Each generation has things that make them unique. The music they listen to, the activities they’re into or not into, and of course the way they talk. A great way to connect with children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews is to have a conversation with them about the social constructs amongst them and their peers. As you do this, keep an open mind, avoid being critical, and go into the conversation with a willingness to learn and enjoy what is being explained to you. In this post I am going to shed some light on vocabulary used by those from Gen Z.
I have a daughter who is 19. She was born pretty much right in the middle of the years that some say delineates who is a part of Gen Z. (Approximately 1997-2012) If you haven’t heard, some Gen Z ers use some pretty unique lingo. I thought I’d share some of this lingo as well as what it means. A note of warning as cautioned by my daughter: Don’t use this yourself unless you have been around a lot of people who are a part of Gen Z. You need to hear these phrases and words being used extensively before you take it on since this lingo has a lot of nuance. It’s one thing to understand it but it’s another thing to use it correctly. So without further ado, here is your vocabulary lesson for the day straight from a pretty amazing Gen Z young lady.
Bussin’: When food is super delicious. Usage: This steak is bussin’.
Mid: Not impressive or awful, just middle. Usage: How was the movie? It was mid.
Cap: When something is a lie. Usage: She’s capping/That’s cap.
Beige Flag: Something about someone that isn’t a great thing but isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Usage: My beige flag is that I (insert something that is maybe slightly different/weird about you).
Delulu: Short for delusional. Mainly used to describe girls who will use any little detail as proof that a guy likes them.
She’s/He’s eating: If somebody does something really well. Usage: After watching someone perform or do something really well you would say, “You ate that up”.
Ick: Similar to a turn off but can be used for just about anything. Usage: That gave me the ick. or That’s an ick.
Drip: Word for fancy or really cool jewelry or accessories. Usage: If someone shows up in a new necklace you would say, “I love the new drip”.
Let him/her/it cook: If someone is working on something or trying to explain something, this is a way to say to give them the space to do their thing. Usage: Someone is trying to explain or do something but they don’t have it all worked out. You would say, “Let him/her/it cook”.
Vibing: Chilling; making your way through; adjusting to the situation. Usage: Someone asks, Are you ok? and you answer, “I’m vibing”.
So there you have it, your Gen Z lingo lesson for the day. Maybe you could go grab a Gen Z family member and see what other words they have to share with you. In fact, better yet, take them out for lunch or something and make an afternoon of it. You could even share some of the lingo you used when you were their age. What a great way to connect with someone you care about!