A Millennial’s Guide to Gen Alpha Slang Words: The Ultimate Glossary
If you’ve ever felt lost listening to your kids, students, or younger colleagues throw around terms like “rizz,” “skibidi,” and “Ohio,” you’re not alone. Generation Alpha has developed their own unique digital language that can leave even tech-savvy millennials scratching their heads. This comprehensive guide will help you decode the latest slang and understand the cultural forces shaping how Gen Alpha communicates.
What is Gen Alpha Lingo?
Gen Alpha lingo represents the evolving language of children born between 2010 and 2025. Unlike previous generations who developed slang through face-to-face interactions or traditional media, Gen Alpha’s vocabulary emerges primarily from digital platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and gaming communities. This generation’s way of communicating reflects their immersive digital upbringing and constant exposure to internet culture.
The term “lingo” itself encompasses more than just new words—it includes the context, timing, and cultural understanding needed to use these expressions authentically. Gen Alpha uses slang not just to communicate but to signal membership in their digital-native community.
Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha Slang
While Gen Z pioneered many internet-based expressions, Gen Alpha has taken digital communication to new heights. Gen Z slang often originated from platforms like Vine and early TikTok, focusing on relatable experiences and social commentary. Terms like “salty,” “periodt,” and “stan” became mainstream through influence.
Generation Alpha, however, creates slang that’s more abstract and meme-driven. Their expressions often reference specific content creators, viral videos, or gaming culture. Where Gen Z might say something is “fire,” Gen Alpha might describe it as “bussin'” or say it has “aura points.”
| Generation | Platform Origins | Slang Characteristics | Examples |
| Gen Z | Vine, early TikTok, Twitter | Relatable, social commentary | Salty, periodt, stan |
| Gen Alpha | TikTok, YouTube, gaming | Meme-driven, abstract, content-specific | Rizz, skibidi, Ohio |
Who is Gen Alpha?
Generation Alpha includes anyone born from 2010 to 2025, making the oldest members currently around 14-15 years old. This cohort represents the first generation to grow up entirely in the smartphone era, with constant access to social media, streaming content, and interactive gaming experiences.
Unlike millennials who remember life before the internet, or Gen Z who witnessed the transition to digital dominance, Gen Alpha has never known a world without instant connectivity. This fundamental difference shapes not just their slang, but their entire approach to communication and social interaction.
Why You Need to Know Gen Alpha Slang 🚀
Understanding Alpha’s language isn’t just about staying current—it’s about maintaining meaningful connections and effective communication across generational lines. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional working with younger audiences, this knowledge serves practical purposes.
Slang for Parents
Parents who understand their children’s slang can build stronger relationships and maintain open communication channels. When your child says something “slaps” or describes a friend as having “rizz,” knowing these terms helps you engage authentically in their world.
Research from the Pew Research Center suggests that parents who show interest in their children’s digital culture report better family communication and trust levels. However, the key lies in understanding without appropriating—appreciate the slang without trying to use it yourself.
Many Alpha kids use slang as a way to process their emotions and social experiences. When they describe something as “cringe” or say someone is being “sus,” they’re often working through complex social dynamics in age-appropriate language.
Slang for Educators
Teachers and educational professionals can leverage slang understanding to create more engaging learning environments. Recognizing when students use terms like “brain rot” to describe mindless content consumption opens opportunities for media literacy discussions.
Educational experts note that acknowledging students’ language validates their cultural identity while maintaining academic standards. You don’t need to speak their language, but understanding it helps you connect curriculum to their lived experiences.
Consider how a history teacher might reference “main character energy” when discussing historical figures, or how a science teacher could use “it’s giving” to help students describe chemical reactions in relatable terms.
Slang for Marketers
Brands targeting younger demographics must navigate Gen Alpha slang carefully. Understanding these terms helps marketers avoid tone-deaf campaigns while identifying authentic ways to connect with this emerging consumer base.
However, marketing professionals should approach this knowledge with caution. Gen Alpha can quickly detect when brands misuse their language, often responding with accusations of being “cringe” or trying too hard. The goal is cultural competency, not cultural appropriation.
Successful youth marketing in the Alpha era focuses on understanding the values and experiences behind the slang rather than simply incorporating trendy terms into campaigns.
The Ultimate Slang Term Dictionary 📚
Rizz
“Rizz” stands as perhaps the most recognized Gen Alpha term, derived from “charisma.” This slang word describes someone’s ability to charm or attract others, particularly in romantic contexts. When Alpha says someone has “rizz,” they mean that person possesses natural charisma and confidence.
The term gained popularity through content creators and streamers who used it to describe smooth social interactions. Unlike older generations who might say someone is “smooth” or has “game,” Gen Alpha prefers this more specific descriptor.
