55 Gen Alpha Slang Words You Need To Know To Keep from Being ‘Beta’
If you know the phrase, "What the sigma?" or know what "GYAT" means, give yourself a pat on the back because you’re already ahead of the pop culture curve. These two terms are just a taste of Gen Alpha slang words. Generation Alpha, AKA people who were born between 2010 and 2024, have grown up amid a digital revolution. Instagram launched, the word "app" started gaining traction and iPads made their debut in the early 2000s.
Since this group grew up in a digital age, most of their slang comes from their many forms of communication like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Roblox, school and friends. If you’re a parent, you certainly don’t want to be in a social setting and say an outdated slang word or phrase that used to be cool. Wouldn’t you cringe if your best friend said "bling" or "booyah" to a group of tweens? Yikes.
There’s generally no point in Googling the latest slang because you’ll never catch up. Luckily for me, I’m the parent of a Gen Alpha and Gen Z kid, so I’m inundated with nonsensical terms and outbursts that don’t make sense. In fact, both of them helped me with this list!
While they don’t use the same words, Gen Z’s slang words sometimes overlap with the even younger generation. Understanding terms from either group can help you fit into conversations and, yes, avoid being labeled “beta." What’s “beta”? It’s the opposite of an Alpha person, so “beta” is slang for someone who’s less assertive (AKA weak).
OK, it’s time to get hip. Keep note that not all of these were created by Gen Alpha kids, but they’re commonly used by people of this generation. Here’s hoping that our list of 55 Gen Alpha slang words will give you some cool points with the youth. It will also give you some clue as to what these kids are saying.
Related: What Generation Am I? Find Your Generation's Name & Years
55 Gen Alpha Slang Words (With Meanings)
1. Brain Rot
General term for spending too much time online watching low quality content that “rot” the brain.
2. Skibidi
This slang, which could mean good, bad, cool, is named after the popular YouTube series called "Skibidi Toilet" by animator Alexey Gerasimov. Most of the videos show toilets with the heads of grown men spinning and talking while singing songs.
3. Skibiddi Ohio Rizz
To call someone this means that they’re weird.
4. Rizz
Abbreviation of the word "charisma", which is the charm, magnetism or ability to attract others.
Related: 75 Rizz Lines That Make Flirting Seem Effortless
5. Rizzler
Someone who has a lot of charisma.
6. Skibidi Rizz
The charm shown by a male Skibidi toilet to a female Skibidi toilet. This is used in reference to the toilets in the Skibidi Toilet animated YouTube series.
7. Gyatt/Gyat
Dictionary.com defines GYAT as “a slang term used to express strong excitement, surprise, or admiration.”
8. Sigma
Usually means a popular, dominant, independent leader (sigma male) or someone who’s cool or self-sufficient.
9. What the Sigma?
Much like Skibidi, this phrase really has no meaning. In some instances, Gen Alpha kids use it instead of good, cool or "What the heck?"
10. Mewing
Verb for working on strengthening your jawline. It could also mean "looking good."
Related: 90 Questions About the '90s You HAVE To Ask Gen Z
11. Fanum Tax
Fanum tax means stealing food from a friend. This slang comes from online streamer and YouTuber Kai Cenat whose friend Fanum “taxes” people by stealing food off of other people’s plate.
12. Sus
Sus is a shortened version of suspicious.
13. Ohio
Something weird, cringey or odd. It comes from the many references that strange incidents happen “only in Ohio."
14. Cap
A lie or something that's not true.
15. No Cap
As opposed to cap, no cap means truthful or not lying.
16. Aura/Negative Aura
This type of aura definitely isn’t related to layers of energy or feelings. In slang, it can mean not cool or relate to someone’s charm or attraction. “Aura points” can be gained or lost depending on your actions (e.g., falling down the stairs will give you negative 1,000 aura points). It’s more common in online commentary or TikTok videos than something you would say to someone’s face.
17. Bruh
This word is casual for “bro," “brother” or “dude." Any gender can use it. One common phrase is “chill broski."
18. Salty
Salty describes being in a bad mood, irritated, bitter or resentful.
19. Ate
“You ate that” or you look good, are impressive or outstanding.
20. Noob
Noob, newb or noobie is someone who’s inexperienced and new to an activity, especially in computing or gaming.
Related: 20 Emojis Gen Z Can’t Get Enough Of—and Exactly What They Mean
21. Zang
Remix of the word “dang."
22. Bet
The simplest definition of bet is to be in agreement with someone. It’s like saying “OK” or “sure."
23. Yeet
To be very excited and have a lot of energy. It can also mean to throw something with a lot of force.
24. Lit
When something is lit, it’s really good, amazing or impressive.
25. Low Key
Low key is another way of saying that something or someone is secret, subtle or low-profile.
26. Bop
A bop can mean a good song, or someone who is with a lot of boys at the same time.
27. Just Put the Fries in the Bag, Bro
This phrase means that you’re taking too long and need to spit it out. It could also be an insult or a way to tell someone to be quiet.
28. Delulu
Delulu is short for delusional.
29. Simp
If someone is a simp, they need a lot of attention, are over-submissive or do too much for someone they like.
30. Ick
This expression refers to disgust or repulsion.
31. Cringe
Cringe is a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment.
32. Opp
When an enemy is out to get you, they’re the "opposition" or “opp."
33. Savage
A savage person is daring or bold.
34. L
While not a new slang term, Gen Alpha still uses it to mean something negative or a loss.
35. Twin
A twin is a best friend. As in, “That’s my twin,” and not a literal twin.
Related: OK, What Does 'TMI' Mean on Social Media, Exactly?
36. It’s Giving
This slang phrase describes when someone or something exudes a vibe or feeling. For example: “It’s giving winter cozy vibes.”
37. Pookie
A pookie is someone you love.
38. Hits Different
When something hits different, it’s unique or special.
39. Not Gonna Lie
To pause before being honest. An example is: “Not gonna lie, she’s pretty.”
40. OG
OG, as in the original gangster, is someone who’s experienced and has been around for a long time.
41. Drip
Drip is used to describe style, particularly someone’s clothes or accessories.
42. Flex
To show off or boast about what you have, your abilities or achievements.
43. Tea
This isn’t tea you can drink. Instead, it’s gossip or juicy information.
44. GOAT
An oldie but goodie slang acronym, but the definition hasn’t changed. GOAT is the Greatest Of All Time.
45. Sheesh
Gen Z’s definition of sheesh is hyping someone up. Gen Alpha’s meaning is disbelief (“wow”) or surprise.
46. Mad Lit
This slang defines something as cool.
47. Vibe
Vibe is the feeling of an atmosphere or situation.
Related: What Does 'BSF' Actually Mean on Social Media?
48. Bussin’
Something that’s very good is bussin’. For example: This list is bussin’.
49. Chad Alpha
A Chad Alpha is a strong, attractive masculine man or leader.
50. Glaze
Glaze is when you praise someone too much to the point of it being annoying or cringe.
51. Mog
To be significantly more attractive than someone. You’re mogging if you’re the best looking among your friends.
52. Dog Water
You didn’t do a good job or extremely bad.
53. Slay
Slay is used to describe someone who did a good job at something.
54. Fam
Fam is also known as a close friend.
55. Yapping
When you talk too much, you’re yapping.
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