When you’re learning English, it’s common to learn essential and dictionary vocabulary. Oftentimes, slang is less common in textbooks and curriculums.
But slang words like these, formed through popular culture, are important to know.
While some slang is used frequently, like “cool” or “awesome”, each generation forms new slang words.
Let’s look at trending and popular social media and Generation Z (Gen Z, 1997~2012) words and phrases in 2024.
If you’re traveling overseas, going abroad to study, or joining a new workplace, there’s a chance you’ll come across many slang words like these.
What is slang?
Slang is a type of informal language used in certain contexts. It usually comprises of shortened words and words that have gained a specific meaning over time.
Where does English slang originate?
Now more than ever, young people have access to the internet and, along with it, memes and popular culture worldwide.
The majority of the slang we hear these days is formed on online spaces.
With the rise of platforms like TikTok which offer short-form videos, trends and acronyms are often used for content and have weaved their way into everyday life.
Some slang, however, has its roots in African-American vernacular English (AAVE) and has become popular over time. We can trace words such as “lit,” “salty,” “bae,” and more back to AAVE.
Language constantly changes and evolves with each generation.
These days, Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) slang is heard in most English-speaking countries.
When to use slang?
The best context to use slang is in casual and informal situations, such as with friends or online.
At work or in a formal setting, it's considered unprofessional to use slang frequently.
Some people may not know what these words mean, which could confuse them.
There could be rare exceptions with similarly aged coworkers or a strong relationship. But, to stay on the safe side, it’s best to keep clear of certain slang at work.
1. What does “rizz” mean?
“Rizz” is short for “charisma” and usually refers to one’s flirting skills or charm when interacting with someone.
“Rizz” is commonly used in informal conversation.
Examples:
- He has some serious rizz to get a girl like that.
- What’s your best rizz line?
2. What does “POV” mean?
“POV” stands for “point of view,” which means understanding something from someone else’s experience.
While not originally slang, it’s now generally used in short-form video captions for the viewer to watch as if they’re experiencing the situation.
It’s sometimes used in everyday speech now, too, said as “P-O-V”.
Examples:
- POV: You see me in the cafe and order a cup of coffee.
- POV: The friend who never understands what’s going on.
3. What does “sus” mean?
“Sus” is short for “suspicious” or “suspect” and means that someone or something is questionable; someone may be lying or hiding something.
Often used in informal conversation, over text, and in video games.
Examples:
- I thought it was sus how he left so early.
- It’s a little sus that she knew what he was going to say.
4. What does “simp” mean?
“Simp” is a term for someone who gives too much attention and concern to a love interest, crush, or someone they like. It’s often used as a verb, “simping.”
Usually used in informal conversations in relation to a romantic interest or a celebrity or singer.
Examples
- She’s a simp for him.
- I’ve been simping over this celebrity for years.
5. What does “main character energy” mean?
“Main character energy” refers to the confidence, charisma, independence, and energy one has in their life as if they’re the main character in a story.
Often used in informal situations in conversation or online. Sometimes “energy” is omitted, and one can just be referred to as the “main character”.
Examples:
- That guy with a skateboard has main character energy.
- Getting a different haircut is such main character energy.
- What a main character move.
6. What does “NPC” mean?
“NPC” stands for “Non-Player Character”. While it originates from video games with side characters in the story, it’s now used to refer to people who lack independent thinking as if programmed to just go about their day.
It’s spoken about in relation to “main character energy” with NPCs or “side characters” in one’s story. It’s often used in informal situations or online.
Examples
- I swear my professor is just an NPC.
- Forget main character, I’d prefer to be an NPC. There’s less drama.
7. What does “mid” mean?
“Mid” means “mediocre” or “low quality”. So if something wasn’t as good as you thought it would be, then you can describe it as “mid”.
It’s used in informal situations with friends or online
Examples
- The new restaurant’s food is mid, but the drinks are great.
- The live band was mid. I wouldn’t see them again.
8. What does “ick” mean?
“Ick” refers to the sudden feeling of disgust or horrible feeling from something.
