Talking to Gen Z: Do you know the lingo?

Ever heard of phrases like bussin, mid or flex? These popular phrases are common among Generation Z but increasingly less so with older Canadians.

Some 42% of adults ages 35 and older have no clue what Gen Z is saying, according to a survey conducted by The Mobile Shop.

Flex, which refers to showing off, is slowly finding its way into modern conversation, as four out of 10 Canadians surveyed understood its meaning. Words such as cheugy (outdated or trying too hard), ded (dead) and bussin’ (when something is really good) are known by less than one out of 10 Canadian adults, according to a press release issued by the mobile phone company.

While flex may be known nationally, some provinces are more confused by the popular Gen Z term than others.

Only 25% of Ontario residents surveyed understand the term, while 29% of those in the prairies know what it means, according to the survey.

Nearly a quarter (23%) of Albertans are bussin’ in comparison to Atlantic Canada, where the term is only recognized by less than two out of 10 (17%) adults, according to The Mobile Shop. 

“Embracing slang, whether it be through text, in conversation or online is an important part of our culture,” Mobile Shop district manager Mujib Rahiman said in the press release.

According to the survey, one in three (33%) adults have used online platforms and websites for clarity on these terms. 

Of those surveyed, 430 British Columbians took part, with 294 of the B.C. respondents being older than 35. A total of 1,812 Canadians ages 35 and older took part.

Catch up on the Gen Z glossary:

• Flex: Showing off in a non-humble way. 
• Glow Up: Physical transformation for the better. 
• No Cap: Convey authenticity and truth. 
• Mid: Used to insult an opposing opinion, referring to it as average. 
• Sus: Shortform for suspicious. 
• Bussin’: When something is really good. 
• Extra Fire: Beyond amazing. 
• Ded: When you are figurately dead; commonly used after a joke. 
• Cheugy: Either outdated or when someone is trying too hard; often referred to in relation to millennials. 
• Lowkey: To do something secretly or discretely. 
• Bet: An alternative way to say ‘alright’ or ‘okay.’

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