---
title: "burn · GenZ Decoded"
description: "burn: A strong, cutting comeback after an insult. Example: \"That was a brutal burn.\" Meaning, Millennial usage, and related slang."
url: "https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/burn/"
lang: "en"
image: "https://genzdecoded.com/og/default.jpg"
---

# burn

Millennial[#bad](https://genzdecoded.com/slang-for/criticism/)

**Meaning.** A strong, cutting comeback after an insult.

See it in a sentence

That was a brutal burn.

## How each generation says it

The closest equivalent for this idea in every generation.

- Gen Z

    [clap back](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/clap-back/),[clapback](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/clapback/)

- Gen Alpha

    No word for this one yet.

- Millennial · this one

    burn

- Gen X

    No word for this one yet.

- Boomer

    [comeback](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/comeback/)

- Plain English

    strong, cutting comeback after an insult

// the shop [Shop LOST IN TRANSLATION shirts and hoodies for families who speak two kinds of slang](https://genzdecoded.com/shop/)

## Related slang

- [bug off](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/bug-off/): Telling someone to stop bothering you and go away.
- [bummer](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/bummer/): A disappointing or unfortunate outcome.
- [bust](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/bust/): A complete failure or a flop.
- [busted](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/busted/): Broken, low quality, or unattractive; something that no longer works or simply looks bad.

[Back to the A–Z dictionary](https://genzdecoded.com/glossary/)[Open the translator](https://genzdecoded.com/translate/)