Gen Z might be our most recent slang superstars, but let's not forget Millennials and their Gen Z slang equivalents, crafting "legit" lingo using their BlackBerry while rocking out to TRL.
This isn't just a generational quirk; it's a reminder that language is constantly evolving!
At ICLS, we're passionate about helping people bridge communication gaps, including keeping up with the past and the present.
Origins and Influences
Gen Z slang has spread like wildfire thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, making it the Usain Bolt of lingo compared to Millennial slang, which took its sweet time, marinating in the early internet culture, texting, and the pop culture stew of the 2000s (4)(5).
Types and Style of Slang
Gen Z favors abbreviations, playful mispronunciations, and meme-driven phrases. For example: "rizz," "bussin'," "no cap," "it's giving"(15).
Millennials tend to use more abbreviations and interjections to express emotions. For example: "adulting," "bae," "on fleek," "lit"(6).
8 Gen Z vs. 8 Millennial Slang Compared
| Gen Z Slang |
Millennial Equivalent |
Notes |
| Bussin' |
The Bomb / That's Fire |
Means something is excellent (1) |
| Rizz |
Swag |
Refers to charisma or charm (1) |
| No Cap |
Real Talk |
Means "no lie" or "for real" (1) |
| It's Giving |
That's Lit / I Can't Even |
Used to describe a vibe or feeling (1) |
| Side Eye/Sus |
That's Suspicious |
Calling something questionable (1) |
| Fit Check |
OOTD (Outfit Of The Day) |
Refers to showing off an outfit (1) |
| On God |
Ferreal |
Used for emphasis or sincerity (1) |
| Word/Bible |
That's Legit |
Affirmation of truth (1) |
Semantic and Cultural Differences
Gen Z slang is often characterized by a sense of irony and self-awareness, frequently drawing from the meta-narratives and humor prevalent on the internet. This generation's language is heavily influenced by the fast-paced and ever-evolving digital culture, with terms like "mid," "based," "stan," and "brainrot" serving as prime examples. These expressions not only capture the essence of online interactions but also reflect broader cultural trends and shifts. "Mid" is used to describe something mediocre or average, while "based" signifies authenticity or being true to oneself, often in the face of popular opinion. "Stan" is a term for an enthusiastic or obsessive fan, derived from a song by rapper Eminem, and "brainrot" humorously describes an obsession or fixation on a particular topic.
Together, these terms illustrate how Gen Z's slang is deeply intertwined with the digital landscape, mirroring the rapid exchange of ideas and the playful, often satirical nature of online communication(5).
Millennials, who came of age during the rise of social media and the early days of internet culture, popularized a variety of slang terms that became emblematic of their generation. Words like "adulting," which humorously refers to taking on responsibilities typically associated with adulthood, "on fleek," used to describe something that is perfectly executed or looks flawless, "bae," a term of endearment for a significant other or someone special, and "turnt," which describes being excited or having a good time, were once at the forefront of Millennial vernacular.
However, as language continues to evolve, these terms may now be perceived as "cringe" by younger generations, such as Gen Z(2)(6).
Summary
Gen Z slang is characterized by rapid evolution, internet-driven trends, abbreviations, and playful language, while Millennial slang reflects early internet and pop culture, with more focus on emotional expression and lifestyle terms (1)(5)(6).
Social media has accelerated the creation and adoption of Gen Z slang, making it more pervasive and dynamic compared to Millennial slang(4)(5).
In case comparing the slang of two generations who seem equally spellbound by Eminem is not enough for you and you also want to understand the world around you by learning languages, ICLS is here to help.
We have provided language training since 1966. Our clients include individuals, government agencies such as the FBI, USAID, the Foreign Service Institute, and organizations such as the Pan American Health Organization, the IMF, and the World Bank, to name a few.
With over 80 languages to choose from, a corps of highly skilled and trained language teachers, and in-house curricula, your language learning journey is off to a great start when choosing ICLS. Explore our foreign language classes to find a program best suited to your needs.
