Have you ever felt like you need Google Translate to understand a Gen Z conversation? Gen Z phrases are complicated, and honestly, there are too many to track. So, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Gen Z phrases of 2024. Get ready to impress your younger siblings, colleagues, or even that pesky Gen Z cousin who judges your emojis.

Nanoship

The dating syllabus just got an update. Say goodbye to situationships and hello to nanoships – those fleeting, joyful connections you share with someone. It could be as small as a sweet “good morning” text or a short-lived bond that lasts a few days or weeks while you’re in a different city. 

Example: We exchanged glances at the metro station; I think we’re in a nanoship now.

Related: What Is Nanoship? Decoding 2025’s Hottest Dating Trend

Lock In

Too focused, too dedicated. These are boring words. Update your lingo with ‘lock in’. When you’re focused on a task or a person, you’re locked in.

Example: I’m locked in to master that complicated dance routine for my cousin’s sangeet.

Demure

You must be living under a rock if you don’t know ‘demure’. It went so viral that my ears started bleeding after a point. In case you don’t know, here’s what it means – someone or something modest, polite, and reserved, yet thriving in their own unique way. The term gained popularity from a TikTok video that described it as being mindful of yourself, your appearance, and how you interact with others.

Example: I’m very demure, I like to keep my makeup subtle but sexy. 

Brat summer

Mummy always said that being a brat isn’t good, but now it’s all about brat summer (cries in a corner). If you’re somebody who is confident and lives life your way without caring about how people perceive you, congratulations on being a brat!

Example: Kamala is a brat! She’s so herself, confident, and doesn’t care about your opinion. 

Pookie

Remember everybody’s favourite Pookie baba? He’s ‘pookie’ because the word is all about those adorable, tough guys who aren’t afraid to tap into their softer, more playful side. It’s also used to describe cute or endearing actions, especially when someone unexpectedly shows their sweet and cuddly vibe.

Example: Pookie, can you pass me the remote?

Doomscrolling

Doomscrolling is what my father does. Scrolling through negative news on Facebook and Twitter (now X) even though he knows it will make him anxious. But desi dads, what can I say?

Example: I spent the entire night doomscrolling and now I don’t see the point of going to work. The world is ending anyway.

Brain Rot

Brain rot is the stage you reach after mindless scrolling. It’s the downfall of your intellect and mental sharpness after too much mindless scrolling.

Example: Binge-watching reality TV shows all day has given me brain rot.

The Ick

It’s that feeling when something about someone starts to make you cringe even if that something is not a big deal. 

Example: He breathes loudly; it’s giving me the ick.

Aura Points

Imagine if you could earn some points for being extra cool. Aura points are exactly that – hypothetical points earned for exuding positive energy or charisma. Beware, each action of yours can plus or minus your aura points.

Example: You don’t know what ‘demure’ means? Minus aura points for you. 

Skibidi

‘Skibidi’ is a playful word that pokes fun at how random Gen Z slang can be. It can mean anything – cool, bad, silly – depending on how you say it. 

Example: Have you tried the new skibidi dance challenge on TikTok?

Winter Arc

Consider October 1 as your ‘new year, new me’ alternative because that’s when the winter arc starts. It’s all about personal growth or transformation during the winter season.

Example: To focus on my winter arc, I’m taking up knitting to make my own cute scarves.

Rage Bait

Some of the content on the internet is purely outrageous and full of comments pointing this out to the creator. Well, that’s intentional and it’s called rage bait. Rage bait is content that is designed to provoke anger or outrage, often to increase engagement.

Example: That 70-hour workweek statement is pure rage bait.

Bussin’

Gen Z use ‘bussin’ especially for that mouth-watering, extremely delicious food that you obviously can’t get enough of. However, you can also use it to describe other things if they are exceptionally good. 

Example: This biryani is bussin’. I need the recipe!

Cheugy

Do you follow trends that were popular back in the 2010s? Because if that’s the case, you’re cheugy. Cheugy means outdated or trying too hard to be trendy, often missing the mark.

Example: Wearing skinny jeans with high-top sneakers is so cheugy now.

Ate and left no crumbs

If you eat nicely, there are no crumbs to be found on your bed. Similarly, if you do a task exceptionally well, leaving no room for improvement or criticism, you ate and left no crumbs. 

Example: You should have seen her lewk. She ate and left no crumbs.

Lewk

In the fashion world, lewk isn’t just a word, it’s a style statement. Lewk is not your normal look or style. It’s unique to the person sporting it. 

Example: Have you seen the lewks she has been dropping lately? My God, just fire! 

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Related: It’s Official, 2024 Was The Year Of ‘Brain Rot’