Gen Alpha slang: The ultimate guide for parents
The kids of today — known as Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024) — are developing a language all their own. From gaming terms to TikTok trends, their slang evolves at lightning speed. If you’ve ever felt out of the loop when your child says “bet” or “rizz,” you’re not alone.
This guide will help you decode Gen Alpha’s favorite phrases, understand their origins, and even use them in context (if you dare!).
🔥 Top Gen Alpha slang terms (and what they actually mean)
Here are some of the most popular slang words Gen Alpha uses today:
🕹️ Gaming and digital slang
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GG – Short for “Good game.” A phrase used at the end of a match as a sign of sportsmanship, regardless of who won.
Cracked – Describes someone who is exceptionally skilled at a game, often performing at a level that seems almost inhuman.
Sweaty – Refers to a player who tries extremely hard to win, often putting in more effort than necessary, making the game feel overly competitive.
Dub (W) – Short for “win.” Used in both gaming and real life to celebrate a victory or success.
NPC – Stands for “Non-playable character,” originally from video games. It is now used as slang to describe someone who acts in a robotic, predictable, or socially unaware way.
Sigma – A term used to describe someone who is highly independent, self-sufficient, and does not conform to traditional social norms or hierarchies.
Brain rot – Used to describe the feeling of mental dullness after consuming too much low-quality digital content, such as endless scrolling on TikTok or watching repetitive videos.
🎭 Social and emotional slang
Rizz – Short for “charisma,” referring to someone’s ability to attract or flirt with others confidently, often used when someone has smooth talking skills or can easily charm others.
Rizzler – A playful term for someone who is exceptionally good at flirting or charming others, essentially a “master” of rizz.
Slaps – Used to describe something exceptionally good, whether it’s a song, food, or an experience (e.g., “This pizza slaps!”). It implies that something is highly enjoyable or impressive.
GOAT – Stands for “Greatest of all time.” Used to describe someone or something at the peak of excellence, often referring to sports players, musicians, or other high achievers (e.g., “Michael Jordan is the GOAT”).
Sus – Short for “suspicious.” Used to describe something or someone that seems untrustworthy, shady, or dishonest, often in a joking manner (e.g., “That deal sounds kinda sus.”).
Mid – A dismissive term for something that is average, mediocre, or underwhelming. Often used when something is hyped up but fails to impress (e.g., “That movie was mid.”).
Bet – A versatile word that means “okay” or “sure” when agreeing with someone, but can also be used sarcastically or as a way to challenge someone (e.g., “You think you can beat me? Bet.”).
Low-key – Used to describe something done subtly or in a restrained manner, implying that the person does not want to draw too much attention to it (e.g., “I low-key love that song.”). The opposite of “high-key,” which means something is very obvious or intense.
Extra – Describes someone who is being overly dramatic, exaggerated, or going over the top with their actions, emotions, or fashion choices (e.g., “She wore a ballgown to brunch? That’s so extra.”).
Flex – To show off or brag, often about wealth, success, or achievements, sometimes in a subtle way (e.g., “Posting vacation pics in the Maldives is a flex.”).
Humble brag – A way of boasting while trying to appear modest, usually by mentioning an achievement in a casual or self-deprecating way (e.g., “Ugh, I hate that I keep getting asked to model. I just don’t have the time!”).
Delulu – Short for “delusional.” Used humorously to describe someone with unrealistic expectations or beliefs, especially in relationships or fan culture (e.g., “She thinks she has a chance with that celebrity — so delulu.”).
📱 TikTok and internet culture
Ratio – A term used on social media when a post or comment gets significantly more negative than positive engagement. It may also be used to indicate that a post received more comments than likes or shares, typically indicating that viewers perceived it negatively.
Based – Describes someone who confidently expresses their opinions without worrying about criticism, often used to praise people for being unapologetically themselves.
Moots – Short for “mutuals,” referring to people who follow each other on social media, usually on platforms like Twitter and TikTok.
No cap – A slang way of saying “no lie” or “I’m being serious,” often used to emphasize honesty or truthfulness in a statement.
Vibe check – A phrase used to assess the mood or energy of a person or situation, sometimes humorously to call out an awkward or intense moment.
Skibidi – A nonsensical yet viral term from YouTube, originally from the “Skibidi Toilet” meme series, often used playfully to describe something cool, bad, or dumb, depending on the context. Pronounced “skippity.”
Gyatt – An exclamation of excitement, often used by young people when they see someone attractive, typically referring to someone’s physical appearance.
Fanum tax – A humorous phrase that originated from streamer Fanum, referring to the act of taking someone else’s food without asking, often used jokingly among friends.
🤔 Where does Gen Alpha slang come from?
Gen Alpha’s slang is a mix of:
Gaming culture (Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox) – Many of their terms stem from competitive gaming, where quick communication is essential.
TikTok and social media trends – Platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels are hotbeds for slang, often originating from viral videos and memes.
Memes and internet jokes – Many phrases start as jokes or catchphrases in meme culture before becoming everyday slang.
Influences from Gen Z – Some words, like “sus,” originated with Gen Z but have been fully embraced by Gen Alpha.
YouTube creators and influencers – Popular streamers and content creators coin new phrases that spread rapidly among younger audiences.
Music and pop culture – Lyrics from trending songs and pop culture references often become slang staples.
With technology at their fingertips, Gen Alpha creates and spreads slang faster than ever before. What’s trendy today might be cringe (embarrassing) next week! The rise of AI-generated content and digital trends means that even slang itself is evolving in ways we’ve never seen before.
👨👩👧👦 How parents can keep up (without embarrassing themselves)
Want to understand and connect with your child? Here are some dos and don’ts:
✅ Do:
Listen and ask – If you hear a new term, ask what it means! Show curiosity rather than judgment, and let your child be the expert.
Engage with their interests – Play a game, watch a TikTok together, or follow a trend they’re excited about. This builds rapport and keeps conversations flowing.
Use slang sparingly – A well-timed “GG” or “W” can be cool, but let it come naturally rather than forcing it.
Keep an open mind – Language evolves, and slang is a creative way for kids to express themselves. Embrace the fun of learning new words together!
Teach code-switching – Help your child understand when slang is appropriate (e.g., with friends) and when more formal language is needed (e.g., in school or job settings).
❌ Don’t:
Force it – Using slang incorrectly might make you seem more “NPC” than cool. If unsure, stick to your natural way of speaking.
Overuse it – Saying “This dinner slaps” every night might quickly become mid (boring) to your child.
Mock or dismiss it – Slang is an important part of their social world. Dismissing it outright might make your child less willing to share other aspects of their life.
Assume all slang is harmless – Some words may have meanings you’re not aware of. If in doubt, look up the term or have a conversation about responsible language use.
Language is always changing, and keeping up with your child’s slang can strengthen your connection with them. Plus, it’s fun! Whether you’re just trying to understand the latest TikTok trends or you want to drop a casual “rizz” into conversation, knowing Gen Alpha slang can help bridge the generational gap.
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