Meet Generation Z: the digital natives born between 1997 and 2012, now claiming their spot in the UK workforce. With nearly 12.7 million populating the UK and about 4.3 million employed in 2022, they’re not just tech-savvy—they’re set to reshape how we think about work and consumerism. Unlike their predecessors, Gen Z’s digital fluency means they’re quick to skip ads and prefer authentic engagement, pushing brands to innovate beyond traditional marketing.
As the most diverse generation yet, Gen Z champions inclusivity and is vocal about social issues like LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and racial justice. Their progressive stance extends into the workplace, where they’re prompting changes in company culture and benefits. Gen Z isn’t just working for a paycheque—they want their work to mean something and their employers to reflect their values.
The impact of COVID-19 starkly affected this group, with a significant portion experiencing job instability more than any other age group. Yet, they remain undeterred, making up the third-largest generation in the UK’s labour force today, and set to make up 27% of the global workforce by 2025.
Generation Z is expected to redefine the workplace with their fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and strong value systems. Navigating this landscape, UK businesses must adapt or risk falling behind. Gen Z values health benefits and flexible working conditions more than ever. With the UK government setting new occupational health standards, businesses, need to step up their game.
92% of 20somethings claim to use corporate jargon at work! So here’s a helpful table translating Gen Z Slang for the Corporate World…
| Gen Z Slang | Meaning | In a Corporate Context |
| No cap | I am not lying |
I thought you dealt with that client really well. No Cap.
|
| Cheugy | The opposite of trendy |
Those social media campaign ideas might have been all the rage in 2010, but today… totally cheugy.
|
| Drip | Very swag and cool |
Susan, your pant suit is dripping today!
|
| Hits different | Significantly better than usual |
Your town hall today… that hit different.
|
| Main character | You’re interesting and the main focus |
I just feel like, it’s my project, so I should be giving main character.
|
| Snatched | Something/ someone looks good |
Tim from IT looked snatched at the Christmas party.
|
| Bet | OK |
Question: Can you get that proposal to me by EOD?
|
| Skrrt | Mimics the sound of screeching tires – used usually as an interruption |
Did you see my new company car? I came to work like skrrt!!!
|
| Understood the assignment | Totally nailed something |
That pitch… you understood the assignment.
|
| Say less | I understand |
Question: The client is ten minutes early and the meeting room isn’t ready…
|
| Slaps | To be excellent or amazing |
Our new ad campaign slaps.
|
| Bussin’ | Really, really good |
Fair play that corporate away day was bussin!
|
| Vibing | Tapping into good feelings |
Yeah, so during that meeting me and the client were just vibing.
|
| Low-key | Moderate excitement |
Okay but I am low key loving the free biscuits in the office.
|
| G.O.A.T | An acronym for “Greatest of All Time” |
Janice in HR is the goat.
|
| Sus | Short for suspicious |
So, Derik hasn’t responded to any of my emails, seems sus.
|
Disclaimer: This article was written by a Millennial marketing manager who believes they’re on the cutting edge of all things cool. Take our translation attempts of Gen Z slang with a grain of salt.
If you’re curious about how Dragon Perks can help your business keep up with Gen Z’s expectations for modern benefits and workplace culture, then please get in touch or book a demo today.
References: Translating Gen Z Slang for the Corporate World
Dictionary: Quiz yourself on gen Z slang
FDM Group: Understanding gen Z in the workplace
Legal & General: Gen x shaping rh future of UK workplaces
Pew Research: Where millennials end and gen z begins
Statista: Generation Z in the UK
Hays: What employers need to know about gen z
FE News: half of gen z employees impacted professionally by COVID 19