Learning a new language is a fascinating journey, and part of that adventure is diving into the world of slang. Slang terms offer a glimpse into the culture, humor, and creativity of a language’s speakers. For those learning Polish, understanding contemporary slang can be particularly rewarding. Polish Gen Z slang, in particular, is vibrant and constantly evolving. To help you navigate this dynamic aspect of the language, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Polish Gen Z slang terms you need to know.

1. Sztos

One of the most popular terms among Polish Gen Z is sztos. This word is used to describe something extremely good or impressive. Whether it’s a movie, a party, or even someone’s outfit, if it’s top-notch, it’s a sztos. The term can be loosely translated to “awesome” or “the best” in English.

Example:
– “Ten film był sztos!”
– Translation: “That movie was awesome!”

2. Bekowy

If something is funny or laughable, it’s bekowy. Derived from the word beka, which means laughter, bekowy is used to describe anything that makes you laugh. It’s akin to calling something “hilarious” in English.

Example:
– “Ten mem jest naprawdę bekowy.”
– Translation: “This meme is really hilarious.”

3. Czaicie?

This term is a casual way of asking if someone understands or gets what you mean. Czaicie is derived from the verb czaić, which means to grasp or comprehend. It’s similar to saying “You get it?” in English.

Example:
– “Wczoraj było tak śmiesznie, czaicie?”
– Translation: “Yesterday was so funny, you get it?”

4. Zajebiście

When something is exceptionally good or cool, you might hear a Polish Gen Z say it’s zajebiście. This term is quite strong and can be translated as “f***ing awesome” in English. Use it with caution, as it is considered very informal and can be seen as vulgar in more formal settings.

Example:
– “Ta impreza była zajebiście!”
– Translation: “That party was f***ing awesome!”

5. Ogarniasz?

Ogarniasz is another term used to ask if someone understands or if they are on top of things. It comes from the verb ogarniać, which means to manage or grasp. It’s similar to saying “Are you on top of it?” in English.

Example:
– “Musisz ogarniać swoje obowiązki.”
– Translation: “You need to manage your responsibilities.”

6. Sztama

When you have a close bond or a strong friendship with someone, you can say you have sztama. This term is used to describe a pact or a strong sense of camaraderie. It’s akin to saying “we’re tight” or “we have a pact” in English.

Example:
– “Z Piotrem mamy sztama od lat.”
– Translation: “Piotr and I have been tight for years.”

7. Masakra

Masakra is a versatile term that can be used to describe something overwhelming, shocking, or disastrous. Depending on the context, it can have either a negative or positive connotation. It’s similar to saying “a massacre” or “crazy” in English.

Example:
– “To, co się wczoraj stało, to była masakra.”
– Translation: “What happened yesterday was crazy.”

8. Wkręcać

If you’re pulling someone’s leg or joking around, you’re wkręcać them. This term is used to describe the act of fooling or teasing someone. It’s similar to saying “to prank” or “to mess with” in English.

Example:
– “Nie wkręcaj mnie, wiem, że to żart.”
– Translation: “Don’t mess with me, I know it’s a joke.”

9. Siema

A casual and friendly way to say hello is siema. This term is a contraction of “Jak się masz?” which means “How are you?” It’s commonly used among friends and peers and is similar to saying “Hey” or “What’s up?” in English.

Example:
– “Siema, co tam u ciebie?”
– Translation: “Hey, what’s up with you?”

10. Niezła akcja

When something interesting or noteworthy happens, you might hear someone say niezła akcja. This term translates to “nice action” and is used to comment on an event or situation that was impressive or noteworthy. It’s similar to saying “nice move” or “cool event” in English.

Example:
– “To była niezła akcja, jak złapałeś tego złodzieja.”
– Translation: “That was a nice move, catching that thief.”

Conclusion

Understanding slang is an essential part of mastering any language, as it provides insight into the culture and social dynamics of its speakers. Polish Gen Z slang is colorful, expressive, and constantly evolving, reflecting the creativity and vibrancy of the younger generation. By incorporating these top 10 slang terms into your vocabulary, you’ll not only enhance your language skills but also connect more deeply with Polish speakers. So, go ahead and try using these terms in your conversations, and you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!