by ABFRLadmin | December 7, 2023
We sat down with our latest batch of STRIDERs to get their expertise on new-age linguistics and a handy guide on how you can use these in a corporate context. On the condition that we keep their names on the down low (starting your first lesson right here, it means to be discreet/anonymous)
It’s that time of the year that the Oxford Dictionary gives us their Word of the Year again, picking out that one term that made the most waves and generated conversations through its sheer creativity, reach and popularity. For 2023, the annual pick is the word ‘Rizz’, defined by the Oxford University Press as” someone’s ability to attract another person through style, charm, or attractiveness.” The word itself derives from the word charisma, and can also be used as a verb in the form ‘rizz up’ which is defined as “the talent and ability to compel another person through simply talking.”
This got us curious to find out what kind of new-age lingo is being used in the hallways, meeting rooms and cafeterias of our very own offices. It’s only natural that we reached out to the young bloods at ABFRL, our very own STRIDERs, to learn from them how young people are communicating with their friends and on the internet, while also deciphering the usage behind these terms, so we can use them seamlessly with our own friends, coworkers and inner circle.
So, let’s get started on Gen-Z Lingo 101…
1. Ek Number
(noun)
Definition: An exclamation most commonly used to react to amazing and excellent work or good news. For optimal usage, clapping your hands or fist-pumping while saying it helps indicate the full extent of your happiness and satisfaction.
Usage: “So you’re telling me you’ve completed the project under-budget and within a tight deadline? Ek number!”
Tip: This word denotes a high level of happiness and satisfaction, so use it sparingly to not lessen its impact.
2. Kaltesh
(noun)
Definition: This word is mostly used as a question to the rest of your group, and as a signal that it may be time to get up and leave from a place together. A collective form of the word Kalti.
Usage: “It’s already 6:30pm. Kaltesh?”
Tip: Always use this word when addressing a group, it’s supposed to mean leaving collectively, not just for one person.
3. Scene kya hai?
(phrase)
Definition: A probing question that could mean several things. Can be used to enquire about everything from what your weekend/after-work plans, enquiring about someone’s mental state, to how is your reporting manager’s mood right before you walk in to a meeting with them. It runs a wide gamut of situations and can be quite versatile in usage.
Usage: (looking up at your desk neighbour who’s just got back to their place with a disappointed look) “You don’t look very happy after that meeting. Scene kya hai?”
Tip: Tone and setting is everything when using this phrase. Saying it in a concerned tone to a friend is clearly an enquiry as to how they’re feeling. Saying it in an exuberant tone right before the person you’re questioning is leaving from work, is clearly an enquiry into what their upcoming, exciting plans are.
4. FOMO
(noun)
Definition: What once was used as an acronym of the phrase “Fear Of Missing Out”, has now taken on its own meaning. Most commonly used to signify your regret of not doing something you were once thinking about doing.
Usage: “I was planning to go to the sale early but woke up too late. Solid FOMO hogaya.”
Tip: FOMO isn’t just a term anymore, its an emotion that’s close to, but not as serious as, regret. Use it accordingly i.e., not in a serious context.
5. Flex
(verb)
Definition: Perhaps one of the simpler words to decipher on our list, ‘Flex’ is Gen-Z for ‘show off’. Not related to muscles of any kind, it means to show off a skill, object or ability you are proficient in to perfection, inspiring the awe of all who witness you.
Usage: “I just got this deck from Vikram with perfect formatting, an index and it looks so aesthetic. Absolute flex on his part, I feel envious.”
Tip: Flex can also be used as a noun, when you want to refer to a skill someone has that’s far and above what their contemporaries bring to the table.
6. Slay
(verb)
Definition: To do something so well that you leave everyone in awe of your prowess. Derived from the word’s original meaning of killing someone or something, Gen-Z uses it in the figurative sense of destroying/killing the competition or completely overachieving on their expectations.
Usage: “From the way she came dressed to the way she presented on stage, Mona really slayed on every level at the conference today.”
Tip: Reserve the word for special occasions when you’re genuinely in awe of someone, using it too much can kill the impact you want the word to have.
7. Kya bolti Public?
(phrase)
Definition: When you walk into a room/informal meeting and want to ask people what’s going on/ what they were up to before you walked in. A fun and informal way to gauge the mood of a room in an instant.
Usage: “Kya bolti public? What’s on the agenda for today?”
Tip: Almost always used in an informal context in a group of people, it can also be a question that you pose to just one person, not necessarily to a whole group. P.S. do not use this in a serious situation, it’s not advisable to start off formal team meetings with this.
8. No Cap
(noun)
Definition: It means that someone is telling the truth, as opposed to the inverse of the term, which is ‘Cap’, or when someone is being dishonest, they’re said to be ‘capping’. Normally used by a person who is reiterating the truthfulness of his statement.
Usage: “I’m telling you man, I kept my coffee mug right here on my desk and now I can’t find it. Megha saw it here like an hour ago, no cap.”
Tip: The correct usage for this term in every situation is always at the end of a truthful sentence. Think of it as punctuation that lends weight to the honesty of your statement. Be consistent with this term and don’t use it to qualify dishonest statements, or every time you say ‘no cap’, people are going to think you’re definitely capping.
9. Delulu
(adjective)
Definition: It means to be in denial or a state of light delusion, when someone has convinced themselves of something that is definitely, 100% and absolutely not true. Popularized by the Gen-Z phrase “Delulu is the solulu”, which means deluding yourself is the only solution.
Usage: “I thought I sent out that report yest, but I just found the mail still in my drafts. Definitely feeling a little delulu this week.”
Tip: Definitely not a word for important emails and critical communication, don’t be delulu enough to think you can use it in these situations.
Now that you’ve got a primer on sounding more Gen-Z, you’re finally ready to understand what most conversations on the Internet will be like for the next six months, or till a whole new raft of terms are introduced to our zeitgeist. Go forth and maximize your slay!
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I appreciate the practical tips, definitely going to try them out.
You make complex topics easy to understand.