Gen
6 synonyms for Gen, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Informal British slang for information or facts.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
lowdown
details
How to use Gen
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Gen Z
Gen X
what's the gen
Very informal in both senses.
Etymology
Shortened from "generation."
Full origin of Gen →Frequently asked questions
What does “Gen” mean?
The word “Gen” means informal British slang for information or facts. In plain terms, short for "generation," or British slang for useful information.
How do you pronounce “Gen”?
“Gen” is pronounced jehn (/d͡ʒɛn/ in IPA).
How do you use “Gen” in a sentence?
Here is “Gen” used in a sentence: “What's the gen on the new office move?”
What part of speech is “Gen”?
Depending on how it is used, “Gen” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “Gen” a common word?
“Gen” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Gen” have?
“Gen” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: informal British slang for information or facts.
What is the difference between the two meanings of 'gen'?
In British slang, 'gen' means information or facts, as in 'give me the gen.' Separately, 'gen' can be short for 'generation,' as in 'Gen Z.' Context makes clear which sense is intended.
Is 'gen' formal or informal?
'Gen' is informal in both its senses. The 'information' meaning is British slang best kept to casual speech, and 'gen' as short for generation is a conversational abbreviation rather than a formal term.
How do you use 'the gen' to mean information?
In British English, 'the gen' means the essential facts or details about something, as in 'What's the gen on the new manager?' It is casual and typically used in speech among people who know one another.
