You’re Still Saying “Cool”? Here’s the Gen Z Slang You NEED to Know RN

So … are you still using words like “cool” and “rad”? FRFR, if so, you might as well be rocking ankle socks and using the smiley face. ISTG, the Gen Z cringe meter is off the charts…

But hey, no shame in the old-school game. We’ve all been there, trying to decipher what the heck the kids are saying these days. TFW you hear a phrase like “bussin’,” and you’re like, “Is that even English?”

Wanna know how much of a millennial you are? If you want a quick test of your Gen Z slang knowledge, check out ourInsta Post.

And now let’s bridge the generation gap. This guide is your official decoder ring for all things Gen Z slang. 

We’ll spill the tea on the must-know terms, from “IYKYK” to “GOAT,” so you can finally understand what your little cousin is saying on TikTok.

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I’m already feeling so old … ok, let’s do it.

Beyond “LOL”: The Different Types of Shortened Words

Before we get lost in a sea of slang, let’s get one thing straight: “abbreviation” is a bit of a catch-all term. In the world of Gen Z lingo, we’re dealing with some specific types of word-shortening wizardry:

• Initialisms: These are formed by taking the first letter of each word in a phrase and pronouncing them separately, like TFW (that feeling when) or IMO (in my opinion).
• Acronyms: Similar to initialisms, but these are pronounced as words, like GOAT (greatest of all time) or FOMO (fear of missing out).
• Clipping: This is when you chop off part of a word to make it shorter. Think “totes” for totally or “obvi” for obviously.

These little linguistic shortcuts aren’t just about saving characters in a text message (though that’s definitely a bonus). 

They’ve become a way for Gen Z to express themselves, connect with each other, and even create their own unique culture.Want to know more about the fascinating world of language?

David Crystal’s A Little Book of Language on Blinkist dives deep into how language shapes and is shaped by our world. This quick book summary is a must-read for anyone who loves words and wants to understand how they evolve.

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TL;DR: The History of Abbreviation from Ancient Rome to Your DMs

Believe it or not, abbreviations aren’t just a Gen Z thing. Humans have been shortening words since, well, forever. From ancient civilizations carving messages into stone tomedieval monks scribbling on parchment, abbreviations have always been a handy way to save time and space.

But the real abbreviation revolution happened with the rise of the digital age. Suddenly, we were chatting online, texting on our phones, and firing off tweets with character limits. Abbreviations became the perfect tool for this fast-paced, informal world.

Blinkist’s summary of Historical Linguistics by Lyle Campbell will give you the lowdown on how languages change and over time in just 15 minutes. No need to spend hours poring over textbooks – get the key insights now:

40 Must-Know Gen Z Slang Terms to Level Up Your Vocab

Alright, folks, now that we’ve covered the why of slang, let’s get into the good stuff: the actual words and phrases that’ll have you sounding like a true Gen Zer in no time.

Here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to 40 must-know gen z slang terms:

AF A shorthand way of saying “as f*ck” to emphasize something.Ate Did something exceptionally well; dominated.Bae A term of endearment for a romantic partner, sometimes used for objects and food.Basic Boring, unoriginal, mainstream.Bet A way to say “yes,” “okay,” or “definitely.”Big Yikes An exclamation used when something is cringeworthy or awkward.Boujee High-class, luxurious, or fancy.Bussin’ When something (usually food) is exceptionally delicious.Cap/No Cap To lie (cap) or tell the truth (no cap).Cheugy Something that’s outdated, uncool, or trying too hard to be trendy.Clapback A witty response to an insult.Drip A person’s style, especially when it’s on point.Era A distinct period of time in someone’s life with a specific vibe or focus.Extra Over-the-top, dramatic behavior.Fam Short for family, used to refer to close friends.Fire Amazing, awesome, really cool.Flex To show off or brag about something.FOMO Fear of missing out.FRFR For real, for real. (Doubles down on the sincerity of a statement.)Ghosted To suddenly stop communicating with someone without explanation.GOAT Greatest of all time.Gucci Good, cool, or going well.Hits Different

 When something feels uniquely good or enjoyable.

HMU Hit me up (when you want to be contacted)ICYMI In case you missed it. (Helpful for sharing news or updates.)IMO In my opinionIRL In real lifeISTG I swear to GodIYKYKIf you know, you know. (For inside jokes or references.)LMK Let me knowMood A relatable feeling or situation.NGL Not gonna lieNo Cap Means “no lie” or “for real.”OFC Of coursePeriodt A sassy way to end a sentence, emphasizing that the statement is final.PLS/PLZ Please.RN Right nowSalty Feeling bitter or resentful.Sus Short for “suspicious.”TFW That Feeling When… (used to express a relatable emotion or experience, often accompanied by a picture or meme).

The Final Word (No Cap)

So, NOW you can confidently decode those cryptic Instagram captions, navigate the wilds of TikTok, and maybe even drop a “bussin'” or “IMO” into the conversation without feeling like a total noob.

But remember, what’s fire today might be cheugy tomorrow. So keep your ears open, embrace the ever-changing lingo, and don’t be afraid to ask the younger generation for a quick vocab lesson.

Who knows, you might even teach them a thing or two about old-school slang (just don’t expect them to start saying “groovy” anytime soon).

And hey, if you’re looking for more ways to stay woke and expand your knowledge beyond slang, don’t forget to check out Blinkist.

It’s the perfect way to dive deeper into Gen Z culture, trends, and the impact of technology on language with collections like The Language of the Internet.

Let’s  dive deeper into Gen Z culture, trends, and everything in between. So, what are you waiting for? HMU on the Blinkist app and become the next GOAT:

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