How Not to Get Cooked by Gen Z

If you ever find yourself in the middle of a conversation with a Gen Z and suddenly you have lost the plot, don't worry. Just breathe. Gen Z is communicating in a different language, existing in a different world. Perhaps they simply said to you, 'she ate and left no crumbs,' and you are trying to figure out if lunch was on the agenda. In this language gap between generations, where memes are dialects, irony comes in layers, and emojis have 75 different meanings each. But I have got you, this article will simplify the Gen Z phenomenon, covering all the salacious details of their lives.

1. Get comfortable with the Absurd, even when you are Clueless

Gen Z humour is a master of nihilism absurdity. They will make jokes about existential anxiety, global warming or making fun of existentialism instead of being hopeless about it. The important point here is to attempt to process the humour rationally, but to enjoy the feel. And even if you don't see the joke, that is all right, and nobody sees it in its entirety. Just laugh along. It is actually a joke that life is absurd, and we are on it. Their coping mechanism, their language, and their armour is humour.

2. Know the culinary slang

'I am cooked', 'She ate and left no crumbs', 'That's bussin', Gen Z made the English language a fine piece of slang. Although you don't have to be fluent in culinary slang, knowing the essentials can help you avoid embarrassing pauses. Cooked is relative term, meaning, you are in trouble or you are tired. She ate and left no crumbs is an extremely complimentary phrase, indicating someone has done something flawlessly. When one tells us that something is bussin, it is good or delicious. So, if someone tells you he is toast, don't begin buttering, 

3. Master the art of Emojis

One emoji can have 75 meanings. The solitary skull does not imply death, it is an indication of my laughing. The cry emoji is not sad, it's I am laughing all the harder. The reverse smile is between 'I am fine' and 'I have accepted my fate.' Gen Z uses the single emoji like a pro sniper. Even a mere 'fr'- for real can count as a conversation. Excessive sending emojis can lead to fatigue among millennials. One strategically located can speaks more than a paragraph. It is just to follow and observe. 

4. Go with the Flow

Gen Z lives off spontaneity and flexibility. Trends are born and disappear within seconds. Don't attempt to keep up with every transitory fad. Instead, have a 'go with the flow' attitude. In case they say something you are not familiar with, just a non judgmental, Oh, interesting! or than a mere stare. Be intrested even when you feel that you are in another world. They like authenticity, although with a side of moderate bewilderment. If they use a word you don't familiarize yourself with, 'rizz', 'delulu', or 'sigma', just inquire nonchalantly or look it up afterward. 

It all comes down to vibe check at the end of the day not to be cooked by Gen Z. They value geniuneness and individuals who are actually making an effort to make the connection. To calm down and have an open mind and perhaps learn to use more emojis. And you may end up all alone eating and leaving no crumbs after your next discussion.