Gen Z Slang List
Explore popular Gen Z slang terms with definitions, examples, and cultural insights. Perfect for marketers, educators, and curious parents.
Hits Different
Describes something (song, experience) that resonates on a deeper level than expected.
Contextual Example:
“That throwback song just hits different when you’re driving alone at night.”
Synonyms / Related Terms:
- Feels unique
- Extra special
Alternate Spellings / Variations:
- HITSDIFFERENT (emphasis in all caps)
History & Evolution:
Phrase has been around in casual conversation, gained traction on social media as a catch-all for intense nostalgia or emotional impact. TikTok creators often use it to highlight a meaningful moment.
Cultural Relevance:
Reflects Gen Z’s emotional candor and love for re-evaluating past content (songs, movies, memories) in new contexts.
Practical Usage:
- Appropriateness & Tone: Informal, introspective.
- Platform Popularity: Common in TikTok posts about nostalgic or powerful experiences.
- Trend Status: Popular phrase in emotional or retrospective content.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do use it for experiences or media that genuinely feel special.
- Don’t overapply it to minor or superficial experiences—it loses meaning.
Common Misconceptions:
- It’s not just about music; it can apply to any impactful scenario.
Example in Pop Culture or Media:
- Phrase appears in captions or tweets referencing emotional throwback songs.
Similar listings
Extra
Describes someone or something that’s over-the-top, dramatic, or unnecessarily excessive.
Low-key
Quietly, secretly, or without seeking attention; an understated feeling or admission.
High-key
Openly, obviously, or loudly; the opposite of “low-key.”