If you’ve ever sat in a meeting or chatted with younger coworkers and heard something like “That slaps” or “I had a menty B,” you’re not alone. If you’re from Gen X or a Millennial, Gen Z’s way of speaking might sound like a new language.
When you work remotely, you can take time to Google their slang over a quick minute. But the more face time you have today, the less you can Google “cozzie livs” halfway through a conversation without looking up.
Let’s be real. Below are some of the hottest Gen Z slang terms and phrases being thrown around offices nowadays—and what they actually mean, in simple English.
“Slay”
What it means: You’re killing it.
Example: “You slayed that presentation!”
It’s a shortened form of “You nailed it.” It started out in LGBTQ+ and Black communities and is currently favored by Gen Zers, especially on TikTok.
“Menty B”
What it means: A mini mental breakdown.
Example: “I sent the wrong file to the client—I’m having a menty B.”
It’s said ironically for mini meltdowns, not full-blown mental health breakdowns.
“Cozzie livs”
What it means: Cost-of-living crisis.
Example: “I can’t afford to takeout anymore—it’s the cozzie livs.”
Gen Z prefers to abbreviate words to make them sound new, even for serious issues such as inflation.
“That slaps” / “Hits different”
What it means: Something is really great or rather surprising.
Example: “That new company video slaps!”
Or: “This coffee hits different today.”
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“Ate that” / “Left no crumbs”
What it means: Somebody performed incredibly well.
Example: “That pitch? She ate and left no crumbs.”
You can even use it on objects—such as, “That new logo eats.”
“Understood the assignment.”
What it means: They nailed the task.
Example: “Wow, he really understood the assignment with that redesign.”
– “Say less”
What it means: Got it. No need to explain.
Example:
Boss: “Can you update the deck by noon?”
You: “Say less.”
“Sending me”
What it means: It’s funny.
Example: “That meme is sending me!”
It’s more exaggerated than saying LOL.
“It’s giving…”
What it means: Reminds me of or feels like something.
Example: “Her look? It’s giving CEO vibes.”
Or: “That meeting? It’s giving chaos.”
“core”
What it means: A style or theme.
Example: “Her style is all cottagecore.”
From Barbiecore to goblincore, this suffix groups things into some aesthetics, typically on TikTok.
“Cheugy”
What it means: Not cool or retro—especially Millennial things.
Example: “Skinny jeans? So cheugy.”
Ironically, even the term cheugy itself is becoming. cheugy.
Emojis and Acronyms: In or Out
Out: Smileys and thumbs-up emojis
In: Saluting face, handshake, and melting face
Why? Some emojis are “cringe” or “basic” to Gen Z.
Messaging style:
They prefer sending a series of short messages instead of one lengthy message. New acronyms are being created too:
IJBOL = I just burst out laughing (instead of LOL)
IYKYK = If you know, you know
W or L = Win or loss (e.g., “That’s a W”)
Why This Matters
Experts warn that not knowing Gen Z slang can actually cause actual communication failures. It’s not about being trendy—it’s about ensuring other generations feel heard and valued in the workplace.
So the next time your intern says something “hits different,” don’t panic. Smile, nod, and perhaps even say, “Say less.”
You’re officially fluent in Gen Z—well, almost.
