A whole new language
Welcome to The Millennial Parent's Guide to Gen Z/Gen Alpha Slang!
As parents, keeping up with the latest trends and slang used by our kids can be a full-time job. Just when we’ve mastered one phrase, five more seem to pop up overnight.
But don’t worry, if you’re feeling out of touch (like the rest of us), this guide is here to help. From "Slay" to "GOAT," we've got you covered with translations and examples to keep you in the loop—no cap.
Let's get started with the top 10 things our kids say that we've had to secretly google to understand them!
1. Slay
> To do something amazingly well.
❓How to use:
"I slayed making the chicken nuggets, kids even asked for seconds. Slay"
2. Main Character Energy
> Acting like the protagonist in your own story
❓How to use:
"Please ignore my child's public supermarket tantrum, 'he's got major main character energy.'"
3. No Cap
> No lie, for real.
❓How to use:
"I made it through the day with just one cup of coffee… no cap!" (Yes, I’m absolutely lying.)
[note when you say something and their reply is 'cap'... just add the R back in...]
4. Menty B
> Short for 'mental breakdown'
❓How to use:
"The Kids have been fighting, the baby is crying, the house is a mess, I’ve lost the car keys—hello, Menty B. 😜"
5. Skibidi
> Something silly, stupid, or foolish.
❓How to use:
"I didn't read the schools 7th newsletter of the week and now I have no idea what i was supposed to have my kid bring in today. Total skibidi move."
[Sometimes followed with Ohio - which means something is weird, or if you're gen alpha - CRINGE]
6. Sus
> Suspicious or suspect.
❓How to use:
"The silence in the room next door is sus. Either they’ve fallen asleep or broken something."
7. Flex
> Showing off or bragging.
❓How to use:
"I folded three loads of laundry and found 6 missing toddler socks. Big flex."
8. Phantom Tax
> The unseen cost of getting things done, like extra effort or hassle.
❓How to use:
"Managed to get the kids dressed and out the door to school, but the Phantom Tax was realising I wore two different shoes at drop off"
9. Aura Points
> A measure of how 'cool' you are
❓How to use:
"I got the baby to sleep through the night, 1000 aura points!"
10. GOAT
> Greatest of All Time
❓How to use:
"This 10-minute HOT coffee in silence? GOAT."
Pro Tip: If you’re ever unsure, just smile and nod, maybe throw in a ‘slay’ for good measure. You’ve got this!
At KiDSiE, we know parenting is a journey full of surprises (and slang we don’t quite get). But one thing we do know? Sustainable shopping and saving families money is always a vibe. 💚