Generational Glossary

Generation Alpha (2013–2025)

Big Yikes: An expression of strong embarrassment or awkwardness.

Bop: A really good song.

Bruh: A casual term for "bro" or "dude," often expressing disbelief.

Cancelled: Rejecting or boycotting someone due to their actions.

Clap Back: A sharp or witty retort to criticism.

Cheugy: Something that is out of date or trying too hard.

Drip: Stylish or fashionable appearance, especially related to clothing.

Extra: Over-the-top, dramatic behavior.

Fire: Something really cool or awesome.

FOMO: Fear of Missing Out.

Glow Up: A transformation for the better, particularly in appearance.

Karen: A pejorative term for an entitled, demanding woman.

No Cap: Used to emphasize that something is true or not exaggerated.

Salty: Being bitter or upset over something trivial.

Sksksk: A way to express excitement, often used in text or online.

Slay: Doing something exceptionally well.

Stan: An enthusiastic fan or supporter of someone or something.

Tea: Gossip or the latest news.

VSCO Girl: A stereotypical subculture of Generation Alpha, characterized by certain fashion and behaviors.

Yeet: A term used to express excitement or to describe throwing something with force.

Generation Z (1997–2012)

Bet: Used to agree with something or confirm a plan.

Bop: A good song.

Boujee: High-class, rich, or fancy.

Clout: Influence or power, especially in social media contexts.

Curve: To reject someone's advances.

Dab: A dance move where you drop your head into your bent elbow.

Fam: Short for family; close friends.

Flex: Showing off in a boastful manner.

Ghost: To suddenly stop communicating with someone.

High Key: The opposite of low key; something that’s openly expressed.

Hits Different: Something that feels more meaningful or impactful.

I’m Dead: A phrase used when something is extremely funny.

It’s Lit: Used to describe something that’s really good or exciting.

Low Key: Something that’s subtly expressed or kept quiet.

Mood: Something that captures your current feelings.

Receipts: Evidence or proof of something, typically in a text or online conversation.

Savage: Acting tough or showing no mercy.

Shade: A subtle insult or criticism.

Snack: An attractive person.

Squad: A group of friends.

Millennials (Generation Y) (1981–1996)

Adulting: Doing grown-up things like paying bills or cooking.

Bae: A term of endearment, short for "before anyone else."

Basic: Someone who is only interested in mainstream, popular things.

Bye Felicia: A dismissive way to say goodbye to someone unimportant.

Cray: Short for crazy.

Dope: Something really cool or awesome.

Epic Fail: A significant or embarrassing failure.

FOMO: Fear of Missing Out.

Ghosting: Ending a relationship by suddenly cutting off communication.

Hangry: Being irritable due to hunger.

Hella: Very; a lot.

Lit: Used to describe something exciting or fun.

Netflix and Chill: A euphemism for watching Netflix with romantic intentions.

On Fleek: Perfect or flawless, usually referring to appearance.

Salty: Bitter or upset.

Slay: To do something exceptionally well.

Throw Shade: To subtly criticize or insult someone.

Turnt: Really excited or having a great time, especially at a party.

Woke: Being socially aware, especially about social justice issues.

Yas: An enthusiastic way to say yes.

Generation X (1965–1980)

Airhead: Someone who is not very smart or aware.

Bodacious: Impressive, excellent, or attractive.

Burnout: A person who is exhausted, typically from overwork or stress.

Chill: Relaxed or laid-back.

Cowabunga: An exclamation of excitement, popularized by surfers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Dissed: To be insulted or disrespected.

Dweeb: A socially awkward or nerdy person.

Gnarly: Both good and bad; impressive but potentially dangerous.

Going Postal: Losing control, typically in a violent or extreme way.

Grunge: A style or subculture characterized by a rugged, unkempt appearance.

Homey: A close friend or companion.

Lame: Uncool or not exciting.

Poser: Someone who pretends to be something they’re not, especially in subcultures like punk or skateboarding.

Psyche: A way to indicate that you were just kidding.

Rad: Short for radical; something cool or awesome.

Sketchy: Something or someone that seems suspicious or untrustworthy.

Totally: Completely or absolutely.

Tubular: Cool or awesome, often used by surfers.

Veg Out: To relax and do nothing, often while watching TV.

Wicked: Really cool or impressive, especially in New England.

Baby Boomers (1946–1964)

A Gas: Something that is a lot of fun.

Boss: Something that is excellent or really good.

Cat: A cool person, especially in the jazz scene.

Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’: Looking for trouble or a fight.

Decked Out: Dressed up in fancy or elaborate clothes.

Far Out: Cool, amazing, or unbelievable.

Flip Side: The other side of a record; used to say "see you later."

Foxy: Attractive, usually referring to women.

Groovy: Cool, stylish, or fashionable.

Hippie: A member of the counterculture movement, known for peace and love.

Hunky Dory: Everything is fine or going well.

Lay It On Me: Tell me what’s on your mind.

Neat: Cool or impressive.

Outta Sight: Incredible, amazing, or awesome.

Pad: Someone’s home or apartment.

Pig Out: To eat a lot or overeat.

Right On: An expression of agreement or enthusiasm.

Square: Someone who is not cool or is old-fashioned.

The Man: A person of authority, often used negatively.

What’s Your Bag?: What’s your problem or what are you interested in?

The Silent Generation (1928–1945)

Ankle-Biter: A small child.

Beat Feet: To leave quickly, to get out of somewhere.

Big Cheese: The most important person in a group or organization.

Cool Cat: A stylish or impressive person.

Daddy-O: A term of address for a man, often a cool or hip person.

Doll: An attractive woman.

Dreamboat: A really attractive man.

Flip Your Wig: To go crazy or get very excited.

Ginchy: Cool, neat, or excellent.

Hep: Cool or in the know, especially with jazz culture.

Knuckle Sandwich: A punch in the face.

Make the Scene: To attend a social event or be seen at a popular place.

Pad: A person’s home or apartment.

Peepers: Glasses or eyes.

Razz My Berries: To excite or impress someone.

Sock Hop: A dance party, typically held in a school gym.

Swell: Excellent or very good.

Threads: Clothing or outfit.

Wigged Out: Extremely excited or nervous, acting crazy.

Zoot Suit: A flashy, oversized suit popular in the 1940s.

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