Gen Z vs Millennial Slang: Key Differences Explained

Slang reflects how generations communicate and connect. Gen Z and Millennials use language differently due to their unique digital and cultural experiences. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Millennials (1981–1996): Grew up with early internet culture; prefer text-based acronyms like "LOL" and "BRB."
• Gen Z (1997–2012): Social media natives; influenced by TikTok and memes; use playful terms like "rizz" and "no cap."
• Key Differences: Gen Z slang evolves faster, often blurs professional and casual use, and draws from AAVE and LGBTQ communities.

Quick Comparison

Understanding these differences can help bridge communication gaps and connect with younger audiences. Keep reading to explore slang examples, trends, and tips for staying updated.

TikTok teacher breaks down Gen Z slang terms

Main Differences in Slang Between Generations

How Slang Changes Over Time

A recent study found that 89% of Americans pick up slang through social media [3]. Millennials developed much of their slang during the early days of digital communication and text messaging. In contrast, Gen Z's slang is heavily influenced by platforms like TikTok and short-form videos [5]. These trends reflect how each generation interacts with technology.

"Slang is typically an inside language. It's about a communication between a group of people, and you want it to be cryptic because it's a way of saying something special... So one thing that can happen is it loses its cool as it gains its broad audience. It doesn't die, but it can become a regular, ho-hum kind of word." - Emily Brewster, Lexicographer [6]

This constant evolution leads to distinct slang preferences between generations.

Word Choice and Tone

Generational slang preferences showcase their unique communication styles:

Gen Z's slang often draws inspiration from marginalized communities, particularly African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and LGBTQ culture [4].

"Gen Z is pushing us to be more honest, more equitable and more innovative in our communication." - Derek DeWitt, communications specialist for Visix [4]

These differences also influence how and when slang is used.

When and Where Slang Gets Used

The context of slang usage highlights another generational divide. Millennials often separate their slang between professional and casual settings, while Gen Z is more likely to blur these lines. By 2030, Millennials and Gen Z will make up nearly 70% of the workforce [4].

"The reason that a generation acquires and develops its own slang is to mark itself off from [other groups]." - Nicholas Graham, History Teacher [3]

The evolution of slang is evident in examples like "rizz", a Gen Z term from "charisma" that refers to flirting skill. It even won Oxford University Press's 2023 "word of the year" contest [3].

Gen Z vs Millennial Slang Examples

Common Slang Terms Compared

Generational slang reveals how each group communicates differently. Here's a breakdown of how Gen Z and Millennials express similar ideas:

These examples highlight how slang reflects each generation's distinct cultural perspective.

What Slang Says About Each Generation

Linguist Martina Cola points out that the internet has drastically sped up how words shift in meaning [2]. Gen Z, in particular, leads this trend, with slang evolving rapidly thanks to social media [3]. Their language patterns often show:

• Quick shifts in word usage
• Strong influences from African American Vernacular English (AAVE)
• A connection to digital and online culture

"It's important to be aware that every generation is guilty of developing niche slang that may have appeared silly to those in older generations", says Vanessa Croft, Content Creator and English Teacher [2].

Words Both Groups Use

Some slang terms bridge the gap between generations, though their meanings may vary slightly. For instance, "dank" is used by both groups to describe something of high quality, though Millennials are more closely associated with the term. This crossover shows how technology helps slang spread across generational lines.

"It's not necessarily that language is changing more quickly, but technologies have developed and they allow the transmission of slang terms to pass from one group to another much more quickly" [8].

"Slang is linguistic creativity at work. Part of being human is being creative with language and slang is language at some of its most creative" [8].

Using Slang in Today's World

Benefits for Different Groups

Understanding generational slang helps marketers, educators, and parents connect better with younger audiences. For professionals, striking the right tone is key. As Antoni Bumba puts it, "Millennials can come across as cold" in digital conversations [9]. In education, being aware of slang can make lessons more engaging while still maintaining a professional approach [1].

How to Keep Up With New Slang

Staying updated on slang can feel like chasing a moving target. Anthony Turk explains, "Slang moves so fast that by the time we figure it out, it's already outdated" [10]. Tools like the Gen Z Slang Directory (genzslanglist.com) are great for keeping track.

Want to stay in the loop? Here are some tips:

• Watch social media and pop culture for trends.
• Join casual conversations and try using new terms naturally.
• Pay attention to how slang is used in context and match the tone.

"They don't realize that speaking too properly - with capitalization or no emotion - makes the other person feel judged. Act how you feel." [9]

Closing: Understanding Each Generation

Main Points

The slang used by Gen Z and Millennials highlights their distinct ways of communicating and unique cultural influences. Research shows that older generations often find it hard to keep up with the ever-changing language trends [11]. These differences reflect each generation's specific cultural and digital experiences.

These contrasts help explain the direction of new slang trends.

"Linguistically speaking, I enjoyed noticing that the evolution of digital slang often involves word shortening and abbreviation, given the fact that brevity is key in digital environments" [2].

What's Next for Slang

Looking ahead, the future of digital slang reflects the fast pace of technological and cultural changes. For example, Dictionary.com's 2024 report showed a 1,200% increase in the use of "demure", signaling how language evolves quickly [12].

Digital platforms play a major role in speeding up this evolution, with Gen Z leading the charge [7]. Current trends suggest:

• A rise in inclusive and globally influenced terms.
• Faster creation and adoption of new phrases through social media.
• Greater integration of activism into everyday language.

As Vanessa Croft puts it:

"It's important to be aware that every generation is guilty of developing niche slang that may have appeared silly to those in older generations" [2].