The Ultimate Guide to Gen Z Internet Slang
In today's digital world, Gen Z has created a language of its own. From TikTok to Instagram, Reddit to X (formerly Twitter), slang.
In today's digital world, Gen Z has created a language of its own. From TikTok to Instagram, Reddit to X (formerly Twitter), slang terms have become a major part of how young people communicate online. Whether you're trying to understand a comment, a caption, or a meme, this guide will help you decode the most common slang used by Gen Z across the internet.
General Internet Slang
These are used across all platforms:
- No Cap: Telling the truth
- Cap: A lie
- Bet: Okay / Agreed
- Slay: Doing something really well
- I'm Dead: That's hilarious
- Sus: Suspicious
- Rizz: Charisma or flirting skills
- W: Win / Victory
- L: Loss / Fail
- Mid: Mediocre / Average
- Boujee: Fancy / High-maintenance
- Flex: Show off
- Simp: Doing too much for a crush
- Ghosting: Disappearing from communication
- Yeet: Throw forcefully / Excitement
- Bussin': Tastes amazing (esp. food)
- Periodt: Final word / Emphasis
- Hits Different: Emotionally powerful
- Glow Up: Major improvement
- Clapback: Savage comeback
- Delulu: Delusional in a funny way
- Iykyk: If you know, you know
- Ate: Nailed it / Did it perfectly
- It’s Giving: Describing a vibe
- Vibe Check: Gauge someone's energy or mood.
TikTok Slang
These are frequently seen in TikTok videos and comments:
- FYP: For You Page
- POV: Point of View
- Main Character: Feeling like the star of your own story
- Corecore: A TikTok aesthetic genre
- Girl Dinner: Random meal shared humorously
- Trauma Dump: Oversharing personal pain
- Storytime: Telling a dramatic personal story
- NPC: Robotic or unoriginal behavior
- Soft Launch: Subtle reveal of a relationship
- Hard Launch: Full reveal of a relationship
- De-influencing: Urging people not to buy products
- Ratioed: When a reply gets more engagement than the original post
- Kronk-core: Bizarre, silly TikTok trend style
Instagram Slang
Popular on photo and story posts:
- Aesthetic: A pleasing style or vibe
- GRWM: Get Ready With Me
- OOTD: Outfit of the Day
- IG Baddie: Trendy and confident woman
- Swipe Up: CTA for links (older feature)
- Story Dump: A Series of photos shared together
- Insta vs. Reality: Real life vs. curated online life
- #NoFilter: Unedited photo
- Social Battery: Energy for socializing
Twitter/X Slang
Used commonly on X (formerly Twitter):
- Ratio: A reply that outperforms the original post
- Alt: Alternate account
- Stan: Obsessive fan
- Cancelled: Publicly rejected for controversial behavior
- Doomscrolling: Endless scrolling through bad news
- Keyboard Warrior: Aggressively opinionated online
- Dragged: Harshly criticized
- Threads: Series of connected tweets
- Soft Block: Blocking then unblocking to remove a follower.
Reddit Slang
Most common in Reddit communities:
- OP: Original Poster
- AITA: "Am I the Asshole?"
- TL;DR: Too Long; Didn’t Read
- ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5
- FTFY: Fixed That For You
- AMA: Ask Me Anything
- TIFU: Today I F*cked Up
- Karma: Reddit point system
- Lurker: Silent reader
Relationship & Emotion Slang
Used in romantic or emotional contexts:
- Situationship: Not quite a relationship
- Sneaky Link: Secret partner
- Hard Launch: Official reveal of a partner
- Soft Launch: Subtle hints of a relationship
- Thirst Trap: Sexy post for attention
- Green Flag: Positive sign in a person
- Red Flag: Warning sign
- Lowkey: Quietly / Subtly
- Highkey: Openly / Loudly
Shopping & Consumer Slang
Heard in reviews and influencer content:
- Add to Cart: I want to buy it
- De-influencing: Saying what not to buy
- Amazon Find: Cool product from Amazon
- Dupe: Cheaper alternative to an expensive item
- Must-Have: Essential item.
These slangs are ever-evolving, and Gen Z continues to reshape language every day. Staying updated helps not only with understanding online culture but also with communicating effectively in digital spaces.
Join our WhatsApp community for the latest updates.
Thanks, and share.
Comments ()