Generation Z slang became well-known this year, as more Gen Z workers entered the workforce.

In fact, Gen Z is now the fastest-growing generation in the South-East Asian workforce. As of 2023, they were estimated to make up roughly 25% of the total workforce in the region. This number is expected to have grown further in 2024. And in 2025, they are projected to make up 30% of the workforce, according to the World Economic Forum.

Now, along with Gen Z’s entry into the world of work came the rise of new buzzwords. Phrases like brain rot, rizz, or “it’s giving,” became common in the workplace in 2024.

In fact, the Oxford University Press even selected “brain rot” as its word of the year. But what exactly do these phrases mean?

Origins of brain rot

“Brain rot” is a slang term used to describe the perceived ill effects of the prolonged consumption of low-quality or unchallenging online content. It is often associated with excessive social media use and characterised by mental fog, reduced attention span, and difficulty concentrating. At times, it is used in a disparaging tone as a knock against someone’s intellectual inferiority.

While brain rot is not a medically recognised condition, it highlights growing concerns about the impact of excessive screen time and mindless content consumption on cognitive health, particularly among younger generations.

The phrase reflects the anxiety around our increasing reliance on digital devices and the often-trivial nature of online content.

It’s important to note, however, that the concept of brain rot is somewhat controversial, with some experts arguing that it oversimplifies the complex relationship between technology and cognitive function.

Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of excessive online content consumption on the brain.

Is your work ‘giving’?

“It’s giving” can be used for everything—from fashion choices to overall vibe.

The two-word phrase has become ubiquitous in modern slang, but it’s not entirely new. The roots can be traced back to African American Vernacular English (AAVE), a dialect known for its vibrant and innovative use of language. It was further amplified within the Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ scene of the 1970s and 80s.

In this subculture, “giving” was used to describe the overall presentation, energy, and attitude of a performer. It’s a concise and expressive way to convey a feeling or impression.

“It’s giving…” is typically followed by a word or phrase that captures the essence of what is being observed, such as, “It’s giving vintage Hollywood glam,” or “It’s giving Dwight Schrute of The Office.”

It often serves as a compliment, highlighting something positive or impressive. However, it can also be used humourously or ironically to exaggerate or poke fun at a situation. The versatility allows for nuanced and creative expression, contributing to its widespread popularity in contemporary language.

Also Read: 5 things Gen Z and Millennials expect from their workplace

Got the ‘rizz’?

“Rizz” refers to charisma or charm, or a natural talent for smooth talking. Someone with “rizz” can effortlessly win people over with their personality and conversation skills. Though popularised by streamer Kai Cenat, it likely existed in some form prior, perhaps as a shortened version of the word charisma.

The term can be employed as both a noun and a verb. One might say, “He’s got mad rizz,” to describe someone charming, or say, “She rizzed him up,” to mean regaling another person.

The concept of rizz has even evolved to encompass different levels of success: “W rizz” connotes successfully winning over someone, while “L rizz” signifies an unsuccessful attempt. There’s even the concept of “unspoken rizz” referring to the ability to charm someone without words, simply through body language and vibe.

Essentially, rizz is that magnetic quality that makes people want to be around you. It’s the ability to make someone feel special and interested through confidence, wit, and a little bit of playful charm.

‘Slay,’ queen!

“Slay,” a term deeply rooted in Black and LGBTQ+ culture, has emerged as a powerful expression of praise, essentially meaning to excel or “kill it”. While its origins can be traced back to these communities, social media, particularly TikTok, has propelled slay into wider use.

In the modern workplace, Gen Z employees have embraced slay as a way to enthusiastically praise a colleague’s achievements. For instance, the phrase, “You slayed that presentation!” conveys strong admiration for their performance. The usage not only acknowledges the individual’s success but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and encouragement within the workplace.

The adoption of slay in professional settings highlights the influence of youth culture on communication trends.

Also Read: The struggles of Gen Z workers in 2024

No cap

“No cap” is Gen Z slang for “no lie” or “for real,” used to emphasise honesty and authenticity. Originating from AAVE and hip-hop culture, it signifies genuine expression.

In the workplace, Gen Z employees use no cap to convey sincerity and transparency. For example, saying, “No cap, this project has huge potential,” assures colleagues that the speaker genuinely believes in its success. It’s a way to cut through formalities and establish trust, signalling a straightforward and truthful communication style.

While it might seem informal, understanding this phrase helps bridge generational gaps and appreciate the nuances of Gen Z communication in professional settings.

‘Lit’ as a forest fire

“Lit” is slang for something awesome or exciting. With roots in early 20th-century jazz culture, it’s now popular with younger generations.

At work, lit expresses enthusiasm and positivity. You might say, “This project is lit!” to show excitement and approval. It injects a casual, upbeat tone into workplace communication.

However, be mindful of context. While appropriate among close colleagues, use it with caution when speaking to superiors or clients to ensure professionalism.

Felt that ‘ick’?

While “ick” usually describes a sudden feeling of repulsion, Gen Z has adapted it to express disapproval or discomfort, even in professional settings.

For instance, a Gen Z employee might say, “I got an ick from those inconsistencies in the report.” This signals a need for immediate attention, highlighting a flaw that undermines work quality.

However, using ick professionally requires careful framing. Instead of saying, “That gives me the ick,” try, “I’m uncomfortable with…” or “That seems problematic because…” since these alternatives maintain professionalism while conveying the same sense of urgency and concern.

Essentially, using ick in the workplace signals that a problem needs fixing, but use it only among close peers.

That's sus

“Sus” is short for suspicious and describes something shady or questionable. It entered everyday language after it was popularised by the game “Among Us”.

In the workplace, sus can express concerns about trustworthiness. For example, “That last-minute project change feels sus,” hints at a lack of transparency or potential hidden motives.

While informal, sus can be a quick way to flag concerns, prompting further investigation or discussion. However, be mindful of context. Consider rephrasing for formality: “I find the decision questionable…” or “I have some concerns about…”

The highlights a need for clarity and open communication when something seems amiss.

Understood the assignment?

“Understood the assignment” is high praise for someone who accomplished a task successfully. Rapper Tay Money’s song “The Assignment” further popularised the phrase.

At work, a Gen Z employee might say, “The design team understood the assignment!” to mean they exceeded expectations and captured the essence of the project. It’s a celebration of a job well done.

This phrase conveys strong approval and appreciation for a colleague or a team’s performance.

Why learn Gen Z slang?

The influx of Gen Z slang into the workplace might seem jarring to some, but it presents an opportunity for greater understanding and connection across an age-diverse employee community.

Learning these terms—even if you don’t personally use them—offers several benefits. It helps bridge communication gaps between generations, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative work environment. It also provides insights into the perspectives and values of younger employees, allowing for more effective communication and teamwork.

Moreover, keeping up with current trends, even slang, demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to learn. These are valuable qualities in any professional setting. Showing an interest in Gen Z slang can build rapport and trust with younger colleagues, creating stronger working relationships.

While it’s important to maintain professionalism and be mindful of context, embracing the evolving language of the workplace can lead to better communication, increased understanding, and a more harmonious work environment.