Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
If you've ever wondered why are kids talking about crumbs and cooking when no one’s in the kitchen, this guide is for you. Welcome to the unofficial crash course in Gen Z slang — a world where words are short, don’t mean what they used to, and every conversation feels like decoding a secret language.
Here’s your all-access pass to understanding the vocabulary that makes Gen Z tick, tweet, and TikTok.
From your chai tapri to your college group chat, Gen Z slang is everywhere—and now, with this guide, you can decode it like a pro. Just don’t overdo it, or you might end up hearing: “Uncle/Aunty, yeh cringe hai!”
Ate and left no crumbs
When someone does anything without flaw, they metaphorically devour it — and leave no leftovers. Think Deepika Padukone at the Cannes red carpet or Virat Kohli in a match-winning chase. They didn’t just do it; they did it so well that nobody else can even try to match up.
Example: “Did you see Vicky Kaushal’s dance moves at that wedding? He ate and left no crumbs!”
Boujee
Short for ‘bourgeoisie,’ boujee is all about being fancy, fabulous, and living the life of luxury — even if you’re broke.
Example: Wearing Manish Malhotra to a shaadi? Boujee.
Skibidi
Used to describe anything cool, odd, or plain weird. It’s the perfect word for some of India’s quirkiest trends, like dancing to Bhojpuri songs in the metro.
Example: “That reel where the guy dances in the auto? Peak skibidi!”
Tea
Gossip, desi-style. Whether Bollywood scandals or neighborhood drama, spilling the ‘tea’ is everyone’s favourite pastime.
Example: “Did you hear about that new couple in our building? Let me spill the tea.”
Simp
For someone so infatuated, they’d do anything for their crush — even embarrassing themselves. The classic Bollywood hero.
Example: “Buying flowers for her every day? Dude, you’re such a simp.”
Brain rot
The result of binge-watching low-quality content or getting sucked into rabbit holes on YouTube or Instagram. Think watching desi wedding fail videos non-stop. Your brain feels like it’s melting, but somehow you can’t stop.
Example: “I stayed up till 3am watching Bigg Boss episodes. Total brain rot, man.”
Rizz
This was the Oxford University Press's word of the year for 2023. It means the ultimate charm. If Shah Rukh Khan’s smile could be turned into a word, it would be “rizz.”
Example: “That guy at the café asked for my number so smoothly — major rizz!”
Let them cook
Letting someone handle a situation their way — even if it looks bizarre. It’s like trusting your friend’s choice of DJ for the wedding sangeet.
Example: “Why is he mixing Coke with espresso? I don’t know, but let him cook.”
Girl math
Using twisted logic to justify purchases. If you haggle at Janpath or Sarojini Nagar, you’re saving money, right? So technically, you can spend that saved money on more shopping.
Example: “This kurta was 50 per cent off. Basically, I’m earning money by buying it. Girl math.”
Amped
The energy or excitement you feel before the next IPL match or Shah Rukh Khan’s movie release. If you’re hyped, you’re amped.
Example: “I’m so amped for the India vs Pakistan match this weekend!”
Delulu
From delusional, a way to describe unrealistic dreams. Like when you believe you’ll get Shahid Kapoor to notice your DM on Instagram.
Example: “You think you’ll win KBC without preparing? You’re so delulu!”
Drip
Looking stylish. Wearing a crisp kurta at a wedding or pulling off a lehenga with sneakers? That’s drip.
Example: “Ranveer Singh’s airport look? Total drip.”
Gucci
No, this isn’t just about the luxury brand. Gucci means everything is great, cool, and stylish.
Example: Life feeling good? Gucci. Got promoted? Extra Gucci.
Hot take
A controversial opinion about something trending or current. It’s like calling out a popular Bollywood movie as overrated or saying you prefer chai over coffee in a world full of coffee lovers. It’s not for the faint-hearted and usually gets people talking (or arguing).
Example: “Hot take: Gully Boy wasn’t as revolutionary as everyone says it was.”
Lit
When something is exciting, amazing, or plain awesome. In India, lit describes anything from a killer party to a match-winning cricket shot. If it's high energy and over-the-top, it's definitely lit.
Example: “We got tickets for the Coldplay concert in Mumbai! This is going to be lit!”
Rent free
When something or someone is on your mind, often in an obsessive or unnecessary way. It’s like when a random comment or a cringy moment keeps popping into your head for days.
Example: “That dramatic plot twist in the latest K-drama is living rent free in my mind.”
Sigma
The ‘Sigma Male’ refers to a man who is cool, successful, and popular but prefers to keep to himself. Unlike the typical extroverted ‘Alpha,’ the Sigma is independent, introverted, and often a bit rebellious. He’s the lone wolf who doesn’t need validation from others to thrive.
Example: “He started his own business right after college and now he’s thriving — total Sigma energy.”
Sick
When something is so cool, impressive, or jaw-dropping that it leaves you in awe. It’s the ultimate compliment, reserved for things that are next-level, whether it's a performance, a look, or an achievement.
Example: “The new song by Arijit Singh is sick! I can’t stop playing it.”
Shade
When someone throws subtle contempt or criticism at another person, in a clever or passive-aggressive manner. It’s not always direct, but you can feel the burn.
Example: “Did you hear what she said about my outfit? She definitely threw shade.”
Smol
A cute, endearing way of describing something small or adorable. It’s often used to refer to things that are tiny and irresistibly sweet, like a baby animal or even a small object that just melts your heart.
Example: “Look at this smol puppy! I just want to pick it up and cuddle it!”
Stan
When someone is obsessed with a person, celebrity, or thing to an extreme level, often going beyond just being a fan. It’s like a mix of admiration and devotion, sometimes crossing into the territory of stalking.
Example: “I used to stan Hrithik Roshan so hard in school — I had all his posters on my wall!”
Woke
Someone who is aware of social injustices, particularly in relation to race, gender, and other systemic issues. It’s about being enlightened, socially conscious, and standing up for what’s right. While the term started with a positive meaning, it’s often used sarcastically or critically now, depending on context.
Example: “The younger generation is way more woke when it comes to mental health awareness.”
Vibe
Refers to the overall atmosphere of a place, person, or situation. It's that intangible energy that makes something feel good, bad, relaxed, or exciting. It’s all about the mood and the energy you’re getting from something or someone.
Example: “The café has such a chill vibe—perfect for working or just hanging out.”
