Lost in Translation? A Guide to Understanding Gen Z Slang Today

If you’ve ever overheard a group of teenagers chatting and thought, “Are they even speaking English?” - you’re not alone. Gen Z (roughly those born between 1997 and 2012) has created its own fast-moving, internet-fuelled dictionary. What started on TikTok and Twitter now shows up in schools, offices, and even family WhatsApp groups.

To help you keep up (and maybe even impress your kids), here’s a guide to the Gen Z slang dominating conversations today.

1. “It’s giving…”

This phrase is all about vibes. Instead of saying “that outfit looks elegant,” you might hear, “It’s giving royalty.” It’s shorthand for “it gives the impression of.”

2. “No cap”

Translation: No lie or I’m serious. Example: “That concert was the best ever, no cap.”

3. “Slay”

Once reserved for drag culture and Beyoncé, slay now means smashing it, looking amazing, or just absolutely nailing something. “She slayed that presentation.”

4. “Main character energy”

If someone has main character energy, they’re owning the spotlight, living their life with confidence, and basically acting like the star of their own movie.

5. “Bet”

This one’s simple. It means “OK” or “got it.” For example, “See you at 8?” “Bet.”

6. “Rizz”

Short for charisma, this refers to someone’s ability to flirt or charm. If you’ve “got rizz,” you’ve got game.

7. “Low-key / High-key”

Low-key means subtle, under the radar, or secretly. High-key means the opposite—loud, obvious, or not hidden at all. “I low-key love Mondays” (a quiet confession) vs. “I high-key want pizza right now” (no shame about it).

8. “Delulu”

Short for delusional, it’s used playfully when someone’s expectations or dreams are far-fetched. “I’m delulu if I think Harry Styles will notice me at the concert.”

9. “NPC”

Borrowed from gaming, NPC stands for non-playable character. It’s now used to describe someone acting robotic, basic, or not really aware of what’s going on.

10. “Cheugy”

Still hanging around from a few years back, cheugy means outdated, trying too hard, or uncool. Think overdone Instagram captions like “live, laugh, love.”

Why It Matters

Sure, slang changes fast and can feel silly, but it’s also a window into how Gen Z communicates: quick, witty, and hyper-online. Their language reflects humour, self-awareness, and the creativity of a generation raised on memes and TikTok edits. And while you don’t have to start saying “slay, bestie” at the office, understanding the lingo helps bridge the gap - and maybe even earns you a smile from the younger crowd.