61 Gen Z Slang Terms College Coaches Should Probably Know
Use these, don't use these...whatever works. But it'd be good for you to understand what your athletes and prospects are actually saying, right?
This is an accidental, unplanned public service message.
I was texting with my son yesterday, and he threw in the term ‘bet’ in the conversation. I was 90% sure that was a good thing, but did a quick Google search. Turns out I was right, and had a fun exchange with him:
While I was in searching Google terms, I saw ‘gas’ and replied with it. That earned me points with the teen, which is always good. I was feeling so good about myself that I was able to look past his incorrect usage of ‘your’.
So in the spirit of helping out most of my fellow coaching non-Gen Z’ers reading this, here’s a list from various sources of 57 Gen Z terms you probably should know as you’re communicating with your recruits, as well as your team.
You’re welcome.
1. Fam
Fam is a shorter word for family, but don't be fooled—it can be used to describe your friends or the way Millennials use "bro".
2. Glow up
This means a makeover or transformation from bad to good.
3. CEO
If you're the CEO of something, it means you've mastered it or you're a pro. Like when you use our Total Recruiting Solution system for creating stronger relationships with your prospects.
4. Cancel Culture
Cancel culture is a form of shaming the actions or opinions of a public figure, company or organization.
5. Stan
No, it's not short for Stanley– instead, it's a combination of "stalker" and "fan." If you stan someone, it means you're obsessed but not in a creepy way.
6. E-boy or E-girl
This is similar to emo or goth culture, but they use the internet to express themselves.
7. W
To most, it's just a letter of the alphabet, but to Gen Zers, it simply means "win."
8. Dank
If something is dank, it's excellent or of very high quality.
9. Ghosting
This term is common in the earlier talking stages of a relationship. Ghosting someone means you start ignoring them or stop texting them back.
10. Salty
Gen Z uses this term when they're feeling jealous.
11. Big Yikes
The slang speaks for itself in this one. Big Yikes is used when you're so embarrassed that "yikes" doesn't do justice.
12. Boujee
This term can be used if you're describing something or someone that is extravagant or fancy.
13. Finna
Finna is a shortened term for saying "I'm going to." As in, I’m going to make sure we host Dan and his team at TCS for an on-campus recruiting workshop soon.
14. Cap
An older but still relevant term, cap means to lie. If you say "no cap" it means you are being authentic or truthful.
15. High-key
High-key is simply the opposite of being low-key.
16. Cheugy
Something that is ‘cheugy’ is not at all trendy.
17. Simp
Someone who does way too much for the person they have a crush on.
18. Camp
Something that is ironically trendy. One might consider Crocs to be of the camp aesthetic.
19. Snack
A snack is a person that you find attractive.
20. TFW
TFW stands for "that feeling when." TFW you get off work early on a Friday.
21. Woke
Woke refers to being politically aware.
22. Sip tea
Sip tea is an alternative to "spilling the tea," meaning you're sitting back and listening to the gossip rather than partaking in it.
23. L
Another simple letter-turned-slang, L is the opposite of a W—meaning a loss rather than a win.
24. Take several seats
If someone is really getting on your nerves, you might tell them to take several seats.
25. Drip
Another way of saying swag, drip is a term for a cool or sexy trend or style.
26. Bop
When a song or album is exceptionally good.
27. Sheesh
Sheesh is used to hype someone up if they're looking good or doing something good.
28. Iykyk
This acronym is short for "if you know, you know." It's commonly used in reference to an inside joke or something only a specific community might understand.
29. Living rent-free
If something is "living rent-free" in your head, that means you can't stop thinking about it.
30. Hits different
When something is unique or better than the usual.
31. Bet
Simply put, this slang term means "yes." It can be used to confirm something and could be compared to the Millennial term "word."
32. Vibe check
To check someone's energy or mood.
33. Periodt
Using this at the end of the statement adds emphasis or intensity to the point made.
34. Catch these hands
To start a fight. This term is generally used in a contentious matter.
35. Drag
If you drag someone, you're criticizing or making fun of them. This can be equated to roasting someone.
36. Finesse
Finesse means to trick or manipulate someone or a situation in order to get what you want.
37. I'm weak
Similar to "I'm dead," this is just another term to use when you find something hilarious.
38. Main character
This is a phrase used to describe someone who is generally well-liked and charismatic. It can also be used to describe someone when they're making a scene, but not necessarily in a bad way.
39. Sis
A shortened version of "sister," this term is typically used to greet a friend, no matter their gender.
40. Sending me
Another term to use if you find something particularly funny.
41. Slaps
Used to describe how exceptional something is.
42. Bussin'
A quirky word to use when you taste something delicious.
43. Sus
Short for "suspicious," sus it typically means something is not as expected, or shady.
44. Snatched
If someone is looking snatched, they look really good, particularly their outfit.
45. Guap
Money, and lots of it.
46. Smol
Something that is small, and in most cases exceptionally adorable.
47. This ain't it, chief
Another way of giving disapproval for something.
48. Extra
Someone who is out there and enjoys taking things to a new level of flamboyance.
49. Clapback
A response or comeback after you've been "called out" for something.
50. G.O.A.T.
Short for "The Greatest of All Time." An acronym used to describe someone incredible.
51. Vibing
Gen Z is big on vibes. Vibing describes a generic positive feeling that someone has about something.
52. Understood the assignment
If someone tells you that you “understood the assignment,” that means that you did something well and understood what you are supposed to do.
53. Valid
This is a word that people use to express that something is understandable.
54. Thirsty
Usually used to describe someone who is desperate for attention, approval, or compliments. For example, "Posting five selfies in one day is a bit thirsty, don't you think?".
55. Basic
Typically used adjectivally in connection with a person who is being described as unoriginal.
56. Main character
Someone that is the center of attention. It’s often used reflexively, not descriptively.
57. Hits different
This usually means that something is received in a positive and unique way.
58. Skibidi
It's origin is from scatting in music, but in slang it is used as a modifier in place of “very” or “really” or “the most”. So if you have “skibidi rizz ” you've got the most rizz (charisma, style, etc) or if something is “skibidi Ohio” it's really bad. Similar to the way GenX used “totally”.
59. Ohio
Used to describe someone or something that's weird, bad, or cringe. You'll also see it alongside “skibidi”.
60. Gas
Used to describe something or someone that is appealing or good, whereas “gassing” is the act of hyping someone up.
61. Sigma
A sigma is someone who operates independently and prefers their own company rather than being in a crowd of friends. The term allows teens to name their individuality. It’s also commonly regarded as the "rarest" type of male, a sigma male is typically denoted as an archetype of a male who is similar to the alpha male.
I have a feeling this was either the most useful thing you’ve read in a while, or the most useless. I’ll wait for the clapback, or the slaps. I’m skibidi good with either, Coach. Periodt.