Decoding Gen-Z Slang: Your Guide to Learning, Understanding, and Speaking the Gen-Z Vernacular

by Devon Knott

Gen Z slang is everywhere! There’s no point denying it. It’s not like Klingon, either. You can’t ignore it into oblivion. It’s here to stay (and evolve).

Pop culture, digital marketing, movies, TV shows, books, and the entire internet, in general, is affected by this evolved diction. Words that previously had no meaning, words like yeet and chuegy, are now not only being recognized by and large by a whole demographic but are also being used as part of their daily vocabulary. This barely English jargon is even being added to dictionaries.And, to get it out of the way early, our apologies to Karen, Keith, Sharon, Chad, and Kyle.

Although not exhaustive, this book serves to help you understand and decode popular Gen-Z slang terms, explore their rich history, and make you become better versed in the colloquial speech of the young and trendy. Of course, the line drawn between modern Generation Z lingo and millennial sayings is dicey, so expect some cross-over.

We’ll discuss the possible origins of this language, how internet culture influenced the formation and propagation of these quirky phrases through memes. Then we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and common terms, catchphrases, and codewords out there.

We shall also go through Zoomer dating slang, with commentary on how the modern landscape of the myriad of platforms and services has made what was once an arduous and romantic endeavor (dating) convenient, low-effort, and has simplified it to the point where it’s conventional to find someone online as opposed to being odd.

If you’re into history, if discovering the origins of things piques your curiosity, or if you’re looking to flex on the younger crowd that you know their terminologies and their secret language, this book will be a good primer for you while keeping things fun, casual, and light.This book will have you laughing and learning. No cap, fam.

Start speaking Gen-Z slang, now!

Genres: Nonfiction

92 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2021

Reviews

[G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

Do yourself a favor. Don’t read this. It was a complete waste of time, and if you’re looking for clarification for terms you see on the Internet or from younger people in your life… just Google it. You’ll come up with a more accurate answer. Not only were some of the definitions wrong, but the examples were often also wrong. Hint: if someone says a song was “bopping,” they’re probably completely out of touch.

I was also very disappointed in the explanation of the history of memes and internet slang. While the importance of Reddit, YouTube and gaming are key factors in slang culture… the roles that Vine, TikTok and most importantly, Black culture are not touched on. In fact, while several nods to certain slang’s origin in Black culture are given, the connection between obvious slang is either not made at all (i.e. “wig” and “snatched”) or inaccurately attributed to someone else.

The author was also completely full of himself, and the jokes… not funny. Cringe. It was also organized poorly. To quote Tyra Banks: “It’s so bad. I want to give you a zero, but that’s not possible. So I give you…. A one.”

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawings. Didn't do a lot for me. I guess I was expecting something more like the Urban Dictionary.

[Silas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway, and well... I'm glad I didn't pay for it. It sets out to teach you the slang that contemporary young people use. I was vaguely interested in Gen-Z slang from having heard a few words from my nephew that I didn't know, but I feel like I learned a little bit more from interacting briefly with him and generally being aware of the internet than I did from this book. I did learn a few things along the way, but the narration was really obnoxious, and fairly often used terms without ever explaining them. It simultaneously felt like it was barely scratching the surface, and dragged on incessantly, despite being a very short book. Ultimately, I was glad it was, because I didn't care to read any more.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Baby Boomer, I have difficulty keeping up with the Gen-Zer's constantly changing language. Since this group played computer games once they emerged from the nursery, many of their words and phrases are steeped in gaming and modern American culture. The author posits that this is all the 'revenge of the nerds.' The author explains that his book is a stab at catching the changing lingo at one point in time. However, their lingo is constantly changing.

This short book shows the origins of some of the catchphrases and then explains many words that 'people of a certain age' don't know. The next section discusses the ever-evolving world of memes. Many of the memes originate on Reddit. Part of the reason for this is that Reddit has 450 million active monthly users. Look at the subreddits, such as r/dankmemes (dank refers to something cool).

However, you are reading this to learn the 'in' phrases and their meaning. The author recommends going to Reddit and scanning the memes because Gen-Zers use their phrases and by reading them over time, you will become adept at understanding. Lest you think that gaming is a passing fad, by 2025, this industry will rake in $256.97 billion!

I've chosen some less salacious items in the author's dictionary. Some of them make me wonder about the future of our culture and morals (but that's another story and I've left those out). Later in this listing, some names have become part of their lexicon (in a derogatory way).

