Lost in translation? Here's the ultimate Gen Z slang dictionary

Think you’re still capable of hanging with the younger generations, or are you a beige flag? Every generation has its own added words or slang that kind of set them apart from the rest.

If words like Ate, Basic, Bet, and Cap are straightforward with no alternate meaning, your age may be showing. Don’t worry; you can do a quick self-study right here before getting caught in 4k. Gen Z slang is surely a hot topic, and now, you'll be in the know!

Gen Z slang in 2024

ATE – You rocked it!

No, not the past tense of Eat… Well, sort of. It’s a slang term that has grown quite popular and is used on social platforms like Instagram and TikTok. It’s a way to express your admiration or praise someone’s efforts. So, if your favourite dancer posts a clip of their latest movement, you can say, ‘You ATE!’

AMA – Ask Me Anything

Another popular term used nowadays is AMA. It’s short for Ask Me Anything and is used by most experts, celebs, and influencers who invite their audience to ask questions on specific topics or about their lives in general.

You’re BASIC – Unoriginal

Welp, let’s hope no one gives you this ‘compliment’. What appears to be a straightforward word has some alternative meaning. In essence, “basic” describes anyone who tends to follow mainstream trends and lacks their own creativity, personality, or originality.

Such a BEIGE FLAG – Neutral

You’ve heard of red and green flags. Now, get ready for the beige flag. The beige flag refers to something that gets a little giggle out of you before you proceed with your day. It’s not a deal breaker but also not exactly a deal maker. It’s kind of right there in the middle.

BFR – A response to something incredulous

BFR is an acronym used on social media that can be translated to ‘Be for Real’ or ‘Be Serious’. It’s used to respond to something that seems unreal or surprising. Using #BFR is a way to express disbelief or skepticism about something said by someone else.

Bougie – High maintenance

This word can be spelt Bougie or Boujee, depending on the person. It is used to refer to someone who acts high class or wealthy. They are known for their extra efforts in trying to be trendy and sophisticated. It’s also used as a way to refer to someone who prioritises luxury and material possessions.

Bussin’ – It’s good or delicious

Bussin’ is a slang word for something extra tasty or impressive. Some Netizens have been known to use the term to express their approval or admiration for food, music, or fashion.

Cap – That’s a lie

“Cap” refers to lying or making false statements. No Cap can be translated to ‘No Lie’. Capping is when you’re deliberately lying, and not capping means telling the truth.

Caught in 4K – You’ve been caught

This term refers to a moment caught on a high-definition camera. It's a moment that can’t be disputed as it’s clearly visible to all, with no room for argument, as actions are clearly on display for all.

Doomscrolling – Compulsive behaviour

This is a word that can be used by many nowadays. Doomscrolling refers to the action of continuously scrolling or partaking in compulsive behaviour. If you’re always exposed to news stories or bad events on your feed, it can bring forth feelings of doom and increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

ELI5 – Explain like I’m 5

This one is pretty useful, so make a note to remember. ELI5 basically means ‘Explain Like I’m 5’ and is used when you need someone to provide a simplified explanation of something complex. It asks them to state it in a way that even a 5-year-old will be able to grasp.

Era – Current interests or priorities

It is quite popular on TikTok nowadays with lots of videos carrying the caption ‘in your (x) era’. It can be used in a humorous or serious manner and indicates a phase or trend you’re connecting with.

Extra – Attention-seeking

It’s not two slices of cake or extra cream on your cappuccino. It refers to someone's excessive or dramatic behaviour when they’re being overly dramatic or involved.

Fax No Printer – Nothing but the truth

This one kind of lines up with Cap and No Cap. It’s a way to emphasise that something is the truth. Fax is a play on the word ‘Facts’.

Finsta – Fake Instagram

This is a term used among teens and young adults to describe a fake Instagram account. Their main Instagram is highly curated, highlighting their best moments and achievements. The Finsta is the unedited, more personal account.

FR – For Real?

An abbreviation for ‘For Real’ and is used to express sincerity or emphasise something.

Glow Up – Positive transformation

It refers to a transformation or evolution in your appearance, confidence, or lifestyle.

Girl Dinner – Snacking

Girls are known for their light meals at dinner time. Which often just involves snacking. And that is exactly what Girl Dinner is. A meal with tons of tiny dishes or snacks.

It’s Giving – Characterisation of a vibe

People use phrases like ‘It’s giving summer’, which essentially means it is exuding summer energy. Think sun, beach, vacation, days outdoors. It can be used in many different situations to describe a vibe.

IYKYK – If you know, you know

This is an abbreviation for the phrase “if you know, you know“. It is used to signify that something is common knowledge among a select few. If you don’t know whatever they’re talking about, you can quickly feel like an outsider.

Rizz – Charisma

Short for “charisma”, rizz is often used for someone with charm and a magnetic personality, particularly when describing romantic interest. If someone has “rizz”, they can effortlessly attract romantic or sexual attention.

Slay – Impressive

Slay is a term used to describe someone who is looking exceptionally good or has done something/performed impressively well. When somebody is “slaying”, they are doing something with confidence and style. For example, “You're slaying that outfit today!” or “You slayed in that meeting!”

These are just some of the interesting terms used by Gen Z and other younger generations in 2024. Now that you've upgraded your youth vocabulary to match the younger generations, you can try exploring the world of common phrases and discovering their surprising meaning.