35 Confusing Gen Z Slang Terms And Their Meanings

35 Confusing Gen Z Slang Terms and Their Meaning with Examples

Slang can be a tricky thing to keep up with, especially when you’re talking about Gen Z. 

Their slang terms evolve quickly, sometimes without any warning, and often leave us feeling like we’ve missed a memo. 

If you’ve found yourself hearing terms like “lit” or “no cap” and thinking, “What does that even mean?”, don’t worry, you’re not alone. 

The words and phrases Gen Z uses can be confusing, and understanding their meanings requires more than just knowing their dictionary definitions. 

They’re about context, usage, and the creative ways language is being transformed.

In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through 35 Gen Z slang terms that I know you might find confusing, share their meanings, and show you how to use them in everyday life. 

Along the way, I’ll explain why each term can be so confusing.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

1. Lit

Why it’s confusing: The word "lit" traditionally meant “illuminated” or “on fire,” but Gen Z has taken it in a completely new direction. 

It now describes something exciting, fun, or amazing, often to the point of being wild. It can be hard to connect the old and new meanings.

What it means: Something or someone that’s exciting, amazing, or intense.

Example: “That party last night was so lit. I didn’t want it to end!”

You see, what I mean by "lit" in this example is that the party was beyond just fun, it was wildly good.

2. Fam

Why Fam's confusing: “Fam” is short for “family,” but not in the traditional sense. Instead of referring to blood relatives, Gen Z uses it to talk about their close friends, the people who are like family to them. 

It’s a word that gives off a feeling of closeness, almost like you’re bonded by something deeper than just friendship.

What it means: Close friends, almost like a second family.

Example: “What’s up, fam? Let’s hang out this weekend.”

Here, I’m calling my friends "fam" because they’re people I consider my close support system.

3. Lowkey

Why it’s confusing: When Gen Z says “lowkey,” it’s not about being quiet or reserved in the traditional sense. 

Instead, it means something is done secretly or subtly, or even that you’re kind of into something but not openly. 

It's the subtle, understated way of saying something.

What it means: Secretly, subtly, or kind of.

Example: “I’m lowkey obsessed with this new show.”

In this case, I’m saying I’m obsessed with the show, but I’m not making a big deal about it. It’s a quiet obsession.

4. Highkey

Why it’s confusing: Highkey is the opposite of lowkey, and yet it’s a bit of a mystery. 

If lowkey means something done subtly, then highkey means something that’s done openly or obviously. 

The term “highkey” can be difficult to understand if you’re just used to thinking in terms of "quiet" or "loud."

What it means: Openly, obviously, or very much.

Example: “I highkey love that outfit; you look amazing!”

Here, I’m openly and obviously expressing my love for the outfit. There’s no hiding it, and I’m saying it loud and proud.

5. Salty

Why it’s confusing: We all know that “salty” refers to the taste of seawater or food, but when Gen Z says someone is “salty,” they don’t mean they’re literally salty. 

It’s actually used to describe someone who’s upset or bitter, often over something trivial. 

The shift from a taste sensation to an emotional state is a bit of a stretch at first.

What Salty means: Bitter, upset, or annoyed.

Example: “He’s still salty about losing that game.”

In this case, I’m saying that the person is upset and holding a grudge, not that they have a salty flavor.

6. Bussin

Why Bussin is confusing: When I say something is “bussin'”, it’s a term that doesn’t seem to make much sense if you’re thinking of it literally. 

It’s not about a bus or transportation at all, it’s used to describe something that’s so good, usually food. 

The connection is more about things being "on fire" in terms of how great they are.

What it means: Exceptional, especially food.

Example: “This pizza is bussin'! You have to try it.”

I’m saying this pizza is so good that it’s almost out of this world.

What does bussin really mean in every sense of it? click to learn more. 

7. Savage

Why it’s confusing: "Savage" traditionally refers to someone who’s wild or untamed, but it has evolved in Gen Z culture to describe someone who is brutally honest, uncaring, or cold-hearted in a funny or dramatic way.

What savage means: Ruthless, brutally honest, or sometimes just really cool.

