Gen Alpha Slang Guide 2025: Sigma, Skibidi, and Words You Need to Know

Have you ever found yourself online, reading social media posts and forum discussions, only to grow more and more confused about all those Gen Alpha slang words? Sigma, skibidi, mog, dog water… What does any of that even mean?

In this article, we’ll break down the most popular Gen Alpha slang, explain the meaning of each word and phrase, and give you some tips for using these words naturally.

Who Is Gen Alpha?

Gen Alpha (or Generation Alpha) refers to those born between 2010 and 2024. This means that the oldest members of Gen Alpha are about 15 years old right now. 

Gen Alpha is the first generation to be born entirely in the 21st century. They’ve also grown up in a fully digital world, which has had an impact on the words they use. Most of the Gen Alpha slang is closely related to internet slang and culture.

Some people may confuse Gen Alpha with Gen Z, but Gen Z is actually the generation that came before Gen Alpha. While there are some similarities between the two groups, Gen Alpha and Gen Z slang are different from each other and shouldn’t be confused with one another. 

What Is Gen Alpha Slang?

Gen Alpha slang is what those born between 2010 and 2024 use to communicate with each other. The slang can be quite tricky to learn, largely due to its ever-changing nature. 

Think about it: Gen Alpha is the internet generation. To them, everything is and has always been online. Viral hits aren’t a novelty; they’re something that naturally happens and that has always been a part of their life.

Because of this, Gen Alpha is used to constant change. This is reflected in their slang. One day, a word or a phrase might be in. The next day, using that word might be considered cringeworthy.

The key to understanding Gen Alpha words is staying on top of pop culture terms, viral trends, and popular memes. That’s where most of the slang comes from.

Why Is Gen Alpha Slang So Popular in 2025?

These days, it’s impossible to spend any time on social media without encountering words like skibidi, pookie, or Ohio. But why is Gen Alpha slang so widespread?

The reason is simple. Gen Alpha kids are online pretty much all the time. They live and breathe TikTok trends, Twitch catchphrases, and Reddit memes. Once a new slang phrase is born, it tends to spread like wildfire.

5

In general, slang words have always developed from whatever is trendy at the time. For example, the early-2000s slang mostly came from popular movies and TV shows, such as The Office or Mean Girls.  

But with Gen Alpha, all those new slang words and phrases are now more popular than ever. That’s because these young kids are basically ruling the internet, and they know how to make things explode online.

Top 30 Gen Alpha Slang Words List

Now, let’s finally dive into specific examples of Gen Alpha slang. Keep in mind, however, that while this is a Gen Alpha slang list, some of these words may not have been created by Gen Alpha themselves. 

Slang words often come and go, so there might be some overlap between this generation’s slang and other generations’ slang. That being said, all these words are actively used by Gen Alpha kids. 

