One of my kids proudly showed off a new hoodie that she had been begging for since Christmas, and trying to be the cool, in-the-know dad, I dropped a “Slay!” in front of her friends, with full confidence.
Every kid 13 and under, froze. They all glanced at my daughter, then looked back at me with a mixture of horror and pity plastered across their faces. My tween, now fully beetroot red, sighed deeply and muttered, “Dad, no.“
And there it was: the crushing realisation that I, a Millennial parent, had officially crossed into “cringe” territory or as my daughter might say “ick”.
As it turns out, the language of the youth has moved on at a pace that makes the speed of light look sluggish, and somehow, we “stuck-in-the-90s” Millennials have become as relevant to current slang as VHS tapes and dial-up internet.
In a desperate attempt to keep up, I watched a few TikToks with my wife, hoping to decode some of Gen Alpha’s mysterious phrases. But even that left me confused – different countries, it turns out, have different interpretations of terms like “Fanum Tax.“
My daughter talks about “skibidi toilet – a.k.a. as toilet in ohio” , and it wasn’t until yesterday that I finally had the fortitude to search “what the sigma” it meant (apparently it’s a hyper-popular youtube series, not too dissimilar to the random assortment of brain rot which you may have watched on newgrounds as a tween/teen).
I have embedded the first episode(s) below, if you dare.
Then it dawned on me. Why not take my newly found knowledge and share it with you all, in a vein attempt to help my fellow Millennial parents – I gift to you a lifeline to understanding the dizzying world of Gen Alpha slang.
It was only after one too many groans from my daughter, and several attempts to get it right, that I finally asked for her help to create this Gen Alpha to Millenial translation guide. Because while we might still be holding on to “LOL” and “fam” we’re not beyond saving.
So join me as I navigate the wonderfully bizarre “slang-uage” of Gen Alpha, so that next time you drop a “bet, no cap,” you’ll at least get a chuckle and a fond “OMG, Dad” instead of the dreaded eye-roll, and you may just have a vague idea of what it is they’re talking about when they drop a “skibidi dop dop dop yes yes skibidi double u reeh reeh“.
Table of Contents
Gen Alpha Slang FAQ
Before we get started, let’s go through a few commonly asked Gen Alpha questions and then we’ll throw you into the deep end. Ya dig?
Q: What age is Gen Alpha?
A: Gen Alpha, also known as Generation Alpha, are those little legends born from around 2010 to the mid-2020s. They’re the next in line after Gen Z, and they’ve never known a world without smartphones or TikTok.
Imagine being born into a world where Alexa might be your first word. Gen Alpha kids are basically digital wizards from day one – swiping before they’re walking. They’re also growing up with a front-row seat to all the big issues, like climate change and social justice, and they’re probably going to lecture us about it before they hit double digits.
Raised by Millennials and Gen Z, these kids are somewhat tech-savvy, creative, and probably more woke than any of us. Let’s just say they’ll be teaching us how to use the latest apps while simultaneously saving the planet.
Q: How do Gen Alpha talk?
A: Gen Alpha tends to use a lot of slang, internet-inspired phrases, and abbreviations. Their speech is fast-paced, full of cultural references, and often draws on TikTok trends, memes, and emoji-inspired words. They keep things short and expressive (and a little bit non-sensical).
Gen Alpha Slang to Millenial Translations
Rizz / Rizzed / Rizzler (aka Charisma or Charm)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Swagger, cool factor
Rizz is all about that smooth-talking, effortless charm that makes someone totally captivating. If you’ve got rizz, you’re a natural at flirting – kind of like you thought you were back in the day. Or, “Hey Tiff, Jake was totally trying to rizz Laura up during lunch”.
There’s a great post on The Conversation about the etymology of the word for those who still don’t quite get it.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, did you have rizz back in the day?”
Millennial Dad: “You mean, did I have… swag?”
Gen Alpha: “Let’s just say… I hope you married well.”
Sigma / What the Sigma (aka Independent Alpha)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Lone wolf
Sigma was originally for those who go their own way, focusing on self-improvement and independence rather than following the crowd. If you’re giving off “sigma vibes,” you’re the strong, silent type. Kind of like Will Smith in Bad Boyz.
However this word has taken on a broader meaning which is entirely interchangable, and can be a substitute for most words.
