The Ultimate Guide to Gen Z & Gen Alpha Brainrot Slang

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Meme, brainrot, and slang content creator Tobi Nwodo explains some of the most popular brainrot terms

Co-authored by Tobi Nwodo and Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: December 5, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Brainrot Phrases
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• What is brainrot?

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You’ve probably heard the term “brainrot” before, but are you up-to-date on all the latest brainrot words? Given how many there are, we can’t blame you if the answer is “no”! That’s why we’ve put together the definitive compendium of Gen Z and Gen Alpha brainrot slang—including the most popular words and phrases out there today, with extra insights from meme, brainrot, and slang content creator Tobi Nwodo. Ready to learn? Then keep reading, and you’ll be all caught up on brainrot lingo in no time.

Brainrot Slang Words & Phrases, Explained

“Brainrot” words are a type of slang derived from online culture, including platforms like TikTok and Reddit. According to meme, brainrot, and slang content creator Tobi Nwodo, popular examples of brainrot include rizz, aura, mog, diddyblud, nonchalant, sigma, mango, and 6-7.

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Section 1 of 3:

A Complete List of Brainrot Words

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   6767 (6-7, six-seven) is a number that went viral on TikTok as a meme—but it doesn’t really have a meaning! It’s just something young people say as a joke, often while making the 6-7 hand sign (which you can learn to do in this article).

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Tobi Nwodo is a meme, brainrot, and slang content creator whose videos entertain and educate audiences on the newest internet culture, trends, memes, and slang.
2. 2
   AlphaAlpha is a slang term for the most dominant, assertive, or powerful person (usually a man) in a group. It’s sometimes used mockingly to describe men with exaggerated masculinity.
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   Ate “Ate” means you (or someone else) did something exceedingly well! For example, you might say, “She/he/this person ate,” according to Nwodo. “Ate and left no crumbs” is also a popular phrase (which, again, means doing something exceptionally).
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   BetaOften used as “beta male,” the term refers to a man who is perceived as weaker, more timid, or more submissive than an alpha (or sigma).
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   Blud “Blud” is slang for “friend,” or any interchangeable word—like bro, mate, or buddy.
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   BratA term popularized by Charli xcx’s 2024 album, Brat. It refers to girls who live confidently and unapologetically; they may be messy, but they’re also independent and in total control of their own lives.
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   Bussin“Bussin” is slang for anything that’s exceptionally amazing, impressive, or delicious; it’s often used to describe food.
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   CheugyAnything that’s out of style, outdated, or totally uncool.
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   CringeSomething that’s “cringe” is awkward and downright embarrassing. It makes you want to look away and physically cringe!
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    CookedThere are a couple of possible meanings for cooked, according to Nwodo. First, there’s the verb—as in, “This person cooked,” (or “This person is cooking”) meaning they’re doing something well. Then, there’s the adjective—as in, “This person is cooked,” which basically means they’ve failed, they’re struggling, or they’re totally doomed.
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    Dawg (smlawg)“Dawg” and “smlawg” are both nicknames you’d use to refer to someone you hang out with—a lot like calling someone buddy.
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    DeluluA shortened form of “delusional,” delulu describes someone who’s acting erratically, is mistaken about something, or has unrealistic expectations (to the point of being funny or ridiculous).
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    DiddybludA spin-off of blud, “diddyblud” combines the term “blud” (meaning buddy or bro) with the name “Diddy” (referring to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs). Thus, “diddyblud” is derogatory—a term used to label someone as a creep or predator (in reference to the allegations against Combs and his 2025 prison sentence).
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    Doomscrolling“Doomscrolling” is the action of scrolling through depressing or upsetting content on social media (or a news site) continually—almost mindlessly, for long amounts of time. Some say “doomscrolling” leads to “brainrot”!
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    Eboy & Egirl“Eboy” and “Egirl” combine the word “electronic” with “boy” and “girl.” Eboy/Egirl is a slang term for young people with an alternative online persona and style; the Eboy/Egirl vibe is inspired by emo, skater, and K-pop aesthetics.
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    FRFR is an abbreviation of the phrase “for real,” which is basically a way to emphasize that something is true or 100% sincere.
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    GassyAs a slang term, “gassy” means that someone is full of hot air or empty chatter; they’re talking, but they aren’t saying anything important.
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    Glazing “Glazing” is the act of showering someone with a ton of praise—to the point that it comes off as excessive, insincere, or (to borrow a brainrot word), cringe.
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    Glizzy “Glizzy” is a brainrot term for a hot dog! Before that, however, it was slang for a gun—specifically a “Glock”—in rap culture.
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    GriddyThe “Griddy” is a silly dance move popularized by NFL players, often used in moments of victory or excitement.
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    GrindsetA term combining “grind” and “mindset.” Someone with a “grindset” is totally focused on work and productivity (to achieve success).
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    Gyatt“Gyatt” is an exclamation of excitement or shock, as a shortened form of “godda*n.” It’s used as a reaction to seeing an attractive person (particularly a woman).
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    HeatherA “Heather” is a beautiful girl who’s cool, popular, and liked by everyone. This term came from Conan Gray’s hit song “Heather.”
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    IckGetting the “ick” means that a person or a particular situation makes you feel uncomfortable, or turns you off. People often use it to describe traits or habits of a romantic partner they didn’t like.
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    Jump scareA “jump scare” is a sudden and shocking event that’s intended to frighten someone (like jump-scares in horror movies and games).
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    Looksmaxxing “Looksmaxxing” is a viral trend encouraging men to enhance their looks. Some looksmaxxing trends are more subtle and healthy (like practicing basic hygiene) while others are more extreme.
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    KarenA “Karen” is a specific type of person—an entitled, passive-aggressive white woman who uses her privilege to try and get her way at all times (even at other people’s expense). Some people feel this term is sexist.
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    Mewing “Mewing” is an example of a “lookmaxxing” trend; it involves holding your tongue to the roof of your mouth in an attempt to improve your jawline. It can be used seriously or humorously.
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    Mog“Mog” or “mogging” is another example of brainrot slang, Nwodo says. It’s a term for outclassing someone, typically used to describe a situation in which one person appears way more attractive than others.
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    NonchalantFunnily enough, “nonchalant” isn’t really slang. In Gen Z’s terms, it means the same thing it always has: acting cool or unconcerned, sometimes to cope with pressure or criticism. However, it’s seen a spike in popularity online—so it’s earned a place on this list!
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    NPC “NPC” is an abbreviation for “non-player character,” originally a video game and tabletop gaming term. In real life, it refers to people who lack originality or act robotically, just going through the motions instead of taking charge of their lives.
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    OhioIn the context of brainrot language, “Ohio” doesn’t refer to the state—it’s a nonsensical term used to refer to anything random, absurd, or cringeworthy.
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    Peak “Peak” describes something that’s “cool,” or the best, according to Nwodo, or someone who’s super cool. “There's like a whole meme [with] this guy sitting in a chair and he [says], ‘peak cinema,’ with both his hands up,” adds Nwodo.
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    Rizz“Rizz” is short for “charisma”; it refers to a person’s flirting skills and ability to charm people. Someone could have great rizz (“W rizz”), or poor rizz (“L rizz”).