• Ate: When someone tells you that you “ate” something, they’re giving you a compliment. “You ate that” means “you killed it” or “you did that successfully.” 
• Bet: Instead of saying “okay” or “sure,” Gen Alpha will often use the word “bet.” It’s a quick way to agree with someone.
• Bruh: In Gen Alpha slang, “bruh” is used to express disbelief, shock, or frustration. Think of it as a more deadpan way of asking, “Seriously?” It can also be used as a way to address someone (similar to “bro” or “dude”).
• Bussin’: The word “bussin’” comes from African American Vernacular English (aka AAVE). It means “really good” or “excellent,” and it’s often used to describe food. For example, “This burger is bussin’!”
• Cap: “Cap” is another word for “lying” or “lies.” If someone accuses a Gen Alpha person of doing something they didn’t do, they might say, “That’s cap!” Similarly, the phrase “no cap” is used when someone wants to make it clear that they are being truthful.
• Cheugy: If you’ve been described as “cheugy” before, Gen Alpha thinks you’re uncool and outdated. This word is often used when talking about Millennials and their trends and fashion choices. It’s a term that was coined by Gen Z and later adopted by Gen Alpha.
• Crash out: When someone crashes out, they lose all self-control and become uncontrollably upset. This term has been very popular lately, especially when talking about the behavior of some reality TV stars (e.g., the cast of Love Island USA 2025).
• Delulu: This term has been around for a while now, but it’s still popular among Gen Alpha, as well as Gen Z. It’s short for “delusional.”
• Dog water: “Dog water” is a way to describe something or someone that is very bad or “trash.” It’s often used in the video game sphere; for example, a beginner’s gaming skills could be called “dog water.”
• Fanum tax: This term is associated with the content creator Fanum. It refers to the concept of stealing a little bit of someone’s food as a kind of friendship tax.
• Glaze: “Glaze” is another word that comes from AAVE, and it means giving excessive compliments to someone to the point where it becomes annoying.
• Gyatt (or gyat): “Gyatt” is an exclamation of excitement, usually used in reaction to seeing a large butt.
• Hit different: When something hits different, it gives you a feeling that is more unique or meaningful than usual. This term can be used in both positive and negative ways (i.e., something is either better or worse than you might’ve expected or than it was before).
• Just put the fries in the bag, bro: This Gen Alpha phrase can be used in a couple of different ways. Some people use it to say “just get to the point” or “stop talking and do your job.” However, it can also mean “you aren’t as important as you think you are.”
• Mad lit: When something is “mad lit,” it’s “awesome” or “very cool.” This phrase is a combination of two other slang words: “mad” (“very,” “extremely”) and “lit” (“cool”).
• Mewing: “Mewing” is a way to improve one’s appearance by pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth. This should help make your jawline sharper.
• Mog: “Mog” means to outclass someone in looks. Basically, you’d use this word in a situation when someone is so attractive that they make those around them look less attractive. 
• Negative aura: If someone has a “negative aura,” they are cringe or not cool. It’s the opposite of someone having “aura” (aka the “it” factor).
• Ohio: In Gen Alpha slang, Ohio describes something that’s weird, unusual, strange, or cringe.
• Opp: “Opp” is short for “opponent” or “opposition.” It describes anyone who’s against you, whether that be your enemy, someone you dislike, or just someone you’re playing a game against.
• Pookie: “Pookie” is a term of endearment used by Gen Alpha. It can refer to a friend, a significant other, or someone you just find cute.
• Rizz: “Rizz” is short for “charisma,” and that’s exactly what it means. If someone from Gen Alpha tells you that you have rizz, they’re saying that you’re very charming and charismatic, especially in a romantically appealing way.
• Sheesh: “Sheesh” is another word for “whoa” or “wow.” It’s used to express excitement or surprise. Both Gen Z and Gen Alpha use this word, though in Gen Z slang, it can also be used to hype someone up.
• Sigma: “Sigma” is someone who’s above all those “alpha” and “beta” terms. A sigma has transcended societal norms. They’re cool, confident, and a little bit of a lone wolf. 
• Skibidi: The term “Skibidi” comes from the Skibidi Toilet YouTube series. It could mean a wide range of things depending on context, including “good,” “bad,” and “cool.”
• Skibidi Ohio rizz: This combination of three popular Gen Alpha slang words means that someone is weird, terrible at flirting, and has “no rizz.”
• Sus: “Sus” is short for “suspicious” or “suspect.” This word first became popular thanks to the Among Us online game, but it’s now regularly used by Gen Alpha kids, including those who have never played the game.
• Tea: This word is part of Gen Z slang; however, Gen Alpha uses it, too. It means “juicy gossip.” It originally comes from Black drag culture, though it’s become much more widespread and popular thanks to shows such as RuPaul’s Drag Race.
• Yapping: When someone talks too much, they could be called “a yapper.” For example, “Joey is such a yapper; he won’t stop talking!”
• Zang: “Zang” is just a more modern, Gen Alpha version of the word “dang.” It can be used to express surprise.

How to Use Gen Alpha Words Naturally

Now that you know what the most popular Gen Alpha slang words mean, let’s talk about how you can actually use them. To avoid sounding cringe or unnatural, follow these tips:

• Stay on top of current trends: Gen Alpha culture is always changing and developing. Trends come and go, and what was cool yesterday might be outdated today. If you want to use Gen Alpha slang naturally, make sure to spend some time on TikTok to brush up on what’s currently “in.”
• Be confident: If you’re going to use any of these modern slang words, do so with confidence. Gen Alpha will be able to tell if you’re unsure of yourself, and they’ll let you have it.
• Think of the context: Slang isn’t always appropriate. Don’t use these words and phrases at work while talking to your boss. Instead, only use them in casual settings or online.
• Don’t overdo it: You don’t want to sound like a walking meme. Slang words can be useful when you’re trying to express yourself more clearly to Gen Alpha. But don’t over-rely on these words. It will sound unnatural and forced.

Using slang should always be something that feels good and natural. If you’re unsure about a certain word, just don’t use it. Always try to express yourself in a way that’s true to you, whether that’s with or without slang.

To learn more about Gen Alpha slang, watch this fun video by Accent's Way English with Hadar: 

Stay Fresh: Master Slang with Promova

Are you someone who takes slang seriously? Do you want to make sure you fit in with your English-speaking peers? Then you have to try the Brainrot Slang English language course by Promova.

Promova has it all. With the language learning app, you get bite-sized lessons, 1:1 tutoring, group classes, and a free English Conversation Club where you can practice your modern English slang skills. 

Try Promova today to master Gen Alpha slang and more!

Conclusion

Gen Alpha slang can be overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually pretty simple and fun. From nonsensical words like “Skibidi” to more useful terms such as “cap,” Gen Alpha sure knows how to express themselves. So why not go out there and join them?