Savvy Talks: A Guide to Gen Z Slang

TALK THE TALK (GEN Z EDITION)

From this week’s WGN Radio with Bob Sirott

Spending time with kids or grandkids and wondering what the heck they’re saying?
You're not alone.

This week on WGN, Bob and I dove into the mysterious and ever-evolving world of Gen Z slang. Whether you're scrolling TikTok or just trying to understand your niece at brunch, this list will help you sound (and feel) more fluent — no cap.

Here’s your Savvy Planet cheat sheet:

Gen Z Slang, Explained by Yours Truly

🧢 No Cap
Means: "For real," "legit," "I'm not lying."
🗣️ “That’s the best pizza in the city, no cap.”

🍔 Bussin
Means: Delicious, excellent, amazing (especially food).
🗣️ “Come downstairs — dinner’s bussin tonight.”

💘 Simp
Means: Someone doing way too much for someone they’re into.
🗣️ “She’s simping hard for that guy — bought him concert tickets and everything.”

🌿 Touch Grass
Means: Go outside and rejoin the real world — especially after too much screen time.
🗣️ “You’ve been online all day, go touch grass!”

💫 Rizz
Means: Short for “charisma.” Having charm, being smooth.
🗣️ “He walked in and owned the room — mad rizz.”

🕵️♀️ Sus
Means: Suspicious, shady, not quite right.
🗣️ “She said she forgot the group chat existed. Sus.”

📲 Bet
Means: OK, got it, for sure.
🗣️ “We’re leaving at 7?” “Bet.”

🎭 It’s Giving
Means: Describes the vibe something is serving.
🗣️ “That outfit is giving Hollywood glam.”
🗣️ “That stew? Giving chef’s kiss.”

🙌 Don’t Get Left Behind

New words pop up every week — but here’s the deal:
You don’t need to be Gen Z, you just need to understand them.

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Because relevance isn’t about age — it’s about attitude. And we’ve got plenty of that.

xo,
Marianne Murciano
Savvy Planet

Listen to the talk:

  Originally aired on 03/14/25 for WGN Radio 720.