24 Gen Alpha Slang Words Decoded: Understand What Kids Are Saying

Ever feel like you need a dictionary just to keep up with the younger generation? Gen Alpha are shaping their own digital culture, complete with unique gen alpha slang that can be confusing if you’re not in the know. Whether they’re calling something “mid” or saying a song “slaps,” these words have become essential to how they interact online and in real life. Curious about what it all means? Let’s break down 24 of Gen Alpha’s favorite terms so you can follow along with confidence!

Gen Alpha Slang: The Lingo of Today's Teens and Kids

Generation Alpha, kids born from 2010 onward, are the first generation fully raised in a digital world of smartphones, streaming, and social media. Growing up on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, they’ve developed a playful, tech-driven slang rooted in internet culture, memes, and gaming. Their language is quick, creative, and often puzzling to others. So, if you’ve ever heard a Gen Alpha kid say something is “slaying,” “giving,” or “drip” and wondered what it means, this guide will help you decode the terms that define their world.

Now let’s dive into the most popular Gen Alpha slang used by today’s kids and teens!

Brainrot

When someone from Gen Alpha says they have “brainrot” over something, it means they’re completely obsessed with it. Think of it as something that’s taken over their mind, to the point where it’s all they can think or talk about. This could be a TV show, a game, a band, or any other interest that’s deeply captivating. There is a slightly negative twist, implying they’re maybe too focused on it, to the point of distraction. Gen Alpha uses it self-critically, with a touch of humor, as if admitting, “I know I’m overdoing it, but I can’t help it!”

Examples:

“I have brainrot over that new game; I even dream about it!”

“Her brainrot for this band is serious. She knows every lyric by heart.”

“That book gave me brainrot—I couldn’t put it down!”

Skibidi

“Skibidi” is one of those terms that could only have come from meme culture. Originating from the Skibidi Toilet meme series, it’s become a catch-all term for anything chaotic, random, or hilariously absurd. Gen Alpha loves using it to describe moments or things that are just plain weird, yet strangely entertaining. If something gives off total “skibidi” vibes, it’s probably bizarre in a way that makes you laugh out loud.

Examples:

“This video is so skibidi. I can’t stop laughing!”

“Today was skibidi from start to finish—nothing made sense.”

“The way he dances is total skibidi energy!”

Ohio

Yes, “Ohio” is a state, but Gen Alpha has adopted it as slang for something strange, surreal, or out-of-the-ordinary. Thanks to internet memes that portray “weird things happening in Ohio,” the state has become a symbol of the bizarre. Now, if someone describes a situation as “Ohio,” it means there’s something slightly off or weird about it.

Examples:

“That haunted house we visited? Total Ohio vibes.”

“This glitch in the game is so Ohio.”

“The weather today is Ohio—it’s sunny, raining, and snowing all at once.”

Aura

“Aura” is Gen Alpha’s way of describing the vibe or energy that someone gives off. It’s not just about how someone looks but the overall feel they exude. You might hear them say someone has a “queen aura” or “main character aura,” meaning that person has a strong, noticeable vibe. It’s a way to appreciate someone’s essence and personality in a positive way.

Examples:

“She has such a calming aura. I love being around her.”

“He gives off a leader aura—everyone follows his lead.”

“With that outfit, you’re radiating main character aura.”

TMI

“TMI” stands for “Too Much Information.” If someone’s sharing too many details—especially if they’re awkward or overly personal—Gen Alpha will throw out a quick “TMI!” It’s a friendly, sometimes teasing way to ask someone to dial back on the details. TMI is perfect for all those times when someone overshares a little too much!

Examples:

“TMI! I really didn’t need to know that.”

“Oh wow, TMI! Let’s keep it a bit less graphic.”

“That’s a little TMI for me. Let’s change the topic.”

Slay

“Slay” is pure positivity. It’s used to show admiration and encouragement, meaning someone did something exceptionally well or looks fantastic. Whether it’s about someone’s outfit, performance, or even just their attitude, “slay” is a Gen Alpha stamp of approval. When someone says you “slayed,” consider it high praise!

Examples:

“Your outfit is perfect today! Slay!”

“She totally slayed that performance—it was flawless.”

“Go slay, bestie! You’ve got this!”

