Everyone knows that the internet kind of has its own language. What that means is that people online simply interact a little differently than in real life — they use various expressions, words, emojis, and jokes that you don't often hear in day-to-day life.
This even includes such an act as complimenting — folks, especially Gen Z ones, have come up with a rather interesting way to do so online. And it's already seeping into real life. So, let's check out some examples of it, shall we?
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I love whatever is wrong with you
I love the way your brain functions
It’s a known fact that language is something that constantly evolves. In fact, some even say that it’s “a living, breathing entity” in the sense that it’s constantly changing and adapting to the needs of the speakers.
As proof of this, you can take a look at how the English language looked, for example, in Shakespearean times and how it looks right now – throughout hundreds of years, it has changed quite a bit.
I like this one, let's keep her
Actually, to notice the differences, you don’t have to go so far back in time; you can go back only a few decades. Granted, the contrast isn’t as grand as with hundreds of years ago, but still quite noticeable, especially when it comes to slang.
Like in the '80s, words like selfie weren’t really a thing. While taking pics of yourself was something people did, they didn’t have a specific word for it, as the term only took off in the 2000s. Now, it seems like an inherent part of your daily language, but not that long ago, it didn’t even exist.
Similarly with the word hashtag. If, back in the '80s or '90s, you had said this word to someone, they would have looked at you strangely, because it would have sounded like gibberish. Well, it was gibberish at the time, because it didn’t exist, as it was coined only in 2007. Nowadays, it’s hard to find a person who doesn't know what this term means.
So, as you can see, language is dynamic; it keeps changing along with and for people. Each generation brings something new to the language and communication table. It’s no secret that Gen Z has too.
GOAT
A lot of the changes that Gen Z has to offer in this area are highly influenced by internet culture. Their style of giving compliments is no exception. This was pointed out by a teacher on TikTok, @gibsonishere. In one of her videos, she discussed what kind of comments she has witnessed from younger people and how they have surprised her.
The first type is simple words like “queen”, “diva”,” GOAT,” and things like that, which are pretty straightforward. The second type is pretty basic too, with compliments like “you’re pretty”, “you’re nice”, and so on.
Then, there’s a third type, which kind of confuses the teacher. It’s when youngsters say a compliment and then add something a little weird or even troubling to it. For instance, “I like you, I hope both sides of your pillow are cold.” Or “You’re funny, don’t go bald.”
If you spend enough time online, especially on TikTok, you will likely see at least a couple of comments like that. The thing is that they don’t really have any deep underlying meaning; it’s just a fun way to show admiration.
So, today we compiled a whole list of various compliments like that for you to enjoy and maybe get inspired for next time you want to praise someone. Upvote, and if you have any other variations, share them in the comments!
what comes after 7?
How is this a compliment, unless you're a bingo player and one fat lady?
glad you didn't land in a sock
so much censoring, and then there’s condoms on the screen?
rock paper DEFINITELY SCISSOR
and if u got something good in ur room (like vinyls or books) its like "did u know that keeping ur windows open at night is good for ur books?" (they're gonna st3al them BECAUSE they find them cool)
When they compliment someone cooking food: "If you look outside your window, you'll see a strange figure holding a plate..."
I like you, you’re going in the soup
pls never go to therapy, you’re so funny
sorry for breathing the same air as you
awhhh! this is so cute! ...Annabelle get them
If it's the Annabelle I'm thinking of, this ain't a compliment...
you're awesome-I'm gonna follow you home
Stalking threat is a compliment? This generation is very confused...
you're funny, lemme put u in my pocket
This isn't Gen Z. "I just wanna put you in my pocket" has been a flirty compliment for as long as I've been alive, and I'm almost 40.
The human race is screwed. Some of these I get, but the rest are just nonsense.
Last year I was asked by someone I'd just met if she could "match my freak". 🤷🏻♂️
I think one that I heard in the movie Pluto Nash was Jay Mohr's singer character to his audience "Pack your bags, ladies and gentlemen! I'm taking you home with me!" Kinda feels a bit tame, that one, but I think the meaning is universal.
At a hotel recently, I heard a really cross Gen Z man telling the older gentlemen who was working behind reception to 'Stop trying to man me!' - I've no idea what this means. When trying to find out, it was suggested by AI that it could be related to 'mansplaining' - but why would a young man be saying it to an older man? Gen Z are odd lol.
Wonder if they were thinking the clerk was trying to "out man" them, which would make the gen z man pretty gross. I'm guessing the clerk was just doing their job, and the gen z guy interpreted it as something that wasn't there?
Load More Replies...I have 5 Gen Z kids and not heard any of these that weren't already a thing for my generation
The human race is screwed. Some of these I get, but the rest are just nonsense.
Last year I was asked by someone I'd just met if she could "match my freak". 🤷🏻♂️
I think one that I heard in the movie Pluto Nash was Jay Mohr's singer character to his audience "Pack your bags, ladies and gentlemen! I'm taking you home with me!" Kinda feels a bit tame, that one, but I think the meaning is universal.
At a hotel recently, I heard a really cross Gen Z man telling the older gentlemen who was working behind reception to 'Stop trying to man me!' - I've no idea what this means. When trying to find out, it was suggested by AI that it could be related to 'mansplaining' - but why would a young man be saying it to an older man? Gen Z are odd lol.
Wonder if they were thinking the clerk was trying to "out man" them, which would make the gen z man pretty gross. I'm guessing the clerk was just doing their job, and the gen z guy interpreted it as something that wasn't there?
Load More Replies...I have 5 Gen Z kids and not heard any of these that weren't already a thing for my generation
