Generation “Z” (that is, those born between 1997 and 2015) have been raised on social media and educated in meme culture – not only do they think, behave, act and shop differently, they speak differently too. Whether you’re a boomer trying to understand your children, a brand trying to market accurately to your audience or even a Gen-Z having a slang refresh, you need to know your “lit” from your “lowkey” or don’t expect to have an ounce of street cred any time soon . . .
Extra
What It Means:
Over the top, dramatic, excessive
You are so extra
— ellenn🦋 (@ellen35432561) November 13, 2020
Period
What It Means:
A more extreme version of “period”, commonly used to emphasise a point or signal the end of a conversation
https://twitter.com/joanaenae_/status/1328993666229157888
G.O.A.T
What It Means:
Greatest Of All Time
Chris Brown gave us Lady in the Glass Dress. G.O.A.T.
— – (@LowkeyLuti) November 14, 2020
Slaps
What It Means:
To be excellent / brilliant / amazing
yo the greggs vegan sausage roll actually slaps
— Harry Irvine (@Harrino_) November 6, 2020
Wig / Wig Flew
What It Means:
Shocked (fun fact: this one stems from being so shocked that your weave falls off)
https://twitter.com/skeletonwife/status/1309981598675333122
Lowkey
What It Means:
To do something in an understated manner / in secret
parked car conversations are lowkey therapy sessions
— 🦋 (@unabIez) November 14, 2020
Stan
What It Means:
To really, really like something or someone
We stan @LittleMix in this house https://t.co/Ebi8tGl12B
— Dominic Baldwin (@DomTopics) November 12, 2020
Woke
What It Means:
To become aware and care about a social issue
I love how woke people in Twitter are. Yes, keep sharing and spreading your knowledge po. Let us know.
— 𐌁𐌉𐌋𐌀𐌕𐌂𐌉𐌀Ꝋ (@n_drnxo) November 14, 2020
Snatched
What It Means:
Something looks really good (usually related to personal appearance)
https://twitter.com/Sabrizzlemynzzl/status/1007194632588087296
Shook
What It Means:
Similar to “wig”, meaning shocked or gobsmacked
grey’s new episode has me shooook 😭😭
— michelle (@bombshellee) November 13, 2020
Flex
What It Means:
To show off
getting things yourself will always be the biggest flex
— flash ⚡️ (@evanisflash) November 13, 2020
Karen
What It Means:
To be unnecessarily demanding or rude
https://twitter.com/essy6651/status/1324417935784497158
Ok Boomer
What It Means:
To dismiss the opinion of the boomer generation (those aged between 56-74)
The nation's response to Trump: "ok Boomer.."
— Joe Doe (@DarkSapphire7) November 14, 2020
No Cap
What It Means:
For real, to tell the truth, no lie
https://twitter.com/sam4everreal/status/1327467963331604480
AF
What It Means:
An abbreviation for “as fuck”, commonly used for emphasis
it hasn’t been 24 hours since lockdown and i’m already bored af i wanna go out
— Dina (@bledinaa_) November 14, 2020
RN
What It Means:
An abbreviation for “right now”
In need of a Starbucks coffee rn☹️
— michele (@michelemrie) November 12, 2020
SMH
What It Means:
An abbreviation for “shakes my head”, to disapprove of something
Bet Boris is gonna pack his bags soon and leave someone else to clear up his mess….smh
— Mel (@MelChayse) November 13, 2020
Thirsty / Thirst Trap
What It Means:
To be desperate or too eager
https://twitter.com/iheartScarJo/status/1319649986217476098
Don’t @ Me
What It Means:
Don’t challenge or disagree with me
Tarzan has the best Disney soundtrack dont @me
— Scott McGregor (@scottmcgregor49) July 14, 2020
Beat Your Face
What It Means:
To apply makeup with a flawless result
When you beat your face to the gods and you gotta put a stupid mask on
— Celine Crawley (@phiveivy) November 7, 2020
Spilling the Tea
What It Means:
To tell the truth or gossip about something juicy
waiting for the day that prince harry and meghan markle sign that spotify exclusive deal and spill all the royal tea
— mimi ♡ (@KOKOMlYA) November 9, 2020
To learn more about the best tactics to to reach, speak and drive actions amongst Gen Z’s, drop our Group Social Media Manager, Jade Margiotta, an email at Jade.Margiotta@social.co.uk.