Example: “Her comeback was savage; I couldn’t stop laughing!”

In this example, I’m saying her comeback was so harsh and quick that it caught everyone off guard, but in a fun way.

8. Tea

Why Teas's confusing: You might think “tea” is just a beverage, but Gen Z uses it as a code for gossip or juicy details. 

If someone says they’ve got the “tea,” they’re not offering you a cup of Earl Grey, they’re about to spill some juicy info.

What it means: Gossip or juicy information.

Example: “Spill the tea! I need to know what happened.”

Here, I’m asking for the latest gossip or insider info.

9. Drip

Why it’s confusing: “Drip” sounds like it has something to do with water, but it’s actually used to refer to someone’s style or fashion sense. 

Think of it like the idea of being so well-dressed that you’ve got “drip” coming off you. It’s a term for looking fresh.

What it means: Stylish or fashionable.

Example: “Check out his drip, those sneakers are fire.”

I’m complimenting his outfit, particularly his shoes, because they’re fashionable and stand out.

10. Simp

Why it’s confusing: A “simp” is someone who does way too much for someone they like, often to the point of being subservient or excessively generous. 

It’s a confusing term because it used to just be used as a casual shorthand for "simpleton," but now it’s about being overly infatuated.

What it means: Someone who’s overly submissive or infatuated, usually to the point of being foolish.

Example: “He’s such a simp for her, he does everything she says.”

I’m saying he’s gone way beyond normal care or interest, and he’s overly submissive in a way that seems excessive.

11. Cap

Why it’s confusing: If you hear someone say “cap” in the context of a conversation, it doesn’t mean they’re talking about a hat. 

Instead, “cap” is a way of calling someone out for lying or exaggerating. 

It’s confusing because the term is seemingly out of nowhere, and its connection to lying isn’t immediately obvious.

What it means: To lie or exaggerate.

Example: “You said you ran 10 miles? That’s cap.”

Here, I’m telling the person that their claim is likely a lie.

12. No Cap

Why it’s confusing: “No cap” is often used to stress that you’re being truthful or sincere. 

It can feel strange because you’re using a slang term that implies honesty, which is not immediately obvious from the word itself.

What it means: To emphasize that you’re telling the truth.

Example: “That concert was amazing, no cap.”

I’m stressing that what I just said is 100% true and honest.

13. Yikes

Why it’s confusing: The term “yikes” has been around for a while, but its resurgence in Gen Z culture has made it take on new meanings. 

It’s used for a reaction that’s more than just surprise, it’s a mix of shock and concern, often in situations where something awkward or embarrassing happens.

What Yikes means: An expression of surprise or discomfort, often about something awkward or embarrassing.

Example: “Yikes, that comment was way out of line.”

I’m expressing how uncomfortable or awkward I find that particular comment to be.

14. Shook

Why it’s confusing: If you think “shook” is about physical shaking, you’d be wrong. 

In Gen Z slang, it refers to being extremely shocked or surprised.

What it means: Shocked, surprised, or in disbelief.

Example: “I was shook when I found out she got a promotion.”

I was totally surprised, almost in disbelief, when I heard the news.

15. Slay

Why it’s confusing: “Slay” used to be about killing or doing something destructive, but Gen Z has redefined it to mean excelling at something or doing it to perfection. 

It’s a completely different use of the word.

What it means: To do something exceptionally well.

Example: “You slayed that presentation today, well done!”

I’m giving credit for a job well done and acknowledging their excellence.

16. Yeet

Why it’s confusing: “Yeet” doesn’t have any standard meaning, and it’s used as an expression of excitement, or to describe throwing something with force. Its randomness is part of its appeal.

What it means: To throw with force or an expression of excitement.

Example: “He yeeted the ball across the field with so much force.”

Here, I’m describing someone throwing a ball with great enthusiasm and power.

17. Bet

Why it’s confusing: “Bet” traditionally refers to gambling, but Gen Z uses it in a much more casual way, often to indicate agreement or confirmation.

What it means: Agreement or confirmation, like saying "okay" or "sure."

Example: “You’ll meet me there at 8? Bet.”

