Discover the Words Gen Z Finds Most Cringe-Worthy – Are They in Your Vocabulary?

Are you in tune with the latest trends, or are you starting to feel a bit out of touch? Your vocabulary might hold the answer, particularly if you’re still using certain ‘cringeworthy’ expressions.

Researchers at Preply conducted a survey involving over 1,500 people in the UK to find out which words they consider most embarrassing in everyday speech.

Interestingly, despite its recent popularity, the word ‘skibbidi’ topped the list as the most cringeworthy term according to Gen Z participants.

This term, which is used to mean ‘cool’ or ‘bad,’ made more than a third (37%) of Gen Z respondents uncomfortable.

Other terms that made the list of cringe-inducing words include ‘wifey,’ ‘holibobs,’ ‘Fri yay,’ alongside ‘bussin,’ ‘bae,’ and ‘YOLO.’

‘Gen Z’s relationship with language is incredibly fast–moving,’ explained Yolanda Del Peso, spokesperson at Preply. 

‘Unlike previous generations, they are growing up in a digital environment where new words can emerge, become popular or “cringe” within a matter of months…or even weeks! 

‘Platforms like Instagram or TikTok definitely accelerate this cycle: a phrase might start as a joke or trend within a niche community, go viral globally, and then quickly become overused. Once it reaches mass adoption, especially among older generations or brands, it often loses its original appeal and becomes “cringeworthy”.’ 

Experts from Preply surveyed over 1,500 Brits to determine which terms they find the most embarassing in everyday conversations 

For the survey, Preply enlisted 1,502 UK adults aged 18–64, who were quizzed about the words they find the most cringeworthy. 

Across all respondents, ‘6,7’ topped the list, deemed to be cringeworthy amongst 24.4 per cent of adults. 

This was followed by ‘skibbidi’ (21.6 per cent), ‘preggo’ (20.8 per cent), and ‘sorry, not sorry’ (18.1 per cent).

‘”Preggo” ranks third (20.8%), with respondents citing irritation at overly cutesy abbreviations for “pregnant”,’ Preply explained. 

‘Meanwhile, “Sorry, Not Sorry” (18.1%) and “Holibobs” (17.6%) round out the top five, both criticised for sounding insincere or excessive.’

However, the results revealed clear differences for Gen Z respondents. 

Among this generation, ‘skibbidi’ was deemed even more irritating thaN ‘6,7’, driving 37 per cent mad. 

‘The viral phrase, meaning born out of internet meme culture, has spread rapidly across social media platforms and into everyday conversation,’ Preply said. 

For the survey, Preply enlisted 1,502 UK adults aged 18–64, who were quizzed about the words they find the most cringeworthy

‘But many Brits say its overuse has pushed it into eye–roll territory.’ 

Meanwhile, several words feature in the Gen Z cringe list, but not in the list for all adults. 

‘Fri–yay’ – slang for Friday – enraged 19 per cent of Gen Z, while ‘din dins’ (short for dinner) was a pet peeve for 17 per cent.  

Other terms included on the Gen Z list are ‘moist’, ‘bussin’, ‘wine o’clock’, and ‘fur baby’.

According to Ms Del Peso, language is a marker of identity and belonging for Gen Z.  

‘Using trending slang can signal that you’re culturally in–the–know, but continuing to use it after its peak can have the opposite effect,’ she explained. 

‘This explains why many young people both mock and deliberately use “cringeworthy” terms ironically. 

‘Irony culture allows them to stay one step ahead of the trend cycle while still participating in it.’

It might seem like just yesterday phrases like ‘skibbidi’ and ‘6,7’ were cool. 

However, the slang lifecycle is shortening, Ms Del Peso added.  

‘Ultimately, what we’re seeing is a shortening of the slang lifecycle,’ she said. 

‘Words move from “cool” to “mainstream” to “uncool” faster than ever before, reflecting how digitally connected and culturally responsive Gen Z is.’