Gen Z texts can feel like a different language, but understanding them is simpler than you think. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tone Matters: Punctuation like periods can seem harsh. Casual, unpunctuated texts feel friendlier to Gen Z.
- Visuals > Words: Emojis, GIFs, and memes often replace traditional text.
- Slang is Fast-Changing: Words like “slay” (to excel), “sus” (suspicious), and “rizz” (charm) are common but evolve quickly.
- Abbreviations Rule: Terms like “FR” (for real) and “NGL” (not gonna lie) keep messages short.
- Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok shape their language and communication style.
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure about a slang term or tone, ask for clarification. Gen Z values authenticity and casual communication, even in professional settings. Want to dive deeper? Keep reading for more examples and insights.
Every Gen Z & Alpha Slang Explained in 10 Minutes
Core Elements of Gen Z Texting
Understanding Gen Z texting involves recognizing their efficiency as digital natives, their connection to current trends, and the influence of social media on their communication style.
How Social Media Shapes Gen Z Language
Social media plays a huge role in how Gen Z communicates. TikTok, the most popular platform for users under 27 [3], has drastically changed how younger generations express themselves. Its fast-paced environment encourages short, to-the-point exchanges that often carry over into texting.
Gen Z also leans heavily on visual-first communication [5]:
- Emojis, GIFs, and memes often replace traditional words
- Messages are short and lack formal structure
- Personal expression takes priority over strict grammar rules
"As a generation deeply immersed in the world of social media, Gen Z are adept at utilizing these platforms to communicate and share messages...leading to the emergence of unique linguistic expressions and slang that reflect their experiences and perspectives as digital natives." – Yasminar Amaerita Telaumbanua, Nicky Elvin Crsitin Zendrato, Benedicta Trisanta Nazara, Afridayanti Harefa [4]
Even in professional settings, tools like Slack and Zoom have normalized a casual, quick-response style of communication [5].
The Speed of Slang Evolution
Gen Z slang changes faster than ever, thanks to the viral nature of social media. What’s trendy today might feel outdated tomorrow, making it challenging for others to keep up.
Several factors drive this rapid change:
- Digital Communities: Social platforms allow new slang to spread worldwide in hours [4].
- Cultural Roots: Many terms originate from African-American Vernacular English and ball culture [7].
- Platform Trends: With 83% of Gen Z using social media to shop [6], trending phrases often gain mainstream popularity quickly.
Gen Z's shorter attention spans compared to Millennials [6] also fuel the demand for new, fast-changing expressions.
Here’s a table to highlight how Gen Z texting stands out:
| Communication Aspect | Traditional Messaging | Gen Z Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Formal, complete sentences | Casual, abbreviated |
| Response Time | Thoughtful, measured | Instant, reactive |
| Expression | Text-only | Multi-modal (text, emoji, GIFs) |
| Language Evolution | Slow and steady | Fast, driven by platforms |
Grasping these elements isn’t just about learning the latest slang. It’s about understanding how Gen Z uses language to build connections and keep things casual in digital spaces [4]. These insights pave the way for exploring specific Gen Z terms in the next section.
Common Gen Z Text Terms Explained
Understanding Gen Z texts means getting familiar with their unique vocabulary. Adam Cooper, a teaching professor of linguistics at Northeastern University, explains:
"Slang naturally pushes back against those in power and authority, which is why we associate it with younger generations or marginalized communities" [8].
Basic Slang Dictionary
In 2023, "Sus" became one of the most popular slang words among teens, with 62% of parents recognizing it as the term they hear most often [8]. Sylvia Johnson, head of methodology at Preply, provides insight:
"Kids nowadays interpret the word 'suspicious' as something slightly dodgy or uncomfortable. Children tend to take on these words and interpret it in their own way and when they find it difficult to locate, within their lexicon, another word to express their discomfort, they fall back on slang" [8].
Here are a few key terms and their meanings:
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Slay | To excel or dominate | "She totally slayed her presentation." |
| No cap | Seriously; telling the truth | "This film is one of the best, no cap!" |
| Bussin' | Very good | "This burrito is bussin'! I'll get it again." |
| Mid | Average or underwhelming | "That show was mid." |
| Fire | Amazing or thrilling | "That waterslide is fire!" |
Dating and Relationship Terms
Gen Z has also coined some creative terms for dating and relationships. Here are a few examples:
| Term | Definition | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ghost | To suddenly cut off communication | "He ghosted me after our first date." |
| Simp | Someone overly invested in a crush | "Don't be a simp. She's clearly not into you." |
| Rizz | The ability to charm or flirt | "That guy has so much rizz, he's never single." |
| Snack | Someone very attractive | "That lifeguard is a total snack." |
Text Abbreviations Guide
In addition to slang, Gen Z uses abbreviations to keep their texts short and casual. These terms reflect their informal, straightforward communication style:
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| FR | For real | "The homework was so hard – FR." |
| NGL | Not gonna lie | "NGL, I loved that movie." |
| ASL | As hell | "Those shoes are cool asl." |
| ONG | On God | "I just saw them kissing! ong." |
| IRL | In real life | "Never met them IRL." |
"Gen Z values authenticity. Since they value authenticity, they are redefining what is considered professional." [2]
Staying updated on these terms can help bridge the communication gap with Gen Z and make conversations smoother.
How to Read and Reply to Gen Z Texts
Reading Between the Lines
Pay attention to subtle tone cues in Gen Z messages. Choices like punctuation and formatting often carry extra meaning in their digital communication.
