Gen Z is slowly entering the workforce and encouraging the use of more casual language in the office. But using these slang words at work can make you sound unprofessional.
Gen Z employees are bringing some of their favourite slang words they have learned from social media to their workplace—which is making it increasingly challenging for other generations to work with — and comprehend — them.
Young employees — who were born between 1997 and 2012 (Gen Z) — and are joining the workforce — are introducing a plethora of new acronyms and phrases to their coworkers — in the workplace. The jargon has spread through various social media platforms and is gradually appearing in mainstream professional office settings. Gen Z cannot spend a day without using these slang words, but they are leaving their coworkers feeling annoyed. To sound more professional at work, you should avoid using these phrases at all costs.
If you are an active Twitter user, you have likely seen tweets by celebs who commonly use this phrase. In simple words, “understood the assignment” means someone succeeded at or fulfilled something they were expected to do.
This phrase can be used for someone who has dressed well or has the perfect comeback. Saying this to/about someone is the equivalent of offering a compliment. At work, if a Gen Z coworker uses this phrase, it means they have completed a task and have done it just the way it had to be done.
In the past, people were “chilling out,” but now, you will find Gen Z “vibing” instead. Vibing refers to relaxing, enjoying the atmosphere, and having a good time in general. It is closely associated with the word “vibe” which was a popular slang back in the late 1960s. Vibing can be used in different situations — especially when someone is engaged in a fulfilling conversation or enjoying good music. However, if you often use this slang at work, it may sound unprofessional.
The use of “legit” in professional settings may convey that you lack intelligence. If you want to assert the credibility of your point, focus on being more direct instead — and use professional language that is universally acknowledged in corporate.
Saying less often sounds very rude, especially if you are using it in corporate—because it conveys you are asking the speaker to stop talking. It is a very casual and abrupt way of saying “I have got your point,” or “I have understood.” Eliminate this phrase from your corporate jargon because your coworkers might feel disrespected.
It is true that referring to losses and wins as "Ls" and "Ws" was not introduced by Gen Z—they certainly prefer using it to convey a negative or positive experience. Again, you will not be taken seriously at work if you use this slang word, and it might even annoy some of your seniors.
The word "ick" has been around for a long time—and is commonly used to refer to something as unpleasant or gross — but recently — TikTok changed the meaning of the term. Gen Zers now use the phrase "gives me the ick" to address habits or traits that repel them from a person, especially someone they are dating. However, many youngsters are sharing "icks" in almost every sphere of life — including at work.
This word is often partnered with the equally intolerable “yas queen,” and it is used when someone exceeds expectations. It can be used to describe someone’s professional and personal achievements and also to compliment their appearance. Honestly, you can do better than that with your vocabulary.
The last word on our list is “bet” which is used to agree, affirm or approve of something. It is commonly used by Gen Zers to suggest “I’m down!” or “Cool!” Some even use it to express disbelief or doubt. This slang also proves that Gen Z is fond of reviving trends from the ’90s — since “bet” was prevalent in that decade.
Gen Z had sworn to destroy the sentence-ending, one-word interjections—but has now become a culprit of the same crime. While there is no harm in incorporating new slang words into your regular vocabulary, be mindful of how you are communicating with your coworkers in a professional setting.