I’m agreeing to the plan, confirming that it works for me.

18. Stan

Why it’s confusing: “Stan” comes from the Eminem song about obsessive fandom, but now it means being a really loyal or obsessed fan of someone or something.

What it means: To be an extremely loyal fan.

Example: “I totally stan that artist; her music is incredible.”

In this case, I’m expressing my unwavering support for the artist’s work.

19. Vibe Check

Why it’s confusing: A “vibe check” sounds like a health assessment, but Gen Z uses it to refer to a quick evaluation of the mood or energy of a person or a place. 

It’s less about physical well-being and more about emotional or atmospheric evaluation.

What it means: A quick assessment of the mood or energy.

Example: “Let’s do a vibe check on this party, everyone seems pretty chill.”

I’m assessing the energy of the situation or the people in the room.

20. Mood

Why it’s confusing: The word “mood” has always been used to describe a person’s emotional state, but Gen Z has taken it to a whole new level. 

Now, it can mean anything that resonates deeply with someone’s feelings or energy at a specific moment. 

It can even be used as a reaction to something that seems relatable or expresses a feeling.

What it means: A feeling or something relatable to your emotional state.

Example: “That video of the dog trying to catch the ball is mood.”

I’m saying that I strongly relate to the situation, or it gives me the same emotional vibe.

21. No Worries

Why it’s confusing: We’re all familiar with “no worries” in the sense of not being concerned, but in Gen Z slang, this is used to express “it’s okay” or “don’t worry about it” in a casual way. 

It’s a slightly more laid-back version of telling someone it’s no big deal.

What it means: “It’s okay,” “Don’t worry about it.”

Example: “Thanks for helping me out with that! No worries.”

Here, I’m letting someone know it wasn’t a big deal, and I’m happy to have helped.

22. Woke

Why it’s confusing: “Woke” originally referred to being socially aware, particularly about issues of injustice and inequality. 

However, Gen Z often uses it in a more complex way, sometimes ironically, to describe someone who is overly politically correct or pretentious.

What it means: Socially aware, but sometimes used ironically to suggest someone is overly so.

Example: “She’s so woke, she can’t even laugh at a joke anymore.”

I’m pointing out that the person is so aware of social issues that it sometimes comes off as too much.

24. Flex

Why it’s confusing: When Gen Z says “flex,” it’s not about physical muscle (though it could be). 

It’s more about showing off or flaunting something, whether it’s an achievement, material possession, or even personality. 

The concept of “flexing” your muscles has morphed into “flexing” anything you’re proud of.

What it means: To show off or brag about something.

Example: “Stop flexing your new phone; we get it, you’re rich.”

I’m calling out someone for showing off in an exaggerated or unnecessary way.

25. Clout

Why it’s confusing: “Clout” used to just mean influence or power, but now, it’s a buzzword among Gen Z, referring to someone’s social power, especially on platforms like Instagram or TikTok. 

It’s confusing because “clout chasing” often means doing things just to gain popularity, sometimes in an insincere or manipulative way.

What it means: Influence or power, usually in a social or digital sense.

Example: “He’s just chasing clout with that post; he doesn’t even like the brand.”

I’m pointing out that someone is pretending to support something just to get more attention or popularity.

26. G.O.A.T.

Why it’s confusing: "GOAT" stands for “Greatest of All Time,” but unless you’re familiar with the acronym, it can leave you confused, especially since it’s the same word used for an animal. 

The term is often thrown around in discussions about sports or music but can also apply to anyone or anything exceptional.

What it means: The Greatest of All Time.

Example: “LeBron James is the GOAT—nobody does it like him.”

I’m saying that LeBron James is the best of all time in his field, and no one compares.

27. Sis

Why it’s confusing: "Sis" is a term of endearment, commonly used between friends (usually women), but it doesn’t necessarily imply that you’re literally a sister. 

It’s more about expressing closeness, camaraderie, or affection. 

The casualness of this word can make it sound odd if you don’t understand the bond behind it.

What it means: A close friend, like a sister.

Example: “Sis, you are absolutely killing it in that dress!”

