Gen Z Lingo: Understanding the Terms & What They Mean

Gen Z is redefining language, creating a whole new set of terms and expressions that marketers need to understand. With the rapid rise of social media, meme culture, and an always-online generation, their slang has infiltrated everyday conversations. Brands that get it right can appeal to this younger audience in a fresh, relatable way to connect with this digital-savvy generation. Let’s break down some popular Gen Z terms and what they mean.

1. “No Cap”

Translation: No lie or for real. If someone says “no cap,” they’re emphasizing that they’re telling the truth. It’s often used in casual conversation to express sincerity.

2. “Bet”

Translation: Agreement or confirmation. When Gen Z says “bet,” they’re saying “okay” or “sure.” It’s a quick, confident way to affirm something.

3. “Vibe Check”

Translation: Testing the mood or energy. If someone says they’re doing a “vibe check,” they’re assessing whether the atmosphere feels good or if the energy is positive.

4. “Finsta”

Translation: Fake Instagram account. A “finsta” is a secondary, more private Instagram account that people use to share more candid, personal content with a smaller, close-knit audience.

5. “Glow Up”

Translation: A significant transformation, usually for the better. A “glow up” refers to someone’s physical or emotional improvement over time.

6. “Sus”

Translation: Suspicious or shady. If something or someone seems suspicious, Gen Z will describe it as “sus.”

7. “Tea”

Translation: Gossip or drama. When someone spills the “tea,” they’re sharing juicy details or the latest gossip.

8. "Periodt"

Translation: Finality or underscores a point. Often used at the end of a sentence to signify that there’s nothing left to say on the matter.

9. "Lit"

Translation: Something exciting, fun, or just plain awesome. It’s often used to describe a great event or situation, like a party.

10. "FR"

Translation: Short for "for real". Adds emphasis or validates that someone is being serious. It's thrown into conversations when people want to confirm the authenticity of their statement.

11. "Rizz"

Translation: Charisma in the context of flirting or charming someone. For brands, showing you’ve got "rizz" means being confident, persuasive, and appealing in your communications.

12. "Demure"

Translation: While not as loud as "periodt" or "lit," "demure" is often used to describe something cute or modest. In branding, it might refer to a product or design that's understated but elegant.

Speak Their Language to Connect

To successfully engage with Gen Z, it’s essential to speak their language. By understanding and using these terms, brands can build stronger connections with this influential demographic!