School is back in session – and with that comes a new year filled with lessons not just for kids, but for adults, too. Generation Alpha children are mini tech experts, having been introduced to iPads, iPhones and gaming systems since birth. They take delight in playing video games, watching popular streamers, dancing to TikTok videos, and sharing memes. But when it comes to the language they use, it might cause many adults — mostly parents and teachers — to scratch their heads.
But not to worry, we’ve got your back. As kids head back to school, here’s a list of terms to help understand what it means when the young student in your house or classroom says they have “rizz.”
1. Ate
- Definition: This word, often used as a verb, describes something that is exceptionally good or awe-inspiring.
- In a sentence: Her outfit ATE down!
- Hint: Some Gen Alpha kids will also say “4 + 4” as another way to allude to the term “ate,” (a play on words) since the equation equals eight.
2. Rizz
- Definition: A shortened version of the word “charisma,” this term is used to describe a person that has a strong presence or charm.
- In a sentence: Bobby got the rizz — he can have any girl he wants.
- Hint: Is similar to the word “swag,” which means being cool, having charisma or a keen sense of fashion.
3. Delulu
- Definition: Short for delusional. When someone’s reality doesn’t match up with what they’re telling people.
- In a sentence: Sally is delulu because she thinks Zac Efron is her boyfriend.
4. Skibidi
- Definition: This comes from the popular “Skibidi Toilet” YouTube videos, showing virtual heads singing in toilets. It can be used to describe something as bad or cool, as a filler word, or can even be used as an inside joke for those who are familiar with the silly videos.
- In a sentence: At the end of the day, we’re all skibidi toilets.
5. Sigma
- Definition: Think hot captain of the cheerleading squad or football quarterback. Someone (or something) who is cool, popular, or in the case of males, an alpha leader.
- In a sentence: Stacy is so sigma — she gets invited to all the parties.
- Hint: Some believe the term originated from a fan-made Tik Tok of Squidward Tentacles reacting to an ice cream video with “Erm, what the sigma?”
6. Drip
- Definition: This word, somewhat surprisingly, sums up someone’s stylish appearance or sense of fashion.
- In a sentence: With his new Gucci shoes and designer shirt, Michael has all the drip.
7. Bussin
- Definition: This word describes a food or beverage that tastes very good or delicious.
- In a sentence: These cookies I just bought from the school cafeteria are bussin!
- Hint: Similar to “this slaps!”
8. Gyat
- Definition: This is a reactionary word, mostly used while responding to something shocking or admirable (usually an attractive, curvy woman.)
- In a sentence: “Gyat!!! She is really fine.”
9. Mewing
- Definition: A behavior that involves changing the appearance of your jawline by repositioning your tongue in the mouth.
- In a sentence: “Mrs. Peters, those students are mewing and can’t answer your questions right now.”
- Hint: Not to be confused with a cat meowing.
10. Cap
- Definition: This word is used to describe the act of lying.
- In a sentence: Teresa said her mom is best friends with Beyoncé — that’s cap!!
- Hint: Not to be confused with “capping” or injuring someone.
11. Fanum Tax
- Definition: This term gained traction after Fanum, a popular Twitch streamer, snatched a plate of cookies away from fellow streamer Kai Cenat. It now means taking or stealing food away from someone.
- In a sentence: Fanum Tax! Your bag of Doritos is mine!
- Hint: It’s pronounced “Fan-uhm tacks”
12. Sus
- Definition: This word describes something, someone or a situation that is suspicious.
- In a sentence: Dave scored a 100 on his test but didn’t study — that’s super sus.
13. GOAT
- Definition: An acronym for “Greatest Of All Time,” this describes someone who outperforms others.
- In a sentence: Layla is the GOAT of the soccer team.
- Hint: If you don’t feel like writing it out, you can use the emoji.
14. Bet
- Definition: Used to respond with excitement or agree to do something.
- In a sentence: Friend: “Hey Justin, we have gym class together this year!” Justin: “Really? Bet!!!”
15. Basic
- Definition: This “basic” slang term describes someone who is ordinary or mediocre, which, coincidentally, is the actual definition of the word.
- In a sentence: Our teacher wears the same outfit every day, she’s so basic.
16. It’s giving
- Definition: This phrase is used to describe someone emanating a vibe, style or mood.
- In a sentence: That outfit she’s wearing in gym class – it’s giving Barbie.
- Hint: If you’re having trouble, think “it’s giving (fill-in-the-blank) vibes” but take away the word “vibes.”
17. Bop
- Definition: This word is used as a noun to describe a song that is catchy or popular.
- In a sentence: The new song “Mamushi” by Megan Thee Stallion is a bop — I have it on repeat.
- Hint: Picture someone bopping to music that’s catchy.
18. Cringe
- Definition: This word can describe an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
- In a sentence: “Jason tried to flirt with me and it was so cringe.”
- Hint: Don’t try to use too many of these slang terms, especially if you’re not Gen Alpha. That’s cringe.
19. Fire
- Definition: This word can describe something popular, enjoyable or pleasurable.
- In a sentence: “Did you see Wendy’s new painting she made in art class? It’s fire!! or “These sugar cookies that Bobby’s mother brought in for the class are fire!”
- Hint: If something is “on fire,” it is usually hot, which is a good way to remember this term. Just drop the “on.”
20. Big Yikes
- Definition: This word is another way of reacting to something embarrassing or shocking, but also can be used when disapproving of something.
- In a sentence: Edward got hit in the face with a basketball during gym class — big yikes.
21. Glow-up
- Definition: This word is used when complimenting someone’s appearance or beauty that has significantly improved from the past.
- In a sentence: Erica glowed-up since high school — she looks so good I can barely recognize her!
22. Flex
- Definition: This word describes someone who is showing off something impressive.
- In a sentence: Ava’s new position working at Vogue Magazine is such a flex.
23. Slay
- Definition: This term, which Beyoncé notably used in her 2016 hit song “Formation,” is used to describe something remarkable, whether it’s in fashion, beauty or performance.
- In a sentence: I slay everyday as I walk to school.
24. Ohio
- Definition: This term gained popularity thanks to a viral meme of an astronaut looking at Earth asking “Wait, it’s all Ohio?” The state’s name – apologies, Midwesterners – has now evolved into a common slang used by Gen Alpha kids to describe something bad, cringe or stupid.
- In a sentence: Our classmate’s presentation was so Ohio.
25. Yeet
- Definition: An expression of excitement, or happiness, which can also be used in conjunction while throwing something.
- In a sentence: Rick “yeets” every time he is about to dunk the basketball.
26. Period or Periodt (Peer-ee-uht)
- Definition: This term is used to confirm the validity of a statement or to conclude a discussion.
- In a sentence: With a 4.0 GPA — I’m one of the smartest students in school, periodt.
- Hint: This does not have the same meaning as a girl or women’s menstrual period.
27. Ick
- Definition: Used as a noun, meaning something or someone that is disgusting or repugnant.
- In a sentence: Daryll gives me the ick — he’s always eating his boogers in science class.
28. Lit
- Definition: Often used in the context of discussing an event or party. Something exciting or fun.
- In a sentence: I can’t wait for Karina’s Sweet 16 party, I know it’s gonna be lit!
29. Mid
- Definition: When something is “mid,” it’s unimpressive, average or mediocre.
- In a sentence: That movie we watched in history class was so mid, I could barely stay awake.
30. Big W or Big L
- Definition: Another way of describing a win or a loss, whether in a game or general goals.
- In a sentence: I studied all night but still failed my chemistry test — Big L.