(COLORADO) — The eternal struggle of one generation understanding the next can be difficult, with slang changing all the time. Definitions of some common terms might help you understand the Gen Z person in your life.

A study done by Trinity College London found that “80% of Gen Z students acquire a significant proportion of their language skills from watching social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.” The European Union said the study shows not only the influence of global trends but also highlights how social media and popular culture are shaping the linguistic landscape.

The European Union shared the definitions of common slang terms:

Rizz

The word rizz is derived from charisma; rizz refers to being able to charm someone. The EU said if someone has rizz, they can successfully flirt with others with ease. Those with rizz are usually quite confident and know how to use their words to get someone or something that they want.

Aura

A person with “aura” is described as having a particular energy about them. They exude a distinctive atmosphere or quality through actions that could be considered cool or respectable. “Aura points” refer to arbitrary ‘points’ won for particular behaviors such as scoring a goal for your team in football, helping someone in need, or even just being confident. The EU said even if you don’t understand the concept, know that having an aura is usually a good thing unless someone explicitly says you have “negative aura” or -100 “aura points.”

Very demure, very mindful

A term originated from a TikTok video uploaded by beauty influencer Jools Lebron, who demonstrated a simple makeup look fit for the workplace, which she described as “Very demure, very mindful”, according to the EU. The trend took off to describe anything that appears ‘modest’ or ‘professional’, basically, said the EU, being mindful of your appearance and behavior in a particular setting.

Aesthetic

For something to be “aesthetic,” it is pleasing to look at, or it is simply beautiful. While beauty is subjective, there are different aesthetics or styles depending on what someone finds pleasing. For example, if something has a “minimalist aesthetic,” it reflects the qualities of the ‘minimalist’ style, which, as the name suggests, is a very simple, clean look that is typically applied to fashion or interior design.

Dululu

If someone is “delulu,” they are delusional, holding unrealistic beliefs or fantasies. According to the EU, the word is often tied to the phrase “delulu is the solulu,” which suggests that sometimes being delusional is the solution to our problems, convincing yourself of something so “outlandish” that you start to believe it is real. Also, “dululu” is used to call someone crazy, for example, if you are seeing red flags in your relationships and choosing to ignore them, you are being “delulu.”

(No) cap

If you suspect someone is lying, then they are “capping”. Saying “cap” to someone is a way to express disbelief in their statement. On the other hand, “no cap” could be used to emphasise your statement and express that you are telling the truth. The EU gave an example of if your friend insists they have seen Stromae on their university campus, you could say “cap”, then they would respond with “no cap” to emphasise the seriousness and truthfulness of their statement.

Cringe

If you have ever experienced a moment of secondhand embarrassment so strong you feel it in your bones, you have experienced “cringe.” The EU said anything considered awkward or embarrassing can be referred to as “cringe.” Something cringe may also cause you to recoil in disgust or embarrassment; it is so bad you can physically feel it.

Fam

“Fam” is simply short for family, but not just in the literal sense. It can also be used to describe your close friends, expressing a sense of familiarity with a group of people. The EU said a new expression that incorporates the use of the word is “in da clurb, we all fam” or in the club we are all family. Your ‘fam’ can be any group of people you feel particularly tied to in a sense of community.

Flex

A “flex” is showing off or bragging about something, whether it is worth showing off or not. This is also where the phrase “weird flex, but ok” comes from.

Karen

Karen is a slang term for someone who is behaving in a way that feels entitled or demanding. The EU said this slang term has evolved over the years to extend to anyone being obnoxious and using their privilege to get what they want or to police other people’s behavior.

Mid

If something or someone is “mid,” it is mediocre or low quality. “Mid” is largely a matter of option, and what one considers “mid” may not be what someone else considers “mid,” such as chocolate ice cream, according to the EU.

Slay

The EU said “slay” is an adjective most commonly used when describing fashion, music, or artistic expression. If something or someone is “slay,” it is exceptionally impressive. The term slay meant to kill before becoming slang, so someone is “slaying” it if they are “killing it,” another slang term, which is used in a non-literal sense, is a compliment to suggest the impressiveness of the situation.

Sus

“Sus” is short for suspicious. If you feel as though someone or something is untrustworthy, it is “sus.” The EU said the term applies to things that may seem too good to be true. The EU gave an example is if you are looking to buy a second-hand laptop and find a brand new one for $50, it is probably “sus” and not a risk worth taking.

Hits different

The EU said if something stands out from your usual, routine experiences, making the situation particularly memorable or significant, you could say it “hits different.” The expression is a feeling that can be used to describe anything that leaves a good impression on you, leaving you feeling satisfied and smiling.

These are not all of the slang terms, but if you ever see someone using any of these terms, you’ll know what they mean.