A Guide to Gen Z and Gen Alpha Slang for the Workplace

In today’s diverse workplace, it’s not uncommon to find Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, Gen Zers, and even the emerging Gen Alpha working side by side. 

With each generation comes its own set of values, work styles, and—let’s be honest—language. If you’ve ever felt like you needed a translator when talking to your younger colleagues, this guide to Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang is for you. 

Whether you're a Baby Boomer, Gen Xer, Millennial, or even a seasoned Gen Zer, understanding these terms can help you connect with your Gen Z and Gen Alpha coworkers, making communication smoother and perhaps even adding a bit of fun to your conversations.

Why Understanding Gen Z & Gen Alpha Slang Matters

You might be wondering why you should bother learning Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang. The truth is that language evolves, and so does the workplace. By understanding and even incorporating some of these terms into your conversations, you can bridge generational gaps, foster better communication, and create a more inclusive environment. Plus, you might find that using these terms can make interactions with your Gen Z and future Gen Alpha coworkers more fun and relatable.

1. “Slay”

What It Means: To do something exceptionally well or to dominate a task.
Example: “You absolutely slayed that presentation today!”
When to Use It: Use this when you want to praise someone for an outstanding job. It's the Gen Z equivalent of saying, "You crushed it!"

2. “Bet”

What It Means: A term that means "okay," "sure," or "you got it." It can also express agreement or confirmation.
Example: “Can you send me that report by EOD?” “Bet.”
When to Use It: This is a casual way to confirm something or agree with someone. It’s similar to saying “for sure” or “absolutely.”

3. “Low-Key”

What It Means: Subtle, restrained, or slightly. It's the opposite of "high-key," which means something is obvious or intense.
Example: “I’m low-key excited about this new project.”
When to Use It: Use “low-key” to express mild enthusiasm or to downplay something in a casual way. It's like saying, "I'm a little excited," but with a Gen Z twist.

4. “Extra”

What It Means: Over-the-top or unnecessarily dramatic.
Example: “I know the client is important, but those 50 slides were kind of extra.”
When to Use It: Call something “extra” when you think it’s excessive or overdone. It's the modern way of saying, "That was a bit much."

5. “Flex”

What It Means: To show off, often in a boastful way.
Example: “Did you see Sarah’s new standing desk? That’s a major flex.”
When to Use It: Use “flex” when someone is showing off something impressive, whether it's a new gadget, skill, or achievement. It’s a playful way of acknowledging a humble brag.

6. “Humble Brag”

What It Means: A statement where someone subtly boasts or shows off while pretending to be modest or self-deprecating. It’s a way of drawing attention to one’s accomplishments or qualities without appearing overtly boastful.
Example: “Just finished another 10-mile run this morning—guess all that training is paying off! #blessed #humblebrag”
When to Use It: Use “humble brag” when you recognize someone (or even yourself) is trying to showcase an achievement or good fortune while maintaining a façade of humility.

7. “GOAT”

What It Means: Acronym for “Greatest of All Time.”
Example: “That brainstorming session was the GOAT of meetings.”
When to Use It: Use “GOAT” when you want to say something is the best of its kind. It’s high praise, so reserve it for truly stand out moments.

8. “Mother”

What It Means: A term of high praise used to describe a woman who is highly respected, influential, or iconic in her field. It’s often used to refer to someone who is seen as a role model or a leader, exuding authority and excellence.
Example: “She handled that crisis like a pro—absolute Mother energy.”
When to Use It: Use “Mother” when you want to commend a woman for being a powerful, commanding presence in her field or for handling a situation with exceptional skill and grace.

9. “Ghosting”

What It Means: Suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation.
Example: “We need to follow up with that client—we can’t just ghost them.”
When to Use It: While more commonly used in social and dating contexts, “ghosting” can also apply in professional settings when communication abruptly stops. Use it when someone disappears without notice.

10. “Shook”

What It Means: Shocked or surprised, often in a way that leaves you speechless.
Example: “I was shook when I found out we won the contract.”
When to Use It: “Shook” is perfect for moments of surprise, whether good or bad. It's like saying, "I was stunned," but with a bit more flair.

