Think you’re up to date with the latest internet lingo? Well, guess again, grandpa. The slang dictionary of Gen Z (and now Gen Alpha!) is expanding faster than memes on a Monday. Whether you're trying to stay cool or just decode what your younger cousin said at dinner, here’s your cheat sheet to the hottest and funniest slang of 2025.
1. Sigma – The Confident Lone Wolf
Sigma isn't just a letter from a Greek fraternity—it’s the modern-day lone wolf. Someone who's cool, confident, and doesn’t need anyone's approval. Basically, the guy who walks into a room, says nothing, and somehow still steals all the attention.
2. Skibidi – Certified Cringe
If something makes your skin crawl or causes second-hand embarrassment, it's Skibidi. Born from a weird dance trend, this word now means "please make it stop."
3. Delulu – Funny Delusions Ahead
Short for delusional, this term is used playfully. Example: “I think my crush noticed me blink at him once — he’s probably in love with me.” That’s Delulu energy, baby.
4. Rizz – Flirt Game Strong
If you’ve got the charm, the swagger, and can make hearts flutter with one sentence, you've got Rizz. Short for charisma, this one’s all about smooth talking.
5. Cap – Lies Detected
Cap means a lie. “No cap” means you’re telling the truth. So when your friend says they can do 100 push-ups, you reply, “That’s cap.”
6. GOAT – Greatest Of All Time
From Messi to Beyoncé, anyone who’s the best at what they do is the GOAT. No horns included, just pure excellence.
7. Gyat – Curvy Compliment
This one’s a cheeky way to say someone has a... let's just say a noticeable backside. “She got that gyat” is both admiration and observation rolled into one.
8. Pookie – Lovey-Dovey Name
Call your significant other Pookie if you’re deeply in love and not afraid of sounding like a marshmallow. Cute? Yes. Cringe? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
9. Fire – Straight Up Awesome
That outfit? Fire. That song? Fire. That pizza? Double fire. It just means something is amazing, no smoke detectors required.
10. Mid – Meh, It’s Average
Mid is Gen Z’s way of saying “It’s alright, I guess.” It’s not terrible, but definitely not winning any awards.
11. Goofy – Silly in a Good Way
Used to describe someone who’s fun, silly, or just a walking meme. Being goofy isn’t bad—it’s a whole vibe now.
12. Mogging – You Outshine Everyone
To mog someone means you make them look like a background character. You're serving looks, attitude, and confidence so hard it’s unfair.
13. Sus – Something’s Fishy
Short for Suspicious. If someone’s being sketchy or acting weird, they’re sus. Especially if they’re too quiet in Among Us.
14. Bussin – So Delicious, OMG
That food isn’t just good—it’s bussin. Say it when you take a bite and feel like crying happy tears.
15. Slay – You Absolutely Killed It
Slay means you crushed it—usually with style and confidence. That outfit? Slay. That presentation? Slay. That comeback? Triple slay.
16. Drip – Fashion on Point
If your outfit is turning heads, you’ve got drip. Bonus points for chains, sneakers, and anything that screams swagger.
17. Bet – Cool, Got It
Someone says “Want to grab tacos?” You say Bet. It means “Sure,” “Okay,” or “Deal.” Universal agreement, no paperwork required.
18. Vibe – The Overall Mood
Whether it’s a chill café, a dreamy playlist, or someone’s entire personality—it’s a vibe. If it feels good, it vibes good.
19. Flex – Show Off Mode
Posting your new car, flaunting your vacation, or humble-bragging about your grades? That’s a flex. Just don’t overdo it or it’s Skibidi territory.
Final Words Before You Flex This New Lingo
Now that you’re fluent in Gen Z's favorite buzzwords, go ahead and slay that group chat, or drop some rizz in your next DM. Whether you’re trying to look less sus or just avoid being called mid, these slang terms will keep your convo fire in 2025 and beyond.
Just don’t use them all in one sentence. That’s a big cap.
Keywords: Gen Z slang, trending slang 2025, Sigma meaning, Rizz definition, Delulu explained, social media slang, teen slang, TikTok words
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Gen Z slang?
Gen Z slang refers to modern, informal words and phrases popularized by younger generations, especially online. These terms are often born on social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, and are used to express emotions, reactions, or cultural trends in a fun and quirky way.
2. Is it okay for adults to use Gen Z slang?
Totally! Language evolves, and anyone can join in. Just make sure you’re using it in the right context. Throwing out a random “slay” during a business meeting might not land—but saying it to hype up your friend? 100% acceptable.
3. What does ‘Delulu’ actually mean?
‘Delulu’ is short for ‘delusional,’ but it's used in a funny, non-serious way. It’s like when you convince yourself your favorite celebrity made eye contact with you through the screen. Harmless and hilarious.
4. How do I keep up with new slang?
Stay active on platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube Shorts, and Reddit. Also, reading updated guides like this (wink wink) will keep your vocab fresh and on-point.
5. What is ‘Rizz’ in dating terms?
‘Rizz’ is short for charisma, especially when it comes to flirting. If someone has ‘rizz,’ they’ve got the smooth, confident vibe that can charm just about anyone.
6. What does ‘Cap’ mean?
‘Cap’ means lie. If someone says “no cap,” they mean they’re telling the truth. If someone’s exaggerating, you can hit them with a “That’s cap.” Instant honesty detector.
7. What is ‘Gyat’ and is it appropriate?
‘Gyat’ refers to someone with a noticeable or large booty. It’s often used in a humorous or meme-y way, but be mindful—it can come off as objectifying. Best kept to online memes or private convos, not dinner with the in-laws.
8. Can I use these slang terms in professional settings?
Most of the time—no. Slang like “bussin” or “mogging” is great for social convos but could confuse your boss. Keep it casual and save these words for memes, group chats, or social media posts.
9. What does ‘Mid’ mean exactly?
‘Mid’ is the ultimate “meh.” If something is average, unimpressive, or overhyped, it’s mid. Not terrible. Not amazing. Just... existing.
10. What does it mean when someone says “Slay”?
When someone says “slay,” it means you crushed it—whether that’s your outfit, a performance, or even your energy. Basically, you're serving queen/king/legend vibes.
