Merriam-Webster is considered one of the most trusted dictionaries in English, and the most conservative. That’s why when it decided to add Gen Z words to its lexicon, we knew it acknowledged the importance of emerging internet lingo (as opposed to spoken language) as another source that enriches our communication.
Here are 10 Gen Z terms frequently used online that Merriam-Webster Dictionary added to its pages.
NGL is just another phrase for “no cap” or “for real” (which you can alternatively type as “fr” or “frfr” for more emphasis) In any case, these all mean that what you’re saying is true.
Example:
“NGL, kinakabahan ako sa Indonesia pagdating ng M5 World Championship. Sobrang lakas nila.”
Simp is not usually used in the positive sense. It is often used to disparaging effect to insult boys who are “too nice” to girls. It started becoming popular in 2021 but its first entries on Urban Dictionary appeared in 2020.
Example:
(in game) “Hi, Darkslayer, ang pogi mo sa dp mo.”
“I ain’t no simp. Go away.”
Rizz is something you might use to describe a guy who is a smooth operator and makes the girls fall easily because of his effortless appeal.
Example:
“Ey pare, I heard you’re talking to my girl. Stop trying to rizz her, pinagtatawanan ka lang niya.”
A thirst trap is usually a selfie (often in the gym) that intends to seduce people.
Example:
“Ano ba ‘yan si Bryce, puro na lang thirst traps laman ng IG!”
Although beast mode is a relatively new term, similar words have been used to describe it through the centuries: In Ancient Greece, there was aristeia, a scene that depicts the climax or peak of a hero’s strength in battle. In precolonial Philippines, there was juramentado, a holy ritual performed by a Moro swordsman to accomplish bold attacks using edged weapons, and who is often very difficult to kill, effectively repelling Spanish-led invasions.
Example:
“Oy, grabe, nag beast mode kanina si Marky sa Game 3! Na-reverse sweep pa yung kalaban!”
GOAT simply means greatest of all time.
Example:
“Sino ba talaga ang GOAT? Si Edward, Ribo, o KarlTzy?”
Doomscroll is a habit of checking, reading, or seeing bad news or stories online.
Example:
“Sobrang lala ng algo ng Facebook ko, puro bad news nakikita ko! Doomscroll tuloy ako.”
Finsta equals fake insta or dummy account on insta or other social media platforms.
Example:
“Gagi akala ko finsta ko yung gamit ko! Na-like ko yung post ng kaaway ko!”
TTYL means talk to you later.
Example:
“Pre, asim naten, sampung lose streak na ko!”
“Sige, sige. TTYL!”
Although we don’t like the term girlboss (why can’t we just call female bosses simply as boss?), it pertains to a successful woman or a female leader.
Example:
“Ang lakas maka girlboss ni Viola Davis no sa How To Get Away With Murder.”
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