Baby Boomer Slang
Boomers used this rhythmic three-word phrase to tell someone to calm down and relax, often paired with a hand gesture
Take it easy
Gen X famously used this sarcastic, single-word response to show complete indifference or that they didn't care
Whatever
Millennials popularized this four-letter acronym standing for "You Only Live Once" to justify doing something reckless
YOLO
Gen Z uses this single word to tell someone that they are lying or exaggerating the truth
Cap
Gen Alpha uses this word, popularized by streamer Kai Cenat, to describe the extreme level of charm, style, or "rizz" a person possesses
Sigma
This short, groovy word was used to describe something excellent, fashionable, or highly pleasing
Cool
If a Gen X teen told you to stop "trippin'," they were trying to get you to stop doing this action over something minor
Overreacting
This word is used by Millennials to describe an absolute superstar, legendary performer, or the "Greatest Of All Time."
GOAT
If something is "no cap," it means the person speaking is telling the absolute truth or being this trait
Honest (or Real)
If a Gen Alpha kid tells you that your outfit is "skibidi," they are using a catchphrase from a viral YouTube series to mean it is either cool or this
Cool (or Trash, depending on context)
If a Boomer told you that your outfit was "far out," they meant it was highly unusual, excellent, or this adjective
Awesome
This word was used by Gen X to describe an uncool, socially awkward person, famously featured in the movie Clueless
Dork (or Loser)
If a Millennial tells you that a new song or a food combination "slaps," they mean it is exceptionally this quality
Excellent (or Good)
Gen Z uses this specific word to describe someone who has an incredible, effortless ability to charm or romance a romantic interest
Riz
Gen Alpha uses this verb to describe the act of staring intensely at someone to assert dominance or silently judge them
Mewing
Boomers used this dynamic expression, meaning "right on," to show total agreement or support for what someone just said
Right on
Gen X used this phrase to describe an exceptionally cool, impressive, or highly exciting event or object
Radical (or Rad)
This term was coined by Millennials to describe an intense, adult-like responsibility, often used as a verb like "doing my taxes."
Adulting
If a Gen Z student tells you that your new shoes are "bussin'," they mean the shoes are exceptionally this
Great (or Cool)
If a Gen Alpha child calls an online video "brainrot," they mean it is a piece of content that is completely this
Mindless (or Useless)
This specific term was used by Boomers to describe the deep, emotional connection or atmosphere given off by a place, song, or person
Vibes
If you were "bouncing" or "outties" in Gen X lingo, it meant you were doing this specific action to a party or location
Leaving
Millennials use this word to describe an incredibly basic, unoriginal person who blindly follows mainstream trends
Basic
Gen Z uses this expression to describe a highly cringey, outdated, or try-hard behavior, often associated with Millennials
Cheugy
Gen Alpha uses this specific term to describe a mysterious, legendary, or incredibly powerful individual who stands completely alone
Sigma Lone Wolf