So, what does Gyat mean? Have you heard the words Rizz, Rizzler, Fanum Tax (which sounds like fantom tax), Cap, Sus, or Baka? If you are a parent and are concerned, have no fear. This is just like the slang of the 90s that scared the parents of that age. It’s a way for kids to express generational individualism through language. Personally, I feel that there is nothing more fascinating than watching a language evolve in real time.

As a parent of a 9-year-old, a linguist, and an English Major,  I notice some very interesting language being used around the house. I have tried to incorporate it into my lexicon. Check out my Gyat! I say jokingly to my wife after leg day at the gym.

To be perfectly honest, I found myself googling “sussy baka” and worrying that my son was using “Furry” vernacular. That’s part of why we wrote this post: to clarify any confusion around these innocuous terms.

Gen Alpha slang is taking the world by storm…especially on apps like TikTok and shows like SNL. If you’ve ever found yourself confused by all these new terms and phrases, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. 

This blog post will cover all the popular Gen Alpha slang, from words and phrases to trending music and more. So, you won’t feel so confused next time you’re scrolling through TikTok or hear your son yelling at his friends on voice chat.

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

Gen Alpha Slang Vocabulary List (With Explanations):

• Gyatt or Gyat: Gyatt usually means a “big butt,” as an acronym for “Girl, your ass is thick.” It can also be defined as a way to express excitement and perhaps originated from ‘goddamn,’ or more specifically, a different way of saying it: ‘GOT-damn!’ In summary, this term is typically used to express appreciation for big butts but can also be used like “Goddamn” to express excitement. People have also said things like “Oh my gyot!” in place of god. The TikTok hashtag for “gyat” has 6.5 billion views, most of the videos being butt jokes.
• Rizz: Rizz is short for “charisma” and can be interchanged with that word. Having Rizz isn’t about material possessions, its a person with charisma, that certain je ne se quoi. It means that someone can charm and woo a person. Having Rizz is when you have a good game. Example of Rizz usage in context: “Its not about a car, or clothes, some people just have rizz”
• Rizzler: A rizzler is someone with rizz, someone who is charming. A person with charisma (following the above definition). Example: “That guy is a Rizzler”
• OP: With origins in video games, OP means “Over Powered.” This is used when a video game element or character has been made too powerful and makes the game unbalanced. It can alsao be usd to describe people – “Messi is OP”
• Skibidi Toilet: The Skibidi Toilet is a YouTube web series by animator Alexey Gerasimov uploaded on his YouTube channel DaFuq!?Boom!. The first video gained popularity for its catchy song, which became viral throughout TikTok. The web series now has over 50 episodes.
• Fanum (Sounds like Phantom): Fanum is a streamer and content creator. He started streaming on Twitch in 2016 and opened his YouTube channel, JustFanum, in May 2017. He would say “Fanum Tax” and take a bite of someone’s food. Kind of like when you take a small bite of your kids’ ice cream. I call that “dad tax” Example: “Pay the fanum tax!”
• Fanum Tax (Sounds like Fantom Tax): What is does Fanum tax mean? The term ‘Fanum Tax’ is all over the internet. It is used anytime someone wants to steal food from you. It originated from the YouTuber and streamer Fanum, stealing food from another popular streamer, Kai Cenat. Example: “Fanum has a YouTube house, and he would burst through the door and steal people’s food. That’s where the term fanum tax comes from. It’s just used in a song”  
• Sigma: What does Sigma mean? Often referred to as “lone wolves,” sigmas are renowned for their independence and tendency to follow their own path rather than adhering to societal norms. Similar to alphas, they possess a strong sense of confidence, have a significant influence, and achieve success. They naturally draw others to them without the need to pursue. So… What is the difference between a Sigma and an Apha? Alphas are at the very top of the male socio-sexual hierarchy, whereas sigmas do not adhere to a specific rank within this structure. Alphas are generally more extroverted, adhere to traditional norms, and display aggressive behavior, in contrast to sigmas, who are more introverted, innovative, and maintain a serene demeanor. Both alphas and sigmas are recognized for their leadership qualities, bravery, and intense drive toward goal achievement. However, sigmas are known for their willingness to take any measures necessary to reach their objectives. Sigmas, therefore, represent a unique archetype that doesn’t conform to the strict hierarchical structure of socio-sexual rankings. Despite this, they are frequently considered equals to alphas because of their comparable traits.
• And I Oop: This phrase originates from a viral video and expresses shock or surprise. It is mostly used when someone makes a mistake or says something unexpected.
• Cap: What does Cap mean? It refers to a lie, something that is not true, and it is also used to call out someone making false claims.
• No Cap: What does No Cap mean? The opposite of Cap, this means “no lie” or “for real.” 
• Clout: What is the definition of Clout? Clout means fame or popularity. This slang word is used in the context of social media.
• Slay: What does Slay mean? This word is used to refer to something that excels or is very impressive. It is usually used to refer to personal style, fashion, or appearance.
• Sus / Sussy: “Sus” is a slang term for suspicious or suspect, often used to express doubt about someone’s behavior, as in “your actions have been quite suspect; it seems like you’re hiding something.” Although many think this term originated with the 2018 game “Among Us,” believing it to be a recent addition to the lexicon, “sus” has a much longer history. Records show its usage dating back to the 1920s, indicating that it has been part of English slang for nearly a century.
• Ohio: No, this isn’t a noun like the state; this usage comes from the expression “only in Ohio.” As an online joke, kids use it as an adjective. The online joke depicts Ohio as a barren post-apocalyptic wasteland, and no one comes from Ohio. If you are Ohio, or being Ohio, you are, therefore, weird or creepy. Example: “That character is so Ohio”
• Baka / Sussy Baka: The word Baka (馬鹿, ばか in hiragana, or バカ in katakana) means “fool”, or (as an adjectival noun) “foolish.” Baka has become popular as an expression in Among Us to mean the same thing. Baka = Fool/idiot. You can use this expression in conjunction with Sussy (suspicious) = Sussy Baka
• Delulu: Delulu means “delusional”. It became popular on TikTok. You can use it to describe a person being delusional about something or someone you are a fan of, such as an actor or musician.
• Pookie: “Pookie” is a sweet nickname you can use to convey affection toward an adorable person, such as a partner, friend, or pet. It’s a way to show love and fondness by addressing them with this charming term.
• Cringe: If something is “cringe” or “cringy”, this means it’s embarrassing, awkward, or uncool.
• Sticking Out Your Gyat for the Rizzler: “Sticking Out Your Gyat for the Rizzler or the Fanum Tax Song” became a hit parody on TikTok, originally by @papaboy020, spoofing ‘ecstasy’ by SUICIDAL-IDOL. This track, filled with Gen Z vernacular like “gyatt,” “rizzler” (a twist on “rizz”), “skibidi,” and “Fanum tax,” took off in early October 2023. Accompanied by a Fortnite character’s performance, its sound clip featured over 20,000 TikTok creations within the month, ranging from lip-syncs and reaction videos to skits, often depicting stereotypical behaviors of Gen Z or Gen Alpha individuals.
• Slay: You are killing it, or slaying it. In slang this means that a thing or a person has a strong favorable effect; to be remarkably impressive or good at something.
• Low Key: This means “kind of” or “actually,” for example – “this is low key freaking me out” or “This is low ket awesome” – almost like you are surprised that it’s cool or just realizing that it is “actually” cool.

