What Does “Twin” Mean in Gen Z Slang? Here's the Tea

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Content creator Shayan Faraz explains how to use this term of endearment and who counts as a “twin”

Co-authored by Shayan Faraz and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: November 19, 2025 Fact Checked

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“Twin” Slang Meaning

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Where does it come from?

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Why People Say It

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When to Use It

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More Gen Z Slang

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In Gen Z world, a twin isn’t just an identical sibling. It’s a slang term of endearment for a super close friend you have a deep bond with. We talked to content creator Shayan Faraz to help us explain exactly what it means and when to say it to sound like a natural Gen Z-er. Keep scrolling to learn more!

“Twin” Slang Meaning

Content creator Shayan Faraz says that “twin” is a Gen Z slang term for a very close friend. If someone uses this term, it means they feel a strong connection to that person, regardless of whether they're actually blood-related. It's typically used for platonic friendships, not romantic relationships.

Section 1 of 5:

What is the slang meaning of “twin”?

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“Twin” is a slang term of affection used for very close friends. “Twin in Gen Z slang refers to a close friend or someone that you can deeply relate to,” says Faraz. “It’s used in a similar context to ‘bestie’ or ‘my bro.’”^{[1]
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- Some people use “twin” for a close friend who's similar to them in some way. They might behave alike, look alike, or have many of the same thoughts, opinions, and beliefs.^{[2]
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Meet the wikiHow Expert

Shayan Faraz (or Chum as he’s known online) is a content creator with over 35,000 followers on his TikTok page @chummertok. His videos analyze internet culture and viral trends.

Section 2 of 5:

Where does “twin” come from?

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“Twin” originated as a greeting among people who live in Atlanta, GA. “Twin has origins from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and Atlanta hip hop culture,” explains Faraz. “The phrase eventually became popularized with Gen Z on social media (especially in comment sections), likely through mainstream hip hop artists using the phrase in their songs.”^{[3]
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- Faraz says that “twin” has been used by “various Atlanta artists, including Young Thug, Lil Baby, and Gunna,” and that the term has become “widespread in hip hop music in general.”^{[4]
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- As examples of “twin” being used in music, Faraz points to the songs “Say Twin” by Lil Baby and “Twin” by Roddy Ricch ft Lil Durk (pointing out that the second artist isn’t from Atlanta).^{[5]
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- Instagram user @itsavibe commented in this video from January 15, 2025, that Gen Z youth were calling each other “twin” in Rhode Island. It surprised him because he thought the slang term was only popular in Atlanta.

Section 3 of 5:

Why do people call their friend “twin”?

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If a friend calls you “twin,” that may mean they feel a strong connection to you. They may even feel that you're their best friend. Some sources claim that your “twin” is your “ride or die” friend. This means you trust each other deeply and are always available to have fun with or support each other in times of need.
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Someone may call you “twin” if you're wearing the same or similar outfits. Faraz says that “when people say they’re ‘twinning,’ [it] means to be matching with someone.”^{[6]
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Shayan Faraz
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Expert Interview} In this context, they're saying it simply because you're wearing matching clothes in the same way that many real twins do.
- On social media, you might see the phrase “twinning” accompanied by the twin emoji: 👯

Section 4 of 5:

When to Use “Twin” in Conversation

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Say “twin” when you're greeting a close friend or someone who matches you. For example, if you're meeting your best friend for lunch, when you see them, say, “Hey, twin! What's good?” If you want to compliment their outfit, you can say, “Nice outfit, twin!” Here are a few more examples of how to use “twin” in conversation:
- “That’s my twin!”^{[7]
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- “How you doing twin?”^{[8]
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- “Long time no see, twin!”
- “Hey, twin, I missed you!”
- “How's my twin doing?”
- “We’re twinning!” (if you’re wearing similar outfits)^{[9]
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When your BFF posts a new reel or a stunning selfie, leave a comment like “Look at my twin! 😍” or “My twin knows what’s up!” This is a fun way to show them some love (and announce your twin-ness to the world). You can also post a photo of you two with a caption like “All smiles when the twin is around!” or “Friends that twin together win together.”