Language is ever-changing. In fact, an English dictionary might add 1,000 new words every year.
Many of these words can be described as “generational words.” They might show up in the trusty Urban Dictionary before they make their way to Merriam-Webster—and you’ll definitely hear them in your day-to-day before that process begins.
Today we’ll walk through some of the most common slang words of each generation and break them down so language enthusiasts of all ages can chat.
Generational Slang Dictionary
Get “groovy” with the boomers
Let’s start from the beginning.
One boomer term that’s withstood the test of time is “groovy.” If you haven’t heard it in the 21st century, you’ve likely heard it spoken in a 60s show, especially one that dives into hippie culture. In non-slang terms, “groovy” can mean fashionable and awesome. Here’s an example:
“The live band we saw last night was groovy.”
So next time your grandma drops “groovy” into the conversation, you’ll be ready to rock.
Gen Xers are pretty “rad”
Next is Gen X. One hallmark word of the Gen X lexicon is “radical” or “rad” for short. For Gen Xers, the adjective “radical/rad” is used to describe something that’s cool or extreme in the best way.
Stemming from 80s and 90s surf and skate culture, it’s used like this: “The waves are looking pretty rad today, dude.”
So grab your board and hit the waves with this one.
| Generation | Slang Term | Definition | Modern Translation |
| Boomers | Groovy | Excellent; fashionable. | “Cool” |
| Gen X | Radical | Extreme; very good. | “Awesome” or “Sick” in a good way |
| Millennials | Adulting | Doing mundane grown-up tasks. | “Life Admin” |
| Gen Z | No Cap | I’m not lying; for real. | “Seriously” |
| Gen Alpha | Rizz | Charisma; appeal. | “Charm” “Charisma” |
Millennials are busy “adulting”
A hallmark term from the Millennials’ time in the linguistic sun is “adulting.” In linguistic terms, this is a “verbing”—taking a noun (“adult”) and turning it into an action.
“Adulting” means exactly what it sounds like—doing those mundane, “grown-up” tasks that feel particularly boring, such as folding laundry, filing your taxes, or scheduling a dentist appointment—I’m getting sleepy just thinking about it.
Here’s an example: “I spent my entire Saturday deep-cleaning the kitchen. I’m sick of adulting.”
Gen Z is that kid — “no cap”
Although Gen Z is slowly aging out of the young age group, their slang is sticking around.
A recent linguistic development from Gen Z is the classic “no cap,” meaning the statement is 100% real and not to be taken lightly. Imagine there’s no cap on the level of seriousness the statement holds.
Take this example from X (formerly Twitter): “The less you care, the happier you will be. No cap greatest mindset i ever applied in my life.” – @khrizacat, 5 Aug. 2024.
Gen Alpha has that “rizz”
While it might seem too soon for Gen Alpha to be influencing the language, you’ve likely heard many of their slang terms floating around—especially if you’re lucky enough to work with junior high kids.
One of the most referenced Gen Alpha words is “rizz.” The noun sounds like onomatopoeia, but really it’s a quick way to reference “charisma.”
If someone has “rizz,” they’ve got lots of charm, and they’re good at what they do. Check out this example:
“That guy has serious rizz; he got her number immediately.”
To quote Rizo Velovic from seasons 49 and 50 of CBS’s Survivor, “R-I-Z-G-O-D, Rizgod, baby!”
Whether you’re a freelance worker trying to match a brand’s voice or a manager with a multi-generational team, mastering these generational slang words is truly a superpower. It allows you to understand your fellow speakers—yay for no more Googling slang words after hanging out with your nieces and nephews—and build trust between generations.
So start small, stay curious, and keep those conversations groovy.
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