Are the kids still saying "slay"?

Is “Slay” Still a Thing?

It’s the eternal question for anyone hovering just outside the ever-shifting orbit of youth slang: are the kids still saying “slay”? According to a recent poll by Oxford University Press, the answer is a bit nuanced. While the term had its peak moment in 2023, it hasn’t completely vanished from the vernacular—especially among older teens who still break it out to hype each other up.

“Slay” once dominated social media captions, group chats, and TikTok comments as the go-to affirmation for someone who absolutely nailed it—whether it was a flawless outfit, a sharp clapback, or a personal victory. But language, especially teen language, moves fast. By early 2025, many younger kids are already gliding past “slay” like it’s ancient history.

The same Oxford study found that words like “sigma” and “skibidi” are now climbing the ranks. “Sigma” leans into a cool, lone-wolf persona—think unbothered, self-reliant, quietly dominant. “Skibidi,” on the other hand, is a more chaotic contender, bubbling up from internet absurdity and meme culture. Neither carries the same empowering weight as “slay,” but both reflect the irony and humor that define much of Gen Z’s linguistic flavor.

Still, don’t write off “slay” just yet. Like many slang terms, it hasn’t died—it’s just aged. You’ll still hear it in moments of genuine triumph, tossed around with a wink and a smile. Language cycles, and what feels outdated today might resurface in a few years as nostalgic irony. Until then, “slay” rests comfortably in the hall of fame—still whispered, but no longer shouting.