A (very incomplete) guide to Gen Z language

Derived from “bourgeois”. Used to describe something that’s (overly) fancy.

Used to describe something that’s really good.

“Cap” (“lie”) isn’t actually new, but has found a new audience in Gen Z. Often used in the form “no cap”, meaning truthful.

A “CEO of x” is someone who’s good at x, e.g. “CEO of shitposting”.

Used to describe someone or something that’s no longer cool; for example, one might say that people who write guides that explain Gen Z language are cheugy.

Used to compliment someone’s look or style.

Short for “family”, meaning “your people” in the broad sense of the word, e.g. your friends and closest colleagues.

Used to describe something that’s really good, and could almost be called life-changing.

Said when someone has “died” from laughter.

If you know, you know. Often used for inside jokes and things that you normally wouldn’t talk about at the office.

Used to describe something that’s cool or exciting. Closely related to the idea of something being “on fire”.

If something lives rent-free in your head, it means that you think about it all day.

Someone who behaves like a main character in a movie or TV show, typically charismatic, independent, and self-confident.

Used to describe someone or something that’s merely average (as opposed to good), like your manager.

Something that slaps is amazingly good.

Used when someone is absolutely killing it, i.e. doing very well.

Small and/or adorable.

Portmanteau of “stalker” and “fan”. Used by dedicated fans to describe themselves. Can also be used as a verb.

Short for “suspicious”. Used when someone or something shouldn’t be trusted.

If someone understood the assignment that means they absolutely nailed something, usually in response to something else.

Chilling.

If someone passes the vibe check, it means they’re cool or chill.

Used when throwing something away (like your project’s master branch).