☕️Talk Like a True Brit: 15 Gen Z Slang Words You Need to Know
- Sarah
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
If you want to speak English like a true Brit, you need to ditch the old textbook phrases and start using the slang that young people are really using today.
Whether you're chatting with friends or scrolling through social media, understanding Gen Z slang will make your English sound more natural and lively.
These aren’t the words you’ll find in a traditional English class, but they’re everywhere in casual conversation.
In this blog post, we’ll go through 15 contemporary British slang words and phrases that are super popular right now.
Ready to level up your British English? Let’s dive in!
1. Bare
"Bare" is used to emphasise how much of something there is. It’s like saying "a lot" or "so much." It’s one of those expressions that adds a bit of flavour to your sentences.
Example:“I had bare fun at that concert!”“There were bare people at the party last night!”
2. No Cap
"No cap" is used to say you’re telling the truth or being serious. It’s like saying "I’m not lying" or "I swear."
Example:“That was the best burger I’ve ever had, no cap.”“I’m going to smash this exam, no cap!”
3. Lit
"LIT" describes something that’s awesome or exciting. If something’s lit, it’s definitely worth talking about.
Example:“That new album is so lit!”“The party last night was completely lit!”
4. Mandem
"Mandem" is used to refer to a group of friends, usually your male mates. It’s commonly used in urban communities and is very popular in London.
Example:“I’m going out with the mandem this weekend.”“The mandem are up for a game of football tomorrow.”
5. Peak
If something’s "peak," it’s tough or unfortunate. It’s often used when something goes wrong or isn’t going as planned.
Example:“I lost my wallet on the bus, that’s peak.”“I missed the last train, that’s peak.”
6. Suss
To be "suss" means something is suspicious or dodgy. You might use it when something feels off or untrustworthy.
Example:“I don’t know about that deal, it seems a bit suss.”“She was acting suss when she got home late.”
7. Vibes
"Vibes" is a way to describe the atmosphere or feeling of a situation. It’s often used to say whether something feels good or bad.
Example:“The vibes at that club were amazing last night!”“She’s got good vibes; she always makes me smile.”
8. Bussin’
When something is "bussin’," it’s absolutely delicious or amazing. It’s especially used when talking about food, but it can describe anything that’s great.
Example:“This pizza is bussin’! I need another slice.”“That new song is bussin’—I’m obsessed!”
9. Fam
"Fam" is short for family, but it’s commonly used to refer to your close friends too. If someone’s your fam, they’re like family to you.
Example:“I’m chilling with the fam this weekend, want to join?”“Me and the fam are always up for a good time.”
10. Wasteman
"Wasteman" is used to describe someone who’s being lazy, useless, or not taking things seriously. It’s a playful insult, so be careful with this one!
Example:“Stop being a wasteman and help me out.”“He promised to come, but he’s being a total wasteman.”
11. Cheeky
"Cheeky" is used when someone does something a little bit mischievous or out of the ordinary, often in a playful way.
Example:“Fancy a cheeky pint after work?”“He was being cheeky and asked if he could leave early.”
12. Zonked
If you’re "zonked," it means you’re exhausted or extremely tired. It’s a fun and casual way to talk about feeling drained.
Example:“I’m totally zonked after that 10-hour shift.”“She’s been working all day, I think she’s zonked.”
13. Gassed
To be "gassed" means to be excited or pumped up about something. It’s used when you’re really hyped up for an event or a moment.
Example:“I’m so gassed for the concert tonight!”“He was gassed when he heard he got the job.”
14. Miffed
If you’re "miffed," it means you’re a bit annoyed or upset about something. It’s a less intense version of being angry.
Example:“I was a bit miffed when they didn’t invite me to the party.”“She seemed miffed about the whole situation.”
15. Fit
"Fit" is a modern way to say that someone is attractive or looking good. You’ll often hear it used to compliment someone's appearance.
Example:“Wow, she’s looking fit today.”“He’s proper fit, isn’t he?”
How to Start Using British Slang in Your Daily Life
So now that you’ve got a bunch of new slang under your belt, how can you start using them in your conversations? Here are a few quick tips to help you out:
Watch British TV Shows and Movies: The best way to hear how slang is used in real life is by watching British media. Shows like Love Island, The Inbetweeners, or Fleabag are great for learning how young people talk.
Practise with Friends: The best way to get comfortable using slang is to practice it with your friends, especially those who are familiar with the terms.
Use Slang Sparingly: Don’t overdo it! You don’t need to use every single slang word in one conversation. Try incorporating a few into your daily speech and see how they feel.
Ready to Level Up Your English?
Understanding British slang is a fun way to improve your English, but if you want to go even further in your language journey, I’m here to help.
Whether it’s mastering grammar, expanding your vocabulary, or feeling more confident speaking English, I can guide you every step of the way.
Book a free trial call with me today, and let’s chat about how we can work together to make your language skills soar.
Get ready to speak like a local and embrace the exciting world of modern British English!