

Someone who enjoys the lavish and extravagant things in life.

For example: Did you see her Gucci fanny pack?"

"Yeah, she's so boujee."

Cancelled

If someone does something the internet deems "problematic", they are "cancelled".

For example: "Did you see what R Kelly did to those women?"

"Yes, he's definitely cancelled!"

Clapback

A response to being "called out", confronted or insulted. Getting back at someone. 

Clapbacks are supposed to be smart and witty responses that "burns" your opponent.  

Clout

In social media context, "clout" means having a great social influence or following, being popular or being favoured in certain situations because of your social media or general social presence.

Creps

Sneakers.

Dank

When something is of high quality.  

For example: "Did you see those dank memes I sent you?"

Deadass

For real/definitely/seriously/I agree.

Example 1: "This song is such a bop!"

"Deadass!"

Example 2: "I won a car!"

"Deadass?"

Also see: What your children really think about your WhatsApp chain messages, videos and memes

Doggo/Pupper 

A Millennial/Gen Z way of saying "dog" and "puppy".

Doing the most 

Being a bit too much, looking for attention; someone who is trying a bit too hard to impress others.

Going the extra mile but making yourself look silly in the process. 

Drag

"Roast" or insult. Generally used in the term "drag me".

For example: "Your feet are really smelly."

"Wow, drag me." 

Drip

An outfit; usually refers to a really good one.

For example, if you saw an outfit you really like, you'd say "drip".

Drip also refers to being "dripped" in expensive jewellery and diamonds. 

Dzaddy

...please don't make me explain this one.

"Dzaddy" (oftentimes said without the "z", sadly) refers to an attractive man.

For example: "Did you see how good he looks today?"

"Yeah, what a dzaddy!" 

Extra

Someone who is out there, extravagant and loves taking things to a whole new level of flamboyance. 

For example: "Did you see she was wearing a sequin neon top to gym?" 

"Yeah she's so extra."

F***boi

A womaniser, player; someone who uses women for sexual pleasure, slut-shames them and has minimal respect for them, if any. Just an overall piece of [retracted].

Finesse

When someone is crafty and witty and can impressively manipulate situations to work out in their favour. They are too slick and smooth with it.

For example: "I went into the interview with no skill but finessed it and got the job."

Finna

I feel like doing... I am going to do. 

Example 1: "I'm finna get some food" (I feel like getting some food).

Example 2: "I'm finna ace this test" (I am going to ace this test).

Fire

Something that is cool or hot (ironically).

For example: "Those creps are fire."

"You're looking so fire today."

Fit

'Fit, as in outfit.

For example: "That fit is fire!"

Flex

Show off your possessions; may not necessarily be overt though. For example, you could be wearing something that's rather expensive and someone could say, "You're flexing today" even though you didn't intend to. It's all relative.

"Flex on your ex" is another popular term the kids like to use, meaning that you're showing your ex you're doing better since the break-up. 

You don't necessary have to flex with tangible things though, you can flex with knowledge and wisdom too, for instance.  

G

A term of endearment you'd use with a friend or acquaintance. 

For example: "What's up my G?"

"G" is short for "gangster" or "gangsta" (you know).

G.O.A.T. 

Greatest Of All Time.

For example: "It's a shame Mac Miller passed."

"Yeah, he was the GOAT."

Ghosting

Ignoring someone or not replying to their texts, usually after a period of texting, seeing, or talking to them consistently. Someone usually ghosts you if they are not, or no longer, interested in you for whatever reason it may be.

For example: "Has Alex replied to your texts yet?"

"No, I think he's ghosting me."

Glo up

A transition in which one looks better than they did before; usually over a longer period of time.

For example: "You look so weird here."

"That was before my glo up!"

Go off

Encouraging someone to keep going when they are saying something valid and important, usually in a quarrel.

Generally said as, "Go off, sis!"

The term could also be said sarcastically when you feel someone is spewing false information and you correct them and end with "but go off, I guess..."

For example: "Climate change isn't even that important, it's all a social construct."

"Climate change is real and important, but go off I guess."

Guap [gwop]

Money, lots of it.

Gucci

Somehow the Italian luxury fashion brand became a new way of saying "good" or "it's all good".

For example: "Is that fine with you?"

"Yeah man, it's Gucci." 

Hangry

Hungry + angry= hangry. 

The anger is usually a result of the hunger.

"Horngry" is another popular term, but I'm going to let you figure that one out for yourself. 

Hard

When something is really cool.

For example: "Have you seen his new shoes?"

"Yeah those are hard!"

Headass

When something is annoyingly mushy, cringe-worthy or borderline dumb, it's "headass". 

For example: "Did you see he posted another 'anniversary' picture for their third month together?"

"That's so headass."

If you really want to blow people's minds, use the term "deadass headass".

Hectic

Not a new addition to the list, this South Africanism has been around for a while. This word can be substituted for pretty much every reaction word, ever. 

Example 1: "My phone got stolen."

"Hectic."

Example 2: "I just picked up a R200."

"Hectic."

Example 3: "My cat just died."

"Hectic."

Hella

Many, lots of.

For example: "Did you see Nike sent him some free creps?"

"Yeah, he's got hella clout."

Also see: WATCH: How well do you know the kids' Top 40 hits?

Highkey

The opposite of lowkey. Being open, sure and overt about something. Emphasising something. 

For example: "I highkey want to go to the beach today."

Hype

Making a big deal about something, "hype it up."

Showing disapproval towards something that many people find good but you don't. The disapproval usually stems from the fact that people are showing a liking towards something for the wrong reasons such as social assimilation, popularity or "clout".

For example: "Did you hear his new album, it's hard!"

"Nah it's just hype."

The term also refers to excitement, "I'm so hype for this new song!" 

Hypebeast

A hypebeast is someone who only likes things that are "hyped" or super popular. They go with the wave and oftentimes lack individuality.

Certain clothing brands are also considered "hypebeast" brands.

For example: "Did you see his new Supreme shirt?"

"Yeah, what a hypebeast."

L

Loss, or losing at something. When you do something dumb, it's an "L".

Usually said as "Catch this L" or "take the L".

The opposite of "L" is "W" (win), to which you "take the dub".

Left me on read

When someone just reads your text and doesn't respond to you, they "left you on read."

Let's get this bread

A motivational phrase that refers to the "grind" and working hard to obtain the "bread", that is money, success.

Lit