Gen Z Slang List

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

Shook

Means surprised, shocked, or taken aback by something unexpected.

#astonishment
#reaction
#surprise

Contextual Example:
“I was shook when I saw the test results.”

Synonyms / Related Terms:

  • Stunned
  • Floored
  • Speechless

Alternate Spellings / Variations:

  • Shooketh (exaggerated form)

History & Evolution:
“Shook” is a shorter version of “shaken.” Became widely used in meme culture around 2016–2017, notably through reaction images on Twitter and Tumblr.

Cultural Relevance:
Embodies exaggerated online reactions—perfectly captures internet dramatics. Younger users often use it in humorous or hyperbolic contexts.

Practical Usage:

  • Appropriateness & Tone: Informal. Fine for comedic, surprising marketing reveals.
  • Platform Popularity: Twitter, Tumblr, TikTok.
  • Trend Status: Stable; part of broader reaction slang.

Dos and Don’ts:

  • Do use it when genuinely startled or ironically for small surprises.
  • Don’t use it in formal or tragic circumstances.

Common Misconceptions:

  • Some see it as purely comedic—can be used sincerely, but usually it’s hyperbolic.

Example in Pop Culture or Media:

  • “I’m shook” reaction memes often show wide-eyed celebrities or cartoon characters.

Similar listings

I’m Weak

An expression of finding something extremely funny or astonishing—akin to “I’m dead.”

Reaction
humor
laughter
surprise

Mood

An expression indicating that something perfectly reflects how you feel at a given moment.

Reaction
relatability
feeling
empathy

Sending Me

Indicates that something is hysterically funny or shocking—like “I’m dying of laughter.”

Reaction
humor
laughter
shock