 

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What is Generation Alpha?

Generation Alpha are the children of Generation Y, and frequently the younger brothers and sisters of Generation Z. 

In a nutshell, Generation Alpha consists of individuals born between 2010 and 2024. A staggering 2.8 million are born globally every week. By the time they are all born by 2025, their population will approach nearly 2 billion, making them the largest generation in the world’s history.

Gen Alpha Characteristics

Generation Alpha is still in its formative years, but here are some interesting (albiet generalized characteristics about Gen Alpha that contribute to the emmergence of Gen Alpha Slang.

• Tech-Native: Generation Alpha is likely to be highly tech-savvy, having grown up in a world of ipads, zoom meetings, VR and more. They may easily adapt to new digital tools and naturally gravitate towards digital communication.
• Global Awareness: Generation Alpha is expected to be more globally aware and culturally sensitive due to increased connectivity and exposure to diverse cultures online.
• Individuality: With parents from Generation Y and Generation Z, who often value individual expression, Generation Alpha may be nurtured into embracing their uniqueness and being more inclined towards self-discovery.
• Social Connectivity: Growing up in the age of social media like tiktok, youtube shorts et al. Generation Alphamay be more highly connected with peers from around the world. Digital platforms may also influence their social interactions.
• Post-Pandemic Childhood: Generation Alpha is the first generation to grow up during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience may shape their resilience, adaptability, and crisis management attitudes.

No Cap, you’ve Got Some Rizz!

Now you know about Gen Alpha slang and can start talking like the new generations. 

At Strommen, our English teachers will help you master traditional and business English, as well as any new and emergent English slang, and our translation experts can help you translate anything you may need.

Do you need a new language tutor? Get in touch with us! Our team of experienced professionals will respond within 24 hours, allowing you to start practicing your language skills immediately!