Gen Z Subscribes to “October Theory”
In a recent discussion on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Dr. Nicole Safier, a medical contributor, weighed in on Gen Z’s “October Theory,” which suggests embracing a second New Year’s Eve celebration within the month of October.
If you’ve stumbled upon phrases like “six, seven” or “mogging” and found them utterly perplexing, you’re not alone. It seems the latest slang is evolving rapidly, and not just for Gen Z. Even Millennials appear to be scratching their heads.
Unscramblerer.com conducted an analysis of Google Trends from January to September, revealing which slang terms have left many Americans confused. This exploration highlights the rise of new vernaculars, especially with the influence of social media.
Yaron Litwin, a children’s online culture expert and the chief marketing officer of Canopy Parental Control App, noted that “Gen Z slang is shifting from the bottom up.” The change is largely fueled by social media algorithms rather than traditional media sources, leading to a distinct generational gap in understanding.
Litwin further explains that even when older generations use the same platforms, they often interact in different online realms. This makes it more challenging to comprehend someone just a few years younger, let alone several decades apart.
This generational divide is evident in the most sought-after slang terms right now. Here are some of the top searches:
6-7
Originating from rapper Skrilla’s song “Doot Doot (6 7),” this term has racked up 141,000 searches without a clear meaning—although it symbolizes the “brain rot” often attributed to endless social media scrolling. The meme featuring 6-foot-7 basketball player LaMelo Ball has also helped drive its popularity.
bop
Searches for “bop” reached around 115,000, describing someone who jumps from partner to partner. This word often appears in contexts related to cyberbullying.
mogging
Sought about 80,000 times, “mogging” signifies someone excelling in looks or other talents, while “looksmaxxing” focuses on enhancing one’s physical features.
haz
With more than 61,000 searches, “haz” is a flirty term for an appealing person or group and seems to be replacing older terms of endearment.
According to Litwin, the swift rise and fall of slang in today’s fast-paced digital world is primarily driven by platforms like TikTok. As soon as a term gains traction, it might fade just as quickly, replaced by newer expressions.
chopped
“Chopped” has been searched 59,000 times as a TikTok term for identifying someone as unattractive. This directly contrasts with terms like “ate” and “served,” which are meant to uplift someone’s appearance or performance.
big back
Having recorded over 57,000 searches, “big back” pokes fun at individuals with larger physiques. It can be used humorously or derogatorily, depending on context.
glazing
With approximately 49,000 searches, “glazing” refers to giving excessive compliments, typically aimed at celebrities or athletes.
tangy
With 44,000 searches, calling someone “tangy” signifies they are lively or full of energy, and could even imply they’re stylish.
fanum tax
A term trending with over 36,000 searches, “fanum tax” humorously describes the act of taking food from a friend’s plate as if entitled.
green fn
With 34,000 searches, a “green FN” indicates assured success, derived from the NBA 2K video game.
deluru
With about 32,000 searches, “deluru” stands for “delusion” and originated in K-pop fandoms, reflecting an overestimation of one’s relationship potential with a celebrity.
ohio
More than 24,000 searches have defined “Ohio” as Gen Z slang for something absurd, a nod to the “Only in Ohio” meme phenomenon.
slop
Gathering approximately 21,000 searches, “slop” describes low-quality AI-generated content that floods social media, standing in contrast to more traditional forms of creative output.
