Look—we love Gen Z. They’ve redefined language, turned TikTok into a cultural think tank, and can communicate an entire emotional spectrum with one emoji. But let’s be real: some of their favorite phrases? Overplayed. Overused. Over. It.
You don’t need to be a linguist to notice how these words pop up in every group chat, meme, and viral video. At first, it can be hilarious and even empowering—until you hear the same expression for the thousandth time in a week.
If you’ve ever caught yourself groaning when a friend says something like “No cap” yet again, trust me, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a Millennial trying to keep up, a Boomer who’s totally lost, or a fellow Gen Z’er ready to admit some words need a rest, this one’s for you.
1. Slay
Ever walked into a room feeling like you finally got your look together, only to immediately hear, “Slay!” from every corner? At first, it’s a rush—validation, energy, everything. But lately, it’s less about style and more about survival.
Can we have a single morning coffee without someone declaring they’re ‘slaying’ their to-do list? Breathe, girl. Sometimes, just existing is enough.
Once, “Slay” was reserved for Beyoncé-level moments. Now, it’s everywhere. The word’s lost its sparkle, and honestly, a nap sounds just as impressive. Sometimes, the real flex is not having to slay anything at all. If you’re tired of feeling like life’s a never-ending runway, you’re not alone. Maybe we can just “be” for a while. Let’s reclaim our chill and leave “slay” for the true showstoppers.
2. It’s giving…
There’s always that friend who narrates every moment with, “It’s giving…” Like, you show up in a cute outfit and suddenly, “It’s giving main character!” Okay, thanks, I guess?
Once, this was the ultimate compliment. Now, it’s thrown everywhere: “It’s giving broke,” “It’s giving chaos.” The phrase has become a catch-all, and honestly, it’s giving tired.
I used to feel special when someone dropped it on my Instagram post. These days, I’m just trying to get through lunch without someone describing my sandwich as “giving picnic vibes.” Can we bring back some old-school originality? Let’s keep “It’s giving…” for those rare, once-in-a-blue-moon moments that actually deserve the drama. Otherwise, it’s just giving…exhaustion.
3. Periodt.
Remember when “Periodt” hit TikTok and suddenly, everyone was ending their statements like they just won a debate? It was fun—emphatic, dramatic, totally extra. But after hearing it at the end of every. single. sentence? Girl, please.
It’s like adding an exclamation to everything, until nothing feels special anymore. Sometimes I want to reply with a period, no extra letters, just to even things out.
Let’s be real: There’s power in knowing when to drop the mic. Not every comment needs a parade. Maybe next time you want to make a statement, try letting the silence do the talking. It’s stronger than “Periodt” ever could be. Trust me, less really can be more.
4. I’m dead
We’ve all seen it—someone sends a mildly funny meme and the group chat explodes with “I’m dead.” At first, it’s hilarious, like, wow, that joke actually ended you? But now, every little giggle is apparently lethal.
The phrase used to mean something truly had you in stitches. Now, it’s the go-to for even the smallest smirk. Can we reserve the cemetery jokes for humor that’s actually next-level?
There’s nothing wrong with showing you had a good laugh, but maybe just say, “That’s funny!” Sometimes the classics hit harder. Not every meme has to end in a virtual eulogy. Save the skull emoji for moments that genuinely make you wheeze—and let the rest just be a little fun.
5. No cap.
Picture this: someone promises something wild, and instead of just saying, “I mean it,” they drop a casual “No cap.” Back in the day, it sounded cool—like you were in on a secret. Now? The phrase is so overused, it’s lost all mystery.
If you have to say “no cap” that often, people start to wonder if you ever actually mean what you say. Trust is built, not shouted.
There’s something refreshing about honesty that doesn’t need a slogan. Maybe we can let our words speak for themselves instead of tacking on “no cap” every five seconds. Take a break from capping and let your actions do the talking. For real, this time.
6. Main character energy
We’ve all felt it—those rare days when life feels like a movie and you’re the lead. But now, “main character energy” gets tossed around for every small win, like grabbing your favorite coffee or just walking to class. Not every moment needs a soundtrack!
It’s exhausting to pretend every Tuesday is a red carpet event. Some days, being the “supporting role” is just fine.
Honestly, there’s something comforting about blending into the background sometimes. Let’s normalize quiet days and background moods. There’s plenty of room for everyone—not just the stars. Let’s keep main character energy for the truly cinematic moments.
7. Bet.
You know that moment when someone asks, “Wanna go out tonight?” and instead of a yes or no, it’s just—“Bet.” No drama, no detail, just a quick, chill one-word answer.
