What Does Chat Mean in Gen Z Slang?

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Content creator Jemaree Jay explains the meaning and origin of this popular slang term

Co-authored by Jemaree Jay and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: December 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Chat Meaning
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• Origin of “Chat” in Gen Z Slang
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• How to Use “Chat” in Slang
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• Meaning of “Chat is this real?”
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• Video

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If you’re hearing “chat” everywhere you go and you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone. Gen Z slang evolves quickly, and this one seems like it came out of nowhere. And it’s also used in so many different ways, from referring to a whole group to a single person. Don’t worry, we’re here to break down exactly what “chat” means in slang, plus where it started and—if you’re feeling brave—how to use it yourself. Keep reading for the full breakdown, with insights from content creator Jemaree Jay!

What does “chat” mean?

According to content creator Jemaree Jay, “chat” is a Gen Z slang term that refers to anyone who’s nearby, and the term evolved from live streaming. Livestreamers would use “chat” as a collective way to interact with their viewers, but it caught on and now can be used to mean anyone.

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Section 1 of 4:

What does “Chat” mean in Gen Z slang?

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1. 
   “Chat” is a way of addressing friends or an audience. Some people use it as a general third-person term to refer to their friends, parents, teachers, or whoever else is around at the time, similar to saying “guys,” “dude,” or “bruh. ” It can also be a playful way to refer to an imaginary audience—as if they’re pretending there’s a live chat watching whatever’s happening right now.

   • Jay explains that "chat” originates from streaming. “The ‘chat’ is the people who are watching the stream and commenting,” he says. When content creators say “chat,” they’re referring to the people they’re taking to.
   • Jay says that because streaming is so popular, the term caught on with people outside of livestreaming. Now, regular people casually say the term to refer to a group of people they’re actively talking to. Some people even say it when they're talking to themselves!
     • Jay mentions that he recently posted a video about people who talk to themselves and added “chat” as one of the examples.
   • The term can also refer to a single person.
   • Like any new slang phrase, there are some people who think it’s funny and some who find it annoying, like in this TikTok video from @xenoicxavier.

   Meet the wikihow Expert

   Jemaree Jay is a content creator based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in viral social content that breaks down Gen Z identity, internet culture, race-based archetypes, and friend group dynamics.
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Section 2 of 4:

Origin of “Chat” in Gen Z Slang

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1. 
   “Chat” comes from streamers on platforms like Twitch. During livestreams, viewers can use the in-game messaging system—or chat—to talk to the streamer and each other. Streamers interact with their viewers during the streams, and eventually started referring to them collectively as “chat.” For example, to ask for their viewers’ opinions on something, a streamer might say, “What do you think, chat?”

   • As the term “chat” became more popular among livestreamers, viewers picked it up and started using it in real life, as described in this video from TikToker @mr_lindsay_sped.
   • Some people use the term “chat” in a sarcastic way to poke fun at influencer culture. Others may use the term because they admire influencers or hope to become one themselves.

Section 3 of 4:

How to Use “Chat” in Slang

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1. 
   Try saying “Chat” next time you’re addressing a group of people. Like most Gen Z slang, you’ll need a hefty dose of confidence to pull this off—no self-consciousness allowed. When you’re ready to give it a shot, here are a few ways you could put it:

   • What’s up, chat?
   • Chat, let’s go grab some pizza!
   • Did you just see that, chat?
   • Chat, tell me this isn’t really happening.
   • Chill out, chat.
   • Help me out, chat.
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Section 4 of 4:

Meaning of “Chat is this real?”

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1. 
   “Chat is this real” is a viral Gen Z slang expression. It was popularized during this livestream by streamer ISHOWSPEED when he saw a video where an AI-generated Elon Musk promised ISHOW a Tesla if he replied in the comments. ISHOW looked at the camera and sarcastically deadpanned, “Chat is this real?”

   • The moment went viral, and a new Gen Z catchphrase was born.
   • “Chat is this real?” is often used to reply to anything that seems outrageous, questionable, or obviously fake.
   • “Chat am I cooked?” is a similar phrase that means “Is this bad?” or “Am I in trouble?”

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