Saying “for the plot” is a fun way for Gen Z to encourage each other to do the crazy, fun things that make storytelling fun when you’re older.

Urban Dictionary defines “for the plot” as “the conscious decision to see yourself as the main character of the story that is your life. You maintain the outlook that every moment – good or bad – is merely a plot point for your larger narrative.”

Whether you swipe right on Tinder or go out spontaneously on a Tuesday night, it’s all about the plot.

It’s true, Gen Z has an affinity for abbreviations.

A person with “rizz,” is confident, charming, and generally successful in romantic endeavors.

Ah, the ick. The term first gained widespread popularity years ago after “Love Island” contestant Olivia Attwood (now Olivia Attwood Dack) used it during Season 3, but “the ick” remains a staple in Gen Z vocabulary.

If someone gives you “the ick,” it means they’ve turned you off, either through their actions or behaviors or something they said.

Business Insider reported “icks” can come from actions as small as using the “wrong” emoji in conversation to as large as treating a service industry worker poorly.

It’s all about personal preference.

They’re taking up so much space in your mind that they might as well be paying rent.

Though often associated with specific people like a crush or celebrity, the phrase can also apply to events. For example, someone may say Beychella (Beyoncé’s iconic 2018 Coachella performance) lives rent-free in their mind.

The New York Times reported in 2023 that the term comes from the Black and Latino LGBTQ+ ballroom scene, “a queer subculture in which members are organized into so-called houses often led by a ‘mother.'”

“Mother” is a woman deserving of your respect who had a profound influence on your life.

But who is “mother” depends on who you ask. For some, it’s Diana Ross. For others, it’s Rihanna. The internet would argue it’s also Reneé Rapp, Mariah Carey, Lana Del Rey … the list goes on.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez played a house mother in the groundbreaking series “Pose” and told The New York Times that “anyone should be able to use a term that is trending,” but stressed it’s important to know where it comes from.

“The boundaries are knowing where it came from, always letting the world know where the culture came from,” she added.

Often associated with fashion and beauty, saying someone “ate” is a complimentary way of saying they look amazing and did a great job.

Look at almost any picture of Zendaya on the red carpet, and it’d be correct to say, “She ate.”

If you hear “she ate,” you may often hear “and left no crumbs” immediately after.

The additional phrase helps emphasize how perfect the person’s execution was, though it can be used on its own, too.

For example, “Blake Lively ate and left no crumbs at the 2022 Met Gala.” Meaning that she executed the theme perfectly — everything from her dress to her glam to the presentation on the red carpet was flawless.

Often used to describe food, “bussin'” is a word that originated in the Black community and means extremely good or delicious, per Merriam-Webster.

So, if your kid says dinner tonight was “bussin'” just know you did a great job.

Whether it’s a dress on the red carpet, a new TV show, or a pasta recipe, something that’s “mid” is mediocre.

Business Insider reported that Kaley Cuoco’s 2024 Critics Choice Awards gown missed the mark, so it could also be described as mid.

You can “lock in” on an assignment, cleaning your apartment, or even a video game.

Although NC State ultimately lost to Purdue in the Final Four, DJ Burns Jr. was a standout in the 2024 March Madness Tournament.

His coaches clearly saw how impactful his performance was in their tournament run and decided to “let him cook,” upping his average minutes from 24.8 per game in the regular season to 28.2 in their five games of the tournament, per ESPN.

As we’ve already established, Gen Z loves abbreviations.

“Delulu” simply means delusional.

Gen Zer Reneé Rapp, 24, famously told the “Today” show in 2023 that what gave her confidence was delusion. She followed up on her comments in GEM Magazine in 2024, saying, “It’s so interesting because I feel like delusion is cute now. Delusion is becoming slay. It’s very funny and silly.”

“It’s just a weird, innate belief in myself. And a real hunger to do something that I love so much. So, I think delusion is like my little BFF. It’s got me where I am right now,” Rapp added.

As the kids say, delulu is the solulu.

(Delusion is the solution).

“Love Is Blind” fans know that Sarah Ann and Jeramey’s behavior on Season 6 was sus.

Like Chelsea said in the reunion, who really stays out talking to someone — who’s not their financé — till 5 a.m.? And can you really trust someone who lies about their location even after they’ve shared it? Didn’t think so.