Bridging the Gap

BRIDGING

the Gapwith Jasmine Bennett

HOW TO SPEAK GEN Z (PT. 2) When a Gen Zer talks, do you often find yourself trying to decode their lingo? It can be confusing when you hear words and phrases like “spill the tea” or “no cap.” No, these phrases don’t mean that tea has really been spilled or that we’re no longer wearing our baseball caps. Navigating through this lingo can be tough, especially when trying to communicate with teenagers. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to learn just what your teenager is saying and even get a chance to engage in conversation using his/her lingo. Here are three popular phrases and words Gen Zers are using right now!

LOWKEY:

in secret

Common Phrases: “very lowkey” “I lowkey…”

HOW TO USE:

The best time to use this phrase is anytime. You can add it into sentences that don’t have any secretive or discreet meaning to them. If you do want to use this word according to its meaning, it’s best to use if you’re planning a surprise or want something to stay between you and your teen only.

EXAMPLES:

(According to the meaning) “We’re planning a surprise party for your brother’s birthday, so keep it lowkey.” (Not according to the meaning) “I lowkey don’t want to cook dinner tonight.”

SHOOK:

to be surprised/shocked

Common Phrase: “I’m shook”

HOW TO USE:

If your teen does something that is surprising, you can add this word in after you explain your surprise. It can also be used after experiencing, reading, or watching something that took you by surprise.

EXAMPLES:

“Your behavior has been terrible lately, I’m shook.” “Did you see the ending of that movie? I didn’t see it coming, I’m shook.”

TEA:

the gossip

Common Phrases: “Spill the tea” “Let me just sip my tea”

HOW TO USE:

When you can see that your teenager is visibly holding something back, you can encourage him/ her to open up by using the phrase, “spill the tea.” You can also use the word when you want to talk about someone who is gossiping around you. Another way to use the word "tea" in Gen Zer’s lingo is to use the phrase, “let me just sip my tea.” By using this phrase, you can basically state that you’re observing someone else’s questionable behavior, but you’re going to mind your own business.

EXAMPLES:

“I can tell something’s going on, spill the tea.” “You’re going out even though you have to work tomorrow morning; let me just sip my tea.”

If you find yourself wondering what the meaning of everyday words are or thinking that TikTok is the sound a clock makes, head on back to this column as we bridge the gap between Gen Zers and the rest of the world.