What’s the Word? A Fun Look at the Phrases Generation Alpha Is Using Now

If you’ve spent any time around kids born after 2013 — the rising Generation Alpha — you’ve probably heard a few phrases that made you pause, blink twice, and wonder if you accidentally stepped into a new language. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Every generation invents its own vocabulary, but Gen Alpha? They’ve taken it to another level.

Growing up on tablets, YouTube shorts, Roblox, and TikTok‑style humor, their slang is fast, funny, and constantly evolving. Here’s a playful guide to help you keep up — or at least pretend you can.

 Words Gen Alpha Is Obsessed With Right Now

1. “Rizz”  - Short for charisma.
If someone has “rizz,” they’ve got charm.

• “He’s got no rizz.”
• “That outfit? Maximum rizz.”

2. “Skibidi”- A nonsense word from a viral meme universe.
It means everything and nothing.
Kids use it to be silly, chaotic, or just… Gen Alpha.

3. “Fanum Tax” - When someone takes your food without asking.
Inspired by a YouTuber.

• “Mom, he took my fries — that’s fanum tax!”

4. “Gyatt”- A reaction word meaning “wow” or “oh my gosh.”
Often exaggerated for comedic effect.

5. “Ohio”- Not the state — the meme.
Used to describe something weird, cursed, or chaotic.

• “That’s some Ohio behavior.”

6. “Sigma”- Someone who’s confidently doing their own thing.
Kids use it jokingly to hype themselves or friends up.

7. “NPC”- Borrowed from video games.
Means someone acting awkward, clueless, or robotic.

• “Bro’s being an NPC today.”

8. “Goofy Ahh” -Silly, ridiculous, or funny in a chaotic way.

9. “Cap / No Cap”- Cap = lie
No cap = truth
This one’s sticking around from Gen Z.

10. “Bet”- Means “okay,” “sure,” or “let’s do it.”
Simple. Efficient. Very Alpha.

Why Their Slang Sounds So… Different

Generation Alpha is the first group raised entirely in the age of:

• YouTube Kids
• TikTok humor
• Roblox and Minecraft
• Memes that evolve every 48 hours
• AI‑generated silliness
• Short‑form content with rapid‑fire jokes

Their language reflects that world — fast, visual, absurd, and deeply online.

Where Millennials had “cool,” Gen Z had “lit,” and Boomers had “groovy,” Gen Alpha has… “skibidi toilet.” 

How Parents Can Keep Up (Without Trying Too Hard)

You don’t need to memorize every meme.
You don’t need to use the slang (in fact, they’d prefer you didn’t).
But understanding it? That’s a fun way to connect.

Try these:

• Ask them what a word means — they LOVE explaining.
• Let them teach you a meme (prepare yourself).
• Use the words jokingly — they’ll laugh with you… or at you.
• Enjoy the creativity. This generation is wildly imaginative.

Language is how kids bond, play, and express themselves. Their slang isn’t just silly — it’s a snapshot of their culture.

Every generation thinks the next one’s slang is strange.
Every generation is right.
And every generation turns out just fine. So the next time your kid says something like,
“Bro’s got no rizz, that’s goofy ahh Ohio behavior,”
just smile.

You’re witnessing the evolution of language — Gen Alpha style.

Share more words with Raritan Neighbors NJ - as they come.

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