Baby Boomer Slang
If a Boomer told you to "stop bugging" them, they were using this insect-inspired verb to tell you to stop doing this annoying action
Pestering (or Irritating)
Gen X popularized this specific, single-word corporate insult to describe a completely unoriginal, suit-wearing mainstream follower
Sellout
Millennials used this glowing, royal adjective to describe a look, an outfit, or an attitude that was completely flawless and perfect
Slay
Gen Z uses this specific cooking-inspired verb to describe the act of executing a task beautifully or delivering an exceptional performance
Cook (as in "Let them cook")
Gen Alpha uses this specific geometric-sounding verb to describe the act of completely dominating, defeating, or outperforming an opponent
Boxed (or Boxed like a fish)
Boomers used this specific food-based noun to describe an individual's personal car or hot rod vehicle
Crate (or Machine / Sled)
If a Gen X teen told you that a party was "bunk," they meant the event was completely disappointing, unfair, or this negative quality
Bad (or Lame / Terrible)
This specific acronym was popularized by Millennials to describe an immediate, deep-seated sense of envy regarding other people's exciting social activities
FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
If something is described as "rent-free" in Gen Z lingo, it means a specific thought, person, or song is constantly occupying this part of your mind
Thoughts (or Subconscious)
If a Gen Alpha kid tells you that you are "cooking," they mean you are currently doing this specific positive action during a task
Succeeding (or Doing great)
If a Boomer described a situation or a piece of music as "heavy," they meant it carried a deep, profound level of this emotional quality
Seriousness (or Depth / Importance)
Gen X used this rhythmic, two-word phrase to tell someone to completely stop panicking or overreacting to a stressful situation
Chill pill
If a Millennial described a situation or a dynamic choice as "clutch," they meant it occurred at the absolute perfect moment to achieve success
Timely (or Crucial)
Gen Z uses this single letter as a quick, digital shorthand to celebrate a major victory, achievement, or successful outcome
W
Gen Alpha uses this specific, dramatic noun to describe an incredibly large, catastrophic, or chaotic social disaster or public failure
Crashout
Boomers used this distinct currency-based adjective to describe an event or an item that was exceptionally excellent or high-quality
Mint
This specific adjective was used by Gen X to describe an exceptionally styled, physically attractive, or fashionable individual
Fly
This dynamic compound word was coined by Millennials to describe a highly intense, deeply protective group of close-knit friends who support each other
Squad goals
If a Gen Z individual tells you that a performance was "giving," they are praising it for possessing an incredibly high level of this positive attribute
Energy (or Vibe / Quality)
This specific, geographical term is used by Gen Alpha to describe a completely ordinary, uninteresting, or low-tier individual who lacks any unique traits
NPC (or Default)
This specific phrase was used by Boomers to describe a highly intense, deeply localized emotional obsession or psychological breakdown
Hang-up
Derived from a classic 1980s hip-hop track, this four-word phrase was used by Gen X to announce an immediate, permanent departure from a location
Audi 5000 (or Outtie 5000)
Millennials used this specific internet-derived adjective to describe a piece of news or an outfit that was completely jaw-dropping, shocking, or intense
Shook
This specific, corporate-sounding noun is used by Gen Z to describe an incredibly subtle, quiet, or unspoken change in a person's behavior or social status
Flex
Gen Alpha uses this specific, animal-inspired verb to describe the act of completely stealing another person's romantic partner or social spotlight
Fanum tax (or Taxing)