The Gen Alpha Words Confusing Everyone Over 30

Generation Alpha includes anyone born between 2010 and 2024 (Generation Beta is currently being born), so while some members of this generation are still learning to read, others in their teenage years have coined unique slang terms that have found widespread use in society.

This happens with every generation: The new kids on the block develop their own words and phrases, leaving folks born in previous generations to scratch their heads and wonder what these unfamiliar terms mean. But you don’t have to wonder anymore. Whether you’re a teacher looking to better understand your students, a grandparent who wants to bond with their grandkids, or just someone who loves language and wants to follow the trends, it’s worth keeping up with the newest Gen Alpha slang.

With apologies to the state itself, Gen Alpha kids have adopted the word “Ohio” as slang for anything that’s weird or cringeworthy. It’s derived from a series of internet memes in the late 2010s that joked about all the weird things that happen “only in Ohio.” Now this slang term can be used either on its own — similar to how you’d say the word “weird” in response to seeing something unusual — or as part of a sentence, such as, “That’s so Ohio.”

The slang term “mog” refers to someone who outclasses the rest. Commonly used — though not always — in regard to a person’s physical appearance, it’s been around since 2016, derived from the abbreviation “AMOG,” meaning “Alpha Male of Group.” It’s often meant in a playful manner and can adapt to multiple parts of speech or pair with other appearance-based words. For instance, someone who’s taller than another person may be said to be heightmogging, while someone with long and luscious hair could be called a hairmogger.

“Unc” originated within the AAVE dialect as a shortened form of the word “uncle.” It’s used to suggest that something is outdated or uncool (a coincidence given that “unc” and “uncool” share the first three letters). The slang first gained popularity around 2021 and can be used in several ways. For example, you may call an older gentleman an unc for doing something outdated, or you may refer to yourself as having reached unc status as you age and start to feel old.

The slangy suffix “-maxxing” applies when you’re going above and beyond to achieve your desired goal. It’s most commonly used as part of the term “looksmaxxing,” which refers to people who aim to enhance their appearance through good skin care and cosmetic surgery. But it can be used in a variety of other ways, too — someone who’s sleepmaxxing might be trying to get more rest, while a person who’s moneymaxxing is attempting to increase their wealth. And someone who’s nothingmaxxing can be found lying on the sofa doing nothing.

You’ve probably heard kids use the expression “67” (pronounced “six-seven”), but there’s a new version: “41” (sometimes said as “forty-one” and sometimes as “four-one). This bit of nonsensical slang is derived from a song titled “41 Song” by the rapper Blizzi Boi. The term gained popularity in late 2025 and is devoid of any deeper meaning.

Have you ever seen a cute puppy sleeping with its tongue partially sticking out? Or a cat making a goofy face where its tongue juts out ever so slightly? If so, you’ve seen animals that blep — slang for when creatures stick their tongues halfway out. This term is typically used affectionately and positively. It’s likely based on the sound humans make when sticking their tongues out to imitate a cute animal.

Most people over 30 probably aren’t familiar with the internet gaming streamer Fanum, but Gen Alpha is. For the uninitiated, during his videos, Fanum often playfully grabs a bite of food off someone’s plate and calls it a tax. This gave rise to the slang term “Fanum tax,” which has been embraced beyond his gaming streams. It refers to stealing someone else’s food or feeling entitled to a portion of it.

The term “glaze” began to gain steam on social media in the early 2020s. It’s based on a familiar definition of “glaze,” which refers to applying a glossy coating, such as with pottery or icing donuts. But to Gen Alpha, this slang means “to shower someone or something with excessive praise,” often to the point that it annoys the person who’s being praised. “Glaze” is often said in a disapproving tone — for example, “Stop glazing me; you won’t get a better grade.” — implying the praise is unwarranted.