Usage examples:
- “He’s got rizz” (He’s charming/attractive)
- “That was rizz” (That was a smooth move)
- “Rizz level: maximum” (Extremely charismatic)
Sigma
The term “sigma” refers to someone who operates independently, often used to describe individuals who don’t follow conventional social hierarchies. This concept emerged from internet culture’s reinterpretation of social dynamics, particularly within gaming communities.
Gen Alpha uses “sigma” to describe someone with “main character energy”—a person who confidently pursues their own path without seeking validation from others. The term carries positive connotations of self-reliance and authenticity.
Usage examples:
- “That’s sigma behavior” (Acting independently/confidently)
- “He’s sigma” (He’s self-reliant and cool)
Skibidi Toilet
“Skibidi Toilet” originated from a popular YouTube series featuring singing toilets and camera-headed characters. While the content might seem nonsensical to adults, it has become a cultural phenomenon among Gen Alpha kids, spawning countless memes and references.
The term now extends beyond the original videos, often used as an exclamation or reference point for absurd or entertaining content. Many Gen Alpha kids use “skibidi” as a general expression of excitement or randomness.
Cultural impact: The Skibidi Toilet animated series has garnered billions of views, making it one of the most influential pieces of Gen Alpha media.
Slay
While “slay” originated in drag culture and was adopted by millennials, Gen Alpha has given it renewed life. When someone “slays,” they’re performing exceptionally well or looking incredibly stylish. The term expresses admiration and celebration of excellence.
Gen Alpha often uses “slay” as both a verb and an exclamation, adapting it to describe everything from academic achievements to fashion choices.
Usage examples:
- “She slayed that presentation” (She did excellently)
- “Slay!” (Expression of approval and excitement)
Mewing
“Mewing” refers to a jaw exercise technique that some believe can improve facial structure. The term comes from Dr. Mike Mew, an orthodontist who promoted these exercises. Among Gen Alpha, it has become both a genuine practice and a meme.
Students often joke about “mewing” during class photos or when they want to appear more attractive. The practice involves pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth to supposedly enhance jawline definition.
Ohio
In Gen Alpha slang, “Ohio” has become synonymous with weird, chaotic, or bizarre situations. This usage stems from internet memes portraying Ohio as a place where strange things happen. The phrase “only in Ohio” evolved into using “Ohio” as an adjective for anything unusual.
Usage examples:
- “That’s so Ohio” (That’s weird/bizarre)
- “Ohio energy” (Chaotic or strange vibes)
Fanum Tax
“Fanum tax” refers to taking someone’s food without permission, named after Twitch streamer Fanum who would playfully steal his friends’ meals during streams. This term demonstrates how Gen Alpha creates slang from specific content creator behaviors.
The concept has expanded beyond food to describe taking or “borrowing” anything from friends in a lighthearted way.
Gyat
“Gyat” (sometimes spelled “gyatt”) is an exclamation expressing surprise or admiration, often used when someone sees something impressive. The term originated from gaming and streaming communities before spreading to broader Gen Alpha usage.
Brain Rot
“Brain rot” describes mindless or low-quality content that provides no intellectual value. Gen Alpha uses this term to categorize entertainment that’s purely consumptive, often in a self-aware way about their own media consumption habits.
The term reflects Gen Alpha’s sophisticated understanding of digital media quality, even as they consume various types of content.
Cap / No Cap
“Cap” means lying or exaggerating, while “no cap” indicates truthfulness. These terms originated in hip-hop culture but have been fully adopted by Gen Alpha as standard expressions for calling out falsehoods or emphasizing honesty.
Usage examples:
- “That’s cap” (That’s a lie)
- “No cap, that was amazing” (Truthfully, that was amazing)
Ate
When someone “ate,” they performed exceptionally well, often leaving others impressed or “speechless.” The full expression “ate and left no crumbs” means someone did something so perfectly that there’s nothing left to critique.
Sus
Short for “suspicious,” “sus” describes anything questionable or doubtful. While popularized by the game “Among Us,” Gen Alpha uses it broadly to express skepticism about people, situations, or claims.
Bussin’
“Bussin'” means something is exceptionally good, particularly food. When Gen Alpha says something is “bussin’,” they’re expressing genuine enjoyment and satisfaction.
Drip
“Drip” refers to someone’s style, fashion sense, or overall aesthetic appeal. Having “drip” means possessing excellent taste and confidence in personal presentation.
It’s Giving
“It’s giving” is a way of saying something reminds you of or embodies a particular vibe or energy. This versatile phrase helps Gen Alpha articulate complex feelings or impressions about people, situations, or experiences.
Usage examples:
- “It’s giving main character energy”
- “This outfit is giving vintage vibes”
Cringe
While not new to Gen Alpha, “cringe” remains central to their vocabulary for describing awkward, embarrassing, or try-hard behavior. The term serves as social commentary on authenticity and appropriateness.
