Gen Z slang parents should know

Language changes with every generation, and Gen Z has introduced a whole new set of words and phrases that often leave parents confused.

Many of these slang terms come from social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X, and they quickly become part of everyday conversations. While they may sound strange at first, understanding what they mean can help parents better connect with their children and keep up with modern trends.

Here are five popular Gen Z slang terms and what they really mean.

Aura points

“Aura points” refers to the imaginary points someone earns or loses based on how cool, confident or impressive they appear. If a person does something stylish, brave or clever, people might say they have gained aura points. On the other hand, an embarrassing mistake or awkward moment can make someone “lose aura points.”

For example, if someone confidently gives a speech without getting nervous, a Gen Z person might joke, “You just gained 100 aura points.” It is a playful way of rating someone’s social image rather than something that actually exists.

Ate

When Gen Z says someone “ate,” it has nothing to do with food. It is a compliment used when someone performs exceptionally well, looks amazing or does something impressive. You might also hear the phrase “ate and left no crumbs,” which means the person did such a good job that nothing could have been done better.

For example, if someone wears a stunning outfit to an event, a friend might say, “She ate.” It simply means she looked incredible.

Delulu

“Delulu” is a shortened version of the word “delusional.” It is often used jokingly to describe someone with unrealistic hopes, dreams or beliefs. A person who insists their favourite celebrity will one day marry them, despite never meeting them, might be called “delulu.”

While the term is usually meant as light-hearted humour, it can also be used to tease someone who refuses to accept reality in certain situations.

Clock it

To “clock it” means to notice, recognise or point something out. It is often used when someone spots a mistake, identifies unusual behaviour or quickly understands what is happening.

For example, if someone notices another person is pretending to be happy when they are actually upset, they might say, “I clocked it.” In other words, they saw through the act.

Unc

“Unc” is short for “uncle,” but Gen Z often uses it to refer to someone who seems older than everyone else, acts old-fashioned or is out of touch with current trends. The word is usually used jokingly and does not necessarily mean the person is actually an uncle.

For example, if someone struggles to understand a new social media trend or dresses in a style that Gen Z considers outdated, they might be playfully called “Unc.”

Gen Z slang may sound confusing at first, but most of these words are simply fun ways of describing everyday situations. Understanding terms like “aura points,” “ate,” “delulu,” “clock it”, and “Unc” can help parents better understand conversations at home and online. While new slang will continue to appear, staying curious about these expressions is an easy way to bridge the generation gap and keep communication flowing.

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