Gen Z Slang List

Explore popular Gen Z slang terms with definitions, examples, and cultural insights. Perfect for marketers, educators, and curious parents.

Cap

To lie or exaggerate, often used in phrases like “That’s cap” to call something untrue.

#disbelief
#exaggeration
#lie

Contextual Example:
“You said you ran 10 miles this morning? That’s cap.”

Synonyms / Related Terms:

  • Lie
  • BS
  • False

Alternate Spellings / Variations:

  • Cap emoji (🧢) is sometimes used in place of the word

History & Evolution:
Derived from African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Gained mainstream traction through hip-hop lyrics and social platforms, where calling “cap” became a fun way to express doubt.

Cultural Relevance:
Centers around Gen Z’s playful call-out culture. “Cap” quickly identifies perceived dishonesty in a conversation, meme, or boastful post.

Practical Usage:

  • Appropriateness & Tone: Informal, can be playful or confrontational.
  • Platform Popularity: Popular on TikTok, Twitter, and gaming chats.
  • Trend Status: Common—widely recognized by younger demographics.

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Do use it in casual settings to call out tall tales.
  • Don’t use it in serious debates or legal contexts—be clear about real vs. slang.

Common Misconceptions:

  • Some assume “cap” has no deeper meaning. Actually, it has cultural roots in AAVE that predate its current popularity.

Example in Pop Culture or Media:

  • Frequently seen in rap songs and internet memes labeling anything suspicious or fake as “cap.”

Similar listings

No Cap

Means “no lie” or “I’m not lying,” used to emphasize truthfulness or sincerity.

Meme-Driven
honesty
emphasis
truth

Periodt

An emphatic way of saying “period,” used to finalize a statement with firm conviction.

Meme-Driven
emphasis
finality
statement

And I Oop

An exclamation used when someone is surprised or something unexpected happens—often a playful “oops” moment.

Meme-Driven
surprise
mistake
reaction