When you’re learning English, it’s common to learn essential and dictionary vocabulary. Oftentimes, slang is less common in textbooks and curriculums.
But slang words like these, formed through popular culture, are important to know.
While some slang is used frequently, like “cool” or “awesome”, each generation forms new slang words.
Let’s look at trending and popular social media and Generation Z (Gen Z, 1997~2012) words and phrases in 2024.
If you’re traveling overseas, going abroad to study, or joining a new workplace, there’s a chance you’ll come across many slang words like these.
What is slang?
Slang is a type of informal language used in certain contexts. It usually comprises of shortened words and words that have gained a specific meaning over time.
Where does English slang originate?
Now more than ever, young people have access to the internet and, along with it, memes and popular culture worldwide.
The majority of the slang we hear these days is formed on online spaces.
With the rise of platforms like TikTok which offer short-form videos, trends and acronyms are often used for content and have weaved their way into everyday life.
Some slang, however, has its roots in African-American vernacular English (AAVE) and has become popular over time. We can trace words such as “lit,” “salty,” “bae,” and more back to AAVE.
Language constantly changes and evolves with each generation.
These days, Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) slang is heard in most English-speaking countries.
When to use slang?
The best context to use slang is in casual and informal situations, such as with friends or online.
At work or in a formal setting, it's considered unprofessional to use slang frequently.
Some people may not know what these words mean, which could confuse them.
There could be rare exceptions with similarly aged coworkers or a strong relationship. But, to stay on the safe side, it’s best to keep clear of certain slang at work.
1. What does “rizz” mean?
“Rizz” is short for “charisma” and usually refers to one’s flirting skills or charm when interacting with someone.
“Rizz” is commonly used in informal conversation.
Examples:
- He has some serious rizz to get a girl like that.
- What’s your best rizz line?
2. What does “POV” mean?
“POV” stands for “point of view,” which means understanding something from someone else’s experience.
While not originally slang, it’s now generally used in short-form video captions for the viewer to watch as if they’re experiencing the situation.
It’s sometimes used in everyday speech now, too, said as “P-O-V”.
Examples:
- POV: You see me in the cafe and order a cup of coffee.
- POV: The friend who never understands what’s going on.
3. What does “sus” mean?
“Sus” is short for “suspicious” or “suspect” and means that someone or something is questionable; someone may be lying or hiding something.
Often used in informal conversation, over text, and in video games.
Examples:
- I thought it was sus how he left so early.
- It’s a little sus that she knew what he was going to say.
4. What does “simp” mean?
“Simp” is a term for someone who gives too much attention and concern to a love interest, crush, or someone they like. It’s often used as a verb, “simping.”
Usually used in informal conversations in relation to a romantic interest or a celebrity or singer.
Examples
- She’s a simp for him.
- I’ve been simping over this celebrity for years.
5. What does “main character energy” mean?
“Main character energy” refers to the confidence, charisma, independence, and energy one has in their life as if they’re the main character in a story.
Often used in informal situations in conversation or online. Sometimes “energy” is omitted, and one can just be referred to as the “main character”.
Examples:
6. What does “NPC” mean?
“NPC” stands for “Non-Player Character”. While it originates from video games with side characters in the story, it’s now used to refer to people who lack independent thinking as if programmed to just go about their day.
It’s spoken about in relation to “main character energy” with NPCs or “side characters” in one’s story. It’s often used in informal situations or online.
Examples
7. What does “mid” mean?
“Mid” means “mediocre” or “low quality”. So if something wasn’t as good as you thought it would be, then you can describe it as “mid”.
It’s used in informal situations with friends or online