11. “Tea”

What It Means: Gossip or interesting news.
Example: “Spill the tea—what’s the latest on the merger?”
When to Use It: Use “tea” when you’re sharing or seeking out the latest scoop. It’s the Gen Z way of saying, “Tell me the gossip.”

12. “Brat Summer”

What It Means: A playful term that describes embracing a carefree, rebellious attitude during the summer, often characterized by doing what you want without worrying about others' opinions.
Example: “I’m in my Brat Summer era—letting loose and having fun after work!”
When to Use It: Use this when discussing a time of feeling particularly free-spirited or when you notice someone is unapologetically being themselves. It’s a light-hearted way to describe a phase of boldness or independence.

13. “Mid”

What It Means: Something that is average, mediocre, or just okay—neither great nor terrible.
Example: “That new coffee shop is kind of mid, to be honest.”
When to Use It: Use “mid” when you want to express that something isn’t living up to expectations or is just average. It’s a subtle way to critique something without being too harsh.

14. “Cap” / “No Cap”

What It Means: “Cap” means a lie, while “No Cap” means no lie or for real.
Example: “He said he could finish the entire report in an hour—total cap.” / “This software update is the best one yet, no cap.”
When to Use It: Use “cap” when you suspect someone is exaggerating or lying. “No cap” is used to emphasize that you’re telling the truth.

15. “Vibe Check”

What It Means: Assessing the general mood or atmosphere of a situation or person.
Example: “I walked into the meeting, and the vibe check was off.”
When to Use It: Use “vibe check” when you want to talk about gauging the overall feeling or energy of a situation or group.

16. “Mood”

What It Means: Something relatable or something you identify with on an emotional level.
Example: “That email response was so blunt—it’s a whole mood.”
When to Use It: Use “mood” when you want to express that something resonates with you emotionally. It’s the modern way of saying, “I feel that.”

17. “Sus”

What It Means: Short for suspicious or suspect, implying something is questionable.
Example: “That email about winning a free cruise seems pretty sus.”
When to Use It: Use “sus” when you’re skeptical about something or someone’s intentions. It’s a quick way to express doubt.

18. “Hits Different”

What It Means: Something that feels or affects you in a unique or significant way, often more intensely than expected.
Example: “That new team collaboration tool just hits different—productivity is through the roof.”
When to Use It: Use “hits different” when something stands out to you in a significant way or has a unique impact compared to similar experiences.

19. “Bussin’”

What It Means: Something really good, especially related to food, but can be used more generally to describe something excellent.
Example: “The lunch from that new spot was bussin’!”
When to Use It: Use “bussin’” when you want to describe something that’s exceptionally good. It’s most often used in the context of food but can be applied more broadly.

20. “Stan”

What It Means: To strongly support or be an enthusiastic fan of someone or something, originating from the Eminem song "Stan."
Example: “I stan your commitment to this project—it’s inspiring.”
When to Use It: Use “stan” when you’re expressing strong support or admiration for something or someone.

21. “Bop”

What It Means: A song or piece of music that’s really good or catchy.
Example: “The new track they played at the office party was a total bop.”
When to Use It: Use “bop” when referring to a song that’s particularly good or enjoyable. It’s a way to compliment music that stands out.

22. “Main Character Energy”

What It Means: The feeling or attitude that you’re the protagonist of your own life, often confident and self-assured.
Example: “She walked into the presentation with total main character energy.”
When to Use It: Use this when someone is owning a situation with confidence, as if they’re the lead in their own story. It’s a compliment to someone’s presence or demeanor.

23. “Rizz”

What It Means: Short for charisma, "Rizz" refers to someone's ability to attract or charm others, particularly in a flirtatious way.
Example: “He’s got so much rizz, everyone was captivated during his pitch.”
When to Use It: Use “rizz” when you want to compliment someone’s charisma or persuasive charm, especially in social or professional settings.

24. “Understood the Assignment”

What It Means: Someone who fully comprehends and executes a task or role perfectly.
Example: “She really understood the assignment with that campaign—everything was on point.”
When to Use It: Use this phrase to praise someone who nails a task or project, delivering exactly what was needed or expected.

