TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — How long has “lol” been punctuation? The development of communication from letters to email to text messages, and now emojis, GIFs and memes has changed the verbiage game.
For younger generations, particularly Gen Z, different groups have what can at times seem like their own language. Phrases, words, and sometimes even emojis can have far different meanings based on context, age, and delivery method.
When you get insulted, do you fire back, pop off, or clapback? How about working on gaining respect? Do you clout chase or hype yourself up? Age is just a number, but with the rapid development of technology, vocabulary and communication change, sometimes dramatically.
To help you understand what Gen Z is saying, WFLA is going to help you finesse your way into understanding today’s language, without being sus.
Hello, fellow kids
Language always changes, but now it’s bouta get high key weird.
And fam, let me tell you, some of the meanings low key slay, but only in certain contexts. Sometimes, words just hit different.
If you’re confused, here are some ways to avoid getting flexed on when your family gets together for the holidays. Learning the language will help you avoid getting ghosted by younger generations.
Get ready, it’s about to get cringe.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| cap; no cap | to brag, a lie or exaggeration, hyperbole; for real, not a lie |
| cheugy | uncool, lame, unsuccessful attempts at being trendy |
| sus | suspicious, dubious, not trustworthy, doubted |
| high key | obvious |
| low key | not obvious |
| bouta | about to |
| slay | killing it, doing well |
| fam | family, close friend group, general referral to people (like dude, bro, my guy) |
| flexed on | assertion of dominance, verbal |
| ghosted | getting suddenly ignored, with no context or no comment |
| hits different | when something is unique, better than normal, causes an unexpected reaction |
| clap back | insulting response, forceful retort |
| clout, clout chasing/chase | having influence, working to build your influence, sometimes not a favorable description |
| hype | make a big deal of something, promote something, emphasize it |
| finesse | to trick or manipulate |
| vibe | mood, feeling, ambience |
| slaps | refers to something that is well liked, well regarded, enjoyed |
| stan | a super fan, devotee |
| spill the tea | gossip, the scoop, share a secret |
| yeet | multiple uses, anything from a farewell to a dramatic physical removal |
| cringe | embarrassing, awkward, supremely uncomfortable |
While the above list is not exhaustive, reading and using it means that, when it comes to speaking with younger generations, you understood the assignment.
