What the hell is this generation talking about? Seriously, between “rizz,” “gyat,” and “bussin’,” it feels like Gen Alpha is out here inventing their own secret code just to confuse the rest of us. Their slang is equal parts hilarious, confusing, and a little terrifying—mostly because it’s spreading faster than a TikTok dance challenge. If you’re not fluent in their lingo yet, buckle up, because these kids aren’t just talking—they’re rewriting the dictionary.

Generation Alpha is classified as those born between 2010 and mid-2020. Defined by their tech-savvy upbringing, this generational group has developed its own vernacular, one that baffles even their Millennial and Gen Z parents.

Gen Alpha has grown up immersed in technology. Unlike Millennials and Gen Z, who witnessed the rise of smartphones, Alphas were practically handed an iPad in the delivery room. These “iPad kids” are glued to their screens like it’s a lifeline. Parents love to grumble about their reliance on touch-based devices—until those screens go dark, and the meltdowns begin. But let’s cut them some slack. These kids didn’t just stumble into this digital obsession; years of pandemic lockdowns shoved them online, where they learned to socialize in ways that feel downright alien to anyone who didn’t grow up with a tablet in their hands.

Gen Alpha’s slang is both a product of their digital upbringing and a reflection of their unique identity. Terms like “bet” (agreement), “bussin’” (something great), and “rizz” (charisma or romantic charm) have entered their vocabulary, often mystifying their Millennial and Gen Z parents. According to a Morning Consult survey, nearly a third of these parents have heard their children use words they don’t understand—a figure that rises to 43% for those with kids aged 8-10.

Some terms, like “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) and “sus” (suspicious), predate Gen Alpha, while others, like “bussin’” and “cap” (lying or exaggerating), have roots in African American Vernacular English. Gen Alpha’s slang is basically a highlight reel of their online escapades. Take “gyat,” for example—it’s a cheeky compliment for someone’s, uh, assets that’ll make you double-check your TikTok settings. Then there’s “ratio’d,” which is Gen Alpha’s way of saying someone just got absolutely roasted on social media. If your reply gets more likes than the original post, congrats! You’ve officially “dunked” on someone, and the internet approves. Some days it seems like their entire vocabulary is pulled straight from a TikTok comment section—and honestly, it probably is.

The lexicon doesn’t stop there. Here’s a breakdown of some other phrases gaining traction:

• “Lore”: Originally used to describe the backstory of fictional universes, this term now applies to any deep knowledge or inside story behind a subject.
• “Fanum tax”: Named after streamer Fanum, this refers to the act of taking someone’s food—basically a social tax for existing in someone’s orbit.
• “Sigma”: Short for “sigma male,” this term describes an independent individual, often framed as the antithesis to an alpha personality.
• “Drip”: A descriptor for stylish clothing or accessories. If someone’s “drip” is “on point,” they’re looking particularly sharp.
• “Hits different”: A way to emphasize that something, usually an experience or feeling, resonates on a personal or unique level.
• “Finsta”: A fake Instagram account for close friends often used to post unfiltered content.
• “Vibe Check”: A way to assess the mood of a person or situation
• “Glow-up”: a significant improvement in appearance.
• “Ghosting”: Act of ending all contact with some without warning.
• “Triggered”: experiencing an emotional response that reminds you of a past trauma or causes you stress.
• “Yeet” : Used to express surprise, excitement, or approval. As a verb, it refers to the act of throwing something with extreme force, regardless of what’s being thrown.
• “Skibidi”: named after a popular YouTube series called “Skibidi Toilet,” it means good, bad, or cool.
• “Skibiddi Ohio Rizz”: A way to describe a really weird person.
• “Rizzler”: Someone who possesses a lot of charisma.
• “Bruh”: Means Bro, Brother, or Dude. On a fun note, it’s not gender specific.
• “Salty”: Used to describe someone in a bad mood who is irritated, bitter, or resentful.
• “Ate”: “You ate that,” or you look good, are impressive or outstanding.
• “Noob”: Newbie
• “Delulu”: short for delusional

So, what’s the takeaway here? Gen Alpha isn’t just throwing out random words for fun (well, maybe a little). Their slang is a snapshot of their digital-first world—a world where memes are culture, TikTok is king, and language evolves at the speed of Wi-Fi. Love it or hate it, their lingo is here to stay, and it’s only going to keep evolving. So, maybe it’s time to brush up on your “sus” and “rizz” before you get completely ratio’d by the next generation.