The Top 60 Gen Z Slang Words in 2025 (With Examples You’ll Actually Understand) | UPrinting
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The Top 60 Gen Z Slang Words in 2025 (With Examples You’ll Actually Understand)

Written by UPrinting - Updated on May 16, 2025

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Last updated on May 16th, 2025 at 07:39 am



If you’ve ever been called mid for using lit, this list is for you. Language is moving faster than ever—and Gen Z is leading the charge. Whether it’s viral TikToks, Discord servers, or chaotic group chats, today’s slang is louder, weirder, and more creative than anything the dictionary has to offer.

We rounded up 60 of the most popular Gen Z slang words ranked by real-world usage (yes, we did math). From rizz to delulu, glow up to girl dinner, these are the words shaping conversations in 2025—and maybe even your next campaign. Bonus: You can download the full list as a printable PDF, and we even dropped a poll so you can crown the GOAT.

How We Ranked the Top 60 Gen Z Slang Words

To figure out which slang terms are still thriving in 2025—and which ones are feeling kinda washed—we looked at:

tiktok logo

TikTok Hashtag Volume. How many times a slang term was tagged in videos.
(Spoiler: Glow Up is still glowing.)

Urban Dictionary logo

Urban Dictionary Upvotes. How many internet dwellers agreed on a word’s meaning.

Relevance logo

Relevance in 2025. Some words peaked in 2021, while others (rizz, girl math) are still everywhere right now.

The Slang List – Ranked from GOAT to Washed

We kept it simple: Each term comes with a quick definition and a sentence, so you don’t end up saying slay at a funeral. (Please. Don’t.)

Slang Word Definition with examples
Glow Up A noticeable improvement in looks or confidence.

“Her post-breakup glow up could power a small city.”
GOAT The best to ever do it. (Greatest of All Time)

“LeBron’s the GOAT, no debate.”

Fit Check Showing off your outfit.

“Fit check before I leave the house like I’m walking a runway.”
Sigma Independent, self-reliant, doesn’t follow the crowd.

“He skipped prom to read Nietzsche. Total sigma move.”
Slay To dominate or look amazing doing something.

“She slayed that presentation harder than Beyoncé on tour.”

Ohio A surreal or cursed version of reality.

“This whole vibe is straight outta Ohio.”
Lit Exciting, fun, wild (a bit 2018, but still clinging on).

“That party was lit until the cops showed up.”
Aura Your vibe or energy.

“She doesn’t need designer—her aura does the flexing.”
IYKYK An inside joke or niche reference. (If You Know, You Know)

“That ending? IYKYK.”
Drip Killer style, usually clothes.

“Check the drip. Even my socks are on-brand.”
Simp Someone who tries too hard to impress their crush.

“He bought her concert tickets and she doesn’t even know his name. Simp behavior.”
Bruh Expression of disbelief, frustration, or just… vibes.

“You forgot your keys again? Bruh.”

Karen Entitled person (usually middle-aged and angry at managers).

“She demanded a refund and asked for the CEO. Karen alert.”
Sus Suspicious or shady.

“He said he’s ‘just friends’ with his ex. Kinda sus.”
Rizz Smooth flirting skills or natural charisma.

“She got more rizz than a romance novel.”

Sheesh An exclamation of surprise or admiration.

“New phone? Sheesh, that’s clean.”
Ate Performed with style and confidence—no crumbs left.

“That monologue? She ate.”
Skibidi Nonsense word turned viral meme.

“Skibidi toilet is my Roman Empire.”
Yeet To throw something hard… or just feel chaotic.

“I yeeted my notes after the exam.”
Vibe Check Evaluating someone’s mood or energy.

“He failed the vibe check when he started talking about crypto.”
Bias Your personal favorite, especially in K-pop groups.

“Jungkook’s been my bias since day one.”

Basic Mainstream or lacking originality.

“Pumpkin spice in October? So basic. Still ordering it though.”
Main Character Energy Acting like life is a movie and you’re the star. (usually unironically).

“He brought a ring light to the picnic. Main character energy.”
Stan A passionate fan or supporter.

“I stan her confidence—and her skincare routine.”
Dank Cool or high-quality, often used with memes.

