Unlock Gen Z and Alpha Secrets: Master Their Marketing Language Today!

Wondering if skibidi is a mistake? Curious if you possess rizz? Think sigma refers only to a Greek letter? Explore how embracing the slang of Gen Z and Alpha can enhance your marketing strategies and dominate social media platforms.

By 2025, Gen Z will dominate the young adult demographic (ages 15-29), while Zalphas (a blend of Gen Z and Alphas, born from 2008 to 2014) are set to influence a shift in youth culture.

The insights from our Youth: Decoding Slanguage report are vital for staying current with the evolving slang, cultural memes, and emojis. These elements are crucial for amplifying your brand’s cultural relevance and social presence in media and marketing communications.

Here, we reveal three dynamic strategies.

Grasp Slanguage and its Roots

The surge of social media platforms has sped up trend cycles and influenced how quickly Gen Z and Gen Alpha adopt new slang. Platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, X, and Snapchat are pivotal for social engagement, connections, and personal expression.

Many slang terms popularized by Gen Z and Alphas on these platforms originate from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture. Thanks to the widespread accessibility of the internet, these terms have been embraced by a diverse range of young people. However, the appropriation of AAVE by non-Black users is a contentious issue due to the missing context and inherent cultural significance. It’s important to fully understand these slang terms before incorporating them into your communication.

Engage with Everyday Youth Language

Gen Z and Alpha consumers are quick to detect when a brand’s communication isn’t genuine. It’s important to listen actively, engage thoughtfully, and honor original creators by acknowledging them in your content or involving them as brand ambassadors.

Determine and utilize the communication styles that are most effective for the various types of content you produce on social media.

Utilize Gaming Slang

Gaming slang offers a direct channel to connect with Gen Alpha and Zalpha audiences, particularly males, and its influence is expanding.

Terms like “skibidi”, “rizz”, and “sigma” are increasingly popular in gaming circles and among streamers. As the Alphanet begins to emerge, slang is becoming even more central to youth culture, influencing brand engagement strategies.

Develop campaigns that incorporate gaming jargon and slang to engage Gen Alpha gamers. Focus on collaborating with Alpha influencers across gaming platforms and TikTok to produce authentic content that resonates with their language and interests.

Capitalize on Pop Culture Moments

Highlight your brand’s in-depth understanding of youth and digital culture by integrating key moments from significant cultural events and viral memes.