Confused by Gen Z lingo? From ‘Bet’ to ‘Periodt,’ here’s your ultimate cheat sheet to decode their secret language! (Photo: Canva)
From “Bet” to “Periodt,” Gen Z has created a slang universe that can leave even the savviest millennials scratching their heads. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation has developed a lingo that feels like a secret code complete with acronyms, single-letter expressions, and playful twists on everyday words. Check these words below if you have confusion over Genz words.
Used to express agreement or confirmation.
Example: “Are you coming for the match tonight?” “Bet!”
Means falsity or lying.
Example: “He said he would submit the project today, but that’s cap.”
Short for ‘delusional,’ someone unrealistically optimistic.
Example: “Me and my delulu self against the world.”
Fear of missing out.
Example: “I have major FOMO after missing Taylor’s concert.”
Stopping communication abruptly.
Example: “He ghosted me after our first date.”
Means good, cool, or amazing.
Example: “How was the party?” “It was Gucci!”
Making something public without warning.
Example: “She hard-launched her boyfriend on Instagram.”
Joy of missing out, opposite of FOMO.
Example: “I won’t go to the party tonight; I’m having a JOMO moment.”
A fun hangout or party.
Example: “We are going to Sabrina’s house for a kiki.”
Exciting or awesome.
Example: “The decor at the party was totally lit.”
Feeling confident, like the protagonist of your story.
Example: “She walked into the party with main character energy.”
A beginner or inexperienced person.
Example: “The new actor in the movie is such a noob.”
Following someone online without engaging.
Example: “I am guilty of orbiting my ex’s Instagram.”
Understated but very expensive.
Example: “She prefers quiet luxury in dressing up.”
Being bitter or upset.
Example: “I am feeling salty after losing the game.”
Doing something impressively well.
Example: “She totally slayed the runway.”
Being aware of social justice issues.
Example: “My friend is quite woke, she campaigns for women’s rights.”
Shaming public figures, companies, or organizations for actions or opinions.
Combination of “stalker” and “fan”; showing obsessive admiration.
Excellent or high quality.
A person you find attractive.
Listening to gossip without participating.
A loss, opposite of W.
Telling someone to back off.
A song or album that’s exceptionally good.
Used to hype someone up.
“If you know, you know,” often for inside jokes.
Something you can’t stop thinking about.
Checking someone’s energy or mood.
When something feels unique or better than usual.
Adds emphasis or intensity to a statement.
Criticizing or making fun of someone.
Tricking or manipulating to get what you want.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
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