Welcome to the linguistic jungle, where “slay” is no longer about dragons, “rizz” has nothing to do with soda, and “delulu” is the new way to manifest. If you’ve ever heard Gen Z talk and thought they were casting spells or speaking in code, you’re not alone—and you’re not entirely wrong.
Consider this your VIP pass into the verbal runway show of Gen Z, where language is fast, fabulous, and always evolving. Whether you’re a millennial trying to keep up, a boomer feeling lost, or a Gen Z-er needing a refresher (because even they can’t keep up with themselves), we’ve got you.
Slay
Definition: To absolutely kill it. Not literally.
Used in a sentence: “You wore that vintage Jean Paul Gaultier to brunch? Slay.”
It’s the verbal version of a standing ovation. Beyoncé slays. Your friend who just quit their job to start a candle business? Slays.
Rizz
Definition: Charisma, charm, the effortless ability to pull (as in attract, not yank).
Used in a sentence: “He walked in with zero effort and rizzed the whole room.”
Think of it as swag’s cooler, younger cousin—minus the cringe.
I’m melting / That’s so me
Definition: A way to express emotional overload. Cute overload? Melting. Embarrassed? Melting.
Used in a sentence: “He texted ‘good morning’ with a sunflower emoji. I’m melting.”
Delulu
Definition: Short for delusional, but in a manifest-it-till-you-make-it kind of way.
Used in a sentence: “He liked my story—so obviously we’re getting married. I’m not delulu, I’m just a visionary.”
A little fantasy never hurt nobody.
It’s giving
Definition: Used to describe vibes, energy, or what something reminds you of.
Used in a sentence: “That outfit is giving 90s Naomi Campbell on a coffee run.”
It’s basically aesthetic shorthand.
Caught in 4K
Definition: Busted. Exposed. Seen.
Used in a sentence: “She said she was sleeping but was on BeReal at 2am. Caught in 4K.”
The 2025 version of “gotcha.”
Spill / Tea
Definition: Gossip. Juice. Hot info.
Used in a sentence: “You saw them out together? Spill.”
Gen Z doesn’t eavesdrop—they brew.
Main Character Energy
Definition: Living your life like it’s a movie. Romanticizing the mundane.
Used in a sentence: “I walked through the rain with no umbrella listening to Lana. Main character energy.”
If you haven’t imagined your life as a montage, are you even trying?
No Cap
Definition: No lie. For real. Honestly.
Used in a sentence: “That bag? Iconic. No cap.”
This is Gen Z’s truth serum.
It’s the [blank] for me
Definition: Used to highlight something specific—could be praise or shade.
Used in a sentence: “It’s the fact that he still uses an iPhone 6 for me.”
It’s like roasting, but make it poetic.
So, Why Does It Matter?
Language is identity. And Gen Z, raised on TikTok timelines and meme culture, has turned slang into both a survival tool and an art form. These words aren’t just fun—they’re shorthand for cultural commentary, emotional depth, and community vibes.
Because in a world full of uncertainty, sometimes all you need is the right word to say: I get you.
So go ahead, add these to your vocabulary. Use them wisely. Overuse them shamelessly. Slay, be delulu, give main character energy, and above all, keep up.
No cap.
ALSO READ: THE ARTIST IS FLAMING: ALI CHA’ABAN GETS SAUCY ON EPISODE 5 OF #HOTSAUCEHOTBOSS.
