There’s a surprisingly simple test Gen Z and Gen Alpha often use to decide whether someone is “old” in the cultural sense, and it has nothing to do with birthdays. It comes down to slang, especially the kind that spreads through TikTok, comments sections, and viral clips at lightning speed. If a few of the latest phrases sound like total nonsense, younger people may assume you’re no longer plugged in. And they are not particularly impressed that older generations once introduced their own staples like “bae,” “peng,” or even “lol.”
One of the biggest examples is “6-7,” a phrase that seemed to appear everywhere and was even named Dictionary.com’s word of the year for 2025. People still argue about whether it counts as a “word,” which is part of the joke. The point is that it doesn’t have a clear definition, and that confusion is exactly why it became a meme. It’s often described as peak internet brain rot, complete with a specific hand gesture that kids have been copying on playgrounds.
Then there’s “sigma,” one of those labels that younger people throw around with total confidence. If a teen calls you a sigma, it’s usually meant as a compliment, so it’s best not to ruin the moment by asking for a definition. The term taps into the idea of a lone wolf who doesn’t chase attention but still earns it. In this slang universe, a sigma is self-reliant, confident, respected, and very selective about who gets their time.
“Delulu” is easier to decode once you hear it a few times, because it’s simply a playful shorthand for “delusional.” Gen Z and Gen Alpha love trimming words until they sound funnier and more casual, and this one stuck. It’s usually used ironically, often to tease someone for wildly optimistic assumptions or unrealistic expectations. Think of it as a wink that says, “Be serious,” without actually sounding serious.
@howardtangofficial This cat is AURA FARMING 😼🕶️ #catsoftiktok #aurafarming #pets ♬ original sound – Howard Tang
Some terms lean more personal, like “unc,” short for “uncle.” It isn’t automatically an insult, but it can signal that you give off older vibes or what younger people call “unc energy.” Another recent favorite is “aura farming,” which borrows “farming” from gaming, where it means collecting points or resources. In everyday use, it describes someone intentionally acting in a way that boosts how cool, charismatic, or untouchable they seem, and Timothée Chalamet is often mentioned as the kind of person who does it effortlessly.
Which of these words have you heard in real life, and which ones still sound like a secret code to you? Share your thoughts in the comments.
