05 Sep It’s giving bilingual: Your Ultimate Gen Z Slang Translator
As the only Gen Z writers at RM, Lili’s and my communication style lives rent-free in the minds of our ignorant yet endearing colleagues.
So, at long last, we deemed it time to spill the tea.
And lucky for you, we believe in inclusive slays. Meaning a crash course in Gen Z slang has just earned itself a spot on your bingo card for 2024.
From here on out, we’ll be giving dictionary. Casually sprinkle these babies into everyday conversation. And you can walk away from your next interaction with Gen Z friends, family and colleagues knowing you ate – and left no crumbs.
(If you’re not following so far – and scratching your head in bemusement, you’re in the right place. Read on! And sorry, but we can’t explain our vocab’s food and drink obsession. It just is, okay?)
Ate
An empowering compliment to describe a success. See also: Slay.
Example:
Sarah: Did you hear Troye Sivan’s new album?
Lili: Yes! He ate.
Bingo card
A list of possible, expected or likely scenarios.
Example:
Sarah: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are in a relationship. Can you believe it?
Lili: That was not on my bingo card for 2024.
Canon event
Unavoidable life event that builds character.
Example:
Sarah: Janet is using PowerPoint instead of Canva for her LI graphic.
Lili: We can’t interfere. It’s a canon event.
Catch these hands
When someone does something you don’t like, it makes you mad and you want to fight them. (Rarely used seriously.)
Example:
Lili: The client came back with an eighth round of edits.
Sarah: He can catch these hands.
Chef’s kiss
Expressing admiration for something exceptional.
Example:
Lili: That outfit you wore to the Halloween party? Chef’s kiss!
Clutched it
Succeeding under pressure or when the outcome is uncertain.
Example:
Lili: We thought we wouldn’t make the deadline. But Tehya clutched it.
Dead
A reaction to something hilarious.
Example:
Sarah: I accidentally sent the file to my mum.
Lili: Dead.
Delulu
The act of holding unrealistic expectations.
Example:
Lili: Ben thought he could prepare for the client presentation the morning of!
Sarah: It’s giving delulu.
Demure / mindful
Being relaxed and considerate of those around you.
Example:
Sarah: What did you think of the meeting this morning?
Lili: It was very demure, very mindful. We were in and out in 20 minutes!
In a chokehold
When you’re incredibly obsessed with something.
Example:
Misguided Gen Z client: I am going to use ChatGPT for everything from now on! It has me in a chokehold.
It’s giving
In isolation, ‘it’s giving’ describes something that looks very good. But when preceding a noun, this term likens the subject to the object.
Example:
Lili: How good is this blog Michelle just wrote?
Sarah: It’s giving Shakespeare.
Killing it/killed it
Performing exceptionally well or excelling.
Example:
Lili: Did you hear about Veronica’s client presentation?
Sarah: Yeah, she’s been killing it!
Left no crumbs
When someone really ate.
Example:
Sarah: She ate… and left no crumbs.
Living rent-free
Describing something that occupies your thoughts constantly.
Example:
Sarah: The Beckham documentary is living rent-free in my mind.
Out of pocket
Describing something that was said or done that was unexpected, nonsensical, not asked for or simply too far.
Example:
Sarah: I can’t believe Michael said that about Dwight.
Lili: Yeah, that was totally out of pocket!
Rizz
Short for ‘charisma’, an ability to charm a person.
Example:
Lili: Every client pitch Josh gives ends with a new deal on the table!
Sarah: He must have serious rizz.
Say less
To show agreement or approval, no need for further explanation or discussion.
Example:
Lili: Should we do a coffee run?
Sarah: Say less.
Sending me/sent me
Reacting to something that made you laugh.
Example:
Sarah: Did you hear my burp in the meeting?
Lili: That was so funny, it was sending me.
Slaps
Describing something incredibly good (especially music or food).
Example:
Sarah: What did you bring for lunch?
Lili: Pesto pasta. It slaps.
Slay
An empowering compliment to acknowledge someone’s impeccable work, style, confidence or job well done.
Example:
Lili: The client loved my article!
Sarah: Slay!
Someone cooked here
Recognising that someone was taught or influenced to act a certain way by someone else.
Example:
Lili: He brought me flowers on the first date!
Sarah: Someone cooked here.
Tea
Gossip or inside information.
Example:
Sarah: I got all the details from Vikki last night.
Lili: Oh my god, spill the tea!
Understood the assignment
When someone does an exceptional job, meeting expectations.
Example:
Lili: Rihanna’s outfit at the Met Gala was amazing.
Sarah: Agreed. She understood the assignment.
So there you have it. Your ultimate Gen Z translator – which slaps if we do say so ourselves. So study up! You’ll understand the assignment in no time.
Sincerest of slays,
Sarah and Lili