    • Find out if you have rizz with our quiz!
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    SigmaA “sigma” male is a term from manosphere communities. It describes men who are lone wolves—successful, but don’t fit within the traditional alpha-beta hierarchy.
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    SimpA “simp” is someone who absolutely adores or has a crush on another person, to the point of being excessively affectionate. People are often called “simp” in a funny way (rather than insulting).
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    Skibidi “Skibidi” is a nonsense word that can have many different meanings depending on context—from “cool” to “good,” “bad,” “weird,” “evil,” and “dumb.”
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    SlapsSomething that “slaps” is especially great or impressive. It’s used to describe things like good music, food, or experiences.
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    Spiraling “Spiraling” refers to someone whose thoughts or emotional state are spinning out of control, deteriorating. It basically means that someone is on a downward mental “spiral.”
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    StanTo “stan” something means to be a fan of it. “Stan” can also be a noun referring to an especially devoted fan. The term originates from Eminem’s 200 song, “Stan.”
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    Sussy (sus)“Sussy” and “sus” are both abbreviations of the word “suspicious,” popularized by the game Among Us.
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    UwUUwU is actually an emoticon used online to express cuteness, happiness, or affection. The letters—UwU—are arranged to depict a cute face with closed eyes and an upturned mouth.
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    Yap(ping)“Yap” means to talk excessively or unnecessarily. Similarly, “yapping” describes someone who just doesn’t stop talking!
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    YassAn exaggerated form of the word “yes.” “Yass” was popularized by LGBTQ+ and drag culture as a way of expressing both approval and enthusiasm for something.
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    Yeet“Yeet” is an expression of enthusiasm or excitement—or a verb for throwing something suddenly and with force. It’s often shouted playfully during games or celebrations.
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    Zesty“Zesty” is a descriptive term for someone lively, energetic, or flamboyant. It can also describe a dramatic or surprising situation, or a particularly bold action.
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Section 2 of 3:

A Complete List of Brainrot Phrases

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1. 
   1
   Axel in Harlem “Axel in Harlem” is a brainrot meme stemming from the adult cartoon Axel in Harlem; memes are usually parodies of series or used to highlight random, funny situations.
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   Aura farming “Aura farming” is a term for deliberately doing things to cultivate a charismatic persona. People who “aura farm” generally want others to think they’re cool or desirable.
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   Baby Gronk “Baby Gronk” is a reference to youth football player Madden San Miguel, who went viral online for his skills and was compared to NFL legend Rob Gronkowski. Thus, “Baby Gronk” is used to refer to anyone who shows a lot of potential!
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   Beige flagA person’s “beige flag” is a trait or behavior that’s quirky, but ultimately harmless. It’s not a dealbreaker (a red flag), but not necessarily a positive thing (a green flag) either.

