Gen Z Slang Deeply Rooted In Black Culture, Linguistic Experts Say

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Popular Gen Z slang words like “rizz” and “slay” have become so widespread that these terms topped Unscramblerer’s list of most popular slang in 2025. But where do these buzzworthy words come from, and how do they become so deeply embedded in our everyday language that friends and even parents start using them? Experts say many of the words now labeled as Gen Z slang actually have roots that reach back centuries, particularly in Black culture and to African American Vernacular English (AAVE).