If you want to keep up with the cool kids this Halloween, it's time to get familiar with the words they’re using to express their unique style and vibe during the spookiest season of the year.

Whether it's about dressing up for a party or describing that eerie feeling after a horror movie, Gen Z has coined fresh terms that capture the spirit of Halloween in their own way. From trendy to spooky, here are the top five Gen Z words you’ll need to know to stay in the loop this Halloween:

1. Slay

Forget witches and vampires—this Halloween, it’s all about slaying. To "slay" means to do something exceptionally well, especially in terms of appearance or effort. If someone’s costume is on point or their makeup is killing it, you’ll hear "You’re slaying that look!" It’s the ultimate Gen Z compliment for someone who’s absolutely nailing their Halloween vibe.

2. Vibe Check

Before entering any Halloween party, the first thing you’ll hear is "vibe check!" This term is all about assessing the mood or energy of a situation. Is the party fun or creepy enough? Does the haunted house actually feel haunted? If the vibe isn’t right, it might not pass the Gen Z "vibe check."

3. Spooky Szn

An abbreviation for "spooky season," this term perfectly captures the excitement of Halloween and everything leading up to it. Spooky Szn is all about the buildup—decorating your house with cobwebs, planning costumes, watching horror movies, and indulging in pumpkin-flavored everything. It’s the ultimate phrase for anyone who lives for the spooky side of life.

4. I’m Dead

While it may sound morbid, "I’m dead" is a funny, lighthearted expression used when something is hilarious or over-the-top impressive. Expect to hear this phrase when someone pulls off a next-level costume, tells a hilarious Halloween joke, or does something unexpected. It’s the Gen Z way of saying they’re so shocked or amused, they can’t even handle it.

5. Ghosted

While being ghosted usually refers to someone suddenly cutting off communication (like a ghost vanishing), on Halloween it takes on a double meaning. In addition to its relationship context, "ghosted" can be a fun way to describe someone disappearing from a party or a haunted house without saying goodbye—whether they were too scared or simply dipped out early.

As Halloween continues to evolve with each generation, so does the language we use to celebrate it. From "slaying" costumes to checking the Halloween "vibe," Gen Z brings their own brand of fun to the spooky season. So, whether you’re partying with friends or handing out candy, sprinkle some of these words into your Halloween conversation—you might just get a "slay" in return!