It started as a way to agree without sounding like you cared too much. But now, it’s so common it feels like background noise, almost robotic.
Sometimes, a little enthusiasm goes a long way. Bring back the excitement! Instead of “bet,” how about actually sounding a tiny bit interested? If everything gets a shrug, nothing stands out. Let’s switch it up and keep conversations lively again.
8. Lowkey / Highkey
Lowkey, I’m tired. Highkey, I think we all are. These little words are everywhere—used to confess love, complain about Mondays, or spill secrets about last night’s group chat drama.
At first, it sounded clever—like you were letting someone in on something juicy. Now, it’s just filler. A sentence accessory.
Sometimes, it’s okay to just say what you feel, no qualifiers needed. Let’s save “lowkey” and “highkey” for those rare moments that need a little extra spice, instead of sprinkling them over every thought. Honest conversations are always highkey underrated.
9. Mid.
If you’ve ever called something “mid,” congrats—you’re officially Gen Z certified. The word started as a clever way to roast things that didn’t quite cut it. Now, everything slightly less than perfect gets labeled “mid.”
Your friend’s new shoes? Mid. The latest blockbuster? Definitely mid. At some point, the word lost its edge and just became…well, mid.
Let’s not settle for lukewarm takes on everything. Sometimes, things are just okay—and that’s okay! Save the snark for stuff that really deserves it. Your friend’s effort deserves more than a lazy roast. Show a little love, even for the mediocre moments.
10. She ate / He ate
If “She ate” was a literal review, half the world would have Michelin stars by now. The phrase exploded as the ultimate way to hype up someone’s outfit, dance moves, or anything that felt fresh. Now? People are earning imaginary chef’s hats for tying their shoes.
It’s cute, but sometimes hype can be a bit much. Not every moment is a five-star feast.
Keep the love flowing, but maybe reserve “ate” for the times when someone truly blows you away. Otherwise, we’re all just stuffed—and not in a good way. Spread the compliments, but let’s not overstuff the menu.
11. Vibe check
You know “vibe check” has gone too far when it’s being used for everything from someone’s bad mood to accidentally dropping your phone. Once, it was a clever way to call out weird energy. Now, it’s become a punchline for literally any situation.
We get it—checking the mood is important. But not every sneeze or spilled coffee needs a whole vibe assessment.
Let’s bring back some chill. Not every moment has to be dissected or labeled. Sometimes, the best vibe check is just letting things be what they are. No pressure, no labels, just vibes.
12. Ratio.
Ah, “ratio.” The internet’s way of scoring points and throwing shade at the same time. Once, it was the ultimate reply to a bad take. Now, people toss “ratio” into comment sections like confetti—even when it doesn’t make sense.
Everyone’s a critic, but the game’s getting old. There’s only so much social media drama one person can handle.
Just because you can type “ratio” doesn’t mean it needs to go everywhere. Maybe try a new clapback or, better yet, just keep scrolling. The internet doesn’t need more noise. Sometimes, silence is the real power move.
13. Living rent-free in my head
Some things really do stick—they play on repeat in your mind for hours. But now, every odd TikTok, inside joke, or awkward memory is “living rent-free in my head.” Cute at first, but now it’s like your brain has an overcrowded apartment complex, and nobody’s paying up.
It was a fun way to describe feelings you couldn’t shake. Now, it’s used so often it’s losing its magic.
Maybe your mind just needs a good spring cleaning. Not every random thought gets to move in without permission. Unpack, let go, and reclaim a little headspace for yourself. Your mental real estate deserves better.
14. Stan
“Stan” used to mean die-hard fandom, like you’d camp out overnight just to see your favorite band. Now, people say they “stan” everything—snacks, naps, literally anything remotely likable. At some point, the word lost its edge and started sounding empty.
If we stan everything, does anything truly stand out? Maybe it’s time to reserve the word for the real obsessions.
Let’s bring back a little meaning. Save the stanning for the things and people who honestly deserve the hype. Ordinary toast doesn’t need a fan club. Let’s keep it exclusive.
15. Not [insert thing]
![Not [insert thing]](https://herway.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Stan.jpg)
You know the meme: “Not me forgetting my password.” “Not the dog judging my outfit.” This fill-in-the-blank formula is everywhere—and honestly, it’s funny. But after the hundredth time, the joke starts to get old, even for me.
It’s the perfect way to roast yourself or call out life’s little messes. But when every slip-up becomes a meme, it loses its punch.
Keep it cute, but don’t be afraid to switch things up every now and then. Sometimes, silence or a simple “yikes” is all you need. Save the dramatics for moments that really deserve the spotlight.