Decoding the Gen Z Slang: Your Ultimate Guide to 2023 Slang and Beyond

In the ever-evolving linguistic world of Gen Z, staying on top of the latest slang is like navigating a whirlwind of expression. As we bid farewell to 2023, let’s dive into a guide to some of the words and phrases that defined the Gen Z vocab throughout the year and might just continue to in 2024.

•  It’s Giving… 

“It’s giving fairy vibes.”

Originating from the vibrant culture of Black Twitter and the glamorous realm of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” this expression revolves around characterizing a specific vibe or encapsulating the overall essence or mood.

1.  Bussin

“This meal is bussin.”

Straight from the first African American English dictionary, “bussin” is the ultimate stamp of approval for anything impressive or delicious. 

•  Slay

“That fit was a slay.”

Emerging from Black drag and ballroom culture, “slay” is the pinnacle of compliments. It signifies something impressive, positive, or just downright fabulous. Your outfit, makeup, or dance moves can all be classified as a “slay.”

•  Ate

“You ate, and left no crumbs.”

Consider this a chef’s kiss for accomplishments, outfits, or anything deserving of praise. If someone says “You ate,” take a bow because you nailed it.

•  Out of Pocket

“That behavior is out of pocket.”

When things get wild or cross into inappropriate territory, they’re “out of pocket.” This phrase is the perfect call-out for cringe-worthy moments.

•  Pookie bear

“My Pookie bear and I are going out.”

A term of endearment for a significant other or a friend, “Pookie” adds a touch of sweetness to your vocab.

•  Rizz

“That guy has rizz; he can get any girl he wants.”

Derived from “charisma,” having “rizz” means possessing the charm to attract a romantic or sexual partner. 

•  Ick

“That gave me the ick.”

If something is unpleasant or cringe-worthy, it’s an “ick.” 

•  Let Them Cook

“Hold on now, let him cook”

Granting someone the time or space to shine in what they’re good at is “let them cook.” 

•  Coded

“That’s so Lana Del Ray coded.”

If something or someone is exhibiting stereotypical traits, it’s deemed “coded.”

•  Oomf (One of My Followers/Friends)

“Just got a message from Oomf.”

An acronym for “one of my followers” or “one of my friends”.

•  Mid

“That movie was kind of mid.”

Used to describe something as mediocre or of low quality.

•  Mother

“Mother is mothering.”

Used by fans as an act of love and respect for famous women, calling someone a “mother” is the ultimate tribute.

•  Bop

“Carti’s new single is a bop.”

Referring to a great song, “bop” is the go-to term for any track that gets you moving and grooving.

•  Sleep On

“People have been sleeping on this new song.”

To ignore or dismiss the value of something is to “sleep on” it. 

•    Blud/Dawg/Homie

“what’s up, blud?”

Different ways to refer to your close friends.

•  Skill Issue

“Sounds like a skill issue.”

A snide remark suggesting that the root cause of a problem lies with the incompetence or lack of skill of the person expressing the problem.

•  Type Shi

“He’s on some Gordon Ramsay type shi.”

A way of saying “type of shit,” this phrase adds flair to describing someone’s behavior or style.

•  Eepy

“I’m so eepy”

Sleepy. When you’re feeling a bit drowsy, just let everyone know you’re “eepy.”

•  Car

“the car is eepy”

A new term used to refer to cats! Thanks to embracing an autocorrect mistake, cats are now referred to as “car.” 

1.  Naur 

“Oh naur, they did him so dirty”

No… but Australian

•  Drip/ Drippy

“Bro is dripped out”

Very swag and cool, used to describe an outfit or accessory. If someone or something is “dripping,” it means they’re incredibly stylish and cool.

•  Balling

“I’m balling on you”

To be cool or rich. If someone’s “balling,” they’re not just cool – they’re living large and in charge.

As opposed to Fuck It We Ball

Meaning, we move on.

A variation that emphasizes resilience and moving forward, even in the face of challenges.

•  Snatched

“Your makeup is snatched.”

Taking the place of ‘on fleek,’ ‘perfect,’ or ‘fashionable,’ “snatched” describes something that’s flawless or on point.

•  Cap/No Cap

“He’s capping for sure”

A straightforward way of calling out dishonesty, “cap” means lying, while “no cap” indicates the truth.

•  It’s the _ for Me/Not the _

“It’s the dog for me.” “Not the dog, lmao.”

A way of calling out something or someone. 

•  Popping Off

“you popped off!”

When you’re doing extremely well or performing exceptionally.

•  Receipts

“don’t even try, I have the receipts”

Proof. When someone asks for “receipts,” they want concrete evidence or proof to back up a claim.

•  Lowkey/Highkey

“This movie is lowkey bad” “These shoes are good, highkey!”

“Lowkey” means somewhat/kinda or secretly, while “highkey” is more direct and upfront.

•  Finna

“Finna do sumn”

Short form for ‘fucking gonna’.

•  Chokehold

“This song has me in a chokehold”

To be enraptured or caught up in someone or something. Whether it’s a gripping TV show or a captivating story, being in a “chokehold” means you’re hooked.

•  Looksmaxxing

“Once I start looksmaxxing it’s over for y’all”

The physical improvement of a person’s body to make oneself more attractive.

•  Mewing

“He can’t talk rn, he’s mewing”

Using proper tongue posture. A term originating from facial aesthetics, “mewing” is a technique believed to enhance facial features.

•  Mogging

“he mogged everyone in the room”

Outshining others.

•  Ops

“the ops can’t see me winning”

Opponents or enemies.

•  Tripping/Tweaking

“That’s not true, he’s tripping”

Acting funny or freaking out.

•  Going Through It

‘Man, I’m really going through it”

Feeling sad or experiencing a tough time emotionally.

•  Girl’s Girl

“I would never do that, I’m a girl’s girl”

A girl who has respect for other females. A “girls girl” is someone who respects and upholds proper etiquette when with female friends.

•  Girl Math/Boy Math

The fuzzy-and-funny logic used by females rationalizing why they are getting a pretty good deal as far as their time, money, and convenience are concerned. 

Girl math is If a bag is Rs. 5000, it’s not that expensive because you would wear it 5 days a week, 4 weeks a month, for at least 10 months, so it’s at maximum Rs.25 per wear

As we step into 2024, consider this guide your passport to the vibrant and dynamic world of Gen Z slang. So, the next time someone says the food is “bussin” or asks for “receipts,” you’ll be ready to dive into the conversation with confidence!