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 . . .
Over the top, dramatic, excessive
You are so extra
— ellenn🦋 (@ellen35432561) November 13, 2020
A more extreme version of “period”, commonly used to emphasise a point or signal the end of a conversation
I JUST LOVE WATCHING NETFLIX CHRISTMAS MOVIES PERIODT!!!'
— juju (@joanaenae_) November 18, 2020
Greatest Of All Time
Chris Brown gave us Lady in the Glass Dress. G.O.A.T.
— ÷ stan acct (@LowkeyLuti) November 14, 2020
To be excellent / brilliant / amazing
yo the greggs vegan sausage roll actually slaps
— Harry (@Harrino_) November 6, 2020
Shocked (fun fact: this one stems from being so shocked that your weave falls off)
a little small girl said i look like CINDERELLA wig flew
— rachiee boo babiee’xo (@skeletonwife) September 26, 2020
To do something in an understated manner / in secret
parked car conversations are lowkey therapy sessions
— ash (@unabIez) November 14, 2020
To really, really like something or someone
We stan @LittleMix in this house https://t.co/Ebi8tGl12B
— Dominic Baldwin (@DomTopics) November 12, 2020
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.
— 𝔅𝔦𝔩𝔞𝔱𝔠𝔦𝔞𝔬 (@n_drnxo) November 14, 2020
Something looks really good (usually related to personal appearance)
May your foundation be flawless, brows be snatched, and your liner on fleek. Ameen.
— ١١ (@Sabrizzlemynzzl) June 14, 2018
Similar to “wig”, meaning shocked or gobsmacked
grey’s new episode has me shooook 😭😭
— michelle (@bombshellee) November 13, 2020
To show off
getting things yourself will always be the biggest flex
— turkeyflash 🦃 (@evanisflash) November 13, 2020
To be unnecessarily demanding or rude
Such a Karen thing to say, don’t you think Mr.President?
— Essy Sanders (@essy6651) November 5, 2020
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
For real, to tell the truth, no lie
Ya instagram is dead 😭 Twitter the best app I’ve ever been on no cap
— Papi Griot 🤞🏾🖤 (@sam4everreal) November 14, 2020
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
An abbreviation for “right now”
In need of a Starbucks coffee rn☹️
— michele (@shellymrie) November 12, 2020
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
To be desperate or too eager
So where is Adele’s new album I am thirsty for it
— 𝑴 ⧖💙 (@iheartScarJo) October 23, 2020
Don’t challenge or disagree with me
Tarzan has the best Disney soundtrack dont @me
— Scott McGregor (@scottmcgregor49) July 14, 2020
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
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
— milly ♔ (@juIygs) 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.
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Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the NP11
