Translating Popular Gen Z Slang and What They Mean
There needs to be more connection between Gen Z and the rest of the generations regarding their slang, lingo, and terms. You will feel hard done trying to find the meaning of ‘cheugy’ or ‘no cap’ even in the Urban Dictionary. We are surely caught up with millennial slang, which is added to the definitive book of words.
But what about the latest slang rampant in popular social media pages or conversations? Misusing these slang terms could easily result in cultural appropriation or awkward stares from Gen Z. Most employers are trying to catch up with these terms to fit in with the generational gap. It’s no surprise to find a pdf translator on their browsers trying to cope with the latest slang.
Fortunately, a quick dive into the latest urban slang opens the Pandora box to understand the latest slang and where it comes from. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the latest slang and their meanings:
Bussin
Even Gen Z terms their dinner or happy meal ‘bussing.’ Well, it is a form of appreciation of the meal as tasty or sumptuous. The word might refer to something good, excellent, or cool, depending on the context.
For example, ‘You look bussing today.’ The genesis behind the slang is still unknown, with many pointing out to a TikTok user replies in their convo about some bell pepper sandwiches. Initially, the word came in various variants, ‘buss it’ or ‘bust it,’ which had sexual connotations.
Ick
Eve felt something or behavior rub you the wrong way? It could be the weird sounds your friends produce while eating or how they act in different situations. The repulsion caused a feeling of disgust. It is an unconscious gut reaction to the habits of other people.
Recently, it’s found a home in dating and relationships. We might not know what happens, but the minute it happens, you feel it. The first coining of the phrase comes from the TV show Ally McBeal, which describes the cringe feeling during romantic contact with loved ones.
Rizz
All popular TikTok videos currently rate people’s ‘rizz’ based on their first encounters. So, do you have the rizz or not? Rizz is the short form of charisma. It simply means having the charm to woo a person.
There are different types of frizz, depending on the situation. A prime example of someone with rizz is George Clooney. He has the confidence, charisma, and an effortless demeanor both on and off-screen. Rizz makes someone more attractive to their potential partners. However, it goes beyond getting someone’s number or going on a date. It is about forming strong connections with people authentically.
Flex
Using the latest Gen Z slang correctly is a ‘flex.’ Simply put, it means boasting or gloating due to a grasp in a certain situation. The hip-hop culture popularized the slang with different meanings of the word.
Multiple situations in your life are flex to others. For example, graduating from college with first-class honors is a flex to others. Moreover, making substantial strides in your career and achieving milestones is another flex. Also, material possessions, travel adventures, and talents count as flexes.
No Cap
What does a person mean when they say, ‘no cap?’ This is a common term used by Gen Z to mean the truth or no lie. It implies you’re telling the truth. It is commonly used to convince someone you’re talking to.
The term ‘cap’ means a lie or falsehood. The origins of the term still need to be determined by various originators. However, the term became popularized in hip-hop culture, becoming a common phase in song titles and bars.
For example, ‘No cap! That was a really good meal.’ This translates to being honest about the meal’s being sumptuous.
Cheugy
If you fail to cope with the latest slang, you might find yourself being referred to as ‘cheugy.’ Cheugy means ‘uncool’ things that are out of style. Moreover, it’s interchangeable to mean a person out of style, trying too hard, or outdated with the latest trends.
There’s no definition for terming something as cheugy or not. It can encompass anything that relates to something basic. Fortunately, you can openly embrace being ‘cheugy’ till you surpass his definition and not be ‘cheugy.’
Salty
Have you ever expressed yourself in an irrational, bitter, or resentful manner? You may have failed to attend a party because your friends didn’t call you or deleted someone’s contact information out of nowhere. This is the perfect definition of a salty moment.
Being salty is slang for bitter or resentful behavior. It often describes individuals who are overly sensitive, bitter, angry, or resentful in various situations. The slang gained popularity in online communities and is constantly labeled against individuals with erratic or negative attitudes.
A good example of salty behavior is ex-partners in a relationship and how they react to each other. Saltiness is an indicator that one party isn’t over the relationship and still harbors bitter sentiments towards the other.
Simp
One negative connotation for individuals who overexpress their feelings to others without it being reciprocated back is simping. Simping is the action of going overboard to impress someone they like. Other definitions represent a desperate person who actively seeks the attention of disinterested women.
Some common traits simps exhibit include putting themselves last, highlighting their low self-esteem, and desperation to impress. Moreover, these individuals demonstrated unnecessary chivalry. However, there’s nothing inherently wrong with showing chivalry.
Through the years, the definition of simp has evolved to represent individuals in a relationship. Performing PDA might get mistaken for simping since you’re overly doing the most to confirm your love. It is used with a degrading and insulting tone in a playful manner that undertones toxic masculinity.
Final Thoughts
The English language is highly playful. Gen Z is overly influenced by pop culture, which significantly impacts their change in the vernacular. Therefore, learning these new slang before trying them in public without context is important. Save yourself from embarrassment or laughter while in public.
