The holidays mean family. Family means multiple generations. Multiple generations can sometimes lead to, among other things, language barriers.
With the continued surge of internet growth, the dictionary of unknown words and phrases just grows with it. Consult this handy guide for a quick lesson on generational slang to prepare yourself for the next family gathering. We’ve even offered replies to some of the following phrases. Trust us, they’re mostly positive, but either way, you’re sure to get a smile.
★ Click on each sentence for the translation, plus a suggested reply that the slang-user will understand! ★
Gen Alpha | Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Boomers
Gen-Alpha Speak, Explained
“This video is so Ohio.”
It’s undesirable in some way; comes from a series of memes about Ohio being a place where the strangest things happen.
↳ Reply: It really has no aura
“That wasn’t very skibidi of you.”
‘Skibidi’ is a contextual chameleon; it can mean cool, bad or dumb, depending on how it’s used.
↳ Reply: Whatevs!
“You’re delulu to think you won’t be caught.”
Short for ‘delusional,’ generally in the context of someone not being aware of or properly understanding a situation.
↳ Reply: And you’re delulu to think that I will be.
“I mog all of my friends.”
They think they’re the best-looking of the group.
↳ Reply: And I mog you, what’s your point?
“I just graduated and I feel so unc.”
‘Unc’ is affectionate, yet gently mocking, for someone older and generally otherwise not ‘cool.’
↳ Reply: So does that make me your nephew now?
“6-7.”
It essentially means nothing. But if you say it (bonus points for doing the accompanying up and down alternating hand movement), you’re sure to rile up any and all kiddos in the vicinity.
↳ Reply: Seven ate nine.
“I was so cooked when my teacher caught me on my phone.”
‘Cooked’ has nothing to do with food; it’s more along the lines of being doomed or in trouble.
↳ Reply: Skill issue!
“They’re always aura farming, but I already think they’re cool.”
‘Aura’ is used to describe someone’s presence, typically being cool and confident; aura farming means doing things or acting in certain ways to gain social clout and be viewed as cool.
↳ Reply: Negative 1,000 aura for that.
“What the sigma?”
Tween-speak for “What the heck?”
↳ Reply: Chat, what does sigma mean?
Gen-Z Speak, Explained
“I’ve got rizz.”
They think they’ve got game; shortened from ‘charisma.’
↳ Reply: Cap.
“She ate.”
She looks good/did good.
↳ Reply: And left no crumbs!
“That’s tea.”
Don’t expect a steaming cup of chamomile — this actually means gossip.
↳ Reply: Clock it.
“Ok bet, let’s make plans for tomorrow.”
Don’t worry, this kind of bet doesn’t involve gambling — it simply means ‘yes.’
↳ Reply: Lit!
“I need to go touch grass after this test.”
It’s not necessarily literal; it just means stepping away from the hustle of life and reconnecting with the real world.
↳ Reply: Does astroturf count?
Millennial Speak, Explained
“That’s legit.”
They approve.
↳ Reply: Highkey, it’s a vibe.
“I literally can’t even.”
They don’t know what to do.
↳ Reply: Adulting is hard.
“I got ghosted.”
Online dating isn’t working out.
↳ Reply: LOL #foreveralone
“Squad up!”
Gather, compatriots, and depart.
↳ Reply: Yas, let’s go queen!
“It smells like updog in here.”
It’s a trap. Nothing is updog.
↳ Reply: Do not reply!
“I ship them.”
You think they make a good couple; comes from the word ‘relationship.’
↳ Reply: Yeah, they’re such a vibe together.
“That’s fire.”
Fret not, nothing’s actually on fire; this just means it’s great.
↳ Reply: Wicked good.
“Did you hear they got cancelled?”
Generally used in the context of a public figure and means that something bad came out about that person, so they are being ignored or publicly rejected.
↳ Reply: What’d they do this time?
Gen-X Speak, Explained
“That’s bad!”
That’s good!
↳ Reply: Tubular, man.
“Gag me with a spoon.”
They’re displeased.
↳ Reply: Grody to the max.
“My parents didn’t know where I was from 1979–1987, and I turned out fine.”
They did not, in fact, turn out fine.
↳ Reply: We drank from the hose!
“Whatever.”
You can’t surpass their indifference.
↳ Reply: Sit in silent ennui. Eye roll = extra points.
“Do me a solid.”
You’re doing them a favor. Go on, help them out!
↳ Reply: Ten-four.
“You’re my homeslice.”
You’re their best friend; originates from the idea of them being a ‘little slice of home’ because of how important you are.
↳ Reply: Thanks, home skillet.
“How dare you harsh my mellow.”
You’re spoiling their good mood.
↳ Reply: I swear I’m not trying to be a buzzkill.
Boomer Speak, Explained
“Everyone smile for the photo…”
That photo is instantly going on Facebook (no editing).
↳ Reply: Please don’t post.
“Are you going steady?”
Is it Instagram-official yet?
↳ Reply: No, but he’s sweet on me.
“What’s on the boob tube?”
What’s on TV?
↳ Reply: There was more to watch with just three channels.
“Cheese it, it’s the fuzz.”
You’ve got a cool grandma.
↳ Reply: Bummer! Who’s the narc?
“My friend was being so aggro to me yesterday.”
Short for ‘aggressive.’
↳ Reply: Yeah, they need to take a chill pill.
“I nearly wigged out when I heard the news.”
They almost lost their composure — must be crazy news!
↳ Reply: Same, I just about flipped my lid.
“I’m really jonesing for a cup of coffee right now.”
They’re really craving it.
↳ Reply: The yearn is real.
