Gen Z Slang List
Explore popular Gen Z slang terms with definitions, examples, and cultural insights. Perfect for marketers, educators, and curious parents.
Low-key
Quietly, secretly, or without seeking attention; an understated feeling or admission.
Contextual Example:
“I’m low-key excited about the new movie, but I’m keeping it cool.”
Synonyms / Related Terms:
- Subtly
- Secretly
- On the down-low (DL)
Alternate Spellings / Variations:
- Low key (without the hyphen)
History & Evolution:
Originally used in casual conversation to mean “not wanting to make a big deal.” It has existed for decades but spiked in popularity through social media, especially Twitter, where people share mild confessions.
Cultural Relevance:
Mirrors Gen Z’s habit of layering sincerity and irony—“low-key” can also be used sarcastically to understate a big excitement.
Practical Usage:
- Appropriateness & Tone: Informal. Great for personal social media posts, can appear in light marketing.
- Platform Popularity: Frequent on Twitter, Instagram captions.
- Trend Status: Common staple phrase—still relevant.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do use it to gently express a lesser degree of emotion or interest.
- Don’t overuse it if the feeling is actually “high-key.”
Common Misconceptions:
- People think it always means “secret,” but it can also mean mild or moderate intensity.
Example in Pop Culture or Media:
- Tweet storms: “Low-key want pizza right now,” “Low-key done with today.”
Similar listings
Extra
Describes someone or something that’s over-the-top, dramatic, or unnecessarily excessive.
High-key
Openly, obviously, or loudly; the opposite of “low-key.”
Vibe
Refers to the mood, atmosphere, or general feeling of a person, place, or situation.