Merriam-Webster dictionary adds Gen Z slang words such as ‘simp’ and ‘rizz.’ What do these words mean?
Merriam-Webster recently added more than 690 words to its dictionary. Several are Gen Z slang terms, such as “simp” and “beast mode” — and many have TikTok origins.
“Signs of a healthy language include words being created, words being borrowed from other languages, and new meanings being given to existing words. Based on our most recent research, we are pleased to inform you that English is very (very!) healthy,” Merriam-Webster said in a post announcing the additions.
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Let’s take a look at several of the Gen Z slang words Merriam-Webster recently added to its dictionary.
What Gen Z slang did Merriam-Webster dictionary add?
Simp
Merriam-Webster definition: “To show excessive devotion to or longing for someone or something” or “someone (especially a man) who shows excessive concern, attention, or deference toward a romantic partner or love interest.”
Example: Jay Gatsby simps so hard for Daisy. He needs to chill and get some self respect; she moved on and married another man.
Bussin’
Merriam-Webster definition: “Extremely good, excellent” or “delicious, tasty.”
Example: These barbecue chips are absolutely bussin’! I could eat these every single day.
Rizz
Merriam-Webster definition: “Romantic appeal or charm” or “to charm or seduce”
Example: John oozes rizz — he can get any girl’s phone number.
Mid
Merriam-Webster definition: “Neither very good nor very bad” or “so-so, meh.”
Example: The ice cream at Chik-fil-A is mid. I don’t really care for it — McDonald’s is so much better.
Thirst trap
Merriam-Webster definition: “A photograph (such as a selfie) or video shared for the purpose of attracting attention or desire.”
Example: Did you see Jane’s swimsuit pic on Instagram? That was a major thirst trap.
Beast mode
Merriam-Webster definition: “An extremely aggressive or energetic style or manner that someone (such as an athlete) adopts temporarily (as to overpower an opponent in a fight or competition).”
Example: Jill entered beast mode during her basketball game last night. She scored so many 3-pointers, the other team got annihilated.
GOATED
Merriam-Webster definition: “Considered to be the greatest of all time.”
Example: “Seinfeld” is GOATED. Name a better sitcom. You can’t.
Doomscroll
Merriam-Webster definition: “To spend excessive time online scrolling through news or other content that makes one feel sad, anxious, angry, etc.”
Example: All I want to do tonight is lay in bed and doomscroll. I’ll probably watch a bunch of sad TikTok edits and cry.
Jorts
Merriam-Webster definition: “Shorts made of denim; jean shorts.”
Example: During the summer, I like to cut off my old jeans and make jorts.
Girlboss
Merriam-Webster definition: “An ambitious and successful woman (especially a businesswoman or entrepreneur).”
Example: You are killing it at work. You are the ultimate girlboss. I’m so proud of you!
Finsta
Merriam-Webster definition: “A secret or incognito account on the Instagram photo-sharing service.”
Example: That photo from last night is hilarious, it’s not worthy of my real Instagram account but I’m definitely going to share it on my finsta.
’grammable
Merriam-Webster definition: “Suitable to be posted on the Instagram photo-sharing service.”
Example: Wow, the fall leaves look beautiful. These pics are going to be very ’grammable.
NGL
Merriam-Webster definition: “Not gonna lie; not going to lie.”
Example: NGL, I am loving all the new words added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
TFW
Merriam-Webster definition: “That feeling when — used especially on social media or in text messages to introduce a relatable scenario or an image that evokes a specific feeling.”
Example: TFW your crush views your Instagram story.
TTYL
Merriam-Webster definition: “Talk to you later.”
Example: I’ve got to get going but TTYL!
