Ukrainian, like any language, evolves with each generation. The Gen Z cohort in Ukraine is no exception, and they have brought fresh and innovative slang to everyday conversations. Whether you’re learning Ukrainian to connect with friends, understand the culture better, or simply expand your linguistic horizons, getting a grasp of contemporary slang can be both fun and useful. Here are the top 10 Ukrainian Gen Z slang terms you need to know.

1. Заходити (Zakhodyty)

One of the most common slang terms among Ukrainian Gen Z is “заходити” (zakhodyty), which literally translates to “to enter.” However, in the slang context, it means “to understand” or “to get it.” For instance, if someone explains a complicated concept and you finally grasp it, you can say “Я заходжу” (Ya zakhodzhu), meaning “I get it.”

2. Треш (Tresh)

“Tresh” comes from the English word “trash” and is used to describe something chaotic, wild, or outrageous. If a party gets out of hand or a situation becomes incredibly bizarre, you might hear someone say “Це був треш” (Tse buv tresh), meaning “That was trash.”

3. Кек (Kek)

This term is borrowed from internet culture and is used to express laughter. Similar to “LOL” in English, “кек” (kek) can be used in text messages or spoken conversation to indicate that something is funny. For example, if someone tells a joke, you can respond with “Кек” to show you’re amused.

4. Залипати (Zalypaty)

“Залипати” (zalypaty) means “to get stuck” or “to be absorbed in something.” Gen Z uses this term to describe being engrossed in an activity, usually on their phones or computers. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through social media for hours, you could say “Я залипаю в Інстаграм” (Ya zalypayu v Instagram), meaning “I’m stuck on Instagram.”

5. Хайп (Khyp)

Derived from the English word “hype,” “хайп” (khyp) is used to describe excitement or buzz around something. Whether it’s a new song, a viral video, or an upcoming event, if there’s a lot of excitement around it, you can say “Це викликає хайп” (Tse vyklykaye khyp), meaning “This is causing hype.”

6. Чілити (Chilyty)

“Чілити” (chilyty) comes from the English word “chill” and is used to describe relaxing or hanging out. If you want to invite someone to relax and do nothing special, you can say “Пішли чілити” (Pishly chilyty), meaning “Let’s go chill.”

7. Топчик (Topchyk)

“Топчик” (topchyk) is derived from the English word “top” and is used to describe something that is excellent or the best. If you want to compliment something, you can say “Це топчик” (Tse topchyk), meaning “This is top-notch.”

8. Фейл (Feyl)

Borrowed from the English word “fail,” “фейл” (feyl) is used to describe a mistake or failure. If something goes wrong, you might hear someone say “Це був фейл” (Tse buv feyl), meaning “That was a fail.”

9. Зашквар (Zashkvar)

“Зашквар” (zashkvar) is a term used to describe something embarrassing or cringe-worthy. If someone does something that makes you cringe, you can say “Це зашквар” (Tse zashkvar), meaning “That’s embarrassing.”

10. Лайкати (Lajkaty)

Coming from the English word “like,” “лайкати” (lajkaty) means to like something, especially in the context of social media. If you want to tell someone you liked their post, you can say “Я лайкнув твій пост” (Ya lajnuv tviy post), meaning “I liked your post.”

Contextual Usage and Examples

Understanding the meanings of these slang terms is one thing, but knowing how to use them in context is another. Here are a few example conversations that incorporate these terms:

Example 1: Discussing a Party

Person A: “Як вечірка вчора?”
Person B: “Це був треш! Я залипнув на музиці весь час.”
Person A: “Кек! Я чув, що це викликало великий хайп.”

Translation:
Person A: “How was the party yesterday?”
Person B: “It was wild! I got stuck on the music the whole time.”
Person A: “LOL! I heard it caused a lot of hype.”

Example 2: Talking About a New Song

Person A: “Ти чув нову пісню?”
Person B: “Так, це топчик! Я лайкнув її на YouTube.”
Person A: “Я теж. Всі заходять на неї.”

Translation:
Person A: “Have you heard the new song?”
Person B: “Yes, it’s top-notch! I liked it on YouTube.”
Person A: “Me too. Everyone gets it.”

Example 3: Discussing Social Media

Person A: “Чому ти так довго на телефоні?”
Person B: “Я залипаю в Інстаграм. Ти бачив цей пост? Це зашквар!”
Person A: “Кек! Я теж лайкнув його.”

Translation:
Person A: “Why are you on your phone for so long?”
Person B: “I’m stuck on Instagram. Did you see this post? It’s embarrassing!”
Person A: “LOL! I liked it too.”

The Influence of English

It’s evident that many of these slang terms are borrowed from English, reflecting the influence of global culture and the internet on Ukrainian youth. This borrowing is not unique to Ukrainian; many languages incorporate English terms, especially in the context of technology, entertainment, and social media.

Learning and Using Slang Appropriately

While slang can be a fun way to connect with native speakers and sound more fluent, it’s essential to use it appropriately. Here are some tips for incorporating slang into your Ukrainian:

1. **Observe and Listen:** Spend time listening to native speakers, especially younger ones, to understand how and when these terms are used.
2. **Practice with Friends:** If you have Ukrainian friends, try using these terms in your conversations with them. They can provide feedback and help you use the slang correctly.
3. **Stay Updated:** Slang evolves quickly, so stay updated by following Ukrainian social media, watching Ukrainian YouTubers, and engaging with contemporary Ukrainian content.
4. **Use Sparingly:** While it’s fun to use slang, overusing it can make you sound unnatural. Mix slang with standard language for a balanced conversational style.

Conclusion

Understanding and using slang is an excellent way to immerse yourself in a new language and culture. Ukrainian Gen Z slang offers a glimpse into the dynamic and evolving nature of the language. By learning these terms, you’ll not only enhance your linguistic skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for modern Ukrainian culture.

So, the next time you’re chatting with a Ukrainian friend or scrolling through Ukrainian social media, try using some of these slang terms. You might just find that they add a new dimension to your language learning journey. Happy learning!