Gen Z language is creative, expressive, and fast-moving. However, many trendy expressions such as “slay”, “rizz”, or “that’s fire” cannot be used in IELTS because they are too informal.

The good news? You can transform the ideas behind Gen Z slang into Band 8 academic vocabulary that sounds natural and sophisticated in IELTS Speaking and Writing.

This guide provides high-value vocabulary, examples, and ready-to-use sentences so you can sound modern without sacrificing academic tone.

Why Gen Z Learners Struggle with Vocabulary

Many Gen Z candidates rely heavily on slang in daily conversations, which creates two problems in IELTS:

• Slang is inappropriate for formal contexts
• Overgeneral words (nice, good, very, really) lower lexical resource
• Lack of topic-specific vocabulary reduces task response
• Phrasal verbs are used incorrectly or too casually

This article helps you upgrade your vocabulary without losing your natural speaking style.

Band 8 Vocabulary Inspired by Gen Z Expressions

Below are common Gen Z vibes expressed through IELTS-appropriate vocabulary.

1. “Slay / Killing it” → Excel / Demonstrate exceptional performance

Meaning: Do extremely well in a specific task or situation.

Examples:

• “Young entrepreneurs often excel in creative industries because they embrace innovation.”
• “My sister demonstrated exceptional performance during her internship despite having limited experience.”

2. “Low-key / High-key” → To some extent / To a great extent

These phrases help you express subtle or strong opinions appropriately.

Examples:

• “I to some extent agree that social media harms productivity.”
• “Urbanisation, to a great extent, contributes to rising living costs.”

3. “Vibe / Aesthetic” → Atmosphere / Overall impression / Distinctive style

Examples:

• “The atmosphere of my hometown is peaceful and welcoming.”
• “Minimalist décor creates a distinctive aesthetic that appeals to many young people.”

4. “Rizz / Charisma” → Persuasive charm / Strong interpersonal skills

Examples:

• “Successful leaders often possess strong interpersonal skills rather than just technical expertise.”
• “He handled the negotiation with remarkable persuasive charm.”

5. “It’s giving…” → It conveys / It suggests / It reflects

Useful for describing impressions or characteristics.

Examples:

• “The campaign conveys a powerful message about environmental protection.”
• “Her presentation reflects excellent preparation.”

6. “Based / Valid” → Well-founded / Reasonable / Justifiable

Examples:

• “His argument is well-founded, supported by recent research.”
• “It is justifiable to invest more in renewable energy.”

7. “No cap” → Undeniably / Without exaggeration

Examples:

• “Online learning is undeniably convenient for busy learners.”
• “The city’s traffic problem is without exaggeration one of the worst in the country.”

8. “Glow up” → Significant improvement / Remarkable transformation

Examples:

• “There has been a remarkable transformation in my study habits over the past year.”
• “Public transport has undergone significant improvement recently.”

9. “Mood” → Something relatable / A situation I can identify with

Examples:

• “Working from home is a situation many employees can identify with.”
• “The movie portrays struggles that are highly relatable for teenagers.”

10. “I’m dead / I can’t” → It was hilarious / It was overwhelming

Examples:

• “The comedian’s performance was hilarious and kept the audience engaged.”
• “The workload was overwhelming at first, but I gradually adapted.”