The Dictionary of Gen Alpha Slang: Terms Parents Should Know

PDF download Download Article
Figure out what your Alpha child is typing in the family group text
PDF download Download Article

Are you a sigma? Do you have rizz? Do you know what the heck we’re talking about? If you said “No,” keep reading: we’ve compiled the ultimate list of Gen Alpha slang words and phrases to add to your everyday lexicon, from bussin’ to no cap to Ohio and more!

Popular Gen Alpha Slang Words

  • Bussin’: amazing, fantastic (especially with reference to delicious food)
  • Skibidi: wild, absurd, or totally chaotic
  • Sus: short for “suspicious”
  • No cap: honestly or sincerely
  • Bet: another way to say “OK” or “sure”
1

Bussin’

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Bussin’” can be used to describe anything that’s off-the-walls awesome, but it’s most often used in reference to delicious food.
    • Origins: "Bussin'" may originate from the AAVE (African American Vernacular English) "bursting" or "busting," as in "busting a move on the dancefloor" or food that's "bursting with flavor." [1]
    • Example: These tater tots are straight bussin’!
    2. Advertisement
2

Rizz

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’ve got rizz , you’ve got lots of charm, and you can’t help but draw people to you. The word is usually used in the context of dating and romance. And if you've got a lot of rizz? Why, that'd make you a rizzler .
    • Example: Did you see how smoothly he talked to that girl? Man, he’s dripping with rizz .
3

Sus

PDF download Download Article
  1. Popularized by the game Among Us , when someone is acting weird or raising your hackles, they’re being sus —or even a “sussy baka” (“baka” is Japanese for “idiot”).
    • Example: Hmm, buy-one-get-two pizzas? That deal sounds too good to be true… It’s a little sus.
    2. Advertisement
4

Brain Rot

PDF download Download Article
  1. Brain rot describes superficial or trivial online content, as well as the mental and intellectual effects of consuming that content. If you’re surfing social media all day long, you may experience some brain rot and need to do something more intellectually stimulating. [2]
    • Origins: Believe it or not, Henry David Thoreau coined the word “brain rot” in Walden in 1854.
      • He used it to describe the effects of society’s tendency to value simple ideas over more complex thought: “While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot—which prevails so much more widely and fatally?” [3]
    • Example: TikTok is just full of brain rot. Gotta get outside and touch grass, bro.
5

Skibidi

PDF download Download Article
  1. Skibidi is a pretty versatile word, and can be used to describe just about anything, but it usually refers to something that’s crazy or surreal, typically in a funny or entertaining way. [4]
    • Origins: The word originated with the YouTube series Skibidi Toilet , a show about people who live in toilets. OK.
    • Example: Monica’s party was totally skibidi. 10/10.
    2. Advertisement
6

Bruh

PDF download Download Article
  1. Short for "brother," but it's applicable to any gender. Call your friends "bruh," call your enemies "bruh," or say "bruh" to react to something that just makes you shake your head with dismay or surprise.
    • Example: Hey bruh, you want to hang out this weekend?
7

Salty

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you're annoyed by or bitter about something, you're salty. Use "salty" next time someone does something that irritates you to no end, or next time something happens that's incredibly disappointing.
    • Example: I failed that test and I am sooooo salty about it.
    2. Advertisement
8

Ate

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your bestie aced her presentation, she "ate." If she did really well, she "ate that up" or "ate and left no crumbs."
    • Origins: "Ate" likely comes from African American and queer ballroom vernacular as a way to praise exceptional drag performances, similar to "slay or "serve."
    • Example: Did you see her concert last night? She ate and left no crumbs!
9

Noob

PDF download Download Article
  1. Next time you're playing a game with someone who seems to not have a clue what they're doing, you have our permission to call them a total noob.
    • Example: Ugh, John, you're such a noob! Hit X, not B!
    2. Advertisement
10

Bet

PDF download Download Article
  1. "Bet" is a term indicating approval, short for "You bet." Instead of “yes” or “I’m down,” you could say “bet” and sound a lot more Gen Alpha-y.
    • Example: “You want to grab some pizza tonight?” “Bet.”
11

Zang

PDF download Download Article
  1. It's pretty simple: "zang" is a remixed version of the classic "dang," and it's used the exact same way. Next time you're surprised, disappointed, or wowed, exclaim, "Zang!" to really show it.
    • Example: Zang! That car was going way too fast!
    2. Advertisement
12

Delulu

PDF download Download Article
  1. "Delulu" is just a fun way of saying someone isn't thinking straight. When your friend is convinced their situationship is eventually going to turn into a real, committed relationship, they're delulu.
    • Example: "I'm going to become the next Taylor Swift, I just know it." "I don't know how to break it to you, but you've never even sung before. You're straight delulu."
13

"Just put the fries in the bag, bro."

