According to Glassdoor, Gen Z will overtake Boomers in terms of the number of full-time workers from each generation. If you want to fill your company’s talent needs while maintaining an exceptional workplace culture, you need to set your sights on attracting (and retaining) Gen Z workers.

That may be easier said than done, especially if you aren’t up-to-speed on the generation’s quirks, behavioral traits, and unique slang.

We know what you’re thinking — do people even use slang in job interviews? It’s becoming a lot more common, especially among Gen Z jobseekers, who value authenticity above just about everything else.

With that in mind, here are a few Gen Z slang terms you need to know before your next recruiting campaign.

7 Gen Z Phrases You Need to Learn

It’s not necessary to learn every Gen Z phrase or slang term (and you definitely don’t have to incorporate them into your vocabulary). However, there are a few words and phrases you should be familiar with, including the following:

1. “Ghosting”

You might have heard this term in the context of dating. It’s also made its way into the workplace and may refer to a candidate or employee who stops responding to communication.

For example, you might have a promising candidate who goes through multiple interview rounds only to disappear with a trace. Understanding this behavior can help you keep Gen Z engaged throughout the hiring process by providing clear timelines. 

2. “Cap” and “No Cap”

If a Gen Z employee says, “That’s cap,” they’re calling out something they believe to be false. Conversely, “no cap” indicates honesty (as in “no lie”). You might encounter these terms during a casual conversation with Gen Z candidates. Particularly laid-back applicants may even use them during formal interviews.

3. “Clap Back”

To “clap back” means to offer a sharp retort or response to criticism. The term shows up often in online and social media content but can also apply in the workplace. You may encounter claims of a clapback when handling disputes between Gen Z workers. 

4. “Salty”

If someone is “salty,” they’re feeling upset, irritated, or annoyed. A Gen Z employee might use this term to describe their feelings (or someone else’s) regarding a frustrating situation at work. Recognizing when someone is salty can help you address minor grievances before they escalate.

5. “Extra”

A frustrated Gen Z worker might describe someone or something as “extra,” meaning that they’re going over the top or being unnecessarily dramatic. Understanding this term is important for gauging Gen Z employees’ reactions to certain policies and activities.

6. “Woke”

Though being “woke” originally referred to being aware of important yet frequently overlooked social injustices and inequalities, it now sometimes carries the implication of being unreasonably sensitive or having radically progressive ideas.

Gen Z employees may use the term to describe someone who’s socially and politically aware. The ambiguous nature of the phrase makes context even more important.

7. “Bet”

If a Gen Z employee says “bet,” they likely mean “okay” or “I agree.” This term is often used in response to a request or suggestion. For example, if you ask a Gen Z team member to take the lead on a project and they respond with “bet,” it means they’re on board and ready to go.

Why Slang Matters

As an HR leader, you need to be able to understand, relate to, and connect with your team. Speaking your employees’ language (or, at the very least, understanding it) can help you create a more inclusive and engaging workplace culture.

Gen Z makes up a sizable portion of the workforce. As such, it’s important to foster an environment that attracts them to your company to ensure that you can meet your talent needs.

Need Help Interpreting Gen Z? AssetHR Has Got You Covered

Transforming your business into an appealing landing spot for a new generation of workers can be challenging. Sometimes, you may need a little help. AssetHR can step in and lend a hand.

Our human resources consulting pros understand what it takes to connect with the next generation of workers. We can help you effectively meet the needs of Gen Z employees, cultivate an inclusive workplace, and attract top talent. Contact our team today to learn more.