The popularity of – “what the sigma?!” can be traced back to this Spongebob meme, and this would explain why my daughter and her friends are non-stop parroting this to each other.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That guy’s got sigma energy.”
Millennial Dad: “So… he’s just alone?”
Gen Alpha: “No, he’s cool and alone, Dad.”
Cap / No Cap (aka A Lie / No Lie)
Noun/Verb
Millennial Equivalent: BS, you’re chatting shit, stretching the truth
If someone’s calling “cap,” they’re saying you’re lying. In the Gen Alpha world, honesty is one syllable, and lying is too. Thus, “cap.” Or when someone is proclaiming their innocence, “no cap”.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Did you really play football like Michael Owen? Cap.”
Millennial Dad: “Excuse me, no cap.”
Gen Alpha: “Sure, Dad… sure.”
Fanum Tax (Stealing / Stealing Food / The Price of Popularity)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Snatched, Jacked, Fame tax, the hassle of being well-known
Tricky one here as the term “Fanum tax” first popped up thanks to the Twitch streamer Fanum, who had a funny habit of “taxing” snacks by taking bites from other creators’ food during live streams. It quickly became a running joke and even turned into a meme, with fans and fellow streamers embracing the idea of a “tax” on treats!
So to steal a percentage of your friends nuggies would be the “fanum tax”.
However, it can be used in a more generalised sense for stealing as a whole. It also has an outlier definition or saying that popularity comes with its own price – constant messages, interruptions, and social media drama – however this usage is less common.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad if you’re going Maccie’s make sure I get some of your nuggies.”
Millennial Dad: “Fanum Tax?”
Gen Alpha: “Cap.”
Gyat / Gyatt (aka Badunkadunk / Dump Truck)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Cake, Booty, Dump truck, Peach, Buns, Wagon, Back
Kids these days are all about the gyatt.
The term “gyatt” is cused to express admiration for someone’s attractive physique, particularly a well-shaped or large buttocks. It originated as a shortened form of “goddamn” and gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok and Twitch, where streamers such as YourRAGE and Kai Cenat frequently used it in reaction to curvy individuals.
Example:
I’d rather not in this instance…
Mewing (aka Jawline Exercise / Throwing Shade)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: DIY facial exercise / Throwing shade
“Mewing” is about pressing the tongue against the roof of your mouth to “enhance” the jawline. It’s apparently essential for Gen Alpha’s selfie game.
It’s also a way to throw shade at “the establishment” – particularly teachers if you decide not to respond to them because “you’re mewing / busy”.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, you should try mewing.”
Millennial Dad: “Wait, I can reshape my face now?”
Gen Alpha: “Sure, Dad. Good luck with that.”
GOAT (aka Greatest of All Time)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: The best, legend
“GOAT” stands for Greatest of All Time, used to describe legends or anything top-tier. It’s no longer just for athletes – it’s for everything.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, that lasagna? GOAT.”
Millennial Dad: “Like a farm animal?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad… the best.”
Skibidi (aka Anything)
Adjective / Interchangable
Millennial Equivalent: Insert your favourite cool hip word or swear word here.
“Skibidi” doesn’t have a fixed meaning – it’s one of those flexible, vibe-driven words. Depending on the context, it can mean anything from cool to ridiculous or even dumb. It’s often just a fun, catchy word to throw into a conversation for a laugh or to set a playful tone. Or when conversation has died down you might hear a “what the Skibidi toilet rizz”.
Using it, is a bit like proving you’re in the loop, keeping up with the latest internet crazes, and showing everyone you’re still tuned into the finest “brain rot” content out there.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “I’m gonna hit it, Skibidi!”
Millennial Dad: “NANI!?”
Gen Alpha: “Flossing is ancient, Dad.”
Bet (aka Agreement or Affirmation)
Interjection
Millennial Equivalent: Sure, deal
“Bet” is Gen Alpha’s quick way of agreeing. It’s a casual yes, but with an edge.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Let’s grab a snack after school.”
Millennial Dad: “Bet.”
Gen Alpha: Actually impressed Dad got it right for once.
Delulu (aka Delusional)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Fantasy world, out of touch
If someone’s “delulu,” they’re living in their own world, lost in delusions or big dreams. It’s a playful way of saying someone’s being unrealistic or nasty way of saying crazy.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “You think we’ll get there in 5 minutes? Delulu.”
