'IYKYK' - Cambridge Dictionary adds new Gen Z slang words

If you have teenagers or preteens in your household, then you probably find yourself saying "huh" every time they open their mouths to speak.

They do not speak the 'Queen's English' you grew up learning, and most of the words seem to be made up half the time. 

Fear not - the Cambridge Dictionary has added a new batch of popular slang words and phrases that will help you better understand your little minions. 

Some of the words and phrases included in the dictionary for 2024 are "the ick", "IYKYK", "boop", and "face journey". 

You probably have a better chance of understanding a big-headed, purple alien that just landed in your backyard than you do Generation Z, but knowing the meaning of a few slang words will earn you some "cool mom" and "cool dad" points. 

Here's what they mean, according to the Cambridge Dictionary:

1. The Ick: a sudden feeling that you dislike someone or something or are no longer attracted to someone because of something they do. Example: I used to like Kevin, but when I saw him in that suit it gave me the ick.
   
   
2. IYKYK: written abbreviation for if you know you know: used, for example on social media and in text messages, to show that there is a shared joke or shared knowledge with the reader that other people might not understand. Example: He's that type of boyfriend (IYKYK).
   
   
3. Boop: a gentle hit or touch on a person's or animal's nose or head, showing that you like them or as a joke. Example: She greeted me with a friendly boop on the head.
   
   
4. Face Journey: a series of expressions that appear on someone's face showing different emotions that they are experiencing as a reaction to something. Example: Watch this woman's face journey after she tries this cheese.

A total of 3,200 new words were added to the Cambridge Dictionary in 2024, including gaming terminology such as "speedrun" and "side quest".

ALSO READ:  Which social media platform is the most liked in South Africa?

If you have never heard of these words, we don't blame you. Moms and dads worldwide are struggling to make sense of what these little people are saying. 

Case in point, 'Sister, Sister' actress Tia Mowry. She recently shared a hilarious video of herself trying to use some of the phrases her son, Cree Hardrict, says regularly. 

ALSO READ: Tia Mowry on why she doesn't choose to spank her kids

It may not have worked, but we think Tia totally has that rizz. No?

That's probably the incorrect use of the word "rizz" but it's giving A for effort.

HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO

1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836. 
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa. 

Follow us on social media: 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• TikTok
• WhatsApp Channel

Main image credit: iStock/SeventyFour