• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year

2

Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster

3

Elon Musk on MacKenzie Scott giving away $26 billion of her fortune: 'Sadly,' it makes the world a worse place

1

MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year

2

Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster

3

Elon Musk on MacKenzie Scott giving away $26 billion of her fortune: 'Sadly,' it makes the world a worse place
SuccessGen Z

The Gen Z glossary for Gen X managers: Here’s what your workers mean by ‘menty B’ and ‘cozzie livs’

Orianna Rosa Royle
By
Orianna Rosa Royle
Orianna Rosa Royle
Associate Editor, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
Orianna Rosa Royle
By
Orianna Rosa Royle
Orianna Rosa Royle
Associate Editor, Success
Down Arrow Button Icon
July 10, 2025, 10:29 AM ET
Young woman texting on her phone
The melting-face emoji is apparently the virtual equivalent of melting on the spot from embarrassment.Delmaine Donson—Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

As millions of workers have returned to the office, workplaces have welcomed a sizable cohort of Gen Z workers who came of age during the pandemic—and they’re bringing their own slang with them.

Recommended Video

In a remote setting, language barriers were fairly easy to navigate with the safety net of Google (or rather, Urban Dictionary). But as conversations move from online to in person, it’s going to be impossible to subtly search the definition of “cozzie livs” when talking to younger staff members.

Just as research has shown that corporate jargon is isolating young workers because they don’t know the meaning of phrases like “deep dive,” it won’t be long until Gen X managers feel left out of watercooler chats with their twentysomething workers. 

“Lack of familiarity with Gen Z slang could potentially lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, hampering effective communication,” Jessica Kelly, CEO of the corporate well-being company Meet Your Mind, tells Fortune. “It could also create a generational divide, making it harder for different age groups to collaborate effectively.”

So here’s the list of some terms Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) told Fortune they’re currently using that older generations ought to know—if they don’t already.

Slay

Like many of the words on this list that Gen Z are bringing to the workplace, “slay” isn’t exactly new. The compliment can loosely translate to “killing it” and has been used widely by Black people and the LGBTQ+ community for decades. But it has now entered the vocabulary of young people via TikTok.  

Menty B

If you have had a stressful day, sent the wrong email to your boss, or missed your train to the office, you might have a “menty B”—or rather a mental breakdown. The new lighthearted term is being used more for minor stressful situations than the very serious get-signed-off-work type. 

Cozzie livs

As in many parts of the world, the cost-of-living crisis is affecting every household in the U.K., with energy bills, food, rent, and interest rates spiraling. Youngsters in the country are affectionately referring to the current economic backdrop as the “cozzie livs.”

That slaps / hits different

If something slaps, it’s very good. The term originally came from the hip-hop scene to describe a hit, but today people are using it to describe everything from their food to their work. For example, “The video you edited slaps. I’ve watched it three times already.” Similarly, if something hits different it means it’s better than expected. 

Ate that

This essentially refers to someone doing a great job. If a peer smashed a presentation at work, you might say, “They ate that.” Or for a job extra well done you could say, “They ate and left no crumbs.” Impressive items can also eat, too, for example: “Those jeans eat.” 

Understood the assignment

This phrase pretty much means what it says on the can: Someone who understood the assignment got the task at hand and is excelling. For example, “Chris’s pitch won the clients over. He understood the assignment.” It can also be used when someone’s outfit is perfect for the occasion, like Princess Diana’s infamous revenge dress: She understood the assignment. 

Say less

Again, “say less” has been used for some time as an alternative to “say no more” by Black people, but Gen Z has recently popularized the term. You’d use this to confirm to your coworkers, “I’ve got it, you don’t have to say any more,” when they’re breaking down a task, for example. 

Sending me

This is the Gen Z equivalent of “LOL” (“laugh out loud,” for those who still think the acronym means “lots of love”). If you watched a video you found hilarious, you could say, “That sent me.” You can even spice it up by elaborating, for example: “That sent me into orbit” (it sent you so far, you ended up in space).

It’s giving

The term “it’s giving” (usually followed by a description, like “innocent intern” or “boss vibes”) refers to when something or someone is emitting a particular vibe. Be warned: This can be used in both a positive or negative sense.

_core

“Core” is a suffix that is being used to categorize a type of aesthetic. For example, #cottagecore is extremely popular on TikTok. It highlights everything from what someone who lives in the countryside might wear and the types of hobbies they’d have to how they’d decorate their home. Meanwhile, “Barbiecore” has been used to describe everything pink—from fashion to sofas for sale—that may have seemingly been inspired by the recent movie.