Millennial Dad: “Optimism isn’t delusional!”
Gen Alpha: “Sure, Dad… keep dreaming.”
Ratio’d (aka Overwhelmingly Disliked Online)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Called out, unpopular opinion
If you get “ratio’d,” it means your online post got way more negative reactions than likes. It’s Gen Alpha’s version of getting roasted.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, your post about metalcore got ratio’d so hard.”
Millennial Dad: “I thought metalcore was cool!”
Gen Alpha: “Not in 2024, Dad.”
Sus (aka Suspicious or Shady)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Sketchy, fishy
Anything remotely shady is now just “sus,” thanks to Gen Alpha’s love for brevity. We’ve got Among Us to thank for this one.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, why are you being so sus?”
Millennial Dad: “I’m literally making a sandwich.”
Gen Alpha: “Exactly. Very sus.”
Ate (aka Doing Really Well)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Nailed it, killed it
If someone “ate,” they did a fantastic job. Think of it as absolutely crushing a task or look.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That speech? You ate, Dad.”
Millennial Dad: “Wait, I… ate?”
Gen Alpha: “Yes, in a good way.”
Aura (aka Vibe or Energy / Points)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Presence, energy, vibe, cool points
Aura is all about someone’s overall vibe or energy. If you’ve got a good aura, you’re exuding positive vibes. But can also be used as a tally or points marker thusly – “How many aura points did I lose when I fell over in PE”.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, you’ve got chill aura today.”
Millennial Dad: “Is that a compliment?”
Gen Alpha: “Yeah, Dad. Take it.”
Bussin‘ (aka Amazing, Especially Food)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Delicious, fantastic
If something’s “bussin,” it’s a winner – especially food.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “This burger is bussin!”
Millennial Dad: “Is that… like busting?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad, it means it’s delicious.”
Flex (aka Showing Off)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Brag, flaunt
To “flex” is to show off – be it your shoes, your car, or your joke-telling abilities (though your kid might disagree on the last one).
Can also be used in a negative sense – “weird flex, but ok ‘bruh”.
Or
Example:
Gen Alpha: “New car? Big flex, Dad.”
Millennial Dad: “I mean, yeah…”
Gen Alpha: “Flex on, Dad.”
Ohio (aka Strange or Chaotic)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Weird, out there
Anything bizarre or chaotic is now dubbed “Ohio.” Can be used in tandum so you’ll end up with “Ohio rizz” etc.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That teacher was sending total Ohio vibes.”
Millennial Dad: “What did Ohio ever do?”
Gen Alpha: “It’s just… Ohio, Dad.”
Beta (aka Less Dominant Personality)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Sidekick, laid-back, loser
If someone’s “beta,” they’re more laid-back or less assertive than the “alpha” type. It’s Gen Alpha’s way of describing someone who’s more of a follower, or in the extreme sense, someone who is a total loser.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “He’s cool, but he’s kinda beta.”
Millennial Dad: “So he’s… easygoing?”
Gen Alpha: “Meh.”
Mid (aka Average)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: So-so, okay
Calling something “mid” is basically saying it’s painfully average. It’s the lowest compliment Gen Alpha can give.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That new superhero movie was mid.”
Millennial Dad: “So it’s, like, okay?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad, it’s just meh.”
Alpha (aka Dominant Personality)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Leader, main character
If someone’s “alpha,” they have a dominant, confident personality. They’re usually seen as the leader in any situation – think the opposite of “beta.”
Example:
Gen Alpha: “She’s totally alpha.”
Millennial Dad: “So… she’s in charge?”
Gen Alpha: “Exactly, Dad.”
Mogging / Moggin’ (aka Fit)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Fit
If you’re “mogging” someone, you’re fit. Looking your best. Predominantly in reference to physical appearance but can also be dominating or outperforming them.
Example:
Let’s not.
I’m Cooked (aka I’m ****)
Main Character Energy (aka Standing Out Confidently)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Star power, spotlight
When someone has “main character energy,” they’re walking around like they’re the star of the show. It’s about owning every moment with full confidence.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “She’s got main character energy.”
Millennial Dad: “So… she’s the centre of attention?”
Gen Alpha: “Yes, Dad, like she’s in her own movie.”
