Navigating the slang of Gen Z coworkers, born between 1997 and 2012, can be tricky as they bring their unique lingo into the workplace, reflecting their personalities and blurring the lines between personal and professional life. “We carry work in our pockets via phones, so boundaries blur both ways,” says Carrie Bulger, an industrial-organizational psychologist at Quinnipiac University. A 2025 Deloitte survey of over 14,000 Gen Z professionals found that 40% see their job as central to their identity, second only to friends and family, and value clear communication. However, Kevon Martin, a 25-year-old HR coordinator, advises caution: while slang can make older colleagues more relatable to younger workers and consumers, Gen Z should avoid overly casual terms in professional settings. Here’s a guide to common Gen Z workplace slang, often rooted in Black and LGBTQ+ communities, with varied origins: - **Chokehold**: When something—like a favorite lunch spot—has you hooked, visiting daily. - **Crash out/crashout**: To react dramatically, like crying or yelling, to stress, such as workplace trouble. Frequent overreactions earn the “crashout” label. - **IJBOL**: Stands for “I just burst out laughing,” a step above “LOL” but less intense than “LMAO,” used sincerely or ironically to show amusement or online savvy. - **Rizz**: Short for charisma, describing a smooth talker. “Zero frizz” indicates awkwardness or poor conversational skills. - **Aura**: Refers to someone’s coolness or unique appeal. Impressive actions, like showing “rizz,” earn “aura points”; embarrassing ones deduct them, potentially leading to a “negative aura.” - **Roman Empire**: Originally from a viral trend about men fixating on the Roman Empire, it now means any topic someone obsesses over, like a coworker fixating on a celebrity couple. - **Ick**: Once about dating turn-offs, now any unpleasant trait or behavior. A group of Atlanta nurses faced backlash (and job loss) for a TikTok listing patient “icks,” highlighting the risks of casual workplace slang. - **Naur**: A dramatic “no” or “know” with an Australian accent flair. - **Slay**: Doing an exceptional job, like nailing a project. - **Understood the assignment**: Completing a task perfectly as intended. - **Say less**: A concise “say no more,” signaling full agreement or understanding. - **Unserious**: A playful way to call something or someone ridiculous or not serious. - **L or W**: “L” (loss) or “W” (win) describes negative or positive experiences, like an “L take” for a disagreed-upon opinion. Martin emphasizes that slang can foster open communication across generations if used thoughtfully, avoiding disparagement, to create a dynamic workplace.