Insider Finance - Business - Gen Z’s slang, decoded

Nicholas Carlson December 15, 2022

Hello, Insiders. Glad to be back. Here’s a story our readers were into while I was out: Walmart rolled out self-checkout to streamline operations and reduce labor — but employees and customers say it's causing a surge in thefts.

This makes me think of how everything seems to be under lock and key at stores now. Try getting some toothpaste or shampoo — you need to get a staffer to grab it for you. Have you noticed this, too? Is it deterring you from shopping in stores? Are you opting for online shopping instead? Let us know at insidertoday@insider.com. Our reporters would love to hear from you.

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The big story

wethepvblic/TikTok

Gen Z employees are using new slang in the workplace — and it's baffling their colleagues.

“Slay”? “Naur”? “Say less”?

Largely through TikTok, Gen Zers have developed a language of their own and are bringing it with them to the office, The Washington Post reports. But as young employees “ick” and “slay” their way through the corporate workplace, they’re confusing their coworkers — and learning what they should and shouldn't say at work amid a generational language barrier. 

Insider spoke with a human-resources professional, who said that while "older colleagues can benefit from being more adaptable and relatable to their younger coworkers,” there’s a time and place for Gen Z to bring new terminology into the office.

We “understood the assignment” — so we’re breaking down how to decipher Gen Z’s slang.

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Today's team

This edition was curated by Nicholas Carlson, and edited by Hallam Bullock, Lisa Ryan, Jordan Parker Erb, and Nathan Rennolds. Get in touch: insidertoday@insider.com.

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