I’m calling my friend “sis” because I feel close to her and want to compliment her on how great she looks.

28. Finesse

Why it’s confusing: “Finesse” used to mean dealing with something skillfully or with subtlety. 

Gen Z has transformed it into a way to describe the art of getting away with something, sometimes even tricking people into giving you what you want, usually in a clever way.

What it means: To skillfully get something you want, sometimes by tricking others.

Example: “He finessed that deal and got everything he wanted.”

I’m saying that he used clever tactics or smooth talk to get what he wanted.

29. Periodt

Why it’s confusing: You’re familiar with the word “period” at the end of a sentence, right? 

Well, “periodt” is an extra “t” added to the word to emphasize the finality or the strength of a statement. 

It’s like saying “end of story,” but with more flair.

What it means: The end, no further discussion.

Example: “That was the best movie I’ve seen all year, periodt.”

By adding “periodt,” I’m putting a firm end to the statement, emphasizing how final and absolute my opinion is.

30. Swole

Why it’s confusing: If you think “swole” sounds like a funny way to say “swollen,” you’re not far off, but Gen Z uses it to refer to someone who is really muscular or fit. 

The term is tied to gym culture, and it’s commonly used to describe someone who’s been hitting the weights hard.

What it means: Very muscular or fit.

Example: “After months of working out, he’s gotten so swole.”

Here, I’m complimenting someone on their muscular physique, usually gained through intense gym workouts.

31. Ghosting

Why it’s confusing: Ghosting traditionally refers to seeing a ghost, but Gen Z uses it in a completely different way. 

When you “ghost” someone, it means you suddenly stop communicating with them, often without explanation. 

It’s confusing because the idea of disappearing is abstract, no one is actually becoming a ghost.30 Commonly Misinterpreted Slang Terms

What it means: To suddenly stop all communication with someone, without explanation.

Example: “I thought things were going well, but then she started ghosting me.”

I’m saying that she stopped replying to my messages without any reason or warning.

32. Tbh

Why it’s confusing: “Tbh” is short for “to be honest,” but it’s used so frequently in casual conversations that it can sometimes feel like it’s meant to soften the impact of what’s being said. 

The abbreviation is so quick and commonly used that it can be hard to follow if you’re unfamiliar with it.

What it means: To be honest.

Example: “Tbh, I wasn’t that impressed by the movie.”

I’m sharing my honest opinion, which might be blunt, but that’s the point of saying “Tbh.”

33. Receipts

Why it’s confusing: We know receipts as proof of purchase, but in Gen Z slang, “receipts” refers to evidence or proof, especially when it comes to exposing someone’s behavior or actions. 

It’s confusing because it seems like an odd metaphor for “evidence.”

What it means: Proof or evidence, especially used for exposing something.

Example: “She’s got the receipts to prove that he’s been lying.”

I’m saying that she has the evidence or proof to expose the truth of the situation.

34. Shook

Why it’s confusing: “Shook” usually refers to someone being physically disturbed or shaken, but Gen Z uses it to mean being shocked, surprised, or even shaken by something emotionally. 

The emotional impact of “shook” is stronger than its literal meaning.

What it means: Shocked or surprised.

Example: “I was shook when I heard she won the award!”

I’m saying I was deeply surprised and emotionally affected by the news.

35. Simp

Why it’s confusing: “Simp” used to mean a simpleton, someone not very bright, but now it’s used to describe someone who is overly submissive or infatuated with another person. 

It’s confusing because the modern use of the word is so different from its original meaning.

What it means: Someone who is excessively devoted or submissive to someone they’re attracted to.

Example: “He’s such a simp for her, he does everything she asks.”

I’m saying that he’s being overly attentive or submissive to someone he likes, often at the cost of his dignity.

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of our list! These 35 confusing Gen Z slang terms really show how language evolves over time. 

Some of these terms may sound completely different from their original meanings, and that’s what makes them so interesting. 

Understanding these terms can help you communicate better with Gen Z, or just keep you from being left out of the latest conversations!

Sourced from 30 commonly Misinterpreted Gen z Slang Words