Does a Dish Slay or Does It Have Rizz? How to Use Gen-Z Terminology for Hospitality Marketing

Social media is faster-paced than a Saturday evening service with skeleton staff. A key factor in staying relevant can often mean adopting the language of the youngest demographics: Gen Z. Born between 1997 and 2012, they grew up with the internet at their fingertips. It turns out swapping cartoons for Zoella’s iconic Primark hauls blesses you with a terrifyingly unparalleled ability to shape trends and dictate what's a slay and what’s an ick.

For hospitality businesses, understanding Gen Z slang can be a game changer, especially when connecting with younger audiences on social media or crafting marketing campaigns that resonate. But, what does it mean when someone says a dish ‘slays’ or has ‘rizz’? Let’s deep dive into the terminology and explore how you can use it effectively to market your brand.

Breaking down some of the Lingo

→  Slay is used to describe something exceptionally good or impressive. For instance, if a customer declares, ‘This pasta slays!’ it’s Gen Z for ‘my compliments to the chef’. An enthusiastic endorsement.

→  Rizz, short for charisma, is all about charm and allure. A dish or experience that has rizz might be visually stunning or have an irresistibly cool vibe.

→  No Cap translates to ‘no lie’. For instance, if your dessert is ‘the best in town, no cap’ you’re claiming it’s unrivalled. The antonym to No Cap is to Cap. In short, Cap is a lie and No Cap is the truth.

→  Vibes is a staple in the average Gen Z’s lexicon. Vibes refers to the overall atmosphere or energy of a place or experience. Hospitality businesses should prioritise creating good or unique vibes to attract this audience.

→  Drip is originally a fashion term, however, can apply to anything visually striking. A beautifully plated dish or chic interior design can be described as having drip.

Words of Caution

No cap, if you try to weave every single piece of Gen Z slang into your copy and content it WILL result in your brand entering its flop era (this is bad, think of it as the cultural version of when your favourite indie band “sells out”). Cramming in wonky rizz, misplaced drip and, god forbid, overusing the word slay creating what can only be described as brainrot.

Striking a balance is essential. Overusing or misusing terms can come across as inauthentic or worse, cringe. Ensure the vocabulary you’re bringing in aligns with your overall brand voice and doesn’t alienate other demographics in the process.

Applying Gen Z Terms in Marketing

→  Craft Relatable Content. Use Gen Z slang and reference to Gen Z pop culture in your social media captions, posts, and stories. This is not always going to be relevant to you or your venue so maybe enlist the help of some Gen-Z’s in your life to act as a focus group (take some deep breaths before and remember their harsh words can only hurt you if you let them)

→  Focus on your aesthetic appeal. One of the trademarks of the Gen Z audience is that they’re highly visual so showcase your dishes, drinks and spaces that boast rizz. Bright colours, unique textures, and creative garnishes are all ways to make your content pop.

→  Experiences will reign supreme in 2025 and you have the options of getting on board or missing out. This is where you highlight the vibes of your venue in your marketing. You can’t see me right now but I’m on my knees begging you to share behind-the-scenes clips. Show your staff making meals or drinks, get them involved in skits, interview them, anything. They make your business in real life and they’ll do the same on socials.

→  Engage in Trends. Stay tuned to trending phrases and challenges on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and incorporate them into your campaigns, but ONLY if they align with your brand identity. Authenticity is key; Gen Z can spot forced marketing a mile away.

→  Bridge the Gen Z gap with Influencers. Before you start changing your detailed captions to just the word ‘slay’, consider partnering with micro-influencers or content creators who can naturally weave Gen Z slang into their content while showcasing your offerings. Take notes and see what performs well.

The Bottom Line

Speaking the language of Gen Z is less about chasing trends and more about understanding what resonates with this influential group. By embracing their terminology, focusing on aesthetic appeal and creating authentic experiences you can position your hospitality brand as a go-to destination for younger consumers. 

So, the next time you’re marketing your star dish, ask yourself: does it slay? Or better yet, does it have rizz? Either way, the goal is to connect, delight, and keep them coming back for more.