Do you have the infamous "ick" or wonder about the meaning behind something that “slays so hard”? Get ready to dive into the captivating world of Generation Z slang. As a follow-up to our initial list of Gen Z sayings, here's a peek into some more lingo the teenagers in your life are likely tossing around.
1. What’s the “ick”?
An ick is Gen Z’s slang term for an instant turn-off. It's not just any turn-off though—an "ick" can arise from the most unexpected and seemingly insignificant actions or behaviours. If you’ve got the dreaded ick, it means there's something about you that makes someone recoil and reconsider being your romantic partner.
2. What does it mean when something “is giving”?
Despite its grammatical irregularity, this phrase holds a captivating allure for the trendsetting teens of 2023. When your look “is giving,” it means you look fantastic! It doesn’t just apply to outfits though—a photo, a person, or anything could be “giving,” emitting a specific aura or feeling. For instance, “It’s giving rock star” implies that somebody is embodying the energy and style of a rock star.
3. Real
Teens will use “real” to indicate that they agree with something someone has said. Often, “real” is used as a one-word commentary. For example, if someone said, “My brother needs to learn to close the door when he leaves my room,” a teen could respond with “Real.”
4. Drippy
While a quick Google search might lead you to believe that "drippy" describes someone as weak or unintelligent, in the world of Generation Z, being drippy would be considered a coveted compliment. Having the drip means possessing a mesmerizing, irresistible sense of coolness and sexiness in one's style.
5. Are you slaying or are you a slay?
If a teen says “You slayed so hard!” or “That was a slay,” they think you’ve done something exceptionally well. That’s all there is to it! Slay all day, every day.
Emmy Woo, a 2023 graduate of Vancouver's Crofton House School, is the first high school student writer for V.IA. She has contributed articles to Young Post by South China Morning Post and The Los Angeles Times HS Insider in the past. When she's not challenging senior citizens to a game of mahjong or using Duolingo to learn a new language, Emmy is an advocate for underrepresented voices in the media.
