How do gen alphas say hello?

How Gen Alpha Says Hello in 2026

If you’ve been around a group of kids or teens lately and felt instantly outdated by their greetings, you’re not alone. Gen Alpha—the generation born roughly from 2010 to the mid-2020s—has already crafted its own casual, often humorous way of saying hello. Forget the formal “hello” or even the laid-back “hey.” They’ve moved on.

Nowadays, a simple “what’s good?” does the trick. It’s not really a question about well-being—it’s more like verbal shorthand, a nod of recognition between peers. It’s casual, cool, and carries the rhythm of street-smart conversation. Even simpler? Just say “bruh.”

Yes, “bruh” has evolved from a term of disbelief or sarcasm into a full-fledged greeting. Used between friends, it’s less about the word’s original meaning and more about the tone—relaxed, familiar, and a little cheeky. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a fist bump or a nod across the room.

Of course, “hey” hasn’t disappeared. It’s still around, but often stretched out into something like “heeeey” with a rising inflection, or delivered deadpan with a smirk. The key is attitude. Gen Alpha values authenticity and low-key confidence, so their greetings reflect that—understated, slightly ironic, and deeply rooted in internet culture.

These phrases didn’t just appear out of nowhere. They’ve been shaped by years of meme culture, TikTok skits, and the fast evolution of online language. Saying “what’s good?” or “bruh” isn’t just about greeting someone—it’s a signal that you’re in the know, that you speak the unspoken code.

So if you’re trying to connect with a younger crowd, maybe skip the “hi, how are you?” and try a simple “what’s good?” Just be ready for a blank stare if you overdo it. Authenticity, after all, can’t be faked.