Gwen, a 16-year-old, explains:
"Yes, it's so passive-aggressive when people use periods for non-formal texting, because of the informal conversations that happen on text. It becomes more impactful when a period is used." [1]
Here’s a quick guide to interpreting some common elements in Gen Z texts:
| Element | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| No punctuation | Friendly, casual tone | "hey what's up" |
| Period | Serious or possibly upset | "I'm fine." |
| Multiple exclamation points | Excitement or enthusiasm | "omg that's amazing!!!" |
| ALL CAPS | Strong emphasis or intensity | "THIS IS LITERALLY THE BEST" |
Tone indicators are another tool Gen Z uses to clarify intent in their messages:
| Indicator | Meaning | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| /s | Sarcastic | "I love Monday mornings /s" |
| /gen | Genuine | "You did great today /gen" |
| /j | Joking | "I'm actually a superhero /j" |
| /srs | Serious | "We need to talk /srs" |
Keeping these cues in mind can make decoding their messages much easier. Now, let’s look at tools to help you stay updated on their evolving slang.
Tools for Learning New Slang
Once you’ve got the tone indicators down, it’s time to tackle the ever-changing world of Gen Z slang. A great resource for this is the Gen Z Slang Directory (genzslanglist.com), which offers free access to definitions, cultural context, and categorized terms.
Antoni Bumba, a Discover List TikTok creator, shares this insight:
"They don't realize that speaking too properly - with capitalization or no emotion - makes the other person feel judged. Act how you feel." [9]
Here are a few tips to stay current:
- Keep an eye on TikTok and Instagram trends.
- Consider the context of your relationship when interpreting messages.
- If something’s unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment.
Dr. Gerhardt highlights the importance of this mindset:
"All of the work I do on intelligence is really about helping people have smarter, energized conversations. Rather than stereotypes and clickbait headlines, how do we get curious and interested in how other generations see things, not because 'they're wrong because they are not how I see them.'" [1]
Sample Text Message Analysis
Casual Text Examples
Here are some real Gen Z text messages with their meanings and cultural context:
| Text Message | What It Means | Cultural Context |
|---|---|---|
| "naur" (pronounced 'now-uh') | A dramatic "no" | Playful twist on the word "no" |
| "lit sauce" | Something great or amazing | Modern slang for praise |
| "I am not actively manifesting anything" | Not putting in effort | Ties to the trend of manifestation culture |
| "Waiting 20 min: pls" | Impatience or frustration | Directly conveys an emotional state |
"Using proper capitalization is just aggressive. Gen Z is really sensitive and when people capitalize the start of sentences it creates a strict tone of voice, and it's like, 'Whoa, why are you screaming?'" [9]
These examples highlight how Gen Z tweaks language to suit their playful, casual style, while also reflecting broader cultural trends.
Work and School Text Examples
In professional or academic settings, Gen Z keeps their tone casual but still gets the point across:
| Context | Gen Z Style | Traditional Style |
|---|---|---|
| Late to Work | "running late omg so sorry" | "I apologize, but I will be late to work." |
| Project Update | "finished the slides!! lmk if u need changes" | "I have completed the presentation. Please review." |
| Meeting Request | "can we sync up tmrw abt the project" | "Would you be available tomorrow to discuss the project?" |
"It goes beyond slang and internet-speak abbreviations. Gen Z, used to informal, near-constant contact, spurns the prim email in favour of a quick Slack message. But that can be a tough pill to swallow for older generations, who are accustomed to dictating the professional rules of communication" [7]
Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, a professor of business administration at the University of Michigan, explains that Gen Z is "blending the way they can communicate with their friends and their co-workers" [10]. This approach reflects their preference for casual, direct communication while still being effective.
Recognizing these patterns helps bridge generational communication gaps, making collaboration smoother in both personal and professional settings.
Conclusion
Understanding how Gen Z communicates is key to bridging digital communication gaps. This guide covered how their texting style emphasizes brevity, visuals, and a relatable tone. With 73.7% of Americans and 74.4% of UK residents relying on digital channels for communication [13], being fluent in Gen Z’s texting habits is more important than ever.
Gen Z values quick, visual exchanges. Maureen Coyle, an associate psychology professor at Widener University, highlights this in her research:
"In my research with younger generations, I have found that when both people use emojis in similar ways, they feel more understood, validated and cared for." [12]
To communicate effectively, it’s important to embrace their fast-paced, visual style while maintaining a genuine tone. Keeping up with shifts in social media trends is also a must [15].
Born between 1997 and 2012 [11], Gen Z has brought new expectations to workplaces. Their preference for mobile-first, concise messaging is reshaping professional communication. Here’s a comparison to consider:
| Communication Aspect | Traditional Approach | Gen Z-Friendly Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Message Length | Formal, detailed | Short, to the point |
| Tone | Professional, structured | Casual, relatable |
| Visual Elements | Minimal | Emoji-rich, visual |
| Response Time | Scheduled | Instant, real-time |
These changes reflect larger shifts in how we communicate across generations, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding.
By tuning into Gen Z’s evolving language and communication style, you can improve both personal and professional relationships. As Translation Excellence notes, "By staying attuned to their evolving terms and expressions, we can better engage in meaningful ways." [14] Applying these strategies helps foster stronger connections and smoother collaboration across age groups.
Adjusting to Gen Z’s communication style isn’t just practical - it’s a way to build stronger, more effective interactions across all areas of life.