Bet
“Bet” functions as agreement, confirmation, or acknowledgment. It’s Gen Alpha’s way of saying “okay,” “sure,” or “I understand.”
Delulu
Short for “delusional,” “delulu” describes someone who has unrealistic expectations or beliefs. Gen Alpha uses it both seriously and playfully to call out unreasonable thinking.
Simp
“Simp” describes someone who goes to excessive lengths to gain someone’s attention or approval, often in romantic contexts. The term carries mild negative connotations about desperation or lack of self-respect.
Ick
“Ick” describes sudden loss of attraction or interest in someone due to their behavior. When something gives you “the ick,” it’s an immediate turn-off that’s difficult to overcome.
Yeet
“Yeet” expresses excitement, triumph, or the act of throwing something with force. This versatile exclamation can function as a verb, interjection, or general expression of energy.
Low Key
“Low key” means somewhat or secretly. Gen Alpha uses it to express moderate feelings or hidden preferences about various topics.
Understanding Gen Alpha Culture
Viral Trends and Slang Words
Gen Alpha’s slang doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s deeply connected to viral trends, memes, and cultural moments that spread rapidly across platforms like TikTok. Understanding these terms requires grasping the broader context of how this generation consumes and creates content.
Many slang terms emerge from specific viral videos, gaming moments, or streamer interactions before evolving into broader usage. The lifecycle of Gen Alpha slang moves much faster than previous generations, with terms gaining and losing popularity within months rather than years.
Content creators serve as inadvertent linguists for this generation, introducing new expressions that either stick or fade based on community adoption. The democratized nature of content creation means anyone can potentially introduce the next major slang term.
What to Know About Gen Alpha’s Lingo
Gen Alpha’s language patterns reveal several key characteristics about their communication style and values. First, their slang often emphasizes authenticity and calling out inauthenticity. Terms like “cap,” “cringe,” and “sus” demonstrate their sophisticated ability to detect and critique false or inappropriate behavior.
Second, their vocabulary reflects a strong emphasis on individual expression and confidence. Words like “slay,” “rizz,” and “main character energy” celebrate personal achievement and self-assurance in ways that previous generations might have considered boastful.
Finally, Gen Alpha’s slang shows remarkable creativity in repurposing existing words and concepts. They take terms from gaming, streaming culture, and even geographical references to create entirely new meanings that serve their communicative needs.
How to Use and Not Use Slang ⚠️
Tips for Gen Z and Millennials
The most important rule for older generations learning Gen Alpha slang is: understand it, don’t use it. Your role isn’t to become fluent in their language but to appreciate and respect their cultural expressions.
When Gen Alpha kids use slang around you, show interest by asking questions rather than attempting to use the terms yourself. Questions like “What does that mean?” or “Where did that come from?” demonstrate respect for their culture while maintaining generational boundaries.
Avoid the temptation to prove your relevance by adopting their expressions. Most Gen Alpha individuals can immediately detect when adults are trying to co-opt their language, often responding with accusations of being “cringe” or inauthentic.
Instead, focus on understanding the emotions and experiences behind their slang usage. When a teenager describes something as having “aura points” or being “Ohio,” they’re communicating feelings about social dynamics, quality, or strangeness that you can acknowledge without using their exact terminology.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake adults make with Gen Alpha slang involves timing and context. Using their terms in inappropriate settings—like professional environments or formal conversations—immediately signals inauthenticity and poor judgment.
Another frequent error involves misunderstanding the subtle meanings and connotations of slang terms. For example, calling something “sigma” when you mean “cool” demonstrates incomplete comprehension of the term’s specific cultural significance.
Many adults also make the mistake of treating all Gen Alpha slang as temporary or meaningless. While some terms may fade quickly, others represent genuine linguistic innovation that deserves respect and consideration.
| Do | Don’t |
| Ask questions about meaning | Use slang incorrectly |
| Show interest in their culture | Appropriate their language |
| Respect generational boundaries | Dismiss it as meaningless |
| Understand context and emotion | Force slang into conversations |
Finally, avoid the trap of using slang to connect with Gen Alpha individuals in professional or educational contexts. Teachers, managers, and other authority figures who attempt to speak like their students or younger colleagues often undermine their credibility rather than building rapport.
Understanding Gen Alpha slang offers valuable insights into how the youngest generation processes their world, builds community, and expresses identity. While you don’t need to speak their language, appreciating its complexity and cultural significance helps bridge generational gaps and maintain meaningful connections across age groups.
Remember: the goal isn’t fluency—it’s cultural competency and respectful understanding of how Generation Alpha communicates in their rapidly evolving digital landscape.