If you’ve ever heard your child say something like “skibidi,” “gyatt,” or “rizz” and thought, “What on earth are they talking about?” — you’re not alone. These so-called “brainrot” words, born on TikTok and gaming platforms, are shaping how Gen Alpha communicates.

At first, they can sound silly or meaningless. But for our kids, they’re part of how they connect, belong, and express themselves. And that’s why it’s worth paying attention.

• Connection: Language is central to identity. When parents understand their children’s slang, it shows interest in their world and builds trust. That small effort often opens doors to bigger conversations.

• Context: Many of these words begin as memes or in-jokes, but they can quickly shift in meaning. Understanding them helps us keep a finger on the pulse of our children’s digital lives.

• Belonging: Slang is often about fitting in. Knowing the words gives us insight into the online communities our kids feel part of.

• Safety: Not every trend is harmless. Being aware of the language helps parents spot potential risks, from cyberbullying to unhealthy content, hidden in phrases that otherwise sound playful.

The truth is, every generation has its slang. Yesterday it was “rad,” “wicked,” or “cool beans.” Today it’s “brainrot,” “NPC,” and “no cap.” Tomorrow it’ll be something else.

By learning these words, we’re not just keeping up with the latest trend. We’re showing our children that we’re listening, that their voices matter, and that we’re willing to step into their world — even if it feels a little confusing at times.

Because in the end, it’s not really about the slang.

It’s about the connection.

Top 10 Gen Alpha “brainrot” words parents should know

▪️Rizz – Short for “charisma.” Having “rizz” means you’ve got charm or can flirt well

▪️Gyatt – Slang for “wow” or showing surprise, often used when noticing something impressive (usually appearance).

▪️NPC – “Non-Playable Character” in video games. Used to describe someone acting robotic, basic, or unoriginal.

▪️Skibidi – Comes from a viral meme/song. Now used randomly for silliness or nonsense humor.

▪️Fanum Tax – A joke term for taking someone else’s food without asking.

▪️Ohio – A meme word meaning something weird, cursed, or “off.” (“That’s so Ohio.”)

▪️Goofy ahh – A funny way to say “silly” or “ridiculous.”

▪️Cap / No Cap – “Cap” means a lie. “No cap” means “I’m telling the truth.”

▪️Sigma – From “sigma male.” Used to describe someone independent, confident, or a lone wolf.

▪️Skibidi Toilet – A bizarre viral meme/cartoon series that’s become shorthand for absurd online humour.

👉 Each of these words started online — through gaming, TikTok, or meme culture — but they spread fast in schoolyards and WhatsApp chats. They might seem odd, but they’re how Gen Alpha connects and builds identity.