Basic - anything mainstream. "So who's her fave singer? Jason Timberlake. Man, that's basic."

Based - true to themselves, they don't care what is popular. "She's crazy based. She's voted for Democrats for years but now wears a MAGA hat."

Bop - refers to a good song with a nice beat. "Eminem's latest album is a bop."

Canceled - to stop supporting a person or cause by avoiding or boycotting them. "When we found out Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted a minor, we canceled him."

Cap - a lie, a blatant one. Often matched with no. "I just played the first round of my new game and no cap; the game is trash."

Drip - denotes coolness and a great sense of style. "Her dress was drip. She's a fashion icon."

Someone cranky and entitled, Karen demands to speak to the manager over a minor issue. "Did you see how she acted? She's such a Karen." 

Chad - pure alpha male. "Did you see him strut into the theatre? He's such a Chad."

Other names are used ironically or in a derogatory manner, including Jan (constant liar), Harold (too old or too stupid to understand some significant point), and Simon (annoying person who does something embarrassing in public). Kyle is another internet archetype. He's annoying, under-educated, with no future plan.

Catfishing/Woke Fishing - pretending to be something you're not online. "Being a hypocrite online to get laid." Woke Fishing is spouting woke thoughts and beliefs when you don't.

Emergency call - going on a risky date? Call one of your friends to call with an emergency so you can escape a terrible date.

Haunting - after breaking up, one party starts stalking your social media, leaving a trail of likes.

This is a small sampling of the Gen-Z lexicon from this author. I found the book on Amazon. It is available as a Kindle, Audio, or paperback.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short but fun read defining some common gen-z slang words, including examples!

The author linked these words to his own experience encountering them which made for a far more interesting and often humorous read.

I was enjoying this well enough that I would have given a higher review but there were many parts in this book where I questioned the credibility and correctness of the content. I still would have given it a good rating, for the most part, as slang words are often contentious in terms of origin and definition.

When aromantics were described as “someone who doesn’t conform to the romantic part of a relationship” I had to drop stars. Aromantics feel little to no romantic attraction by to other people, it’s not a case of “challenging the status quo”. Similarly asexuals are described as “having no feeling below their navels” which is both highly disrespectful and incorrect as asexuals simply feel little to no sexual attraction towards others. I didn’t appreciate this blatant disregard for some people within the LGBTQIA+ community.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Gen-Z slang term contains a brief explanation, such as a history or appropriate context for the word or phrase. Then there is an example quote to show how the word is used. This is a very short guide and particularly helpful to explain new and unusual words such as 'wig' and 'submarining'. There are chapters explaining situations when certain phrases are used, for example 'F's in the chat' refers to online gaming chat responses and 'lockering' refers to someone refusing to be with their friends because they're busy studying.

[Dexxie Mayflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Talk about thorough!
Decoding Gen-Z Slang covers absolutely everything you need to know about the subject. Along with it being an entertaining read, I gained some fascinating new knowledge. The book is so complete, in fact, that I hope Devon Knott will produce a companion book that's an abbreviated version. Something like that might even be a handier tool than this one! (4-1/2 Stars)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A. C. W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dishes the Tea for those of us not Gen Z

I knew a lot of these terms being a millennial but I think this is the best way for older generations to figure out what the heck these kids are saying. 😅

[April Prosser · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read

Lots of gen-z slang & its origins—a quick and fun way to pass an hour or two. Loved the battle of the generations at the end:

[Susan Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of “A World Without Whom”, I think you would like this. The writing and style, to me, was very similar. It’s a fun read, but not for everyone.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally pretty good. I knew most of the phrases already.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as informative as expected.

[Teresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

So bad. Saw second hand and thought it would be funny. It is sooooo bad. Super cringe. He really thinks he's doing something.

[Mystery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway!

I actually did learn quite a bit of slang, and I'm amazed how many there were, no cap. When I began reading I wondered if it was going to be mostly fluff, but the author did take time to define and then give examples for each of the words. Overall it does do the job of teaching and helping you understand Gen-Z vernacular.

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Won this from a goodreads giveaway. It was alright. I feel like less than half the book was actually defining slang used today. I knew a surprising amount of the "gen-z slang" but was excited to finally come to yet. Only to be left where I started. The book had its funny moments though. Fun quick read.

[Anne Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the humor, though maybe not the greatest way to actually decode gen-z slang.