Delulu, Locking In and More: Don’t Know These Gen Z Slang Words? Learn Them Before You Become a Joke
If words like Delulu, Locking In, or Rizz sound confusing to you, you’re not alone. As we wrap up Year Ender 2025, one thing is clear: Gen Z slang has officially taken over conversations, both online and offline. From office chats and social media comments to memes and reels, these trendy expressions are now everywhere.
Gen Z—generally referring to people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s—has created a language of its own. These slang words often originate from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and gaming communities. If you don’t understand their meanings, you might feel disconnected from digital conversations or even become the subject of jokes.
To help you stay updated and avoid awkward moments, here’s a detailed guide to 30 of the most popular Gen Z slang terms used in 2025, along with their meanings in simple language.
Why Gen Z Slang Matters in 2025
Language evolves with culture, and Gen Z slang reflects internet culture, emotions, humour, and social trends. These terms are not just casual words; they express moods, reactions, and even lifestyle choices in a compact, fun way.
Whether you’re a working professional, a content creator, or someone trying to understand younger colleagues or friends, knowing these slang terms can help you communicate better and stay culturally relevant.
30 Most Popular Gen Z Slang Words of 2025 and Their Meanings
1. Phantom Ping
Feeling a phone notification even when none actually arrives.
2. Doom Scroll
Endlessly scrolling through negative or disturbing news on social media.
3. Brain Rot
Mental exhaustion caused by consuming too much low-quality or repetitive content.
4. Ratioed
When a post receives more negative reactions or comments than likes.
5. Caught in 4K
Getting caught with solid proof, often in an embarrassing situation.
6. 67
A random or average reaction; used sarcastically.
7. Aura Farming
Trying to boost one’s image, personality, or social presence.
8. Rizz
Short for charisma; the ability to charm or flirt effortlessly.
9. Slay
Doing something exceptionally well.
10. Ate
Completely owning a moment or situation; leaving no flaws behind.
11. No Cap
No lie; telling the absolute truth.
12. Mid
Something that is average, boring, or unimpressive.
13. Sigma
A self-reliant individual who prefers independence over social approval.
14. NPC Mode
Acting on autopilot without thinking much, like a video game character.
15. Vibe Shift
A sudden change in mood or atmosphere.
16. Main Character Energy
Seeing yourself as the hero of your own story.
17. Soft Launch
Slowly introducing something (like a relationship or project) to the public.
18. Hard Launch
Making something completely official and public.
19. Ick
A sudden feeling of dislike toward someone.
20. Touch Grass
A reminder to step away from screens and reconnect with real life.
21. Girl Math
Using humorous logic to justify spending or decisions.
22. Girl Dinner
A light, snack-based meal instead of a full dinner.
23. Side Quest
A small task or distraction away from your main goal.
24. Shreking
Unmatching someone on a dating app purely for personal benefit.
25. Delulu
Being overly optimistic or living in unrealistic expectations.
26. Locking In
Getting fully focused and serious about a goal or task.
27. Crashing Out
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or mentally drained.
28. Gyatt
An expression of surprise or admiration.
29. Huzz
Slang for a haircut.
30. Doing It for the Plot
Taking risks just to make life more interesting or memorable.
Final Thoughts
Gen Z slang in 2025 is more than just trendy vocabulary—it’s a reflection of digital life, humour, and emotional expression. Understanding these terms can help you connect better with younger audiences, follow online trends, and avoid feeling out of place in modern conversations.
So the next time someone says they’re “locking in” or calls a situation “delulu,” you’ll know exactly what they mean—and won’t be left confused.