Drip (aka Fashion Sense)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Style, swag
“Drip” refers to having great style, usually in terms of clothing. If you’ve got the “drip,” you’re looking good.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad’s got that drip today!”
Millennial Dad: “Is that… good?”
Gen Alpha: “Yes, Dad, it’s a compliment.”
Catch Hands (aka Start a Fight)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Throw down, go head-to-head
If someone’s about to “catch hands,” it means they’re ready to fight. Usually, it’s used jokingly, but there’s an edge to it.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Careful, or you’ll catch hands.”
Millennial Dad: “Is that a threat?”
Gen Alpha: “Just a warning, Dad.”
Sussy Baka (aka Silly but Suspicious Fool)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Oddball, goofball
“Sussy Baka” combines “sus” (suspicious) with “baka” (Japanese for fool). It’s used to describe someone who’s acting oddly but in a funny way.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, why are you being a sussy baka?”
Millennial Dad: “I… don’t know?”
Gen Alpha: “Exactly, Dad.”
Snack (aka Attractive Person)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Hot, eye candy
If someone’s a “snack,” it means they look good – almost good enough to eat, figuratively speaking.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That actor? Total snack.”
Millennial Dad: “Like… chips?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad, like they look really good.”
It’s Giving… (aka It Reminds Me Of…)
Phrase
Millennial Equivalent: It’s like, it has vibes of
“It’s giving” is Gen Alpha’s way of saying something has a certain vibe or aesthetic.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad’s shirt? It’s giving 90s sitcom.”
Millennial Dad: “Is that good?”
Gen Alpha: “Sure, Dad… if you like it.”
Yeet (aka Throw with Energy)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Toss, chuck
“Yeet” is all about throwing something with force and enthusiasm. Whether it’s a ball or a crumpled-up paper, you “yeet” it across the room.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “I just yeeted my bag onto the couch!”
Millennial Dad: “Is it okay?”
Gen Alpha: “It’s fine, Dad. That’s the point of yeeting.”
Simp (aka Doing Too Much for Someone)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Puppy love, whipped
To “simp” for someone is to go out of your way for their attention, often too much.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “He’s simping hard for her.”
Millennial Dad: “So he’s… interested?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad, he’s really interested.”
Vibe Check (aka Assessing the Mood)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Setting the mood, feeling it
When Gen Alpha does a “vibe check,” they’re basically scanning to see if everyone’s in a good mood.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Vibe check, Dad. Are you cool?”
Millennial Dad: “I… think so?”
Gen Alpha: “Ehh, borderline mid.”
Low Key (aka Kind of, Secretly)
Adverb
Millennial Equivalent: Subtle, on the down-low
“Low key” is Gen Alpha’s way of saying “kind of” or “secretly.” It’s used when they don’t want to be too obvious about something.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “I’m low key excited for the trip.”
Millennial Dad: “Why not high key?”
Gen Alpha: “Because, Dad. It’s a vibe thing.”
NPC (aka Background Character)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Follower, non-standout
An “NPC” is a non-playable character in video games, and Gen Alpha uses it to describe people who don’t stand out or act independently.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That guy is such an NPC.”
Millennial Dad: “So he’s… just there?”
Gen Alpha: “Exactly, Dad.”
Snatched (aka Looking Good)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: On point, looking sharp
If you’re “snatched,” you’re looking especially good, usually thanks to a great outfit or style.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Mum’s outfit is snatched today!”
Millennial Dad: “Did she… steal it?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad. It means she looks great.”
Touch Grass (aka Go Outside)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Take a break, get some fresh air
If Gen Alpha tells you to “touch grass,” they’re suggesting you take a break from screens and get outside.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “You’re so worked up. Go touch some grass, Dad.”
Millennial Dad: “Didn’t I mow the lawn yesterday?”
Gen Alpha: Sighs
Slaps (aka Really Good Song or Beat)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Banger, jam
When something “slaps,” it’s got a good beat or vibe. Think of your favourite song at every high school dance.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That track slaps!”
Millennial Dad: “Like… a high five?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad, like it’s amazing.”
W and L (aka Win and Loss)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Score, fail
In Gen Alpha terms, a “W” is a win and an “L” is a loss. It’s shorthand for life’s successes and setbacks.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “I got an extra scoop of ice cream. W!”
