Top 20 Gen Z slang terms which baffle middle aged people

Gen Z slang 'hits different' for middle-aged people - and these are the top 20 terms that leave them most baffled.

A poll of 2,000 adults found ‘choong’, ‘leng’ and ‘it slaps’ are most likely to leave over 45s scratching their heads.

While ‘snatched', ‘peng’ and ‘boujee’ are also terms Gen Z use that baffle those older adults.

Others are confused by ‘charge it’, ‘aired’ and ‘shook’.

As a result, 26 per cent of older adults have turned to Google or Urban Dictionary to work out the meaning behind their kids’ or younger colleagues' cryptic utterings.

But nearly one in 10 (seven per cent) wouldn’t dream of owning up to being unsure about the meaning of a slang word or phrase.

The research was commissioned by Mentos Gum, which also took to the streets with top influencer Nella Rose to ask Gen Z about the slang words they use that their parents don’t always understand.

It also emerged 70 per cent of Gen Z - the generation born after 1996 - find it easy to pick up new slang, compared to just 22 per cent of those over 45.

While 34 per cent of Millennials - those aged 25-41 - are likely to attempt to keep up with the latest lingo, compared with just eight per cent of Boomers in their 60s and 70s.

A spokesperson for Mentos Gum said: “Every generation invents their own fresh take on slang, and for some, it’s very important to feel up to date with current phrases.

“Staying in the loop with slang is almost like learning phrases in a new language before you go abroad - it can sometimes feel like a necessary way to feel involved in a culture.”

The study also found 49 per cent of all respondents believe Gen Z own the book of the quirkiest terminology.

However, the term ‘far out’, often used in the 1960s, was recognised and understood by just 32 per cent of Gen Z.

But the word ‘groovy’ is still going strong, with 75 per cent of Boomers and 51 per cent of Gen Z familiar with the term.

When it comes to modern slang, if it wasn’t for hearing the unfamiliar jargon on social media (38 per cent), TV and film (36 per cent) or on public transport (26 per cent) - many would be none the wiser.

And 28 per cent of those over 45 said the new slang they hear comes from their own children.

But for 21 per cent of older adults, it feels ‘difficult’ to relate to the youth because of the vocabulary, with 29 per cent just smiling and nodding to save face but having no idea where to chip in.

It also emerged 25 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, reckon they hear one or two words a day they don't recognise.

Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) notice some slang phrases are said in an exaggerated way and 34 per cent have seen them accompanied with a hand action for best effect.

While 26 per cent have also observed it performed with an accent.

Once they’ve wrapped their heads around all the rules, just 15 per cent of middle-aged folk will attempt to use the saying themselves.

Mentos’ spokesperson added: “It’s up for debate as to which generation has