Understanding Millennial and Gen Z Slang: A Guide for New Jersey Parents

As generations evolve, so does language. Understanding Millennial and Gen Z slang presents unique challenges for parents, especially in New Jersey. Younger generations continuously introduce new terms that often leave older generations perplexed.

The Challenge for Parents

Many parents, especially from the Boomer and Gen X generations, want to connect with younger family members. However, trying to adopt new slang can sometimes feel forced, leading to uncomfortable social interactions.

The Pitfalls of Using Slang

There’s a fine line between staying relevant and appearing out of touch. When Boomers or Gen Xers use contemporary slang, it can resemble wearing inappropriate fashion. This raises the question: when does it become “trying too hard”?

Building Cultural Literacy

Instead of forcing the use of slang, parents can focus on understanding the meanings behind terms. This approach is about cultural literacy, not cultural appropriation. Below is a handy glossary that covers essential Millennial and Gen Z phrases.

Millennial and Gen Z Slang Glossary

• It’s giving: Describes the overall vibe or energy of something. Example: “It’s giving corporate burnout.”
• Say less: Indicates complete understanding; no further explanation needed. Example: “Free food and no meetings? Say less.”
• Mid: Refers to something average or underwhelming. Example: “The movie wasn’t bad, but it was mid.”
• Main character energy: Suggests someone is acting like the star of their own life. Example: “She walked in late with sunglasses on—main character energy.”
• Touch grass: A phrase urging someone to disconnect from online life. Example: “You’ve been arguing online for hours—touch grass.”
• Lives rent-free: Describes something that is constantly on one’s mind. Example: “That awkward meeting lives rent-free in my head.”
• Hits different: Indicates that something feels more impactful. Example: “That song hits different now.”
• Lowkey / Highkey: They mean slightly vs. very. Example: “I’m lowkey tired and highkey done.”
• Sus: A term for suspicious or questionable behavior. Example: “That explanation is sus.”
• Based: Refers to someone confidently being themselves. Example: “Quitting a toxic job like that? Based.”
• I can’t: Expresses feeling overwhelmed or amused. Example: “He wore Crocs to the wedding. I can’t.”
• Delulu: A playful term for delusional. Example: “Thinking this will be quick is delulu.”
• Soft launch: Refers to subtly revealing something before a full announcement. Example: “She soft-launched her relationship on Instagram.”
• Chronically online: Describes someone overly immersed in online life. Example: “Only someone chronically online would argue about that.”
• The vibes are off: Indicates that something feels wrong or awkward. Example: “No one laughed. The vibes are off.”

Striking the Right Balance

While parents might not begin to use phrases like “it’s giving” regularly, understanding these terms can foster better communication with younger family members. Staying curious and self-aware allows for meaningful conversations about today’s evolving culture.