Bet

In Gen Alpha’s slang world, “bet” is a casual way of saying “okay” or “I agree.” It’s used to confirm plans, agree with someone, or even just say you’re on board with an idea. It’s short, direct, and fits perfectly into quick text conversations. When someone says “bet,” it’s a relaxed way of saying “I’m in.”

Examples:

“You’re picking me up at 8?”

— “Bet.”

“Do you think we’ll win the game tonight?”

— “You bet we will!”

“Can I count on you to be there on time?”

— “You bet!”

Low-Key

“Low-key” is a subtle way to say “kind of” or “a little bit.” It’s used to downplay feelings or express something in a more understated way. If someone says they’re “low-key excited” about something, it means they’re happy but trying to be chill about it. For Gen Alpha, it’s a way to express emotions without going over the top.

Examples:

“I’m low-key excited for the concert—it’s going to be fun!”

“Low-key, I have a huge crush on them. Don’t tell anyone!”

“That game was low-key intense. Didn’t expect that!”

Flex

“Flex” means to show off, whether it’s something you own, something you achieved, or even just something cool you did. If someone’s “flexing,” they’re proudly showing something off. Sometimes it’s playful, and other times it’s about bragging in a way that makes others laugh or admire.

Examples:

“He’s always flexing his new kicks in class.”

“Look at her flexing that A+ on her story. Big flex!”

“He’s always flexing his latest sneakers on TikTok.”

GOAT

An acronym for “Greatest of All Time,” “GOAT” is a major compliment. If someone or something is the “GOAT,” they’re exceptional in what they do. Gen Alpha loves using “GOAT” to talk about their favorite musicians, athletes, or even just a friend who’s really good at something.

Examples:

“That artist is the GOAT. No one else comes close.”

“Messi is the GOAT of soccer, hands down.”

“You aced another test? You’re the GOAT of math!”

Humble Brag

A “humble brag” is when someone tries to show off in a way that seems humble or low-key. Gen Alpha uses this term humorously to call out people who try to hide their bragging behind fake modesty. It’s a lighthearted way to point out when someone’s showing off while pretending not to.

Examples:

“I’m exhausted from volunteering all day—humble brag!”

“Only got 98% on the test; should’ve studied more.”

“Ugh, my new promotion means more hours, but hey, I guess it’s good.”

Mid

“Mid” is Gen Alpha’s go-to word for describing anything that’s just average or mediocre. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either. Whether it’s a movie, a song, or a meal, “mid” is how they express disappointment without being overly negative.

Examples:

“That new movie was mid. Thought it’d be better.”

“The food at that place? Totally mid. Not going back.”

“Her singing was mid. She’s done better.”

Cap / No Cap

“Cap” means a lie, and “no cap” means truth. If Gen Alpha calls “cap” on someone, they’re basically saying they think it’s a lie. On the flip side, “no cap” is used to affirm that something is honest or real. It’s a playful way to call out friends in casual conversations.

Examples:

“You’re going on vacation tomorrow? No cap?”

“That’s cap—I know you didn’t finish that by yourself.”

“I aced my math test without studying—no cap.”

Sus

Short for “suspicious” or “suspect,” “sus” was popularized by the game Among Us but has since become a part of everyday language. When Gen Alpha says someone’s acting “sus,” they’re implying there’s something shady or unusual going on. It’s a quick way to point out anything fishy.

Examples:

“Why did he leave the chat so fast? That’s sus.”

“She deleted her messages? Super sus move.”

“They’re being sus about their weekend plans.”

Bussin

“Bussin” is Gen Alpha’s way of saying something is incredibly good, usually food. It’s used to emphasize that something tastes amazing, almost like a mini food review. When something is “bussin,” you know it’s top-tier!

Examples:

“This pizza is bussin! I could eat it all day.”

“That cake? Bussin. You need to try it.”

“The snacks at the party were bussin. Best spread ever.”

Stan

For Gen Alpha, “stan” means more than just being a fan—it’s a high level of dedication. If someone “stans” an artist, show, or even a character, they’re not just interested—they’re fully committed, to the point of knowing every detail. “Stan” comes from a blend of “stalker” and “fan,” although it’s used in a positive and supportive way to express strong admiration. Whether it’s about an influencer, celebrity, or fictional character, being a “stan” shows serious enthusiasm.

Examples:

“I totally stan this artist—I’ve been to all their concerts.”

“She stans that YouTuber so hard, she knows every video by heart.”

