From ‘Yeet’ to ‘GOAT’: Understanding Gen Z’s Favourite Slangs
Ever find yourself lost in conversations filled with words like ‘yeet,’ ‘GOAT,’ or ‘FOMO’? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Gen Z has crafted a distinctive dialect that’s dominating social media, group chats, and even pop culture. If these terms sound foreign, here’s a quick guide to help you decode them and stay in the loop.
YEET
‘Yeet’ is one of Gen Z’s most flexible expressions, commonly used as a verb meaning to throw something with force or abandon it enthusiastically.
- As an interjection: It can also signal excitement or triumph in moments of adrenaline.
Example: “I’m going to yeet this water bottle across the field!”
LIT
When something is described as ‘lit,’ it means it’s amazing, fun, or electrifying.
- It’s often applied to events, parties, or even performances that stand out in a crowd.
Example: “The party last night was so lit, I didn’t want to leave!”
I STAN
To ‘stan’ someone is to express fervent admiration, often bordering on obsession.
- Originating from Eminem’s song ‘Stan’, it has been reclaimed to signify dedicated support, especially online.
Example: “I stan Zendaya—she’s effortlessly iconic.”
CLOUT
In Gen Z lingo, ‘clout’ equals influence, especially on social platforms.
- Chasing clout often involves creating viral content, gaining followers, or collaborating with trendsetters.
Example: “He’s just posting for clout—check the hashtags he’s using.”
SKSKSK
Often typed out in rapid succession, ‘sksksk’ expresses excitement, agreement, or giddy laughter.
- Popularized by the VSCO girl subculture, it’s usually paired with expressive emojis or gestures.
Example: “Sksksk, that TikTok had me crying!”
FOMO
Short for ‘Fear of Missing Out,’ FOMO captures the anxiety of being excluded from fun or meaningful experiences.
- Social media heavily fuels this feeling, especially when you see others having a good time without you.
Example: “I’m having serious FOMO watching everyone at Coachella this year.”
VIBE
A ‘vibe’ refers to the atmosphere or energy of a place, person, or moment.
- It’s commonly used to describe music, aesthetic setups, or personal moods.
Example: “This playlist is such a chill vibe.”
MOOD
When something is relatable, funny, or emotionally spot-on, Gen Z calls it a ‘mood.’
- It’s often used in response to memes or situations that reflect one’s current feelings.
Example: “A dog wrapped in a blanket? Total mood.”
WOKE
To be ‘woke’ means being socially conscious and politically aware.
- It’s a compliment in progressive spaces but can also be used sarcastically, depending on the context.
Example: “She stays informed about climate change—super woke.”
GOAT
GOAT is an acronym for Greatest of All Time and is a high praise for excellence in any field.
- It’s often used for sports legends, musicians, or cultural icons.
Example: “Serena Williams isn’t just a champion—she’s the GOAT.”
Why Slang Matters
These expressions aren’t just trends—they’re a part of how Gen Z builds identity, creates in-group belonging, and navigates a world that’s fast-paced and hyper-digital.
- Understanding them not only helps you communicate better, but also gives insight into the values and humor of a generation redefining how we speak.
So next time you hear “That’s a vibe” or “She’s the GOAT,” you’ll know—it’s not just slang, it’s culture in motion.
