Gen Z Slang List
Explore popular Gen Z slang terms with definitions, examples, and cultural insights. Perfect for marketers, educators, and curious parents.
Ship
Short for “relationship,” meaning to support or root for two people (or characters) to be together romantically.
Contextual Example:
“I totally ship those characters—they have such good chemistry.”
Synonyms / Related Terms:
- OTP (One True Pairing)
- Pairing
- Match
Alternate Spellings / Variations:
- Shipping (the act of promoting a couple)
History & Evolution:
Came from fandom culture (especially in anime, TV series, and books) describing fans who hope certain characters fall in love. Evolved into real-life “ships” of celebrities.
Cultural Relevance:
Reflects Gen Z’s participatory fandom culture—fans actively discuss and create content about desired couplings.
Practical Usage:
- Appropriateness & Tone: Often used in entertainment or fan discussions.
- Platform Popularity: Tumblr, Twitter, shipping subreddits, TikTok fan edits.
- Trend Status: Enduring staple of fandom lingo.
Dos and Don’ts:
- Do use it to express enthusiasm about a potential couple.
- Don’t force it upon people who find shipping personal or invasive.
Common Misconceptions:
- Some assume shipping is always romantic, but fans sometimes “ship” platonic dynamics too.
Example in Pop Culture or Media:
- “Shipping wars” occur when fandoms clash over which characters should be together.
Similar listings
Bet
Used to express agreement, approval, or affirmation, similar to saying “okay” or “sure.”
Flex
To show off or boast about something (often material possessions or achievements) to impress others.
Slay
To perform or do something amazingly well; also used as an exclamation of praise or excitement.