Talk the Talk: Gen Z Slang Terms Every Brand Needs to Know
- Jacinta Lal
- Aug 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Dear DVYA Diary,
Have you ever been scrolling through your feed or chatting with friends and suddenly heard a word that left you scratching your head thinking “Wait what just happened?” Yeah, that feeling when Gen Z slang hits you like a curveball and you’re not quite sure if you missed a secret code.
If your brand wants to keep up and actually connect, you need to learn their language, no shortcuts.
So consider this your personal Gen Z glossary, your cheat sheet to what they really mean and how to speak like a pro.
Let us kick things off!
1. "Ate" - Not About Food but Still Delicious 🥡
When Gen Z says a brand “ate,” it means they completely crushed it. This is more than just a casual compliment. It’s a way of saying a product launch, campaign, or even a social post was flawless and exceeded expectations. The vibe is about being on top of your game in a way that feels effortless but powerful.
For brands, “ate” means you didn’t just meet the mark, you blew it out of the water with creativity, authenticity, and execution. Whether it’s the visuals, the messaging, or the overall experience, it’s a badge of honour for doing something that genuinely impresses your audience and gets them talking
If you want to be known as a brand that “ate,” you have to focus on delivering consistently high-quality content that feels fresh and real, not forced or salesy.
Example:“That product launch absolutely ate. The visuals were stunning, the message hit home, and I can’t stop telling my friends about it.”
2. "Delulu" - Embracing the Dreamer 💭
“Delulu” is short for delusional, but don’t be fooled. It’s a term used affectionately to describe those who dream big, sometimes to the point where others might think they’re out of touch with reality. For Gen Z, being “delulu” is a celebration of ambition, imagination, and not being afraid to aim high.
Brands that tap into this energy invite their audience to dream alongside them. They encourage pushing boundaries, exploring bold ideas, and rethinking what is possible. Being “delulu” isn’t about ignoring reality; it’s about daring to envision a better, more exciting future.
This mindset resonates because it shows a brand is courageous and forward-thinking, qualities that Gen Z values deeply.
Example:“Our team is totally delulu right now, cooking up ideas that might sound crazy but could change the game.”
3. "Chronically Online" - Living in the Digital World 🌐
To be “chronically online” means living deeply embedded in the internet and social media culture. For many in Gen Z, the online world is not just a place to pass time but a core part of their identity and community. They are always plugged in, scrolling through feeds, sharing memes, and catching up on trends.
For brands, this means showing up more than just occasionally. It means understanding where your audience spends their time, joining conversations, and reacting in real time to cultural moments. Being “chronically online” as a brand means staying authentic and fluent in digital culture.
If you try to push messages that feel out of sync or stale, you risk being ignored. To keep relevance, brands need to immerse themselves, experiment with formats, and be ready to pivot quickly.
Example:“This brand is so chronically online. I see their posts everywhere, and they always feel like they really get what’s going on.”
4. "Main Character Energy" - Owning the Spotlight 🎭
Main character energy is about owning your story and shining confidently in your own right. It is the feeling of being the star of your life, unapologetically embracing who you are and the journey you are on.
For brands, this means creating marketing that invites customers to feel empowered and central to the brand’s story. Instead of just pushing a product, you craft experiences where your audience feels like they belong, are celebrated, and play a key role.
This energy is compelling because it offers an emotional connection and a sense of importance. It transforms customers from passive viewers to active participants.
Example: “The launch event was pure main character energy. It didn’t just showcase the product - it made us all feel like we were part of a story worth telling.”
5. "Undercover Release" - Sneak Peek with Mystery 🕵️♀️
An undercover release is a clever way for brands to tease something new without revealing all the details. It creates intrigue and excitement by giving just enough information to spark curiosity but holding back the full picture.
This technique builds anticipation because people love to guess, speculate, and talk about what might be coming next. It turns a product launch into a story that unfolds over time and feels more interactive.
For brands, the undercover release is a way to create buzz organically, build a community of eager fans, and keep momentum going long before the official launch.
Example:“Their undercover release dropped a cryptic teaser that had the whole internet guessing. The buzz before the full reveal was incredible.”
6. "Rizz" - Mastering the Art of Charm ✨
“Rizz” is all about charm, charisma, and magnetic energy that pulls people in without effort. It is the kind of vibe that makes people want to listen, engage, and buy without feeling pressured.
When a brand has rizz, it feels approachable and authentic. It knows how to connect emotionally and create a sense of cool confidence. This goes beyond product features to the feelings a brand evokes.
Brands with rizz create experiences that feel natural and exciting. They speak in a way that feels like a friend recommending something awesome, not a sales pitch.
Example: “That influencer had so much rizz when they talked about the product I just had to try it myself.”
7. "FYP" - Hitting the Mark 📱
FYP stands for For You Page on TikTok and Instagram and is the ultimate stage for viral content. Getting your brand on the FYP means your content is being recommended to a broad audience that the platform thinks will engage with it.
Landing here is crucial because it can mean explosive growth, increased brand awareness, and more sales. The FYP rewards creativity, authenticity, and relatability.
Brands that want to keep their content popping up on the FYP need to stay on top of trends while putting their unique spin on things. The goal is to make content that people want to share, comment on, and come back to.
Example: “This brand’s videos keep popping up on my FYP and honestly, I can’t get enough. Their content feels so real and fun.”
8. "Glow Up" - Transformation in Action 🌟
A glow up means a transformation from good to great, often in style, quality, or overall vibe. It can be a fresh new logo, better customer service, or even an upgraded product line.
Brands that embrace glow ups show that they are evolving, listening to their audience, and committed to growth. This kind of change signals to customers that the brand is active, relevant, and cares about delivering better experiences.
For Gen Z, glow ups are inspiring because they show that change is possible and exciting.
Example: “Their brand redesign is such a glow up. It feels modern, fresh, and totally in tune with what customers want now.”
Why Brands Need to Connect with Gen Z
Gen Z are the present shaping culture consumer habits and digital trends like no generation before. Speaking their language is not about jumping on a trend or trying to sound cool. It is about understanding what matters to them how they connect and what they expect.
Brands that master this glossary can create campaigns and experiences that truly resonate. They build loyalty spark conversations and grow communities.
Want your brand to serve slay and be the moment? Bookmark this glossary and learn how to connect with Gen Z on their terms.
Until next time besties! 🦋
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