PDF download Download Article
  1. Next time someone says something irritating or seems to think very highly of themselves, show you see them for who they are with a simple, "Put the fries in the bag, bro." The implication is that you're at a drive-through waiting on your food, and the person you're speaking to is the fast food worker.
    • This phrase isn't just pretty insulting to the person you're speaking to; it's also insensitive to fast food workers. So think twice before using it!
    • Example: "I'm going to drop out of school and focus on becoming a professional Twitch streamer!" "Just put the fries in the bag, bro."
    2. Advertisement
14

Cheugy

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you hear your mom say “skibidi,” that’s cheugy, baby. “Cheugy” is an adjective used to describe something cringe-worthy or just utterly uncool, especially with reference to older generations or anyone trying too hard to be cool. [5]
    • Origins: The word was popularized in 2021 in a TikTok video by user Hallie Cain, who cited people who brag about being married at 20 or who use the word "girl boss" as examples of things that are "cheugy."
    • Example: Ugh, my teacher just said, ‘Totes magoats.’ She’s soooo cheugy.
15

Ohio

PDF download Download Article
  1. When something is surreal or uncanny, it's Ohio, according to the kids. (It can also mean “uncool” or “cringey,” but we attest that while Ohio is strange and haunting, it’s not as cheugy as alphas may believe.)
    • If you really want to insult someone, call them "Skibidi Ohio rizz," which just means that they're ultra weird.
    • Origins: Ohio as a synonym for “surreal” or “uncanny” stems from the Ohio memes that were popular in the early 2020s (like the one with the astronauts looking at the Earth from space and seeing that it’s “All Ohio”).
    • Example: We stayed at a creepy old cabin in the woods all weekend. It was so Ohio.
    2. Advertisement
16

Gyatt

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Gyatt” is a pretty versatile one and used similarly to “G*dd*mn!” Use it when you’re particularly excited, shocked, exasperated, or in awe.
    • Example: Gyatt! The Browns finally scored a goal!
17

Looksmaxxing

PDF download Download Article
  1. "Looksmaxxing" (or "looksmaxing") usually refers to men who put in time and attention to looking more physically attractive, but is applicable to all genders. "Softmaxxing" refers to simple good hygienic practices like flossing or showering, while "hardmaxxing" refers to more intense efforts to improve your physical attractiveness, like getting plastic surgery.
    • Origins: "Looksmaxxing" as a slang term originated on incel message boards in the 2010s, but grew in popularity when it caught on on TikTok in the 2020s.
    • Example: Have you seen Chad today? He's really been looksmaxxing lately and he looks great!
    2. Advertisement
18

Mewing

PDF download Download Article
  1. "Mewing" describes the act of pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth to firm and reshape your jaw in an attempt to look good (don't do this). [6] Mewing as an activity has turned into a viral looksmaxxing trend on TikTok, but the word "mewing" may also be shorthand for "looking good."
    • Some people mew sincerely to try to reshape their jaw, but many youths do it ironically, or even as an excuse to get out of talking to someone, since you can't talk while you're mewing.
    • Origins: Mewing as a beauty technique originated in the 1970s from failed orthodontist John Mew, but took off on social media in the early 2020s, when it was dubbed "mewing" in Mew's honor.
    • Example: Can't talk right now. Too busy mewing.
19

Aura

PDF download Download Article
  1. This term is more often used in online spaces than in real life. If you've got a negative aura, you're pretty cheugy, Ohio, or sus. If you've got a positive aura, though, you might be a sigma dripping with rizz. In other words, positive aura = good, negative aura = bad.
    • You can gain or lose aura points through your actions: e.g., tripping in front of your crush? Minus 20 aura points. Acing a test? Plus a million aura points!
    • Example: Did you see Tommy pick his nose? Ugh, he's got such a negative aura.
    2. Advertisement
20

Cap

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you accuse someone of "capping," you're saying you think they're exaggerating or telling a lie.
    • Origins: "Cap" is rooted in AAVE slang for "to brag" or "to lie," dating back to the early 1900s. [7]
    • Example: He said he can run a 5-minute mile but he's cappin'.
21

No Cap

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since "cap" means to brag, lie, or exaggerate about something, it stands to reason that “no cap” means the opposite. "No cap" may be added to the end of a sentence to express sincerity or for emphasis, to show you really mean something.
    2. Advertisement
22

Sigma

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sigmas are the lone wolf type. They’re self-sufficient and admirable, but they don’t pay much heed to social convention and prefer to do their own thing.
    • Example: Tim is such a sigma, bro. He doesn’t follow the trends and just does his own thing.
23

What the sigma?

