Why Marketers Need to Speak the Gen Z Language

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, social media trends and slang are changing at unprecedented speeds, pushing brands to adapt if they want to stay relevant. Just a few years ago, trends on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok could stick around for months, allowing marketers to craft long-lasting campaigns. 

But now, trends often disappear within a week, if not sooner. This shift challenges marketers to remain agile and responsive in an environment that favors the new and ephemeral.

Let us delve into why we’re seeing such rapid shifts in online communication and how marketers can leverage these trends—and the new social slang that comes with them—for successful engagement.

The Evolution of Social Media and Language

Social media is no longer just a platform for sharing thoughts or images; it’s a fast-evolving cultural playground. Platforms like TikTok have popularized video formats that come and go in a flash, each with its own lingo. 

New terms emerge and peak within days, defining new ways of speaking and understanding each other online. This constant evolution can seem overwhelming, but it presents an opportunity for marketers who are quick enough to catch on.

Disney and other major brands have notably adapted, using social media to speak in the same language as their audiences. This helps foster a more personal connection and shows an understanding of cultural trends in real time. 

By keeping a close eye on the latest slang, expressions, and formats, brands can meet consumers where they are, using relatable, in-the-moment messaging that resonates.

Boost your sales using effective social media marketing.

Why Social Trends Are So Short-Lived

A decade ago, a viral trend or catchphrase could last for months. Today, these lifespans are reduced to weeks or even days. Several factors drive this, including:

1. Increased Content Creation: More people are creating content, accelerating the cycle of what’s popular.
2. Platform Algorithms: Social platforms prioritize new content, which means even the most popular posts and trends are quickly replaced by fresh ones.
3. Audience Expectations: Users now expect constant novelty. They’re always on the lookout for the next big thing, so they move on from old trends faster.

Some Gen Z language examples you can find that are still being used to this day:

• No cap, this deal slaps – Emphasize a great offer or promotion. No cap means no lie, and slaps means it’s impressive.
• FOMO–  Short for “Fear Of Missing Out” you could use it to promote exclusive or trending items.
• It’s the (feature/benefit) for me – Use this to highlight a standout feature, like: It’s the prospects for me.
• It’s giving: Used to convey an impression or describe a feeling. Like: “It’s giving leading vibes with our campaigns.”
• Slay – Used as encouragement, like “nailed it.” Brands can compliment users with, “Our clients slay with every lead!”
• GOAT – Short for “Greatest Of All Time.” Perfect for highlighting popular products: “We’re the GOAT in Lead Generation!”
• Get ready to flex – For products that make people feel proud to show off. Something along the lines of: Get ready to flex your deals with your competitors! 
• Main character energy – Perfect for empowering products that make the user feel like the star of the show.

What you should take from this is that with these new trends we focus on breaking that social barrier between the company and the clients, it’s about letting loose on the formality and becoming more friendly, either with clients, your followers, or employees.

The Challenge and Opportunity for Marketers

The fleeting nature of social trends can be challenging, especially for marketers who are used to planning campaigns months in advance. However, there are a few ways brands can make the most of these trends:

1. Stay Informed: Monitor trending topics on platforms like TikTok and Instagram daily to spot rising trends early.

2. Embrace Ephemeral Content: Use Stories, Reels, and other short-lived formats that allow for quick, timely messaging without the pressure of long-term content relevance.

Experiment with New Slang and Humor: When appropriate, don’t be afraid to embrace new slang or popular meme formats that resonate with your audience—just ensure it aligns with your brand voice.

Tips for Success

• Be Authentic: Social media users can quickly detect insincerity. When experimenting with new formats or slang, make sure it feels natural to your brand.
• Act Fast: If a trend fits your brand, create content quickly. With trends moving fast, timing is essential.
• Keep the Core Message Clear: Don’t let the trend overshadow your brand’s message. Trends are tools to amplify your brand’s voice, not replace it.

Uncover the secret to boost your social selling.

In this era of rapid social change, brands that keep pace with trends, adapt quickly and communicate authentically will have a competitive edge. For marketers, the new, ever-evolving language of social media isn’t just a challenge—it’s an invitation to connect with the audience in meaningful, real-time ways.