“I’m a huge Marvel stan; I’ve seen all the movies multiple times.”

Rizz

“Rizz” refers to someone’s charisma, especially in the context of flirting or socializing. Someone with “rizz” has a natural charm that draws people to them effortlessly, making them stand out in any social setting. Rizz isn’t just about good looks; it’s the unique quality of making people feel comfortable, interested, or entertained. Gen Alpha uses it to describe people who seem to know exactly what to say and how to say it.

Examples:

“He’s got so much rizz—everyone’s paying attention to him.”

“She was rizzing up the whole room at the party.”

“You’ve got rizz! Everyone was impressed by you.”

Drip

“Drip” is all about style. If someone has “drip,” it means they’re dressed in a way that’s trendy, impressive, or just plain cool. It’s a high compliment, particularly when it comes to fashion choices that show personality or creativity. Drip isn’t just about wearing expensive clothes; it’s about pulling off a unique look that makes a statement.

Examples:

“Check out her outfit—she’s got serious drip today.”

“I need to upgrade my drip before that event.”

“Those shoes are dripping, bro!”

Ate

To say someone “ate” means they did something so well it left no room for improvement. Usually followed by “and left no crumbs,” it’s a way of praising someone’s performance or style, often used for things like a dance, a roast, or an outfit. If you “ate,” you owned it, no questions asked.

Examples:

“She totally ate that dance routine and left no crumbs.”

“You ate with that presentation. Flawless delivery!”

“Her look tonight? She ate.”

Delulu

“Delulu” is a shortened form of “delusional,” but Gen Alpha uses it more playfully. If someone is “delulu,” it means they have unrealistic expectations or are imagining things going perfectly, even if it’s unlikely. It’s often used in a light-hearted way to tease someone who has big dreams or hopes, like thinking their favorite celebrity will notice them online.

Examples:

“She thinks her celebrity crush will reply? So delulu.”

“You’re delulu if you think you can finish that essay in an hour.”

“They’re delulu for thinking the teacher won’t notice they didn’t do the homework.”

It's Giving

When Gen Alpha says “It’s giving,” they’re describing the vibe, energy, or look that something resembles. It’s often followed by a quality or theme, like “main character” or “villain,” to pinpoint exactly what kind of impression is being made. “It’s giving” is all about capturing a mood, and it’s popular for fashion, behavior, or even moments that feel straight out of a story.

Examples:

“That outfit? It’s giving main character energy.”

“Her speech was giving boss vibes.”

“This setup is giving cozy autumn feels.”

Sigma

“Sigma” is a newer term used to describe someone who’s independent, confident, and doesn’t follow the crowd. It’s the opposite of being a follower, and it’s often used to admire people who do things their own way. Sigma has roots in “sigma male” memes, but Gen Alpha uses it more loosely to mean anyone who’s self-reliant and unique.

Examples:

“He doesn’t care about trends—total sigma energy.”

“She’s on her own vibe, super sigma.”

“Being sigma is all about doing your thing without caring what others think.”

Slaps

When something “slaps,” it means it’s excellent, especially when it comes to music or food. Saying a song “slaps” means it has a great beat, catchy tune, or just hits all the right notes. It’s Gen Alpha’s way of giving an enthusiastic thumbs-up to anything that stands out.

Examples:

“That new song slaps! I can’t stop listening.”

“This pizza slaps; I need another slice.”

“Her playlist slaps. Every track is a hit.”

Bussin

“Bussin” is all about top-tier quality, often used for describing food that tastes amazing. If a dish is bussin, it’s so good you’ll want seconds. It’s also sometimes used to talk about things other than food, like events or products that are truly impressive.

Examples:

“These tacos are bussin. I could eat them all day.”

“The party last night was bussin—everyone had a great time.”

“The new phone I got is bussin. The features are amazing.”

Final Thoughts

Understanding Gen Alpha slang can feel like learning a whole new language, but it’s worth it to connect with this fast-evolving generation. Each of these slang terms captures the creativity, humor, and unique style of Gen Alpha’s digital world. By learning words like “brainrot,” “it’s giving,” and “flex,” you’ll not only understand their conversations better but also get a glimpse into what’s important in their culture.

So next time you hear someone say, “That outfit is giving” or “She totally slayed,” you’ll know exactly what they mean—and who knows, you might even start using a few of these phrases yourself!