Decoding Gen Z slang in 2025 feels like learning a new language, from TikTok to Reddit, today’s youth speak in quick, quirky codes full of irony and internet energy and these phrases reflect digital culture, fandoms, and a meme-first mindset and whether you’re a millennial lost in the group chat, a brand aiming for Gen Z approval, or just curious about what “delulu” even means, this list has you covered. Below are 20 must-know slang terms that define Gen Z’s vocabulary in 2025—complete with definitions, usage, and cultural context.
Rizz
Rizz means charm or flirt game.
Use it like: “He’s got mad rizz.”
Gen Z measures social smoothness with this word, especially in dating. TikTok and Twitch made it viral.
Delulu
Delulu is a fun spin on delusional.
Use it like: “I’m totally delulu about marrying my fav idol.”
It started in fandoms, now it’s used to dream big with humor.
NPC
NPC refers to someone emotionless or robotic.
Use it like: “She was acting like a total NPC at the party.”
Borrowed from gaming, it’s a roast for bland or unaware behavior.
Slay
Slay means to look great or do something flawlessly.
Use it like: “You slayed that presentation.”
This is Gen Z’s universal hype word—positive, powerful, and everywhere.
Ate (and left no crumbs)
Means they crushed it.
Use it like: “She ate that performance.”
It’s bolder than “slay” and perfect for over-the-top praise.
It’s Giving
Used to express a vibe.
Use it like: “It’s giving main character energy.”
This versatile phrase helps define moods, aesthetics, and more.
Go Touch Grass
A humorous reality check.
Use it like: “You need to touch grass, bestie.”
It tells someone to log off and engage with the real world.
Mid
Mid means mediocre.
Use it like: “That movie was so mid.”
Blunt and efficient, it’s a savage one-word review.
Corecore
It is an emotional TikTok trend.
Use it like: “That edit was so corecore, I cried.”
It blends aesthetics and deep emotion—Gen Z’s poetic chaos.
Brat
Describes playful drama and sass.
Use it like: “She’s in her brat era.”
This word celebrates bold, dramatic, and rebellious vibes.
In the Big 2025
It is a dramatic twist on daily struggles.
Use it like: “Raw-dogged the metro. In the big 2025.”
Perfect for exaggerating life’s little misfortunes.
Ick
It refers to an instant turn-off.
Use it like: “The way he chews gave me the ick.”
Relatable and meme-worthy, often seen in dating rants.
Main Character
Means someone who acts like they’re the star.
Use it like: “She walked in like the main character.”
Gen Z lives for iconic self-expression—and this phrase proves it.
No Cap
Means “for real” or “no lie.”
Use it like: “That song hits hard, no cap.”
Still going strong as Gen Z’s truth-telling phrase.
Girl Dinner
A chaotic, snack-based meal.
Use it like: “Crackers, cheese, olives… girl dinner.”
Ironically glamorous, this celebrates low-effort self-care.
Bet
Means deal or agreement.
Use it like: “You down? Bet.”
Short, confident, and casually cool in any conversation.
Ghost
To cut contact without warning.
Use it like: “He ghosted me.”
Common in modern dating—and the slang refuses to fade.
Slaps
Means something is great.
Use it like: “This playlist slaps!”
Used for anything amazing—music, memes, even snacks.
TS pmo icl
A chaotic acronym: “this sh*t pisses me off I can’t lie.”
Use it like: “When Wi-Fi lags? TS pmo icl.”
Looks like gibberish, sounds like rage. Gen Z loves the drama.
Read More: Starbucks Closes Gen Z Pickup Stores After 6 Years, Finds Warmth Beats Convenience
I’m Just a Girl (in the big 2025)
A self-deprecating meme phrase.
Use it like: “Skipped lunch and now I’m spiralling. I’m just a girl in the big 2025.”
Used with sparkly fonts and sad selfies, this phrase blends humour with Y2K energy.