Gen Z Slang List
Explore popular Gen Z slang terms with definitions, examples, and cultural insights. Perfect for marketers, educators, and curious parents.
No Cap
Means “no lie” or “I’m not lying,” used to emphasize truthfulness or sincerity.
Contextual Example:
“That party was lit—no cap!”
Synonyms / Related Terms:
- For real
- Seriously
Alternate Spellings / Variations:
- Often used with the cap emoji (🧢) to denote lying
History & Evolution:
Stemming from rap culture (particularly Southern hip-hop), “cap” means “lie.” Saying “no cap” took off on social media to emphasize authenticity. The phrase spread via viral challenges and hip-hop lyrics.
Cultural Relevance:
Reflects Gen Z’s emphasis on being “real” in online spaces. Often appears in memes, tweets, and comment sections to reinforce honesty or to highlight something unbelievably true.
Practical Usage:
- Appropriateness & Tone: Very informal. Suitable for youth-focused marketing.
- Platform Popularity: Popular on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
- Trend Status: Still going strong.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do use it to stress genuine opinions or facts.
- Don’t pair it with formal announcements where clarity matters more than slang.
Common Misconceptions:
- Misunderstanding it as just “no hat.” It specifically means “no lie.”
Example in Pop Culture or Media:
- Many rap songs include “no cap” as a refrain to reinforce credibility.
Similar listings in category
Cap
To lie or exaggerate, often used in phrases like “That’s cap” to call something untrue.
Periodt
An emphatic way of saying “period,” used to finalize a statement with firm conviction.
And I Oop
An exclamation used when someone is surprised or something unexpected happens—often a playful “oops” moment.