The youngest generation is Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha), including those born roughly from 2010 to 2024, who are the first to grow up entirely in the 21st century and a world with smartphones and social media. The cohort following them, born around 2025, is being called Generation Beta (Gen Beta).
Simply put, Generation Alpha are defined as those born from 2010-2024. More than 2.8 million are born globally every week.
Generation Z refers to people born between 1996 and 2010. They're the second-youngest generation, between millennials and Generation Alpha. Gen Z identity has been shaped by the digital age, climate anxiety, a shifting financial landscape, and COVID-19.
Generation Z, also sometimes known as iGeneration, Zoomers, post-Millennials, or Homelanders, are defined by Pew Research Center as those born between 1997 and 2012.
People born in 2011 are generally considered the cusp between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, with many sources placing Gen Z ending in 2010 or 2012 and Gen Alpha beginning in 2010 or 2011, meaning 2011 individuals often share traits from both, growing up with early digital tech but witnessing the full rise of social media and AI that define Alpha culture. The slang associated with 2011 would likely lean towards later Gen Z trends (like Vine, MLG) and early Alpha terms (Skibidi, rizz), reflecting their transition period.
For Gen Z, the 😭 (Loudly Crying Face) emoji usually means something is overwhelmingly funny, cute, or heartwarming, signifying "crying with laughter" or being emotionally moved, rather than actual sadness, often replacing the older 😂 emoji for intense amusement. It's used for exaggerated, positive reactions to things like relatable humor, adorable pets, or touching moments.
Put it all together, and "Ohio rizz" refers to weird, cursed, or strange flirting behavior, according to Urban Dictionary. This term, along with other commonly used Gen Alpha slang, is detailed below in our handy glossary.
While other cohorts (e.g., Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z) are defined by age brackets, Gen C is defined by its members' digital-first lifestyle and mindset. So whether someone is 10 or 82 years old, they can still be a part of Gen C.
"Rizz" is a term popular with both Gen Z and Gen Alpha, originating from Gen Z creators on platforms like TikTok, but quickly adopted and expanded by Gen Alpha through similar online spaces, essentially meaning charisma or charm, especially in flirting. While Gen Z popularized it, Gen Alpha has embraced it rapidly, even developing variations like "rizzler" or "unspoken rizz" within their own fast-evolving internet slang culture.
Bush), and four presidents have been Baby Boomers (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump); two presidents were members of the Lost Generation (Harry S. Truman; and Dwight D. Eisenhower), only one President, Joe Biden, has been a member of the Silent Generation.
Bae – Boyfriend or girlfriend.
Generation X – born 1965-1979. Millennials – born 1980-1994. Generation Z – born 1995-2012. Gen Alpha – born 2013 – 2025.
Zillennials are a hybrid between millennials and Generation Z (the zoomers). Often confused or misreported by the general public for young millennials or older Gen Z, zillennials don't fully relate to main characteristics that make an individual a part of either generation.
The term "Gen Alpha" was coined by social researcher and futurist Mark McCrindle, and according to McCrindle, refers to anyone who was born in 2010 and onward. The oldest among Gen Alpha are now about 14 years old and include the children of millennials.
Baby boomers are the eldest, born between the years 1946 and 1964. Generation X follows, and they were born between 1965 and 1980. Next comes Generation Y (more commonly known as Millennials), born between roughly 1981 and 1994.
Whilst boomers and millennials may use the 😂 emoji, this has long since been deemed 'uncool' (or 'cheugy') by Gen Z. Instead, this has been replaced by the skull (💀) or the crying emoji (😭), dramatising the idea of 'dying with laughter'.
Much of what is considered Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang originates from African-American Vernacular English and ball culture.
Following the trend, the next generation after Gen Beta is likely to be Generation Gamma, born between 2040 and 2054. As we navigate these changing generations, McCrindle emphasized the importance of understanding their needs, values and preferences to anticipate how they will shape society's future.
Generation Alpha consists of those born between 2010 and 2024. They are the first generation to have grown up in a world that fully encapsulates technology.
Zoomers (Generation Z) are people born between 1997 and 2012, making them approximately 13 to 28 years old in 2025, a digitally native cohort that followed Millennials and precedes Generation Alpha, known for growing up with the internet and smartphones.
Short for charisma, the word describes the ability to attract another person. It beat out “Swiftie.” That has since evolved into “Ohio rizz,” which means a weird kind of charisma. Gee, thanks, youth of the Internet. “Gyatt” means an attractive big butt.
Why Rizz Matters. Rizz obviously makes you more attractive to potential partners, but it goes beyond the ability to get someone's number or take them on a date. Rizz makes it easier for you to form connections with people and hold their attention in an authentic way over the long term.
Fun Fact: in Ohio, "pop" = "soda" or a fizzy soft drink.