Gen-Z dictionary: decode what you hear in the halls

A reference dictionary for all of those who are 20 and above.

Malavika Santhosh and Nyla Libed

The English language is ever-changing. It evolves and grows, adapting to the changes going on in the environment around it. Slang, or short language, is a big part of communication, and changes and evolves just like normal language does. Over the years, many slang words have gone in and out of style, changing with each generation. Here are the slang words that our generation, Gen Z, uses most:

 

Yeet (exclamation): An extremely expressive word that can be used in many situations. On one end of the spectrum, “yeet” can be said with a full, guttural sound whilst lobbing an object furiously to assert authority. On the other hand, “yeet” can be used gently as one completes a difficult task.

 

Turnt (adj.): Turnt is a variation of “turned” used only to describe when someone is excessively excited or prepared for the current event. In its entirety, it can commonly be seen used as “turnt up,” as in “turned up.”

 

Salty (adj.): when you are upset over something little

 

Shade (n.): the act of dissing a friend in a casual or disrespectful manner

 

Lit (adj.): fun, pumped up, overly exciting

 

Basic (adj.): only interested in things mainstream, popular, and trending

 

Savage (n.): someone who does not care about the consequences of his or her actions

 

Fire (adj.): something that is appealing in the heat of the moment

 

Tea (n.): particularly juicy or sought after gossip or info

 

Fam (n.): Derived from the word “family”. Refers to people that are extremely close to you, like family members.

 

Dope (adj.): what people say when something is cool

 

Oof (exclamation): when you don’t really care but should say at least something

 

Snatched (adj.): refers to good looks, fierceness, or something good

 

Slay (v.): to nail it or kill it in a good way

 

Mood (n.): used to express that something is relatable