Language Evolution Archives

Generation Alpha kids are using slangs like "rizz," "delulu," "skibidi toilet" and more. (Credit: Flickr.com/rawpixel.com) 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.

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