Gen Z Slang: Bet, Simp, Glow Up and More

Language evolves, and Gen Z — born between the 1997 and 2012 — has introduced an entire dictionary of expressive, clever, and sometimes confusing slang.

These Gen Z slang terms dominate social media platforms, group chats, and online video game lobbies. Here’s a breakdown of the phrases you’ll hear from this generation.

1. No Cap

Used to express truth, "no cap" means someone is being honest or serious. If you say, "This new song is fire, no cap," you're saying the song is great (fire) and you truly believe it.

2. Bet

Bet is a casual way of saying "OK" or "I’m down." It’s a quick response that shows agreement or enthusiasm. You might use it instead of "sure thing" in real life or online.

3. Simp

Originating in Black American hip-hop slang, simp became a derogatory term for a man perceived as overly subservient to a woman in the hope of winning her affection. Saying, "You’re such a simp," carries negative connotations, especially in a romantic relationship context.

4. Main Character

To describe someone as the "main character" is to say they carry themselves like the star of a movie. It’s both a compliment and a slight knock, depending on tone — often used in social media captions and stories.

5. Glow Up

A "glow up" refers to a transformation — usually physical or stylistic — that makes someone look or feel better than before. This phrase is a great example of Gen Z’s thirst for self-improvement and style.

6. Cringe

Cringe is used to describe anything awkward, embarrassing, or trying too hard. If your Baby Boomer uncle uses Gen Z slang words unironically, that might earn a "yikes" or a full-on "big yikes" from the group.

7. Touch Grass

Man outside — No but really, get outside sometime. ViDI Studio / Shutterstock

A favorite insult among Gen Z, to tell someone to touch grass means they’re online too much and need to get back to real life. It's a witty way to say "log off and go outside."

8. Vibe Check

"Vibe check" is all about gauging someone's mood or the feel of a space. Passed the vibe check? You’re cool. Failed it? Time to reassess your energy.

9. Whole Meal

Calling someone a whole meal is a step beyond calling them attractive. It’s a bold phrase used to express approval or attraction: "She’s not just cute, she’s a whole meal."

10. I’m Dead

When something’s really funny, Gen Z won’t just say “lol.” They’ll say “I’m dead,” meaning something is so funny it killed them with laughter, rather than just typing “lol.”

In other words, this is the Gen Z equivalent of using a crying-laughing emoji to show something is hilarious. It shows they're expressing excitement and humor in a big way.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.