Gen Z Slang Challenges Managers in Post-Pandemic Workplaces

As workplaces welcome a significant number of Gen Z employees who grew up during the pandemic, a new linguistic challenge has emerged for managers. The return to in-person work has highlighted the need for managers to understand the unique slang used by younger employees, which can be difficult to navigate without the aid of online resources. This linguistic barrier could potentially lead to misunderstandings and a generational divide, making it harder for different age groups to collaborate effectively.

Jessica Kelly, CEO of a corporate well-being company, notes that the lack of familiarity with Gen Z slang could hamper effective communication and create a divide between generations. To bridge this gap, it is essential for managers to understand some of the terms that Gen Z employees are currently using. For instance, "slay" is a compliment that loosely translates to "killing it" and has been popularized by TikTok. "Menty B" refers to a mental breakdown, often used in minor stressful situations. "Cozzie livs" is a term used to describe the current economic backdrop, which includes rising energy bills, food prices, rent, and interest rates.

Other terms include "that slaps" or "hits different," which means something is very good or better than expected. "Ate that" refers to someone doing a great job, while "understood the assignment" means someone has excelled at a task. "Say less" is used to confirm that a task has been understood, and "sending me" is the Gen Z equivalent of LOL. "It’s giving" refers to someone or something emitting a particular vibe, and "_core" is a suffix used to categorize a type of aesthetic. "Cheugy" is used to classify a product or trend as old, out-of-date, or cringeworthy.

In addition to slang, Gen Z employees have their own rules for messaging and emojis. They prefer to send a stream of small messages instead of one big note and use acronyms like IJBOL (I just burst out laughing), IYKYK (if you know you know), and W or L (win or loss). Emojis like the saluting face or handshake are preferred over thumbs-up and smiley faces, and the melting face emoji is used to express embarrassment. Understanding these nuances can help managers communicate more effectively with their younger employees and foster a more inclusive work environment.