If you’re scratching your head about why Gen Z humor seems so confusing, you’re definitely not alone. Diving into meme culture can be like opening a can of worms — so many references, names, and terms that just pull you deeper into the chaos. But don’t worry, this is the simplest, no-frills breakdown of why Gen Z humor is the way it is. Think of it as your go-to guide to a basic understanding of Gen Zs without getting lost in the rabbit holes.
Slangs
Terms like “aura,” “rizz,” “L,” “goat,” “looksmaxxing,” “cringe,” “based,” and “mogged” might sound like gibberish to those outside Gen Z, but for Zoomers, these words are as common as “apple.” If someone is not up to speed, it’s understandable; entering the world of Gen Z slang is like stepping into a whole new language that’s second nature to the younger crowd.
Slang plays a big part in shaping the culture and exclusivity of different generations, and it ties into how language evolves.
Think of it like a secret code that captures the unique vibes, values, and experiences of a group. When people use slang, it creates a sense of belonging and strengthens connections within the group, making everyone feel like they’re part of something special. Slangs are like inside jokes, it becomes a part of how a group communicates on the daily.
Plus, slang often comes from a place of wanting to stand out and push back against the norm, which keeps language fresh and ever-changing.
Gen Z slang is often quick, witty, and packed with cultural references. Phrases like “yeet,” “lit,” or “sus” get used in funny and unexpected ways, twisting their everyday conversations into something playful.
This kind of humor thrives on the internet and social media, where the Gen Z crowd grew on memes and viral trends spreading rapidly. Slang helps Gen Z create and share jokes that resonate within their own circles, making their humor feel exclusive`.
Fast paced media and layered jokes
Living in pretty absurd times, and memes are a perfect example of that. Meme templates have become so familiar that they get created, tweaked, and turned on their head at lightning speed. The problem is, if you miss the original meme, you can lose track of what the subverted version is actually about. By the time you see it, it might be so over-the-top that it’s just reflecting on itself in a really exaggerated way.
Gen Z’s jokes are layered because of how fast the media moves. With TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram constantly throwing new memes, videos, and trends our way, jokes are quickly mixed with current events, pop culture, and internet phenomena. This rapid-fire cycle means jokes often have multiple layers, and understanding them requires knowing a bunch of references. Gen Z is great at connecting these dots, which keeps their humor feeling fresh and in tune with what’s happening right now.
The fun in Gen Z humor often comes from the unexpected twist. You might think a meme is going one way, but then it turns into something completely absurd, catching you off guard. This kind of humor is less about deep meaning and more about enjoying the weirdness. If you don’t get the original template, you might not fully grasp the joke, but that’s okay. Just roll with the absurdity and have a laugh at how strange it can get.
Dark Humor, self-deprecation, and being a hater: the holy trifecta
Gen Z often swings between making self-deprecating jokes and being professional haters, and it’s all tied to their loud, internet-driven personalities. They’re really vocal, using humor to mix things up from constructive criticism to full-on disdain, or even random hate just for kicks. The internet has amplified this, letting them express a whole range of feelings and opinions in a very public way.
Even though dark humor and sarcasm are big in Gen Z culture, they haven’t given up on trying to make a difference. Their dark jokes often show they’re aware of social issues and believe things can get better. By joking about tough topics, they cope with the bad stuff and stay hopeful, refusing to accept the world’s problems as permanent.
Humor is a way for Gen Z to deal with stress and feel connected. Whether it’s through silly minion memes or chaotic video mashups, it’s their way of expressing themselves and building community. Laughing together helps them handle the pressures they face and feel like they belong in a rapidly changing world.
But, the line between sincerity and irony can get pretty blurry in Gen Z’s humor, which can lead to misunderstandings. This mix of uncertainty and nihilism makes it easy to misinterpret what someone really means. Still, this layered approach to humor is a big part of what defines Gen Z, showing their unique way of seeing and interacting with the world.
Evolution of Irony
Gen Z humor loves to keep you guessing, blending sincerity with irony in ways that can be pretty confusing. Take post-irony, for example: it starts with a joke that’s clearly ironic but then turns out to be sincere. So, if a friend jokingly says, “Free Griffith, he didn’t do anything wrong,” to mock people who excuse bad behavior, but later actually starts believing and defending that bad behavior, what seemed like a joke is now taken seriously. It’s like the joke was a smokescreen for their real opinion.
But if you think post-irony is tricky, wait until you hear about meta-irony. This is where it’s unclear if someone is being genuinely sincere or sarcastically ironic. For instance, if someone says, “I do not support the furry revolution even though I am a furry myself,” you can’t tell if they genuinely identify as a furry or not or if they genuinely don’t support furries or do. The joke here is that the meaning is so up in the air that it’s part of the humor.
This kind of layered humor is everywhere on social media, where memes and posts mix irony and sincerity in creative ways. A meme saying, “I’m so productive, I only procrastinate for five hours a day!” could be a genuine confession or an ironic jab at how people view productivity. Gen Z creates a unique humor style that’s both clever and complex. It reflects their ability to handle and mix multiple meanings, making their jokes a blend of wit and ambiguity. This way of joking entertains but also makes you think more deeply about what’s really being said. The fun comes from trying to figure out which it is.
