A guide to trending slang words and phrases used by Gen-Z and TikTok generation

If you want to understand the youth of today and have no idea what words like ‘Rizz’ and ‘Mogging’ mean, then this is the guide for you.

Gen-Z have created new words and phrases, influenced by the internet and social media, to communicate with each other.

If you want to understand the youth of today and have no idea what words like ‘Rizz’ and ‘Mogging’ mean, then this is the guide for you.

While every emerging generation has had an impact on the evolution of language by creating new words and phrases, the way Gen-Z talk is markedly different compared to previous generations.

Predominantly influenced by the internet and social media culture, people belonging to Gen-Z, which were born between 1997 and 2012, heavily rely on the use of abbreviations and text-based language, when communicating with one another, as well as people outside of their generation.

Gen-Z have coined words such as ‘Rizz,’ and ‘Sigma,’ while words such as ‘Cap,’ and ‘Fire,’ which on the surface may be seemingly understood by other generations, have been adapted by their generation to have a different meaning.

While some Boomers, which are people born between 1946 and 1963, may have no understanding of how Gen-Z communicate, some have even adopted the words that they use.

In the lead-up to the election and as a possible tactic to appeal to younger voters, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a boomer himself who was born in 1963, utilised some Gen-Z slang in the House of Representatives.

In slamming the Coalition’s pre-election policies in the lower house of parliament, the Prime Minister cringely said that the Opposition were “delulu with no solulu” - which roughly translates into “delusional with no solution”.

If you have no idea what any of these words mean, this is your guide to Gen-Z slang >>>

Trending words used by Gen-Z

Sigma

Meaning: A person who is independent, self-reliant, and doesn’t conform to social rules.

Example: “He doesn’t care what anyone thinks — that is total sigma energy.“

Skibidi

Meaning: A term with no specific meaning, that is used to describe an object, content, or situation as funny or cool.

Example: “That video had pure Skibidi vibes.“

Delulu

Meaning: Short for “delusional,” often used to describe someone believing in unrealistic or overly optimistic ideas.

Example: In Federal Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Opposition are “delulu with no solulu.”

Brain Rot

Meaning: Low-quality, low-value content.

Example: “TikTok is full of brain rot.” / “Married at First Sight is pure brain rot.”

Rizz

Meaning: Short for “charisma” and often used to describe a person’s ability to flirt with others.

Example: “She is really good at making people laugh - she has rizz.”

Cap

Meaning: A lie or false statement. “No cap” means you are telling the truth. Capping or ‘Cappin’ means you are lying.

Example: “I have met David Beckham, no cap.”

GOAT

Meaning: Acronym for “Greatest of All Time” used to be describe someone exceptional in their field.

Example/s: Sir Donald Bradman, Shane Warne, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Usain Bolt, Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Michael Phelps, Muhammad Ali, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Wally Lewis, Jonathan Thurston, Tony Lockett, Lance Franklin …… you get the drill.

Pookie

Meaning: A nickname for a person you adore such as a close friend and partner.

Example: “I love you pookie forever” - A phrase used by Haliey Welch in the Hawk Tuah video that made her go viral.

Fire

Meaning: A word that is used to describe a person, object, content, or situation as good, cool, or impressive.

Example: “That new song is fire.”

Mid

Meaning: A word that is used to describe an object, content, or situation as average, mediocre, or underwhelming.

Example: “All the Star Wars films produced by Disney are mid.”

Goofy

Meaning: Silly or playful.

Example: “That is so goofy.”

Mogging

Meaning: To physically or outshine someone, usually in looks, strength, or presence.

Example: “Zyzz was a pioneer of mogging.”

Sus

Meaning: Short for suspicious, used to call out an act that is sketchy or shady.

Example: “Why did he lie about where he was? That is so sus.”

Bussin

Meaning: A word that is used to describe food that tastes amazing.

Example: “This pizza is bussin.”

Fr

Meaning: An acronym for the phrase for real, used to emphasise truthfulness in a statement.

Example: “Fr that is so good.”

Ghosting/Ghosted

Meaning: To cut off all communication without explanation.

Example: “I wasn’t vibing, so I ghosted.”

Tea

Meaning: Gossip or personal information

Example: “Spill the tea, I want to know what happened.”

Flex

Meaning: To show off or boast.

Example: “Stop flexing that the Bank of Mum and Dad contributed to your house deposit.”

Woke

Meaning: Being socially aware, especially regarding social justice issues.

Example: “She is so woke, she is always advocating for change.”

Drip

Meaning: Stylish or fashionable clothing and accessories.

Example: “Check out his drip, that’s on point.”

FOMO

Meaning: An acronym for ‘Fear of missing out,’ anxiety over missing an event or experience.

Example: “I had major FOMO over Magic Round.”

Stan

Meaning: To strongly support or admire someone or something.

Example: “I totally stan the Broncos, they’re amazing.”

Noob

Meaning: A newcomer or beginner, especially in gaming.

Example: “Wow he got deleted real quick, what a noob.”

Slaps

Meaning: Used to describe an object, group, content, or situation as really good.

Example: “Tame Impala slaps.”

Bet

Meaning: An affirmative response, similar to okay or sure.

Example: “Are you coming to dinner later?” “Bet.”

Originally published as A guide to trending slang words and phrases used by Gen-Z and TikTok generation