Gen Z Slang: 10 Must-Know Words and Their Meanings

Bytahric

Want to sound more natural in English? These 10 slang words are everywhere in 2025—on social media, in conversations, and in pop culture.

Whether you’re learning English or just want to understand what Gen Z is saying, this guide has you covered.

1. Slay

Slay - Another day another slay meme with Beyonce

Meaning: To do something extremely well; to absolutely crush it.

Origin: “Slay” literally means to kill, but in slang, it means to dominate or excel at something.

Examples:

  • “You slayed that presentation!”
  • “She slayed in that outfit.”
  • “I slayed my exam—got 98%!”

Similar: Killed It

You killed it bro meme

“Killed it” has the same meaning as slay. “You killed that performance!”

2. Ghosting

Ghosting definition - the practice of ending a relationship by suddenly withdrawing from communication

Meaning: When someone suddenly stops responding to messages and disappears from your life without explanation.

Examples:

  • “We went on three dates, then he ghosted me.”
  • “I haven’t heard from Sam in weeks—I think he’s ghosting me.”
  • “Don’t ghost people. At least send a message.”

Why it’s popular: Dating apps made ghosting common, but it happens in friendships and professional settings too.

3. Main Character Energy

Main Character Energy graphic with crown

Meaning: Acting like you’re the protagonist of your own movie—confident, bold, and living life dramatically.

Examples:

  • “She walked in with total main character energy.”
  • “I’m giving main character energy today—nothing can stop me.”
  • “That sunset walk? Pure main character vibes.”

4. Rizz

Must be rizz - guy with confident expression

Meaning: Charisma, especially the ability to attract romantic partners. Short for “charisma.”

Origin: Popularized by YouTuber Kai Cenat.

Examples:

  • “He’s got rizz—he can talk to anyone.”
  • “Unspoken rizz” = attracting people without even trying
  • “W rizz” = successful flirting (W = win)

5. Lowkey / Highkey

Low key yeah - MTV clip

Meaning:

  • Lowkey = Somewhat, secretly, kind of
  • Highkey = Very, obviously, definitely

Examples:

  • “I’m lowkey stressed about the interview.” (a little stressed)
  • “I’m highkey obsessed with this song.” (very obsessed)
  • “Lowkey, I want to leave this party.”

6. Yeet

YEET in colorful letters

Meaning: To throw something with force. Also used as an exclamation of excitement.

Origin: Went viral from a 2014 Vine video.

Examples:

  • “He yeeted the ball across the field.”
  • “YEET!” (shouted when throwing something)
  • “I’m gonna yeet myself out of this situation.”

7. Bussin’

Karaoke was bussin last night - anime style illustration

Meaning: Really good, especially when describing food. Can apply to anything excellent.

Examples:

  • “This pizza is bussin’!”
  • “That party was bussin’.”
  • “Her playlist is bussin’.”

8. Touch Grass

Touch grass meme - guy literally touching grass outside

Meaning: Go outside and experience the real world. Usually said to someone spending too much time online.

Examples:

  • “You’ve been gaming for 12 hours—go touch grass.”
  • “Some people on Twitter need to touch grass.”
  • “I touched grass today and it was nice, actually.”

9. No Cap

Meaning: “No lie” or “I’m being completely serious.” Cap = lie, so No Cap = no lie.

Examples:

  • “That was the best pizza I’ve ever had, no cap.”
  • “No cap, I studied for 8 hours yesterday.”
  • “Are you capping?” (Are you lying?)

10. Vibe / Vibes

Meaning: The feeling or atmosphere of a place, person, or situation.

Examples:

  • “This café has great vibes.”
  • “I’m not getting good vibes from this situation.”
  • “We’re just vibing.” (relaxing, enjoying the moment)

Related: “Vibe check” = assessing someone’s mood or a situation’s energy.

Bonus Slang Terms

  • GOAT – Greatest Of All Time
  • Fire – Extremely good (“That outfit is fire!”)
  • Tea – Gossip (“Spill the tea!”)
  • Drip – Stylish clothing or accessories
  • Sus – Suspicious, something seems off
  • Bet – “Okay” or “sounds good”

How to Use Slang Naturally

  1. Listen first – Pay attention to how native speakers use these words
  2. Start small – Try one or two words in casual conversations
  3. Know your audience – Slang works better with peers than in formal settings
  4. Don’t overdo it – Using too much slang sounds unnatural

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use slang in English?

Yes! Slang makes you sound more natural and helps you connect with native speakers. Just avoid it in formal situations like job interviews or academic writing.

How do I keep up with new slang?

Follow social media, watch YouTube creators, and pay attention to how young people communicate. Slang evolves quickly!

What if I use slang incorrectly?

Don’t worry—most people will understand what you mean and appreciate the effort. Making mistakes is part of learning.

Start Using These Today!

Slang makes language fun. Don’t be afraid to throw these words into your conversations—no cap, you’ll sound way more natural.

Which slang word is your favorite? Try using it today!

Related Articles

🔗 Related: Want more slang? Check out 10 Slang Words, No Cap! at 18K English for additional expressions.

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