Inter-generational Communication – Bridging Generational Vernacular Between Generation X and Generation Z
For empty-nesters, the most exciting part of the holiday season is the return of their young adult children for the holiday break. For three to four weeks, the house will again be filled with youthful and vibrant chatter, sharing of stories, and parents learning to communicate and understand unique terms that are part of their child’s everyday vocabulary.
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, during the most transformative digital era, has woven a vibrant and colorful linguistic tapestry of unique slang terms that reflect their cultural influences and digital fluency.
Gen Z slang reflects the digital era’s influence, often expressed through social media and online interactions. We couldn’t let the holiday season begin without properly preparing you to get your baddie up as we are low-key obsessed with Gen Z’s linguistic contributions that are not just words but cultural symbols, reflecting their values, experiences, and societal shifts. So get on your Zoom, and take notes.
“Simp”: Describes someone overly attentive or submissive to someone they admire romantically.
“Link”: To meet up or have a gathering of friends.
“Cap/Capping”: Signifies lying or exaggeration. “No cap” means honesty.
“Fam”: Refers to close friends or an extended social group.
“Salty”: Feeling bitter, upset, or resentful about something.
“Slay”: Achieving something exceptionally well or looking fabulous while doing it.
“Ship”: Short for “relationship.” Used when someone wants two people to be romantically involved.
“Sus”: Abbreviation for “suspicious.” Used to describe something or someone that seems questionable.
“Flex”: To show off or boast about something, often achievements, possessions, or skills.
“Get on your Zoom”: To get and stay prepared. To have a good grip of a situation.
“Stan”: Describe an obsessive fan of a particular celebrity, band, or other entity.
“Low-key”: This word means “discreet” or “unobtrusive.” It’s often used to describe someone’s actions or opinions they don’t want to draw attention to.
Embracing and understanding their unique slang not only enriches communication but also serves as a bridge between generations in an ever-evolving linguistic landscape.
“Iconic”: This term means “memorable” or “legendary.” It’s often used to describe something that is considered to be extremely cool or impressive.
“It’s giving”: To describe the appearance of something or an act. Or show appreciation for something or an act.
“And is”: Used to emphasize something good or positive.
“You ate or 4+4= ate”: Used to show appreciation or love for someone’s opinion or actions that are correct or on point.
“It never gave that”: To express when something is not what it is supposed to be or should be.
“Slaps”: An exclamation indicating approval of something, usually food.
“No cap”: Said when something is the absolute truth.
“On God”: Said to place great emphasis on something true or binding.
“Cringe”: To emphasize something that is gross or leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth.
“Rizz”: Someone who’s charismatic or smooth.
“Valid”: When something is on point or legit.
“Bussin”: To describe something good, great, or tasty food.
“Mid”: Said when something is subpar.
“it’s for the plot”: Said to justify doing something that is not practical, or a good idea but is presumably part of a bigger story.
“Delulu”: to describe someone or an act as unrealistic or far-reaching.
“OOMF”: Abbreviation for One Of My Followers
“Ick”: To describe something gross, or unsightly.
“Collab”: Said to describe two people in a relationship.
“You get me?”: Said with a British accent.
“Ate and left no crumbs”: Said when you’ve told someone off, leaving no room for a comeback.
“Somebody’s cooked here”: Said to imply a woman’s been here and has made things better.
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Inter-generational Communication – Bridging Generational Vernacular Between Gen X and Gen Z
