Humour
October 23, 2023

Gen-Z slang explained, social sector style

You no longer have to worry about keeping up with your younger colleagues.
2 min read

1. It’s a canon event

An unpleasant yet inevitable life event that eventually helps one build character. 

For example: It’s the new joinee’s first time managing a donor relationship. I tried telling her not to take on a 2.5 lakh grant with 15+ deliverables, but to no avail. It’s now a canon event. 

2. Somebody cooked here

When you realise that someone’s already done or has attempted to do a task that you are now doing.

For example: I had a meeting with a high networth individual for my education nonprofit but they knew all the jargon already. Somebody cooked here.

3. Going feral

Experiencing a mildly annoying event that evokes a lot of anger. What millennials refer to as ‘being livid’. 

For example: I just finally sent them a proposal we’ve been going back and forth on for three months only to find out their out-of-office email is now on for the entire month. I’m going absolutely feral!

4. Who let him cook?

Implies that someone is doing a horrible job and they should not be allowed to continue doing that. 

For example: Just got off a call with a video production agency who is insisting that we pay 5 lakh for a video that dehumanises our communities and promotes poverty porn to “get the right eyeballs”. Who let them cook?

5. Rent-free

Persistently thinking about something. 

For example: I can recite all the compliance changes that have taken place recently (FCRA, Income Tax, etc.) in my sleep–they just live in my head rent-free.

kittens with different fur colours--nonprofit humour
Picture courtesy: Pexels

6. Do it for the plot

Making a decision that may have a bad result, but doing it regardless just to see where it takes you. 

For example: A new CSR funder has asked us to completely revamp our livelihoods programme in rural Odisha that we’ve spent a decade building. We need the money so I’m going to do it just for the plot.

7. Touch grass

Implies that a person spends too much time online, is disconnected from the realities of the world, and should go outside.  

For example: I need all the fin-tech people suggesting that we scale using AI to touch grass, just for one moment.

8. The ick

Feeling repulsed by someone over a minor action or comment. 

For example: They’re a great coworker but think everything is a call-worthy emergency and I’m starting to get the ick!

9. W or  L

Stands for win and loss. Often used to mean something good or bad has happened respectively. 

For example: Just heard the conference has an open bar. What a rare W!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Halima Ansari
Halima Ansari is an editorial analyst at IDR where she’s responsible for writing, editing, and publishing content. She is interested in gender and ethics in technology and has written on the same for Feminism in India and MP-IDSA. Halima holds an MA in Politics and Area Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and a BA in History from Lady Shri Ram College for Women.
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