Gen Z slang may seem like a foreign language to older adults. But it’s important to know the terms popular with kids we’re teaching and reaching. After all, a big part of connecting with kids is entering their world. When missionaries try to connect with a culture, they first learn its language.
Each generation has a “slang language,” and Gen Z is no exception. If you want to connect with kids and enter their world, then it’s very helpful to know their lexicon.
Much of Gen Z slang is tied to the fast-paced, constantly changing environment of social media. In today’s social media culture, slang terms change quickly.
Children’s ministers, youth ministers, pastors, and volunteers—take note! Here are some of the latest Gen Z slang words:
Gen Z Slang Words You Should Know
- Stan (a combination of “stalker” and “fan”)
- W (Win)
- Salty (to be rude or angry)
- Savage (to be bitter or crass)
- Cheugy (not trendy)
- Basic (mainstream and trendy, in a dull way)
- Throwing shade (insulting)
- Shook (to be amazed, shocked, in disbelief)
- Lit (something fun and exciting)
- Peng (cool)
- Eets (short for ‘sweet’)
- Peak (when something is going really bad)
- Living rent free in your head (something you can’t stop thinking about)
- Savage (cool)
- Ship (relationship)
- Bae (another word for babe, referring to one’s partner)
- Sup (an abbreviation of “what’s up?”)
- Catch hands (to start a fight)
- Tea (gossip)
- Finna (I’m going to)
- OPT (one true pair, a couple)
- Real talk (saying something true)
- Firing shots (saying something negative about someone else)
- Lit (amazing)
- I’m dead/I’m weak (response to something you find hilarious)
- Thirsty (desperate for attention)
- Adulting (acting grown up)
- Move (a big party)
- Milk (needs some help)
- Unsult (backhanded compliment)
- Fleek (spot on )
- CC/Cray Cray (crazy)
- Guap (money)
- Snack (someone you find attractive)
- Glow up (a transformation or improvement)
- Squad (group)
- Skurt (go away)
- Straight fire (hot or trendy)
And then there’s the whole emoji thing… But that’s a topic for another day.