   • Find your beige flag in our quiz!
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   Brainrot vibesSomeone who has “brainrot vibes” is basically on a mental decline because they’ve been taking in too much mindless or low-quality content online. For instance, scrolling through endless memes and videos could give someone “brainrot vibes.”
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   Crash outA “crash out” is a sudden outburst or meltdown—a little like a tantrum. Someone who’s “crashing out” is having an emotional, impulsive reaction to someone (usually out of anger, frustration, or stress).
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   Did you pray today? “Did you pray today?” is a viral phrase from rapper Young Thug’s song, “Gangster Sh*t.” It often shows up in memes as a joke, to emphasize situations in which someone might need to utter a quick prayer.
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   Fanum tax “Fanum tax” is a reference from streamer Kai Cenat’s online community (specifically, fellow streamer Fanum, who’s part of Cenat’s influencer crew). It refers to taking a bite from someone else’s food without asking, or the idea that people in a group setting are obligated to share food.
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   Goated with the sauce“Goat” is an acronym for “greatest of all time”; thus, “goated with the sauce” is a brainrot term for someone who is exceptionally amazing, talented, or impressive.
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    Goblin mode “Goblin mode” describes especially self-indulgent or hedonistic behavior; it basically refers to someone who does what they want, regardless of society’s expectations.
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    Goofy ahh“Goofy ahh” is a phrase used to describe something (or someone) that’s ridiculous and funny.
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    Grimace shakeThis is a reference to the purple McDonald’s milkshake styled after the character Grimace, which is used in promotions—and, online, in memes.
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    Hitting the griddyThe brainrot phrase “hit the Griddy” refers to doing the Griddy dance after doing something awesome or successful.
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    Let him cook“Let him cook” is basically a form of encouragement. It means “don’t interrupt him,” or “let him keep going,” and it’s used when someone is doing something amazing and interesting. The “him” is interchangeable with other pronouns (she/them, and so on).
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    Mango brainrotMango brainrot refers to a character named “67 MANGO” from a Roblox game, which went viral and was subsequently included in many online videos and memes.
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    No capSince “cap” is slang for lying, “no cap” is a way to emphasize that something is totally true and not being exaggerated at all (just like FR, or “for real”).
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    Not the mosquito again“Not the mosquito again” is an expression of frustration and disbelief over something annoying that keeps happening over and over.
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    Only in Ohio “Only in Ohio” is essentially just a longer form of the brainrot term “Ohio.” Like Ohio, it’s used to describe something bizarre, random, or awkward (based on a meme that depicts the state of Ohio as a place where strange events are totally normal).
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    Pick me“Pick me” is a derogatory term for someone who acts differently to win approval from others. According to the stereotype, “pick me girls” try to impress men by claiming they’re “not like other girls,” while “pick me boys” try to make themselves seem more sensitive and self-deprecating than other men.
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    Rage baitThis refers to the act of “saying something to draw a reaction out of someone,” explains Nwodo. It’s all about intentionally trying to provoke people’s anger for engagement online.
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    TikTok rizz party“TikTok rizz party” refers to a meme from 2024 in which a group of boys went viral for singing and dancing to Kanye West’s “Carnival.” The video went viral due to its “cringe” nature—and because people on social media started making up backstories and lore about the boys.
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    Vibe checkA “vibe check” is basically an assessment of the current mood and energy in a room, or among a group of people. Someone doing a “vibe check” is trying to see how everyone is feeling!

    • Now that you’ve read through our brainrot dictionary, find out which brainrot word you are!
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Section 3 of 3:

What is brainrot?

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1. Brain rot (“brainrot”) is a type of internet slang that has become mainstream. It originates from social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, Discord, and X (Twitter), as well as gaming and streaming communities and popular memes from the last few years. This type of slang is called “brain rot” because it’s often meant to be funny or nonsensical. It pokes fun at the way bingeing a lot of repetitive, poor-quality online content can make your brain feel a bit like it’s rotting!

   • Brainrot words are a reflection of how prominent digital and online culture has become. It’s used in everyday conversations, mainly by Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
   • The term “brainrot” is very tongue-in-cheek; Gen Z and Gen Alpha are basically making fun of their own habits, and the way they use social media—but it’s all in good fun.

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