Cheugy

Used to classify a product or trend as old, out-of-date, or cringeworthy, “cheugy” is predominantly negative and often used in reference to products or trends associated with millennials. So if young peer is describing your outfit as cheugy, it’s definitely not a compliment—although apparently even the word cheugy is becoming cheugy.

A note on acronyms and emojis 

Although you won’t feel the sting of embarrassment from misusing an emoji, as you would if you thought “cheugy” was a compliment, it’s still worth knowing the new rules of messaging for those days when you’re working from home.

To begin with, Gen Z apparently prefers to send a stream of small messages instead of one big note. Meanwhile, it’s out with LOL and in with IJBOL—“I just burst out laughing.”

Other acronyms worth noting include IYKYK (if you know you know) and W or L (for “win or loss,” like “take the L”).

Also, when it comes to emojis, gone is the use of thumbs-up and smiley faces. “That’s so basic,” sums up one Gen Zer at Fortune’s office. Instead, younger workers prefer to agree to their manager’s commands using the saluting face or handshake emoji. 

Meanwhile, the melting face is apparently the virtual equivalent of melting on the spot from embarrassment.

 A version of this story originally published on Fortune.com on September 12, 2023.

The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
About the Author
Orianna Rosa Royle
By Orianna Rosa RoyleAssociate Editor, Success
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Orianna Rosa Royle is the Success associate editor at Fortune, overseeing careers, leadership, and company culture coverage. She was previously the senior reporter at Management Today, Britain's longest-running publication for CEOs. 

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Success

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Success

I know how Gen Z can survive the ‘jobpocalypse’ because I built an AI company — in 2015
CommentaryCareers
I know how Gen Z can survive the ‘jobpocalypse’ because I built an AI company — in 2015
By Jeremy FainJuly 1, 2026
5 hours ago
mr
Commentary250 Years of Innovation
America needs 3.8 million manufacturing workers. This CEO has a blueprint to find them
By Mark RayfieldJuly 1, 2026
5 hours ago
Photo: Rocks balancing on driftwood, sea in background.
AIMarkets
Leveraged stock bets are ‘very concentrated in the AI ecosystem,’ Goldman Sachs warns
By Jim EdwardsJuly 1, 2026
6 hours ago
Nike’s earning numbers exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. But CEO Elliott Hill’s next test is the World Cup
RetailNike
Nike’s earning numbers exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. But CEO Elliott Hill’s next test is the World Cup
By Mia OsmonbekovJune 30, 2026
19 hours ago
Young worker at desk
SuccessGen Z
Remote-first fintech giant Revolut is making the office compulsory for new Gen Z grads—and they’ll earn flexibility like their peers after one year
By Emma BurleighJune 30, 2026
23 hours ago
Henry Kravis
SuccessCareers
KKR cofounder once impressed Roy Disney with a habit most analysts skipped—it turned a 1-hour meeting into all-day mentorship: ‘I thought I’d died and gone to heaven’
By Preston ForeJune 30, 2026
1 day ago

Most Popular

MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year
Success
MacKenzie Scott alone accounted for one-third of America's $19.2 billion in megagifts last year
By Sydney LakeJune 25, 2026
6 days ago
Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster
Success
Philanthropy leader at Warren Buffett and Bill Gates’ Giving Pledge says children of billionaires are pushing them to give their wealth away faster
By Preston ForeJune 27, 2026
4 days ago
Elon Musk on MacKenzie Scott giving away $26 billion of her fortune: 'Sadly,' it makes the world a worse place
Success
Elon Musk on MacKenzie Scott giving away $26 billion of her fortune: 'Sadly,' it makes the world a worse place
By Sydney LakeJune 29, 2026
2 days ago
The U.S. Army is opening military bases to private billions — here's why that changes everything for the next 250 years
Commentary
The U.S. Army is opening military bases to private billions — here's why that changes everything for the next 250 years
By Marc AndersenJune 30, 2026
1 day ago
Current price of oil as of June 30 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 30 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 30, 2026
1 day ago
As Big Tech showers employees with perks to win the talent war, Nvidia built a nearly $5 trillion company by making people pay for their own lunch
Big Tech
As Big Tech showers employees with perks to win the talent war, Nvidia built a nearly $5 trillion company by making people pay for their own lunch
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJuly 1, 2026
8 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.