Gen Z Slang List

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

Dead

Used to indicate something is extremely funny—“I’m dead” = “I can’t stop laughing.”

humor
laughter
shock

Contextual Example:
“That joke had me dead!”

Synonyms / Related Terms:

  • I’m crying
  • I’m weak
  • I’m done

Alternate Spellings / Variations:

  • Ded (intentionally misspelled)

History & Evolution:
Rooted in exaggerated comedic expressions. Became standard in meme culture as a quick reaction to something hilarious.

Cultural Relevance:
Mirrors Gen Z’s love for hyperbole in everyday language, especially when texting or posting memes.

Practical Usage:

  • Appropriateness & Tone: Very informal.
  • Platform Popularity: Twitter, TikTok comments, comedic YouTube threads.
  • Trend Status: Consistent usage.

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Do use it for comedic or entertaining content.
  • Don’t apply it to real-life tragic contexts—can be confusing or insensitive.

Common Misconceptions:

  • Some older readers might take “I’m dead” literally. Context clarifies it’s about laughter.

Example in Pop Culture or Media:

  • Reaction memes featuring “I’m dead” text over comedic screenshots.