Common Slang and What It Actually Means

Here’s a quick rundown of what your kids are saying and how not to use it in a way that will get you uninvited from family game night.

• Cook – No, it’s not about dinner. This means doing something exceptionally well. (Example: “Dad, you cooked that karaoke song!”)
• Rizz – Short for “charisma,” usually used for someone with smooth flirting skills. (Example: “He’s got that rizz.”)
• Rizzer – A person with top-tier charm. (Example: “Mom, don’t say ‘rizzer.’ Ever.”)
• Bet – Translation: “Sure,” “okay,” or “I agree.” (Example: “Can you clean your room?” “Bet.”)
• Slay – To succeed or do something impressively. (Example: “Grandma, you slayed that crossword puzzle!”)
• Cap / No Cap – “Cap” means a lie, and “no cap” means truth. (Example: “You made dinner? No cap?”)
• Drip – Someone’s outfit or style. (Example: “Grandpa’s got that classic drip.”)
• Gyat – A dramatic way of expressing shock or excitement. (Example: “GYAT, that was a big sneeze!”)
• Skibidi – A random internet meme phrase with no clear meaning. If your kid says this, just nod and move on.

How to Use Slang Without Making Your Kid Question Their Existence

Look, we know you just want to bond with your child. Maybe even impress them. But the reality is, kids have a built-in radar for parental attempts at coolness, and it’s set to maximum cringe sensitivity.

Here’s how to play it smart:

What to Do If Your Child Cringes at Your Slang Use

First of all, congratulations! If your child cringes at something you say, it means you’re officially a parent. Here’s how to handle it:

• Acknowledge It – “I see that my use of ‘rizz’ was unacceptable. I will reflect on my choices.”
• Respect Their Boundaries – If they beg you to never say “gyat” in public, honor that sacred request.
• Use It as a Learning Moment – Slang is an ever-evolving part of language. Ask them what the new words mean and how they’re used. You might even bond over it.

Teaching Slang to Neurotypical and Neurodivergent Kid

For neurotypical kids, slang is often picked up naturally, but for neurodivergent children, it can be confusing, especially if they take language literally. Here’s how to introduce it in a way that makes sense:

• Explain Context – “Saying ‘that’s cap’ means someone is lying, but you wouldn’t say that to a teacher.”
• Model Social Cues – Help them understand when and where certain words are appropriate.
• Encourage Observation – Watching how peers use slang can help them understand tone, timing, and intention.
• Keep It Fun – If slang seems stressful, don’t force it. Language is meant to be a bridge, not a barrier.

Final Thoughts

Slang isn’t just about words—it’s about connection. While we may never master the art of Gen Z and Gen Alpha lingo, showing an interest in our kids’ world speaks volumes. Whether you choose to use these words or just decode them from a safe distance, being engaged is what truly matters.

And if your kid ever gives you “the look” after you say something like, “I cooked that parallel parking—no cap,” just smile. One day, they’ll be the confused parent trying to understand the slang of the next generation.

And that, is the ultimate full-circle moment.