Millennial Dad: “Did I just take an L?”
Gen Alpha: “Pretty much, Dad.”
Glow Up (aka Transformation for the Better)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Makeover, improvement
A “glow up” is when someone undergoes a noticeable positive transformation (usually in a physical sense). It could be a new look or a new attitude.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Wow, your desk got a glow up.”
Millennial Dad: “I just organised it.”
Gen Alpha: “Exactly.”
Based (aka Confidently True)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Real, truthful
If someone’s “based,” they’re confident and true to themselves without caring what others think.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That’s actually based, Dad.”
Millennial Dad: “Thank you… I think?”
Oi Oi Oi Baka (Meme)
Phrase
Millennial Equivalent: Waaaaazzaaaaaaa
This is a meme / brain-rot challenge that comes from a mixture of J/K anime influence. A child is supposed to interrupt class and repeat the meme to show they have the guts to do it for cred. Less harmful that the tide-pod challenge, is it entertaining? Meh – mostly harmless regurgitation, but mildly annoying.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Oi oi oi, Baka.”
Millennial Dad: “I’m… what?”
Gen Alpha: “Baka YAROU”
Millennial Dad: NANI
Sheesh (aka Expressing Awe / Excitement or Yikes)
Interjection
Millennial Equivalent: Whoa, OMG, Big Yikes
If something is amazing or surprising, Gen Alpha will let out a drawn-out “sheesh” to express their excitement. The longer the “sheesh,” the more intense the awe. Also used in a negative sense.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Sheeeeeesh, that’s a cool car!”
Millennial Dad: “Is everything okay?”
Gen Alpha: “Yes, Dad, just… sheesh.”
Fire (aka Amazing)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Awesome, epic
If something is “fire,” it’s amazing. Whether it’s a song, an outfit, or a meal, calling it “fire” means it’s top-notch.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “This playlist is fire.”
Millennial Dad: “Should I be worried about actual fire?”
Gen Alpha: Sighs “No, Dad, it just means it’s really good.”
Slay (aka Totally Crushing It)
Verb
Millennial Equivalent: Killing it, on point
“Slay” is used when someone is doing something exceptionally well or looking amazing while doing it. If you’re “slaying,” you’re winning at life.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “You’re slaying, Dad!”
Millennial Dad: “Like… I’m doing a good job?”
Gen Alpha: “Exactly, Dad. Keep slaying.”
Baddie (aka Confident and Stylish Person)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Trendsetter, diva
A “baddie” is someone who’s confident, stylish, and isn’t afraid to own the spotlight. It’s usually used to describe someone with fierce fashion sense and attitude. Bad girl / wild.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “She’s such a baddie.”
Millennial Dad: “Like a… villain?”
Gen Alpha: “No, Dad, like she’s cool and confident.”
Noob (aka Beginner or Inexperienced)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Rookie, newbie
A “noob” is someone who is inexperienced or just starting out, typically in gaming but can apply to anything or anyone…
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, you’re such a noob at this game.”
Millennial Dad: “I’m trying my best, okay?”
Gen Alpha: “Classic noob line, Dad.”
Put the Fries in the Bag (aka Get It Done Right)
Phrase
Millennial Equivalent: Faster bruv?
“Put the fries in the bag” means you’re taking too long and you need to hurry up!
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Come on, Dad, put the fries in the bag!”
Millennial Dad: “What fries?”
Gen Alpha: “It means hurry up, Dad!”
Ick (aka Cringe or Turn-Off)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Dealbreaker, pet peeve, yuck
An “ick” is something small but annoying that turns you off from someone or something. Something can also give you the ick vibe.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “He wore socks with sandals. Instant ick.”
Millennial Dad: “*Looks down at crocs and socks*”
Savage (aka Brutally Honest or Impressive)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Ruthless, badass
If someone’s “savage,” they’re being blunt or impressively fearless, often in a funny way.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That comeback was savage, Dad!”
Millennial Dad: “I didn’t know I still had it in me.”
OP (aka Overpowered or Original Poster)
Adjective/Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Too strong, Overpowered
“OP” can mean someone or something is too powerful, or it can refer to the original poster in an online discussion.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “This character is OP.”
Millennial Dad: “Overpowered, like my old coffee?”
Gen Alpha: “Kind of, Dad.”
