From 'bussin' to 'skibidi': Navigating Gen Z's unique vocabulary

Navigating Gen Z slang can be as dizzying as keeping pace with the latest trends. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Inspired by Philip Lindsay’s energetic Instagram video, which has captivated nearly 15 million viewers, we’ve put together a guide to the most up-to-date Gen Z terms. If you find yourself perplexed by frequent mentions of "skibidi" or curious about the sudden influx of "Ws" in the chat, this guide is for you.

And before you judge, remember the days when you told people to "talk to the hand" because they were "bogus," or suggested "chill pills" to those who were too "gnarly" and not "radical" enough.

Used to describe something that’s really good or enjoyable.

Example: “This pizza is bussin.”

A slang term that describes the feeling of secondhand embarrassment, discomfort, or awkwardness in response to someone’s actions, behavior, or words.

Example: “Dad, you're writing a Megaphone article about Gen Z slang? So cringe!”

Short for delusional. Often used to describe someone who is out of touch with reality or overly optimistic about something unlikely.

Example: “He thinks he’s going to win the lottery, he’s totally delulu.”

To do something exceptionally well.

Example: “She delivered that presentation so perfectly; she ate it up and left no crumbs.”

Something done quietly or secretly.

Example: “I lowkey love watching reality TV.”

A significant loss or failure.

Example: “Forgetting to study for the test was a major L.”

When something doesn’t make sense or add up.

Example: “I tried to follow the instructions, but the math just ain't math’n.”

A playful term used by Gen Z to describe someone who exhibits traits or behaviors typical of millennials.

Example: “She still uses Facebook, she's so millennial-coded.”

Used to emphasize that someone is being truthful.

Example: “That movie was amazing, no cap.”

See "Eat it up and leave no crumbs."

Used to affirm that something is factual.

Example: “No printer, just the fax (facts).”

Used to describe something strange, uncool, or generally negative. Originates from memes portraying Ohio as an eerie place where bizarre events occur.

Example: "That party was so weird, it was pure Ohio."

A phrase used to emphasize sincerity or truthfulness.

Example: “On God, I didn’t eat your leftovers.”

Short for opponents, referring to people you dislike or are in competition with.

Example: “Stay away from my opps list this year.”

A term for someone who seeks attention or validation by doing things to stand out.

Example: “Using your phone in class is giving pick me vibes.”

A term of endearment, often used playfully to refer to a friend or significant other.

Example: “Just ask your Pookie for a charger.”

Being genuine or sincere.

Example: “Be real in class, don’t fake it.”

Short for charisma, often used to describe someone's ability to attract others romantically.

Example: “He’s got major rizz.”

Someone who is self-reliant and doesn’t conform to societal expectations.

Example: “Be Sigma and have your Chromebook charged.”

Originating from the Skibidi Toilet YouTube series, this term has evolved to mean something bad or evil in Gen Alpha slang.

Example: “That prank was totally skibidi.”

To excel at something or look amazing.

Example: “You slayed that outfit.”

A euphemistic term for something that’s not working or is dead. The term "unalive" gained traction as a way to avoid algorithmic censorship of words like "kill" and "die" on social media platforms. It is often used humorously to describe inanimate objects that have ceased functioning or, in a more dramatic tone, to refer to fictional or hypothetical scenarios of death.

Example: “My Chromebook decided to unalive itself.”

Short for win.

Example: “Let’s make sure you get a W in the chat.”

To throw something with force or enthusiasm.

Example: “Yeet that phone into your backpack.”

Editor's Note: The article was originally published in July 2024.