25. “Drip”

What It Means: A slang term for style, particularly flashy or trendy clothing and accessories.
Example: “His outfit had serious drip—he looked sharp at the meeting.”
When to Use It: Use “drip” when you want to compliment someone’s stylish appearance or outfit, especially if it’s bold or eye-catching.

26. “Ate”

What It Means: To perform exceptionally well, often in a way that outshines others.
Example: “You ate that presentation—no one could top that.”
When to Use It: Use “ate” when someone excels at something, especially when they dominate a task or event in a way that stands out.

27. “Aura”

What It Means: The vibe or energy someone gives off, often used to describe someone's overall presence.
Example: “She’s got such a calming aura—it really helps during stressful projects.”
When to Use It: Use “aura” when you want to describe the overall vibe or presence that someone brings to a situation.

28. “Delulu”

What It Means: Short for delusional, often used humorously to describe someone who is overly optimistic or has unrealistic expectations.
Example: “Thinking we can finish this project in one day is a little delulu.”
When to Use It: Use “delulu” when you want to playfully call out someone’s overly ambitious or unrealistic expectations.

29. “It’s Giving”

What It Means: A phrase used to describe the vibe or aesthetic something or someone is projecting, often followed by a specific noun or concept that it resembles.
Example: “That presentation? It’s giving 'next-level innovation.'”
When to Use It: Use “It’s Giving” when you want to describe the overall impression or mood that something conveys. It’s a way to express that something is embodying a particular style, theme, or energy.

30. “Secure The Bag”

What It Means: To successfully achieve a goal, usually related to making money, landing a deal, or securing an important opportunity.
Example: “We need to secure the bag with this new client.”
When to Use It: Use “Secure The Bag” when discussing the importance of achieving a significant objective, particularly in a professional or financial context. It’s about getting things done and ensuring success.

31. “Skibidi”

What It Means: A catchy, playful word that originated from the viral "Skibidi" dance trend, often used to express excitement, fun, or simply to reference something that's trending or popular.
Example: “The team was in such a good mood today—totally skibidi vibes!”
When to Use It: Use “Skibidi” when you want to describe something fun, energetic, or in sync with the latest trends. It’s a lighthearted way to express that something or someone is lively and in the moment.

32. “Slaps”

What It Means: A term used to describe something that is exceptionally good, particularly in reference to music, but can also apply to anything that is highly enjoyable or impressive.
Example: “That new intro music slaps—perfect choice for the video!”
When to Use It: Use “Slaps” when you want to compliment something that stands out as being particularly excellent or enjoyable, whether it's a song, presentation, or even a well-done report.

33. “💀” (Skull Emoji)

What It Means: Used to signify that something is so funny or outrageous that it "killed" you with laughter—essentially, it’s the new way of saying "I'm dead" from laughing so hard.
Example: “Did you see that meme Sarah sent? 💀”
When to Use It: Use the skull emoji when something is hilarious, shocking, or absurdly funny. It’s a quick and effective way to express that something made you laugh out loud.

34. “🤠” (Cowboy Hat Emoji)

What It Means: Used sarcastically to convey that you're smiling through the pain or pretending everything is fine when it's really not. It's the emoji equivalent of saying, "I'm totally okay with this," when you're clearly not.
Example: “Just found out we have another deadline tomorrow—🤠.”
When to Use It: Use the cowboy hat emoji when you want to add a sarcastic edge to your message, especially when you're dealing with something frustrating or less-than-ideal but trying to laugh it off.

35. “👀” (Eyes Emoji)

What It Means: Used to indicate that something has caught your attention or to express curiosity, surprise, or even silent judgment. It often suggests that you’re watching a situation unfold or that something interesting is happening.
Example: “Just saw the email about the new project deadline…👀.”
When to Use It: Use the eyes emoji when you want to hint that you’re paying attention to something, especially when you want to subtly express that you’re intrigued, surprised, or silently judging a situation.

Final Thoughts

While you don’t need to adopt every piece of Gen Z slang into your daily vernacular, knowing the basics can help you navigate intergenerational conversations with ease. Whether you’re slaying a project, feeling shook by some big news, or just want to spill the tea, this guide has you covered. 

So next time you hear one of these terms around the office, you’ll be in the know—and that’s a major flex.