In a remote setting, language barriers were often easy to manage with the safety net of Google or even Urban Dictionary. But as workplace conversations move back from online chats to in-person interactions, it’s harder to discreetly look up the meaning of terms like “cozzie livs” when chatting with younger colleagues.
Just as research has shown that corporate jargon can alienate younger workers who aren’t familiar with phrases like “deep dive,” Gen X managers may soon feel left out of informal conversations with their twentysomething staff.
“Lack of familiarity with Gen Z slang could potentially lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, hampering effective communication,” says Jessica Kelly, CEO of corporate well-being firm Meet Your Mind. “It could also create a generational divide, making it harder for different age groups to collaborate effectively.”
To help close that gap, here’s a list of terms Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) told Fortune they’re using right now—and that older generations might want to learn.
Slay
This isn’t exactly new—it’s been used for decades in Black and LGBTQ+ communities as a compliment meaning “killing it.” Thanks to TikTok, it’s now widespread among younger people.
Example: “Your presentation? Slay.”
Menty B
Short for “mental breakdown,” but used lightheartedly to describe minor stressful moments.
Example: “I missed my train and had a full-on menty B.”
Cozzie livs
A playful shorthand in the UK for the “cost-of-living crisis.”
Example: “I can’t go out this month—cozzie livs.”
That slaps / hits different
“Slaps” means something is really good—originally from the hip-hop scene. “Hits different” means it exceeds expectations.
Examples:
“This song slaps.”
“That coffee hits different on Monday mornings.”
Ate that
Used to praise someone who did an excellent job. For extra emphasis: “ate and left no crumbs.”
Examples:
“They ate that presentation.”
“Those jeans eat.”
Understood the assignment
Refers to someone excelling at a task or perfectly meeting expectations.
Examples:
“Chris understood the assignment with that client pitch.”
“Princess Diana’s revenge dress? She understood the assignment.”
Say less
An informal way to say “say no more” or “got it.”
Example: “You want it done by today? Say less.”
Sending me
Gen Z’s version of “LOL,” used to react to something very funny.
Examples:
“That meme is sending me.”
“That video sent me into orbit.”
It’s giving
Used to describe the vibe something is giving off, positively or negatively.
Examples:
“It’s giving boss energy.”
“That outfit is giving summer wedding.”
_core
A suffix that labels a style or aesthetic.
Examples:
“Cottagecore” = rustic, countryside aesthetic.
“Barbiecore” = ultra-pink style inspired by the movie.
Cheugy
A slightly dismissive term for trends or products seen as outdated or cringeworthy—often applied to millennial styles.
Example: “Skinny jeans? So cheugy.”
(Ironically, even “cheugy” is now being called cheugy.)
Acronyms and Emojis
Gen Z also has new preferences for online messaging:
-
They favor many short messages over one long note.
-
“LOL” is out; “IJBOL” (I just burst out laughing) is in.
-
Other popular acronyms:
-
IYKYK (If you know, you know)
-
W / L (Win or Loss—e.g., “Take the L”)
-
-
Emojis have evolved, too:
-
Thumbs-up 👍 and classic smileys 🙂 are seen as basic.
-
Saluting face 🫡 or handshake 🤝 are preferred for agreement.
-
Melting face 🫠 conveys extreme embarrassment.
-