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If you’ve heard a young person say someone has “rizz” or something is “mid,” you might’ve nodded along — all while secretly wondering … what on earth were they talking about? 

Every generation has its own way of speaking, but Gen Z slang is unique. Influenced heavily by social media trends, it’s shaped by internet culture and can spread at lightning speed. 

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests break it all down. Where does this generation’s slang come from? What does it say about how young people connect, express themselves and even challenge the way we use language?

Was there any slang you’re curious about that we missed in the show? Check out the list below for more words and phrases.

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Every generation has its slang. From “groovy” and “far out” to “lit” and “slay.” MPR News host Angela Davis talks with a linguist and a St. Paul poet and hip-hop artist to unpack the slang of 2025.

If you’ve heard a young person say someone has “rizz” or something is “mid,” you might’ve nodded along — all while secretly wondering … what on earth were they talking about? Every generation has its own way of speaking, but Gen Z slang is unique. Influenced heavily by social media trends, it’s shaped by internet culture and can spread at lightning speed. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests break it all down. Where does this generation’s slang come from? What does it say about how young people connect, express themselves and even challenge the way we use language?

Talking Gen Z: How young people today use slang

A screenshot of the Merriam-Webster definition of "rizz"

Talking Gen Z: How young people today use slang

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