It’s often used in the context of something or someone suddenly being unattractive or unappealing. The general phrase used is to “give someone the ick”.
Examples
- I got the ick from my date as soon as he ate his food.
- What usually gives you the ick?
9. What does “delulu” mean?
“Delulu” is short for “delusional”. It means to have a false belief about something.
Socially, it’s often used to say that someone else is delusional or to accept the fact that you believe something while knowing it’s not true.
Examples
- I might be delulu, but his acting is actually good.
- They’re all being delulu.
10. What does “bet” mean?
“Bet” in slang usually means “agreed” or “okay.” It’s sometimes used to show confidence in a statement, similar to “I am sure”.
Used in informal social situations or online.
Examples:
- Person A: I’m going to get this job.
- Person B: Bet.
- Person A: Are you going to be at the party tomorrow?
- Person B: Bet. I’m bringing the cake, too.
11. What does “living rent-free in your head” mean?
If something “lives rent-free in your head,” it means you think about it all the time. Sometimes shortened to “rent-free”.
Used in informal and online situations. Sometimes accompanied by a video, image, or detailed information to explain what “lives rent-free” in one’s mind.
Examples
- This song lives rent-free in my head. It’s so good.
- That meme lives rent-free.
12. What does “it’s giving [sth.]” mean?
“It’s giving…” suggests that something suggests or gives an idea of something. It’s usually used to hype someone up or to tell them the “vibes” of something.
Usually followed by a noun, adjective, phrase, or vulgar curse word.
Used in informal situations or online.
Example:
- Your energy is giving cat lady.
- It’s giving “who cares”.
13. What does “lit” mean?
“Lit” means fun, exciting, or cool.
It’s used in informal situations or online.
- Examples:
- Your party was lit!
- Today was lit. Let’s hang out again soon.
14. What does “slay” mean?
“Slay” means that someone has done something very well that they metaphorically “killed it”. It’s often used to encourage or hype someone up. Such as their stylish outfit or something they did well.
Often used in informal situations or online, often in the form of a comment on someone’s outfit post.
Examples:
- Slay, girl! Your outfit is fire.
- You slayed that performance.
15. What does “situationship” mean?
A “situationship” refers to a relationship that doesn’t have an official title. It’s usually an undefined, complicated relationship or the phase between talking to someone new and making their relationship official.
It combines the words “situation”, which implies a vague event, and “relationship”. Often used in informal conversations or online.
Examples
- Are you still in that situationship?
- I’d prefer not to be in a situationship. I need clarity.
16. What does “IYKYK” mean?
“IYKYK” stands for “if you know you know,” which implies a kind of inside story or joke between you and other people.
It’s often used for fandoms, specific meme culture, or stories online. It could also refer to common experiences.
The abbreviation is mostly used online and in text, but the full sentence can be said in real life, too. It’s typically used in lowercase for a casual effect.
Examples:
- He got me flowers yesterday. Iykyk.
- Iykyk: the way Colin looked at Penelope in the carriage ride.
17. What does “GRWM” mean?
GRWM stands for “get ready with me”, and it’s part of an online video trend where people make videos of themselves getting ready, such as doing their makeup or putting together outfits. It’s either accompanied by the person telling a story or explaining the process.
It’s usually used online as the acronym, but the full sentence is usually said out loud.
Example:
- GRWM to go to work.
- GRWM for prom!
How do you keep learning new slang?
If you want to stay up to date with slang, there are two things you could do.
Firstly, stay online. Being involved with the latest social media apps and engaging in content is a good way to learn and pick up new slang.
Popular culture, memes, and videos like reels or TikToks are how current slang is spread worldwide.
Not only is slang in memes, buy it’s also in your favorite TV shows and YouTube channels.
In view of that, an app you can start learning slang and common phrases on is RedKiwi, an English listening app with all your favorite shows!
Secondly, surround yourself with young people.
Because slang evolves and develops over time, it helps to surround yourself with others who might know it so you can learn it from them.
For instance, Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) are starting to develop their own slang.
By learning slang, you’ll be able to incorporate it into your daily life and understand cultural conversations around you.
So have fun, and try some different phrases out!