Indonesia is a vibrant country with a rich cultural tapestry, and its language, Bahasa Indonesia, is no exception. As with any language, Indonesian evolves over time, incorporating new terms and expressions, especially from the younger generation. Gen Z Indonesians, in particular, have developed their own set of slang terms that are widely used in everyday conversations. If you want to sound like a native and understand the youth culture, learning these terms is crucial. Here are the top 10 Indonesian Gen Z slang terms you need to know.

1. Bucin

One of the most popular slang terms among Indonesian Gen Z is “bucin,” a portmanteau of “budak cinta,” which translates to “slave of love.” It describes someone who is so infatuated with their romantic partner that they are willing to do anything for them, often to the point of neglecting their own needs or common sense. For example, if someone cancels plans with friends just to meet their partner, they might be called a bucin.

2. Gabut

“Gabut” is another widely used term, derived from “gaji buta,” meaning “blind salary.” It refers to a state of being idle or having nothing to do. For instance, if you are at home on a Sunday with no plans, you could say, “Lagi gabut nih,” which means “I’m feeling gabut right now.”

3. Mantul

“Mantul” is a blend of “mantap” (steady or solid) and “betul” (correct). It is used to express something impressive or excellent. For example, if someone gets a high score on a test, you might say, “Wah, mantul banget!” which means “Wow, that’s really impressive!”

4. Mager

“Mager” stands for “malas gerak,” translating to “lazy to move.” It’s used to describe the feeling of lethargy or being too lazy to do anything. For instance, if you’re lying in bed and don’t want to get up, you could say, “Aku mager banget,” meaning “I’m feeling really lazy.”

5. Sabi

“Sabi” is an inverted form of “bisa,” which means “can” or “able.” Gen Z uses this term to indicate agreement or capability. For example, if someone invites you to a party and you want to say you can come, you might respond with “Sabi,” meaning “I can.”

6. Receh

“Receh” originally means “small change” or “coins,” but among Gen Z, it is used to describe something trivial or not serious. It can also refer to jokes that are silly or not very funny. For example, if someone tells a bad joke, you might say, “Jokes receh banget,” meaning “That joke is so silly.”

7. Goks

“Goks” is a playful term used to express something crazy or unbelievable. It is a shortened form of “gila” (crazy) and “oks” (okay). For example, if someone tells you an unbelievable story, you might respond with “Goks, serius?” which means “Crazy, seriously?”

8. Kuy

“Kuy” is the inverted form of “yuk,” which means “let’s go” or “come on.” It is often used to encourage someone to join in an activity. For instance, if you want to invite your friends to hang out, you might say, “Kuy, pergi ke mall,” meaning “Come on, let’s go to the mall.”

9. Anjay

“Anjay” is an expression of surprise or admiration, similar to “Wow!” or “Oh my!” It can be used in various contexts to show excitement or astonishment. For example, if you see something impressive, you might exclaim, “Anjay, keren banget!” which means “Wow, that’s so cool!”

10. Pansos

“Pansos” is short for “panjat sosial,” meaning “social climbing.” It refers to someone who seeks attention or tries to become popular by associating with influential people. For instance, if someone is constantly posting pictures with celebrities to gain followers, they might be accused of “pansos.”

Conclusion

Understanding these Gen Z slang terms can greatly enhance your ability to communicate with younger Indonesians and give you a deeper insight into their culture. While these terms are fun and trendy, it’s essential to use them appropriately and understand their context. So next time you find yourself chatting with an Indonesian Gen Z, try incorporating some of these slang terms and see how they react. Happy learning!