PDF download Download Article
  1. "What the sigma?" is a phrase that's used semi-nonsensically, but often translates to "What the heck?" It's usually used somewhat ironically, as alphas who use it are pretty fully aware of just how silly it is.
    • Origins: This phrase began with a viral TikTok audio in which voices sounding like Spongebob and Squidward repeat the phrase.
    • Example: "You're such a skibidi Ohio rizz." "Erm, what the sigma?"
    2. Advertisement
24

Fanum Tax

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you swipe a French fry off your bud’s plate, you’re fanum taxing them.
    • Origins: "Fanum tax" originated from a 2022 running gag in which Twitch streamer Fanum would "tax" other streamers when they're eating by stealing food from their plates. [8]
    • Example: Gerry, stop fanum taxing me on my Kit-Kats, I swear to God.
25

Drip

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Drip” is a synonym for “fashion sense.” More specifically, “drip” describes a sense of style marked by confidence and trendiness.
    • Origins: The word seems to have originated from Atlanta rap culture in the early 2000s to describe expensive jewelry, designer clothes, or someone with a lot of confidence or swag. [9]
    • Example: Check out Mandy’s drip! She’s got the freshest look around.
    2. Advertisement
26

Shook

PDF download Download Article
  1. “Shook” is another way to say you’re shaken or devastated by something bad that’s happened. It may be used sincerely, as in response to a natural disaster, or more lightheartedly and ironically, as in response to a shocking twist in a TV show. For a variation on the word, try "shooketh."
    • Example: When Glenn died at the end of episode 12? I was shook, I tell you!
27

Bop

PDF download Download Article
  1. When a song is a total earworm, it's also a bop . Next time you can't get that hot new pop song out of your head, call it what it is: a major bop.
    • "Bop" can also refer to a promiscuous girl on the internet, so be careful how you use it. It's not typically used in a positive manner in this context, so it's best to stick to the musical meaning of the word!
    • Example: Ugh, I can't stop listening to "Pink Pony Club." That song is such a bop.
    2. Advertisement
28

Simp

PDF download Download Article
  1. If someone bends over backward for the attention of their crush or someone they admire (or if they're a doormat in general), they're a simp. When they do something for someone's approval, they're simping .
    • Example: Wow, Josh did all of Laura's homework even though she's so mean to him. He's a total simp!
29

Fire

PDF download Download Article
  1. When something really impresses you, it’s totally fire.
    • Origins: "Fire" as a slang word seems to have originated from AAVE in the 1990s to describe something hot, powerful, or intense, but expanded over time to refer to anything cool, exciting, or desirable. [10]
    • Example: That denim jacket is absolute fire on you, Megan!
    2. Advertisement
30

Slaps

PDF download Download Article
  1. That new Kendrick Lamar song? It slaps. Crunchwrap Supremes? They slap. Basically, anything ultra impressive, delicious, incredible, astounding—it slaps.
    • Example: Man, I don’t care what people say about pineapple on pizza, it slaps.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      What Does "Bop" Mean in Slang & Why Is It Problematic for Girls?
      What Does "Sigma" Mean on TikTok?
      What Is Glazing?
      Everything You Need to Know About Skibidi & Skibidi Toilet
      What Zesty Really Means on TikTok
      What Does the Slang Term “FAFO” Mean? (Plus How to Use It)
      What does "2 Man" Mean?
      What Does "I'm Cooked" Mean? TikTok Slang, Explained
      Everything You Need to Know About the “My Roman Empire” TikTok Trend
      What Does "Chalant" Mean? (And Is It a Real Word?)
      What is “Rizz” and How Do You Get It?
      What Is Twink Death? Aging & Humor in the Gay Community
      What Exactly Does “Ate and Left No Crumbs” Mean?
      What Is a "Body Count"?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://7esl.com/bussin-meaning/
      2. ↑ https://corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/
      3. ↑ https://corp.oup.com/news/brain-rot-named-oxford-word-of-the-year-2024/
      4. ↑ https://www.vcstar.com/story/life/2024/10/23/skibidi-toilet-meaning-origins-and-how-to-use-it/75807075007/
      5. ↑ https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/cheugy-pronunciation-meaning-say-tiktok-b1842019.html
      6. ↑ https://www.joms.org/article/S0278-2391(19)30349-0/fulltext#articleInformation
      7. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/no-cap/
      8. ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/fanum-tax
      9. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/drip/
      1. ↑ https://www.planoly.com/glossary/fire

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 374 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement