From “rizz” to “NPC” – decoding the language of the TikTok generation
There I was, confidently scrolling through TikTok, thinking I was still “with it”—until I read a comment that said, “This has me dead, fr no cap. Bro got W rizz.” And suddenly, I felt like I needed subtitles. It’s not that I’m old (obviously), but the internet has its own language now, and let’s just say… it’s not the Queen’s English.
So I dove headfirst into this Gen Z (and Gen Alpha!) dictionary of chaos, charisma, and pure creativity. I’ve rounded up 25 of the weirdest, funniest, and most iconic slang expressions today’s youth are throwing around like emojis. And because decoding this stuff isn’t for the faint of heart, I’ve included meanings, usage examples, and my own totally unnecessary (but fun) commentary.
🔥 1. Rizz
Meaning: Charisma, usually in the context of flirting.
Usage: “That guy’s got mad rizz.”
Note: Short for “charisma,” but it sounds like an off-brand soda. Still iconic.
💬 2. Slay
Meaning: To do something extremely well, look amazing, or just generally kill it.
Usage: “Girl, you slay in that outfit!”
Note: Originally from drag and queer culture. Now? Universal praise.
🕹️ 3. NPC
Meaning: “Non-playable character” – someone who seems robotic or unoriginal.
Usage: “She’s giving NPC vibes.”
Note: Not necessarily mean. But… not flattering either.
🚩 4. Red flag
Meaning: A warning sign.
Usage: “He still lives with his ex? That’s a red flag.”
Note: For every red flag, there’s a green one too. Dating has its own traffic light system now.
💀 5. Dead / I’m dead
Meaning: Something is ridiculously funny.
Usage: “That meme? I’m dead.”
Note: If it’s not killing you with laughter, are you even laughing?
💅 6. Boujee
Meaning: Fancy, high-maintenance, stylish.
Usage: “This brunch is so boujee.”
Note: From “bourgeoisie” but cooler and way more sparkly.
🧍♂️ 7. Sigma male
Meaning: A man who does his own thing, outside the alpha/beta spectrum.
Usage: “He’s not alpha, he’s sigma.”
Note: Another label no one asked for, but here we are.
💔 8. Situationship
Meaning: Something that’s not quite a relationship, but not just friends either.
Usage: “We’re in a situationship.”
Note: Emotional limbo, basically.
🧠 9. Brainrot
Meaning: You’re obsessed with something to the point it’s melting your brain.
Usage: “This song is pure brainrot. I can’t stop.”
Note: Honestly relatable.
😶🌫️ 10. Delulu
Meaning: Short for “delusional.”
Usage: “You think your idol noticed your comment? Girl, that’s delulu.”
Note: Living in fantasy land… and sometimes it’s nice there.
📸 11. Main character
Meaning: You’re the star of your own life story.
Usage: “Feeling main character today.”
Note: Pair with dramatic music and iced coffee.
🫠 12. Mid
Meaning: Mediocre, just okay, not impressive.
Usage: “That movie was kinda mid.”
Note: The most passive-aggressive insult you can drop.
📴 13. Ghosting
Meaning: Disappearing from someone’s life with no warning.
Usage: “He ghosted me after our third date.”
Note: Socially painful. Emotionally childish.
🤝 14. Touch grass
Meaning: Log off. Go outside. Reconnect with reality.
Usage: “You’ve been online all day. Go touch grass.”
Note: Surprisingly wholesome advice.
🎭 15. Cap / No cap
Meaning: Cap = lie. No cap = truth.
Usage: “That story’s cap.” / “No cap, I’m serious.”
Note: Internet lie detector in two syllables.
💘 16. Simp
Meaning: Someone who goes overboard trying to impress someone they like.
Usage: “You bought her lunch again? Simp.”
Note: Used to be an insult. Now, it’s kinda sweet… maybe?
🏹 17. Ship
Meaning: Wanting two people to be together romantically.
Usage: “I totally ship them.”
Note: Short for “relationship.” Perfect for fanfiction… and real life.
📦 18. Yeet
Meaning: To throw something with force or enthusiasm.
Usage: “I yeeted my phone across the room.”
Note: Still hilarious. Still timeless.
🌟 19. It’s giving…
Meaning: Used to describe vibes or aesthetics.
Usage: “It’s giving boss energy.”
Note: Unfinished on purpose. Maximum impact.
📻 20. Vibe check
Meaning: A test of energy or social harmony.
Usage: “He passed the vibe check.”
Note: If someone fails it? Red flag alert.
📈 21. Glow up
Meaning: A major transformation for the better, usually physical.
Usage: “She had a glow up over summer.”
Note: We love a comeback story.
🤳 22. Insta baddie
Meaning: A person (usually female) who looks amazing on Instagram.
Usage: “Total Insta baddie energy.”
Note: Poses. Angles. Filters. Perfection.
🐸 23. Stan
Meaning: An over-the-top fan.
Usage: “I stan Beyoncé.”
Note: Comes from Eminem’s “Stan.” Toxic? Sometimes. Funny? Always.
😵💫 24. Gaslight
Meaning: Manipulating someone into doubting their reality.
Usage: “He gaslighted me into thinking I was wrong.”
Note: Toxic behavior wrapped in a fancy word.
🧃 25. Drip
Meaning: Great style, especially in fashion.
Usage: “Look at that drip.”
Note: If you’ve got drip, you’ve got swagger.
Final Thoughts
Language evolves, and Gen Z has turned online culture into its own dictionary. Some of these terms are clever, some ridiculous, and others just make you wonder what happened to plain old “cool.” But if you want to understand what the next generation is talking about—or at least pretend you do—this cheat sheet will help you decode the chaos.
And hey, if someone ever calls you “mid,” just tell them you’re having a main character moment and walk away. Slay, no cap.
