Yeet, Slay, and Riz: A Crash Course in Gen Z and Gen Alpha Lingo You Need Right Now

Picture this: you’re at a family gathering, and your teen cousin casually drops phrases like “no cap” and “ratio” while you’re left nodding like you understand.

Maybe they even call you an "NPC," leaving you wondering if it’s a compliment or an insult (spoiler: it’s not great). Welcome to the world of Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang—a chaotic, ever-evolving vocabulary that can leave anyone over 25 feeling hilariously out of touch.

But fear not! This blog is your ultimate cheat sheet to decoding 40 of the most essential slang words from these generations. By the end, you’ll not only understand what the kids are saying, but you might even feel confident enough to throw a “slay” or “rizz” into your next conversation. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll risk being “ratioed.”

Let’s dive in.

Gen Z Words: The OGs of Modern Slang

Yeet – To throw something with enthusiasm. Example: "I yeeted my socks across the room." It’s also a celebratory exclamation. Picture a basketball player shouting "yeet!" after a slam dunk.

Slay – To crush it, excel, or look fabulous. Example: "You slayed that presentation." Thank Queen Bey and TikTok dance trends for keeping this word alive.

Rizz – Short for charisma, usually in a romantic context. Example: "He’s got mad rizz; everyone’s into him." Think smooth-talking Casanova vibes, often hyped on social media.

No Cap – Used to emphasize honesty. Example: "That burger was the best thing I’ve ever eaten, no cap." Originally from hip-hop culture, now a universal truth indicator.

Bet – Agreement or a challenge. Example: "You think you’ll win? Bet." It’s a go-to word for daring someone or sealing the deal.

Stan – A superfan. Example: "I stan Harry Styles so hard." Originating from Eminem’s song “Stan,” it’s now a badge of fandom.

Sus – Suspicious. Example: "That excuse sounds sus." Popularized by the game Among Us, it’s perfect for calling out shady behavior.