There’s a serious language gap that’s been growing between the younger and older generations. And it’s not about accents or dialects, it’s about slang.

Gen Z, the kids born from the mid-90s to the early 2010s, have a whole new set of words that are leaving their parents and grandparents scratching their heads.

Don’t get me wrong, every generation has its own lingo. But with the speed of the internet, Gen Z has taken it up a notch.

In this article, I’ll break down eight modern slang terms that Gen Z uses, which are leaving older folks completely clueless. Now, let’s dive into the world of Gen Z language and hopefully bridge the communication gap a little bit. Buckle up!

1) “No cap”

In a world where we constantly communicate online, sometimes it can be hard to distinguish when someone is telling the truth or just making things up. Gen Z has a phrase for this, and it’s “no cap”.

“No cap” is a term that’s thrown around in text messages, social media posts, and casual conversations among teens. It essentially means that someone isn’t lying. If a statement is followed by “no cap”, it’s meant to be taken as the truth.

For example, if a Gen Zer says, “That movie was the best I’ve ever seen, no cap”, they’re saying they genuinely loved the movie and are not exaggerating for effect.

If you’re trying to keep up with the younger generation’s lingo, use this phrase only when you’re speaking honestly. Misusing it could lead to some confused faces, or worse, being called out for not keeping it real.

2) “Flex”

Let me share a personal anecdote to explain this one. I was talking with my nephew the other day, and he mentioned that he got a new gaming console. He said, “Uncle, I’m not trying to flex, but I just got the latest PlayStation.”

I was taken aback. I thought flexing was something you did at the gym. But in Gen Z parlance, “flex” has taken on a whole new meaning.

“Flex” is used when someone is showing off or bragging about something they have or something they’ve done. It’s like a subtle boast. So when my nephew said he wasn’t trying to ‘flex’, he was saying he wasn’t trying to brag about his new gadget.

So remember, next time you hear a younger person use ‘flex’, they’re probably not talking about their muscles!

3) “Clout”

In the digital age, popularity isn’t just about being the prom queen or the football captain. It’s about how many followers you have, how many likes your posts get, and how viral your content can go. That’s where the term “clout” comes in.

“Clout” is a term used by Gen Z to refer to influence or power, especially in a social media context. A person with a lot of followers or a viral post is said to have a lot of ‘clout’.

Interestingly, the term clout has been around since the 14th century, derived from an old Norse word ‘klútr’, meaning a cloth or patch. It later evolved to mean influence or power in the mid-19th century. So while Gen Z didn’t invent the term, they’ve certainly brought it back into popular use in the digital age.

4) “Lit”

Have you ever been to a party or event that was so good you struggled to find the words to describe it? Gen Z has a word for that, and it’s “lit”.

“Lit” is used to describe something that’s really exciting, fun, or amazing. It’s often used to describe parties, concerts, or even just a particularly fun hangout with friends.

For instance, if a Gen Zer says, “The concert last night was lit”, they mean it was an incredible experience.

Keep in mind though, using “lit” to describe a book club meeting or a quiet dinner might earn you some puzzled looks from the younger crowd. It’s all about context with this one.

5) “Lowkey”

There are some feelings or thoughts that we don’t always want to express loudly or openly. We keep them to ourselves, share them with only a few close friends, or express them subtly. Gen Z has a term for this, and it’s “lowkey”.

“Lowkey” is used to describe something you feel quietly or subtly about, but don’t necessarily want to declare to the world. It can also be used to downplay a situation or to express a hidden desire or opinion.

For instance, if a Gen Zer says, “I lowkey wish I had studied more for that test”, they’re expressing a regret that they didn’t prepare as much as they should have, but in a subtle way.

In a world that often demands us to be ‘highkey’ all the time, “lowkey” is a gentle reminder that it’s okay to have quieter feelings and thoughts, too.

6) “Ghosting”

I remember a time when I was chatting with someone regularly, and then suddenly, they just stopped replying. No explanation, no goodbye, just silence. Turns out, I’d been “ghosted”.

“Ghosting” is a term used by Gen Z to describe the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone, often in a romantic context. The person who does the ghosting simply disappears from the other person’s life, like a ghost.

It can be quite a hurtful experience, as it leaves the person being ghosted without closure. So if you hear a Gen Zer saying they’ve been ghosted, they’re likely going through a difficult time and could use some understanding and support.

7) “Tea”

If you’re a fan of British culture, you might associate tea with a warm drink or a mid-afternoon snack. But in the world of Gen Z slang, “tea” has a whole different flavor.

“Tea” is used to refer to gossip, interesting news, or juicy information. If a Gen Zer says, “Spill the tea”, they’re asking someone to share the latest gossip or news.

For example, if there’s a new couple in school or someone landed an amazing job, that’s considered “tea”. So don’t be confused if a Gen Zer asks for tea, they might just be looking for an interesting story rather than a hot beverage!

8) “Stan”

This one’s quite important to get right, because it’s used very frequently in online conversations, especially on social media. “Stan” is a term Gen Z uses to express extreme fandom.

The term actually originated from a 2000 song by Eminem, where the titular character “Stan” was an obsessive fan. Since then, it has been used to describe a person who is overly enthusiastic or obsessed with a celebrity or any other public figure.

If a Gen Zer says, “I stan this artist”, they’re expressing that they’re a huge fan and follow their work closely. But remember, being a ‘stan’ is all about passionate support and enthusiasm, not about crossing boundaries or becoming overly obsessive.

Final thoughts: A generational dialect

Language, in all its myriad forms and variations, is more than just a tool for communication. It’s an expression of identity, community, and culture.

The Gen Z slang we’ve explored today is a testament to this. These terms represent a generational dialect that has evolved in response to the unique experiences and digital landscape of this young generation.

Whether it’s the expressive “lit”, the subtle “lowkey”, or the enthusiastic “stan”, each term carries a narrative of its own, echoing the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of Gen Z.

As we navigate through these terms, we’re not just learning a new language; we’re gaining insights into a generation that’s growing up in a world significantly different from those before it.

Next time you hear a Gen Z term that leaves you puzzled, take a moment to appreciate the evolving tapestry of language. Who knows? You might find yourself lowkey stanning the dynamism of Gen Z slang!