Gen Z Slang List

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

Finsta

A “fake Instagram” account, usually more private, for close friends—often featuring unfiltered or personal posts.

personal
privacy
secondary account

Contextual Example:
“I only post silly selfies on my finsta for my besties.”

Synonyms / Related Terms:

  • Alt account
  • Private IG

History & Evolution:
A response to the polished, curated “main” Instagram feeds. Teens and young adults created finstas to post more candidly without brand or family scrutiny.

Cultural Relevance:
Highlights Gen Z’s dual approach to social media: curated public persona vs. authentic private space. Finstas are common among college and high school students.

Practical Usage:

  • Appropriateness & Tone: Private, personal. Brands typically don’t use finstas.
  • Platform Popularity: Exclusive to Instagram, though the concept extends to “alt” accounts on other platforms.
  • Trend Status: Widespread among Gen Z, still going strong.

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Do keep it limited to trusted friends if sharing sensitive content.
  • Don’t assume it’s completely safe—screenshots can leak.

Common Misconceptions:

  • “Finsta” doesn’t always mean a “fake” persona—often it’s more real than the main account.

Example in Pop Culture or Media:

  • Teen dramas occasionally reference characters’ finstas for plot twists.