Teen Vocab: 2025 Edition

WHAT? Sometimes we need a dictionary to keep up with ever-changing teen vocabulary. (Illustration: behance.net/runamokstudios)

Here we are again, a full six years after our first “Vocab Primer for Grownups” in 2019 and the subsequent “Teen Vocab Primer: Second Edition” in 2021. I am giggling out loud to myself reading these old stories, remembering so many teenaged eyes rolling my way as they wondered how in the world I didn’t understand what they were talking about when they asked What do you think of this ’fit? or said Wow Chuck Bass really had a glow-up. (Meaning, What do you think of this outfit? and Wow, Chuck Bass, the character in “Gossip Girl,” has really gotten cute.)

As fast as you can change your ’fit, the Gen Z slang is new again. Those born between 1997-ish and 2010 might(?) say bet to our list (keep reading if you don’t understand; I’m not sure I do), but the rest of us need help. Many thanks to the stellar Buzz summer interns – Brandeis University junior Rebecca Bloome, Northwestern University freshman Alden Farrow, St. John’s senior Bailey Johnson, A&M junior Caroline Martinez, and Phillips Academy Andover senior Prisha Shivani for sharing their dialectical mastery. Here we go.

Aura farming – This means you are trying to look cool, while trying to look like you aren’t trying to look cool. Dude is totally trying to aura farm by posting that Grateful Dead vinyl on his story…I bet he can’t name five songs.

Bet – Intern Caroline says, “If someone says bet, that basically means okay, or I got it.” Back in 2019, we used I’m down. So: Do you want to go out Friday? Sure, I’d be down has turned into: Do you want to go out Friday? Bet! 

Cap – We visited cap back in 2021 and 2019 both, but we were using no cap, which meant you’re telling the truth. Example: I stayed up all night studying, no cap. Use cap in the reverse way: He says he’s having a party when his parents go to the UT-Georgia game, but that’s cap.

Chopped – Synonymous with “unattractive.” I look so chopped today, I haven’t showered in two days.

Cooked – Cooked means you are in a difficult situation and are worn out. I’m cooked for that test.

Cooking on – Unlike cooked, if you are cooking on something, you are doing something great. I was cooking on that test.

Crashing out – If you’re crashing out, you’re having a breakdown. I spilled coffee on my perfectly clean white shirt this morning and crashed out.

Delulu – Stemming from our word delusional, delulu is what you are when you think studying for your mid-term will only take one night. 

Do it for the plot – Intern Rebecca defines this one as “the spiritual successor to yolo” (acronym for “you only live once”). Basically, doing something to contribute to the plot of your life.

Huzz – Husband? No. Well, maybe. This is a person you find attractive. I’m hoping to run into the huzz tonight. Next level is gruzz, which might, but probably not in my house, be used as a term of endearment for a grandparent. “Also,” explains intern Alden, “huzz can become chuzz, because chopped plus huzz, and it just takes on the meaning of chopped.” Okay.

It’s giving – A phrase that, according to intern Caroline, describes a vibe or impression. I put that dress on, and it was giving Barbie in a bad way.

Lock in – When you’re super-focused, you’re locked in. I’m locking in for the test Friday.

Looksmaxxing – Doing all the things to make yourself attractive; essentially maxing out your physical appeal. There’s also hardmaxxing, referring to the more permanent efforts like Botox and diets, and softmaxxing, meaning what you’re wearing or the way you cut your hair.

Main character – You can use this to describe someone who is bossy or self-focused. If James is acting like he’s in charge, you could say James is giving that main character energy. 

Rizz – Short for charisma, rizz, according to Rebecca, “basically just means game.” Or to be more specific: if someone has rizz, they possess a lot of charm. Rizz also can be used as a verb: I’m gonna rizz her up means I am going to use my charm to flirt with her.

Slaps – On the 2021 list, slaps still means something is superb. This song slaps.

Snatched – Meaning someone is looking stylish. You look snatched in that ’fit! 

Sus – Used when something is shady or suspicious. When your teenager comes home a little late, you might say Are you up to no good? This feels a little sus.

Unc – Old. As in, uncle. In intern Alden’s words: I feel so unc not knowing any current slang.