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Gen Z Slang Guide for Teachers

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Understanding student language helps create better classroom connections and manage appropriate communication. This guide categorizes Gen Z slang by classroom appropriateness.

Classroom Language Overview

40+
Classroom Appropriate
15
Use with Caution
5
Inappropriate

Classroom Appropriate Terms

These terms are generally acceptable in educational settings and can even be used to build rapport with students.

✅ Teaching Strategy

Use these terms occasionally to show you understand student culture while maintaining professional boundaries. This can help build trust and engagement.

Bet

Means "okay" or "I agree"

Classroom Use: "Bet, let's start the lesson"

Slay

To do something really well

Classroom Use: "You slayed that presentation!"

Fire

Amazing or really good

Classroom Use: "That essay was fire!"

Lit

Fun, exciting, or excellent

Classroom Use: "This discussion is lit!"

Mood

Relatable feeling or reaction

Classroom Use: "Monday morning mood"

Vibe

The mood or atmosphere

Classroom Use: "Good vibes in here today"

Fam

Close friends, like family

Classroom Use: "Our class is like fam"

GOAT

Greatest Of All Time

Classroom Use: "Shakespeare is the GOAT"

Use with Caution

These terms may be acceptable in casual conversation but require context and discretion in educational settings.

⚠️ Guidelines

Consider your school's culture and policies. Some terms may be acceptable in certain contexts but inappropriate in others. Always prioritize professional communication.

Sus

Short for suspicious or sketchy

Consider: May be acceptable in casual conversation

Mid

Something average or not impressive

Consider: Could discourage effort if used about student work

Salty

Bitter, annoyed, or upset

Consider: May be acceptable to describe feelings

Extra

Over the top, excessive

Consider: Can be used constructively about effort

No chill

Someone who overreacts or is too intense

Consider: May be acceptable in appropriate contexts

Inappropriate for School

These terms should be addressed if used in educational settings. They may contain profanity or promote inappropriate behavior.

Simp

Someone who does too much for someone they like

Action: Address usage, discuss respectful relationships

Gyatt

Exclamation for seeing someone attractive

Action: Address objectifying language

Catch these hands

A challenge to fight

Action: Address immediately, discuss conflict resolution

IDGAF

I Don't Give A F***

Action: Address profanity and attitude

FAFO

F*** Around and Find Out

Action: Address profanity and threatening language

Classroom Management Strategies

📚 Educational Approach

Use slang as a teaching opportunity. Discuss language evolution, context appropriateness, and professional communication standards.

🤝 Building Rapport

Occasionally using appropriate slang can help build connections with students while maintaining professional boundaries.

📝 Writing Assignments

Encourage students to analyze slang terms, their origins, and appropriate usage contexts in academic writing.

🗣️ Open Discussion

Create safe spaces for students to ask about language appropriateness and discuss communication standards.

📋 Clear Policies

Establish clear classroom language policies that students understand and can follow consistently.

Addressing Inappropriate Language

🎯 Immediate Response

  • Address the language privately when possible
  • Explain why the term is inappropriate
  • Provide alternative ways to express the same idea
  • Follow school policies for repeated offenses

💡 Teaching Moments

Turn inappropriate language into learning opportunities. Discuss context, audience, and professional communication standards.

🔄 Consistent Enforcement

Apply language policies consistently across all students to maintain fairness and respect in the classroom.

Professional Development Ideas

📖 Language Evolution Unit

Create lessons about how language changes over time, comparing historical slang to modern terms.

🌐 Cultural Context

Explore the cultural origins of slang terms and their significance in different communities.

📱 Digital Communication

Discuss how social media influences language and the importance of context in digital communication.

Last updated: October 2025