These Popular Gen-Z & Alpha Phrases Are Actually Rooted in Black Culture
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These words might seem like the product of TikTok and social media, but they actually have a long history. Learn more here.
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Fact checked by Elizabeth BrownfieldFact checked by Elizabeth BrownfieldAs evidenced by time, every generation eventually comes up with their own unique language, creating terms and phrases used to relate to one another or convey certain emotions. These phrases gain popularity through personal interactions and, more recently, digital engagement. While some may be distinctive to a particular age range or group, many terms commonly used today by both Gen Z and Gen Alpha, like "tea," "flex," or "shade" are derived from previous generations and have origins in Black and particularly Black queer culture. Just like those before us experienced, decoding the younger generation’s terminology can be challenging. You’ve more than likely come across some unheard-of language while listening to your kids, but what exactly do these terms mean and how are they used in everyday conversation?
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AteNo, this term has nothing to do with consuming food. Originating from African American and LGBTQIA+ communities and gaining usage in the 2000s, "ate" is said as a compliment and can be used to express praise, admiration, or confirmation.“She ate that” means that someone reached an accomplishment or managed to do something that others could view as tough or ambitious. This can refer to something such as wearing an incredible outfit, perfecting a transition on a TikTok video, or pulling off a difficult stunt. BussinIn contrast to the previous term, you’ve probably heard the term "bussin" being used in relation to food. Bussin is a positive term and can mean that something is good, cool, or delicious. This phrase originated from African American Vernacular (AAVE) and Black communities and gained traction through social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, becoming one of the most popular slang terms in recent years.Cap/No CapSimply put, "cap" is when someone is lying or exaggerating, and "no cap" is when someone is telling the truth. Cap has been thought to originate from the 1980s hip-hop phrase "high capping." Geto Boys rapper Willie D previously expressed the sentiment that it is just an updated version of "high capping" and defined it as “being braggadocious.” The rise in the use of "cap" and "no cap" in the mid-2010s is attributed to its placement in popular rap and hip-hop songs. Flex/FlexingWith roots in African American Vernacular (AAVE) and hip-hop, "flexing" is the slang version of showing off and is applied both positively and negatively. The term can be used to boast a wide range of categories such as achievements, preferable attributes, wealth, possessions, and skills. For example, “flexing for the ‘gram” just means that someone is showing off on Instagram through pictures and videos. Period/PeriodtMuch like how a period ends a sentence, "period" or "periodt" signifies the end of a conversation, discussion of a topic, or statement. Depending on the context, the expression can also be used to emphasize or agree with a point. Growing in popularity in the 2010s, this term’s origin is attributed to the southern Black gay community.
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RizzA fairly new phrase, "rizz" is a shortened form of the word charisma and refers to one’s personal swag, charm, or ability to attract the attention of others. For older generations, a fair comparison would be stating that someone has “game”. This term was popularized by Kai Cenat, a well-known Twitch streamer and Youtuber, and grew through its use on the social media platform TikTok. ShadeOriginating in Black and Latino gay and drag communities in the 1980s, "shade" is an implied insult and can be subtle. The term became popular in culture after being introduced in the 1991 documentary Paris is Burning, which takes a look into the drag scene in New York City. Black drag performer and fashion designer Dorian Corey explained that in “throwing shade”, what you are implying does not have to be explicitly stated. “Shade is I don’t tell you you’re ugly, but I don’t have to tell you because you know you’re ugly.” TeaAn extremely popular phrase, "tea" is essentially slang for gossip, either about someone else or one’s own truth. This phrase derives directly from Black drag culture and was first quoted by The Lady Chablis, a famous trans actress and performer, in 1994’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Chablis defined "tea' as “my thing, my business, what’s goin’ on in my life.” The term became more popular in the 2010s through its use on RuPaul’s Drag Race, a competition-based reality show featuring drag queens. Key TakeawaysAs our world becomes more digitized, new languages and terminology will continue to evolve and gain popularity among the younger generations. Comprehending their language can help parents, teachers, and caregivers stay in the know and serve as a way to ensure continued communication with today’s young people.
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