Is Gen Z Speaking a Whole New Language?
To the untrained ear, it might sound like Gen Z is just making up words - but there’s a lot more going on behind the “slays” and “delulus.”
Their slang is fast, self-aware, and rooted in decades of culture that came before them. In this article, Hollywood Branded explores how Gen Z turned language into its own dialect - and why it’s more than just internet speak.
Internet Fluency = Linguistic Remix Culture
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z didn’t just use the internet - they grew up on it. From Tumblr to TikTok, Vine to Discord, Gen Z has been absorbing language from a constantly shifting mix of platforms and microcultures. This immersion has created a kind of remix culture where language is pulled from memes, viral videos, niche communities, and stan accounts - then repurposed and given new life.
Photo Credit: Euro Weekly News
Words like:
- “Slay,” “ate,” “it’s giving” - used for approval, hype, or drama
- “Rizz,” “mid,” “delulu,” “no cap,” “sus” - short, punchy, and heavily meme-driven
- Emojis like 💀, 😭, and 🧍♂️ - now used more for tone than literal meaning
But it’s important to acknowledge that many of these terms - especially the most widely used ones - have roots in African American English (AAE) and LGBTQ+ and drag culture. Phrases like “shade,” “read,” “serve,” and even “slay” didn’t originate on TikTok; they come from decades of expression within marginalized communities. Gen Z has amplified this language online - but the influence isn’t new, even if the platforms are.
Photo Credit: Best of SNO
Irony, Vibes, & Absurdist Energy
At the heart of Gen Z communication is a deep love for irony, layered tone, and absurdist humor. Their language often prioritizes emotion and subtext over logic or literal meaning. Think:
- “Bestie, be so serious”
- “I fear”
- “I’m screaming, crying, throwing up”
These aren’t straightforward statements - they’re performative, exaggerated, and often sarcastic. Grammar is fluid. Spelling, punctuation, and capitalization are all used strategically to shift tone. Language becomes a vibe check, not a vocabulary quiz - and the performance of a phrase often matters more than the phrase itself.
Photo Credit: Reddit
This playfulness also reflects queer and drag communication styles, where exaggeration, double meanings, and performance are woven into everyday talk. In many ways, Gen Z’s linguistic flair is a digital echo of drag culture’s wit and drama - even if many don’t realize where the blueprint came from.
Meme Speak As A Living, Blended Language
Gen Z communicates in formats as much as in words. Memes, TikTok audio, tweet styles, and emojis all carry meaning - often layered, ironic, and referential. Language is highly context-dependent: “girl help” doesn’t mean help, and “he’s literally me (delusional)” means the opposite of literal. It’s not just slang - it’s a shared cultural code.
And it’s constantly evolving. New slang might trend for a few months and then vanish. Staying current means understanding tone, timing, and reference points - a kind of fluency in meme culture and social nuance. Gen Z’s language isn’t random. It’s fast-moving, self-referential, and deeply expressive of identity and belonging.
Photo Credit: MemeDroid
Know The Roots: How Gen Z's Language Builds On AAVE & LGBTQ+ Culture
This blending of old and new - of internet-native slang with decades-old expressions - is part of what makes Gen Z’s language so layered and significant. But with that blending comes a responsibility: to recognize and respect the origins of the words and styles that now dominate social feeds and comment sections. Many of today’s most popular phrases - from “slay” to “shade” - have deep roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and the expressive traditions of LGBTQ+ communities, especially drag culture.
Photo Credit : GIPHY
These linguistic styles were born out of resistance, resilience, and identity in marginalized spaces long before they went viral. Understanding this context doesn’t just add depth - it ensures that the cultural contributions of Black and queer communities are acknowledged and honored, not erased.
A Language Of Layers, Influences, & Intentionality
To understand how Gen Z uses language is to see how much of it is borrowed, reshaped, and recontextualized - often in ways that reflect the world they’re navigating. It’s a blend of humor, social critique, cultural remixing, and personal identity. And while their slang may sound like its own dialect, it’s built on generations of expression, especially from Black and queer communities, who’ve long shaped the cultural edge of language.
GIF Credit: Medium
So yes - Gen Z kind of does have its own language. But it’s one that owes a deep debt to the voices that came before it. It’s not just about being funny or cool - it’s about being connected, expressive, and in tune with the culture shaping the moment.
Eager To Learn More?
Whether it’s the way we talk, dress, or scroll, Hollywood and pop culture shape more of our everyday lives than we realize. From digital slang to red carpet statements, we dive into the forces behind what catches on and why it matters. Head to our blog library for more insights into the ways culture and communication collide on and off screen.
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