How every generation says that's excellent
Every generation has a quick way to give something top marks, but the flavor changes with the era. These terms all signal strong approval, from an online superlative to a retro compliment.
By Cal Hewitt, Gen X ·
Saying "that's excellent" across the ages
- Gen AlphaGOAT
GOAT, short for "greatest of all time," is an emphatic label for someone or something judged the very best. It is common in Gen Alpha's online, gaming, and sports-fandom talk, usually with "the" before it.
“That save was the GOAT play of the whole match.”
- Gen Zdank
Dank can mean excellent or especially high quality. In Gen Z internet and meme contexts, it gives praise a deliberately offbeat, online-aware tone; it can also specifically describe high-quality cannabis.
“That edit is dank.”
- Millennialawesome
Awesome is an easygoing, versatile compliment for something terrific or impressive. It works for plans, people, performances, and everyday good news, so it is less niche than many slang alternatives.
“You got the job? That's awesome!”
- Gen Xda bomb
Da bomb means the best or exceptionally good, with the spelling adding a stylized, punchy emphasis. It is strongly associated with 1990s praise and is often used as a standalone verdict or after "is."
“Those fries are da bomb.”
- Boomergroovy
Groovy means wonderful, excellent, or pleasantly in tune with the moment. It is now often used knowingly to evoke the language and style of the 1960s.
“That new record is groovy.”
What they all have in common
Each term is a compact signal of enthusiastic approval rather than a formal evaluation. The shared message is simple, this is notably good, but the terms differ in how much they lean on trendiness, exaggeration, or nostalgia.
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Name That Praise
0/41. Which term means "greatest of all time"?
2. Which term is most closely associated with Gen X-era 1990s praise?
3. Which word often signals an online, meme-aware kind of praise?
4. Which term now often evokes 1960s language?
Questions people ask
What is the Gen Z way to say that's excellent?
Dank is a Gen Z-associated choice for something excellent or high quality, especially in meme-aware online contexts.
What does GOAT mean in Gen Alpha slang?
GOAT means "greatest of all time" and is used for a person or thing considered the very best.
Does dank only refer to cannabis?
No. Dank can also be general praise for something excellent or high quality, though it retains a cannabis-related sense in some contexts.
Is groovy still used to mean excellent?
Yes, though it is often used playfully or nostalgically because it strongly evokes the 1960s.