“That’s a dank meme, 10/10.”
Delulu Delusional, but usually in a funny or endearing way.

“I’m delulu enough to think we made eye contact once and now we’re soulmates.”
Bet Okay, deal, or “I’m down.”

“You bringing snacks? Bet.”
Dope Cool, awesome, impressive.

“Your playlist is actually dope. Who knew?”

No Cap No lie, for real.

“That was the best burger I’ve ever had, no cap.”
Woke Aware of social or political issues—sometimes used sarcastically.

“He brought reusable utensils to the BBQ. Woke king.”
Fax Straight-up truth.

“She said sleep is better than love. Fax.”
Mewing A face-shaping posture technique (tongue to the roof of the mouth).

“He’s been mewing for months and swears his jawline changed.”
Cooked Physically or mentally exhausted—or just out of it.

“I pulled three all-nighters. I’m fully cooked.”
Extra Over-the-top, dramatic, or doing way too much.

“He hired a marching band to ask her out. Extra much?”
Bussin Delicious or amazing, usually about food.

“This mac and cheese? Bussin fr.”
Based Confidently being yourself, even if it’s unpopular.

“He wore Crocs to prom. Based.”
Mid Mediocre, average, not that great.

“Everyone hyped that movie but it was mid.”
Yap Talking too much, especially in an annoying way.

“She’s been yapping about astrology for 20 minutes.”
Bop A really catchy song.

“This playlist is 100% bops, no skips.”
Girl Dinner A chaotic mix of snacks that somehow counts as a meal.

“Pickles, brie, a single grape—girl dinner.”
Lowkey Secretly, quietly, or subtly.

“I lowkey love school drama. Just don’t tell anyone.”
Dupe A cheaper version of something expensive that looks/works the same.


“This drugstore blush is a $60 dupe. You’re welcome.”
Periodt Emphasis or finality. Used to punctuate a statement.

“She’s the moment. Periodt.”
Rent Free Living in your head without effort.

“That TikTok sound has been living rent free in my brain for days.”
FRFR For real, for real. Double confirmed.

“Nah, I’m tired frfr—not even fake tired.”
I’m Baby Acting cute, soft, or helpless on purpose.

“She spilled her drink and said, ‘I’m baby.’ We let it slide.”
Ick A sudden turnoff, usually romantic.

“He clapped when the plane landed. Instant ick.”
Girl Math Humorous logic used to justify spending money.

“It’s basically free if I use store credit. Girl math.”
Snatched Looking amazing, especially when styled or sculpted.

“Her waist? Snatched. Her fit? Also snatched.”
Shook Shocked, surprised, or speechless.

“She said she’s never had ramen. I’m shook.”
Bbg Short for “baby girl,” used playfully or affectionately.

“Come through, bbg, the group chat needs you.”
Salty Bitter or annoyed.

“He got salty when I beat him at Mario Kart.”
Boujee Living or acting fancy, high maintenance.

“She brought truffle oil to the picnic. Boujee queen.”
OFC Of course.

“Are you watching the new season? OFC I am.”
Caught in 4K Caught red-handed or with undeniable evidence.

“You said you hate pineapple on pizza, then ordered one. Caught in 4K.”
Washed Out of touch or past your prime.

“He thought YOLO was still a thing. Washed.”
Fanum Tax When your friend steals your food without asking. (From streamer Fanum.)

“I looked away and my fries were gone. Classic Fanum tax.”
It’s Giving Used to describe the vibe or style something gives off.

“That jacket? It’s giving main character.”
Beige Flag A quirky or odd trait that’s not a dealbreaker—but close.

“He names his houseplants after Greek gods. Beige flag.”
Finna Fixing to, about to do something.

“I’m finna log off and touch grass.”

Slay or Nay? Vote on Your Favorite Gen Z Word

We know not all slang hits the same. Help us settle the score. Which Gen Z word still slaps in 2025?


Whether you’re trying to slay your next campaign or just want to know what rizz even means, now you’re covered. Periodt. Language doesn’t have to be a mystery—or a meme you’re scared to say out loud. Use this guide to get fluent, get funny, and maybe even get a few more likes along the way. And don’t forget to download your glossary before someone calls you washed.


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