12 Slang Terms Gen Z Made Famous — What They Mean

Every generation leaves its mark on the English language, but Gen Z has taken it to a whole new level. From social media captions to group chats, Gen Z slang words are shaping how we express humor, identity, and culture in 2025. 

12 Gen Z Slang Words & Phrases You Should Know

Whether you're trying to keep up with your kids, coworkers, or favorite TikToker, understanding modern slang terms is a bit like unlocking a code to Gen Z's worldview. Be forewarned: it’s playful, expressive, and often very, very clever.

No Cap

Let’s start with one of the most enigmatic Gen Z phrases: “no cap.” It simply means “no lie” or “I’m being serious.” It often shows up when someone says something impressive, emotional, or hard to believe. So, if a Gen Zer tells a story about meeting Cillian Murphy in an elevator, they might follow it up with “no cap” just to drive the point home.

Mid

“Mid” might look harmless but, in Gen Z’s hands, it’s one of the most brutal insults. It refers to something that’s painfully average or just not worth the hype. A movie that got rave reviews but left you yawning? Mid. That restaurant your parents love but serves bland pasta? Also mid.

Glow Up

Not all slang is shady. A “glow up” is the kind of transformation that makes people do a double-take. It could mean a physical makeover, a style upgrade, or even a personal evolution that leaves someone radiating confidence. A glow up doesn’t just turn heads. It tells a whole story.

Sus

Short for “suspicious” or “suspect,” “sus” is the go-to word for calling out shady behavior. It soared in popularity thanks to the game “Among Us,” but stuck around because it’s so versatile. If your friend suddenly cancels plans and won’t say why, you might just raise an eyebrow and consider that sus.

Cheugy

A modern classic among Gen Z slang meanings, “cheugy” pokes fun at things that are a little too basic or try-hard. Think inspirational quote wall decals, outdated fashion trends, or anything that screams millennial energy from 2012. It's not hateful, but it’s definitely not a compliment.

Understood the Assignment

When someone shows up, shows off, and does exactly what needs to be done (and then some), they “understood the assignment.” It’s high praise, often used when someone nails a look, a performance, or even a social post with impressive accuracy and flair.

Pick-Me

The term “pick-me” is a sharp descriptor for someone who craves validation, especially when it means throwing others under the bus to get it. While it started as a label for attention-seeking behavior in women, it’s now used more broadly, often to highlight inauthentic attempts to stand out.

Hits Different

Ever have a song hit you right in the feels during a long drive, or a certain food taste way better after a tough day? That’s when something “hits different.” It’s used when an experience, moment, or item feels more intense, emotional, or powerful than expected.

Stan

To “stan” something is to be a devoted fan, plain and simple. Whether it’s a band, a celebrity, or even a snack brand, “stanning” means you’re all in. It’s no longer tied to over-the-top obsession. It just signals enthusiastic support.

Cringe 

“Cringe” has become more than just a reaction. It’s an entire category of judgment, used to describe anything awkward, embarrassing, or painfully outdated. Your uncle’s Facebook post about how he “finally gets TikTok”? A Gen Zer will probably call that cringe.

Big Yikes

If something is so awkward or uncomfortable that “yikes” doesn’t quite cover it, you’ve got a “big yikes” situation on your hands. It’s a verbal wince, often used to react to someone else’s blunder or a moment that feels like secondhand embarrassment.

Chill

While not exclusive to Gen Z, “chill” has found fresh new life as a core value in Gen Z language trends. It’s not about being relaxed; it’s an entire approach to life. From aesthetic choices to relationship vibes, “chill” is the understated cool that defines much of modern youth culture. Someone like Alicia Keys, for example, never lost her chill. 

Why It All Matters

Popular slang in 2025 isn’t just about being trendy. It’s a window into how Gen Z sees the world. These Gen Z slang words might not last forever. Some will fade fast; others will remain as Internet canon. 

But, together, they paint a picture of a generation that’s creative, tuned-in, and not afraid to play with the English language. Whether you stan the lingo or still find it a bit sus, there’s no denying its power in shaping the way we speak today. No cap.