Summer is rapidly approaching – which means spending more time with our children. 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 along with TikTok videos, and sharing memes.
Which is why, when it comes to the language they use, many adults — mostly parents and teachers — are left scratching their heads.
But not to worry, we’ve got your back. With help from staffers who have Gen Alpha children, here’s a list to help you understand puzzling terms like “aura farming” (which has nothing to do with agriculture) and much more.
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 “Her outfit is eating” or even “Her ‘fit is eating.”
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. Bus (Short for “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 bus!
4. Aura
- Definition: A term that positively comments on someone’s overall vibe or aesthetic or skills.
- In a sentence: Oh man, she actually caught that ball? She just gained so much aura.
- Hint: Some will talk about “aura farming,” which involves refining one’s look.
5. Unc
- Definition: An affectionate, if gently mocking term, for someone who is older or otherwise not “cool.” (Kids do still use the term “cool.”)
- In a sentence: Did you just sing a song from the ’90s, unc?
6. GOAT
- Definition: No big surprise here. 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.
7. 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!!!
8. 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.
9. “It’s giving [blank]“
- Definition: This phrase is used to describe someone emanating a vibe, style or mood.
- In a sentence: That pink 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.”
10. 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 start using too many of these slang terms, especially if you’re a parent of a Gen Alpha kid. That’s cringe.
11. 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!
- Hint: If something is “on fire,” it is usually hot, which is a good way to remember this term. Just drop the “on.”
- Related: You might also substitute the term “gas” for “fire” (same meaning).
12. 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 barely recognize her!
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 6-7
- Definition: Its utter lack of actual meaning, nebulous origins (though it’s most frequently attributed to NBA player LaMelo Ball) and accompanying up-and-down hand motion have made this term a beloved staple in Gen Alpha’s conversations.
- Cautionary note: It’s been incredibly overused, especially by adults, which (again) is cringe. Some kids use “41” or “108” as an alternative.
- In a sentence: Six-seeeeeeveeeeeen!
16. 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.
17. Ick
- Definition: Used as a noun, meaning something or someone that is disgusting or repugnant. Or, something a person does to render them unattractive in the speaker’s eyes.
- In a sentence: Daryll gives me the ick — he’s always eating his boogers in science class.
18. 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.
19. W or L
- Definition: Another way of describing a win or a loss, whether in a game or general goals.
- In a sentence: Bruh, that’s such a W – that’s straight Ws.
20. Chopped
- Definition: Ugly or unattractive – typically used to describe someone’s appearance.
- In a sentence: He’s so chopped in his yearbook photo.
21. Huzz
- Definition: Someone you think is attractive, male or female. You might actually have a crush on them (similar to “bae” or “boo.”).
- In a sentence: Alex, from Mrs. Smith’s class? That’s my huzz.
22. “My Mom Is Kinda Homeless”
- Definition: This comes from a meme, like many of the terms on this list, specifically this one. If you really know what you are doing, you make the pursed-lips face that the Youtuber (Speedy Boykins) makes in the video. You can also incorporate “Speedy.”
- Hint: Use it when you beg for something.
- In a sentence: I really want your snack. Please, Speedy, I need this – my mom is kinda homeless.
23. Gucci
- Definition: Possibly trademark infringement, but the real Gucci people should be pleased to know that it means “you’re good”
- In a sentence: “Hey, did I upset you?” “No, you’re gucci.”
24. 21
- Definition: This comes from this classic meme, when a kid was asked “what’s 9 plus 10” and he responded “21” in a funny voice. It means absolutely nothing.
- In a sentence (randomly): 21!
25. Chat
- Definition: This term, which you might use instead of “Hey,” shows how blurred the lines between online and the real world have become. It comes from the comments section used by gamers and live streamers.
- In a sentence, perhaps to a group of friends standing around: “Chat, check this out.”
26. Lock in
- Definition: This means to focus, especially if you are playing a game.
- In a sentence: “Chat, I need to lock in.”
27. Cooked
- Definition: This has nothing to do with food. It means doomed or defeated.
- In a sentence: I forgot to do my homework. I am so cooked.
- Hint: Not to be confused with “cooking” in the sense of creating something good or fun.
28. “What’s good?“
- Definition: Use this the same way you might say, “What’s up?” or “How are you?”
- In a sentence, when greeting a friend: “What’s good?”
- Hint: If you’re texting, use the acronym “wsg”
29. Brain Rot
- Definition: Everything on this list might collectively be referred to as “brain rot.” A term that refers to being overstimulated and mentally fatigued by digital content, and the nonsensical content itself.
- In a sentence: Our teacher told us we are so brainrotted because of TikTok.
- Hint: Not to be confused with “Italian brain rot,” which are animal hybrids made with AI that have Italian accents.
30. Selling
- Definition: When you mess up so badly, generally while playing a game, that it causes you to lose the game.
- In a sentence, to someone who misses the ball while playing kickball: Oh my god, you’re selling!
Honorable Mentions:
Mewing (originally a tongue exercise to sharpen the jawline, this is now combined with a finger swipe across the lower face to avoid answering a question.) You might observe this when you ask your child “how was school today.”
Pick me. As in “That girl is such a pick-me.” Parents of Gen Alpha might recall when Meredith Grey memorably said this on Grey’s Anatomy in 2005 (note: unfortunately that first-hand knowledge doesn’t make you cool, just old. So unc, we know.)
This post, first published August 29, 2024, has been updated for 2026.