English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

Gen Z Slang

What do these Gen Z Slang words mean? Clear definitions, real examples and the origin of each term — kept clean and easy to read.

Gen Z Slang Terms

Did something exceptionally well, especially with style. Often extended to "ate and left no crumbs" — performed flawlessly, holding nothing back.

A quirky, oddly specific trait in a partner that's neither a good sign (green flag) nor a bad one (red flag) — just distinctly them.

A formative, often unavoidable experience that shapes who you become — something "meant to happen" in your personal story.

chronically online

Spending so much time on the internet that your references, jokes and opinions only make sense to other very online people.

A suffix used to name a specific aesthetic or vibe — "cottagecore", "gymcore" — built around a recognisable mood or style.

Delusional — usually in a light, self-aware way, about something you badly want to be true. Often paired with the phrase "delulu is the solulu" (delusion is the solution).

A one-sided romantic fantasy about someone who barely knows you exist — treating a crush as if it were a real relationship.

A casual, low-effort meal assembled from snacks and bits and pieces rather than a cooked dish — crackers, cheese, olives, whatever's in the fridge.

A dramatic improvement in someone's appearance, confidence or circumstances over time — a transformation for the better.

The greatest of all time, or close to it — the highest praise for a person, thing or performance.

Describing someone seen as an especially desirable partner — usually for being confident, successful, or emotionally secure.

Making a deliberate, all-out effort to improve your physical appearance — grooming, fitness, style and skincare taken to their limit.

Someone who acts as though they are the protagonist of their own life story. Used approvingly ("main character energy") for confidence, or critically for self-absorption.

Someone who seems to move through life without independent thought, repeating the same scripted opinions or actions — as if they were a background character in a video game.

Behaving in a robotic, unoriginal or scripted way, as if following the same set of stock responses everyone else uses.

Natural charm or charisma, especially a talent for flirting and attracting a romantic partner. Also used as a verb: to "rizz someone up" is to charm them.

Someone with exceptional rizz — a person who is unusually good at charming or flirting with others.

A self-reliant, quietly confident person who does their own thing outside the usual social pecking order. Now used mostly ironically, especially about teenage boys.

A romantic or sexual relationship that has no clear label or commitment — more than friends, but not officially dating.

To do something exceptionally well or to look fantastic. A term of praise — if you "slayed", you impressed everyone.

A sudden, often irrational feeling of disgust or turn-off toward someone you were attracted to, usually triggered by a small, specific thing they did.

An informal read of someone's mood, attitude or trustworthiness. To "pass the vibe check" is to give off a good impression.