You thought you were up to date with "avoir le seum" and "c'est carré"? Wrong! In 2025, Gen Z (and even the generation below them) is rolling out a whole new series of expressions – sometimes absurd, sometimes brilliant, often genius – to describe a vibe, a mood, or a daily move. These little linguistic gems born on social media are now making their way into high school hallways, Discord chats, and drinks on the terrace, finally landing in our boomer mouths.
Here’s a best-of of the 15 coolest phrases heard this spring to survive a conversation with your little cousin or just to shine on the terrace.
1. Aura +1000
Definition: When someone instantly gains charisma, style, or presence.
Example: “ With his sunglasses on, he has aura +1000. ”
2. Ratio
Definition: A typical social media expression: when your reply gets more likes than the original post. T’u
;won.Example : « He tried to roast… but he got ratioed right away. »
3. Sheesh
Definition : Exclamation of admiration or shock. The 2.0 version of "wow".
Example : « Sheesh, he came out with an amazing outfit! »
4. Mid
Definition : Average, not great, forgettable.
Example : « Honestly, the movie? Mid. »
5. Y'a pas H
Definition : Short for "y'a pas de haine": to say things frankly, but without any drama.
Example : « You sing badly, but y'a pas H, right? »
6. Il/elle a drop
Definition : Someone posted/released/dropped something (often stylish).
Example : « She dropped a new photo, amazing. »
7. Ok mais slay
Definition : A stylish and supportive way to validate a great move or look.
unexpected.Example : « Did he show up in pink crocs? Okay, but slay.»
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8. On Fire
Definition : Being super excited, pumped up, ready to go.
Example : « Tonight I'm on fire, I'm going all out! »
9. Binks
Definition : A term from suburban slang and rap to refer to one's neighborhood or crew.
Example : « We went back to the binks after the party.
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10. To be devilish
Definition : To be disgusted, angry, at the end of one’s rope.
Example : « He ate my last cookie, I'm really upset.»
11. Flexing
Definition : To show off, flaunting your style or belongings with a bit (or a lot) of pride.
Example : « He’s totally flexing his new Hoka shoes on Insta.»
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12. Skrrt
Definition: A stylish onomatopoeia for a quick getaway, like "I'm outta here."
Example: « He saw his ex, and he skrrted right out.»
13. Être off
Definition: Being out of it, not in the right mood, kind of weird.
Example: « You were really off yesterday, are you okay?»
14. Avoir le sumo
Definition: An XXL version of being upset. When you're not just bummed out, you're really, really bummed.
Example: « She unfollowed him... he's got the sumo now.
15. Être zézé
Definition: A synonym for being exhausted, worn out, or drained.
Example: « I'm totally zézé from my week, just forget it.