Gen Z Code: Must-Know Phrases for Today’s Conversations

Navigating the linguistic labyrinth of British youth can be akin to deciphering an ancient code. Fear not! Here’s your cheeky cheat sheet to blend in, or at least not stick out like a sore thumb, among the UK’s trendiest.

1. “Peng”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / YARUNIV Studio

Definition: A term of high praise for attractiveness, be it food, people, or that new pair of trainers.

“That pizza is absolutely peng.”

2. “Lit”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

Definition: Not what happens when you light a candle, but how you describe a particularly lively party or event. 

“Last night was lit!”

3. “Mans Not Hot” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sklo Studio

Definition: A phrase that transcends temperature, originating from a viral rap parody. It’s used to denote unflappability in the face of pressure.

“Take off your jacket? Nah, man’s not hot.”

4. “Fam”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / 4 PM production

Definition: No, not your immediate relatives, but close friends or people you respect. 

“How’s it going, fam?”

5. “Sick”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ramon Montes de Oca

Definition: Oddly enough, this means amazing or cool. The sicker, the better. Not to be confused with actual illness.

“Whoa, that skate move was sick!”

6. “Snacc”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Iryna Inshyna

Definition: When someone looks so good you could, in a non-literal sense, eat them up. 

“Did you see Alex today? A total snacc.”

7. “Salty”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Definition: Not the taste, but the state of being upset or bitter, usually over something minor. 

“Why you so salty about him borrowing your pen?”

8. “Ghosting”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Antonio Guillem

Definition: Disappearing from a conversation or relationship without notice. A modern phenomenon with a spooky twist.

“I thought we were getting along, but then he totally ghosted me.”

9. “Flex”

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roman Seliutin

Definition: To show off. Whether it’s muscles, a new phone, or an A in maths, it’s all about the flex. 

“Stop flexing your new watch, we get it.”

10 “Gassed” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Prostock-studio

Definition: Extremely happy or excited about something. Not to be confused with needing ventilation.

11. “Savage” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tatiana Buzmakova

Definition: Brutally honest or downright ruthless. A compliment if you’re on the giving end, less so if you’re receiving.

12. “Lowkey” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

Definition: Something you’re subtly enthusiastic about. 

“I’m lowkey obsessed with this new show.”

13. “Highkey” 

Image Credit: Pexels / Gustavo Fring

Definition: The opposite of lowkey. When you’re very openly passionate about something. 

“I highkey love this song.”

14. “Dead”

Image Credit: Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko

Definition: Boring or uninteresting. 

“That party was dead, so we left.”

15. “Shook” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot

Definition: Shocked or surprised to the core. “I was shook when I found out.”

16. “Extra” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / LightField Studios

Definition: Over the top or trying too hard. 

“He brought a suitcase for a weekend trip. So extra.”

17. “Thirsty” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos

Definition: Desperate, usually for attention or approval. 

“Liking all their photos? Don’t be thirsty.”

18. “Fire” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / fizkes

Definition: Another word for hot or trendy. 

“These new beats are fire.”

19. “Glow up” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

Definition: A transformation from duckling to swan. A before and after, but make it fashionable. 

“Have you seen him since school? Total glow up.”

20. “Yeet” 

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

Definition: A versatile word for throwing something with vigour or expressing excitement. 

“Yeet that paper into the bin!”

Go Forth and Eye Roll

Image Credit: Shutterstock / DavideAngelini

Now, armed with this guide, you can venture forth into the world of British youth slang. Use your newfound knowledge wisely, and perhaps, just perhaps, you won’t get that all-too-familiar eye roll when you try to engage in conversation. 

The post Gen Z Code: Must-Know Phrases for Today’s Conversations first appeared on LoveLists.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sklo Studio.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Leave a Comment