Pookie (aka Term of Endearment)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Sweetheart, honey
“Pookie” is a cutesy nickname used to refer to someone you care about. Although can be used as a term of endearment between friends too.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Aw, you’re my pookie, Dad.”
Millennial Dad: “I think I’ll stick with just Dad.”
Not Gonna Lie (NGL) (aka Honest Statement)
Phrase
Millennial Equivalent: To be honest, truth be told, innit
“NGL” is used to preface an honest opinion, often when it’s slightly uncomfortable or blunt. But it also has a tendency, (at least with my daughter) to be the precursor of EVERY sentence. “NGL, today sucked”. “NGL, I’m hungry”. “NGL, don’t want to brush my teeth”.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “NGL, Dad, that shirt is kind of mid.”
Millennial Dad: “NGL, you haven’t changed your blouse in 3 days and I can smell it from here.”
OG (aka Original or Authentic)
Adjective/Noun
Millennial Equivalent: The original, classic
“OG” refers to someone or something that is the original or classic version – often admired for being the first.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “You’re an OG, Dad.”
Millennial Dad: “Is that good?”
Gen Alpha: “Yes, Dad. It means you’re the original.”
Chad (aka Confident and Dominant Male)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Alpha male, jock
A “Chad” is someone, typically a guy, who is confident, assertive, and often very successful in social situations.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “That guy’s a total Chad.”
Millennial Dad: “So he’s… popular?”
Gen Alpha: “Yeah, Dad, but in a very in-your-face way.”
Bruh (aka Expression of Disbelief or Disappointment)
Interjection
Millennial Equivalent: Seriously?, Really?
“Bruh” is Gen Alpha’s way of expressing disbelief, disappointment, or even frustration. It’s like a verbal eye-roll, used whenever someone does or says something that’s just… questionable.
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Dad, did you just try to ‘dab’?”
Millennial Dad: “Hey, I’ve still got it!”
Gen Alpha: “Bruh…”
Brain Rot (aka Mindless Obsession or Overconsumption)
Noun
Millennial Equivalent: Mind-numbing, binge watching
“Brain rot” describes the state of being overly consumed by something trivial, often referring to spending too much time on a mindless activity. It’s what happens after hours of scrolling or binging on content without much substance.
Or it’s a direct reference to watching garbage on YT shorts / tiktok like skibidi toilet…
Example:
Gen Alpha: “I watched cat videos for three hours last night. Total brain rot.”
Millennial Dad: “Did you learn anything new?”
Gen Alpha: “Nope, just brain rot, Dad.”
Extra (aka Over the Top, Special)
Adjective
Millennial Equivalent: Overly dramatic, on point
If someone is being “extra,” they’re going above and beyond in a dramatic way – sometimes in a positive, enthusiastic sense, but often in a way that’s just a bit over the top. Picture someone crying a river because their favourite coffee shop ran out of oat milk – that’s “extra.” Or, “Tom brought a 5-foot card to the party. So extra.”
Example:
Gen Alpha: “Why is Uncle Rob always so extra at family dinners?”
Millennial Dad: “That’s just Rob being Rob…”
Closing Thoughts From A Still Confused Millenial Dad
Trying to wrap your head around the ever-evolving slang and trends of Gen Alpha can feel like trying to decode alien signals (SETI, anyone?)—if the aliens were also really into TikTok and had a questionable obsession with abbreviations.
But hey, if you’ve made it this far, you’re already taking the W. Whether it’s figuring out why your kid just called your dinner “bussin” or why they insist you need “rizz,” even reading this might help you bond with your kids in a “cringe, but they actually kinda like the fact that you’ve taken an interest in their lingo” kinda way.
Sure, Gen Alpha might be lightyears ahead in technology and know how to go viral on TikTok with one catchy phrase, but they still have a lot to learn—like how WiFi and mobile data aren’t the same thing, how a computer actually works, or what it means to rewind a cassette tape.
Meanwhile, we dads have our own timeless skills: embarrassing dance moves that always make an appearance, and dad jokes that will never go out of style (no matter how hard they roll their eyes).
So keep flexing those parental skills – literal and metaphorical – and if this has helped you put a smile on your kid’s face, then leave us a comment, even if you still have no idea what “Skibidi Ohio rizz” means… because I’m still not entirely sure that I do!
And if you’re still looking for more to read
