Do You Have Rizz? Understanding Today’s Slang

Improve your communication with your kids or grandkids: know their language

By Kathryne Rakowski

It seems each generation has their own language: A collection of slang words that keep older generations scratching their heads or, in these days, turning to Google.

Social media has helped new terms used primarily by the Gen Z population to spread quicker than ever before. If a celebrity uses a slang word on Tik Tok, or an influencer coins a new phrase on Instagram, this will be mainstream in no time. Are you lost sometimes when listening to your grandchildren? If so, you’re not alone. So here is a list of the top 10 slang words that are hot right now. Use them in conversations with the Gen Zers in your life to let them know you’re in the know!

Rizz

Do you have rizz? Rizz is a sort of charisma that a person has or would aspire to have to attract a love interest. Someone with a lot of rizz would be able to charm a person and glean many compliments. If you happen to receive a flattering remark from someone, just tell them you’re working on your rizz game.

Slay

If someone says you slayed something, take it as a compliment! It means you did something exceptionally well. Often referring to fashion, it can be used in any context to let someone know you are very impressed with a job well done. Did your grandchild post a very flattering picture on Instagram? Comment “slay” to brighten their day and let them know you are slang-savvy.

Word

This word (no pun intended) has been used with previous generations and is making a comeback! It indicates that you’re agreeing with or that you understand what someone has said to you. Next time you want to agree with someone, just respond with a resounding “word.”

Bet

It’s a short and sweet word that can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it to let someone know you agree with them. You can use it to mean “OK.” And you can also use it to mean, “yes, you can count on it!” If you want someone to definitely trust you on a prediction you are making, bet should be your go-to word.

I’m down

I’m down is a fun way to let someone know you’d like to do something with them that they may have suggested. Because, why just say “yes” when you can sound young and hip? If you are invited to do something, enthusiastically respond with an “I’m down.”

Delulu

Why use the word “delusional” when you can use the word delulu? This trendy word refers to someone who is delusional, primarily referring to a relationship. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it to describe the person you yourself are in a relationship with.

Drip

You’ll be happy to hear it if you’re drip, drippin or drippy. This has nothing to do with running water. This is another way to compliment someone’s fashion sense or convey that you love their outfit. If you like the way someone looks, tell them they have some serious drip.

Pressed

No, this actually doesn’t refer to an ironed shirt. If someone is pressed, it means that they are upset about something. If your grandchild tells you I’m pressed, you may want to press them for information as to what happened (once again, no pun intended). They’ll be happy you want to help and presently surprised you know what they mean.

Sus

Might not surprise you to learn that sus is short for suspect. Gen Z’s will use this term to describe an untrustworthy or suspicious person or a situation that doesn’t sound quite right. Next time something seems odd, just say, “sounds sus to me!”

Cookin’

You may think this has something to do with being in the kitchen, but not necessarily. This newer term is a way to refer to something as cool. If you want to sound really cool, just tell your family you are cooking something very cookin. You’ll be met with confusion by some and excitement by others.