If you’ve heard a young person say someone has “rizz” or something is “mid,” you might’ve nodded along — all while secretly wondering … what on earth were they talking about?

Every generation has its own way of speaking, but Gen Z slang is unique. Influenced heavily by social media trends, it’s shaped by internet culture and can spread at lightning speed.

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests break it all down. Where does this generation’s slang come from? What does it say about how young people connect, express themselves and even challenge the way we use language?

Guests: 

• Tish Jones is a poet, emcee and hip-hop theater artist from St. Paul. She’s the founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks, a St. Paul arts and culture organization that provides mentorships, workshops and other opportunities for artists and art leaders.
• Alayo Tripp is a linguist and cognitive scientist studying language development. They are also an assistant professor of computational language science at the University of Florida.

Was there any slang you’re curious about that we missed in the show? Check out the list below for more words and phrases.

• 100 Current Slang Terms Teens and Gen Z Use Daily

If you’ve heard a young person say someone has “rizz” or something is “mid,” you might’ve nodded along — all while secretly wondering … what on earth were they talking about?

Every generation has its own way of speaking, but Gen Z slang is unique. Influenced heavily by social media trends, it’s shaped by internet culture and can spread at lightning speed.

MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests break it all down. Where does this generation’s slang come from? What does it say about how young people connect, express themselves and even challenge the way we use language?

Guests: 

• Tish Jones is a poet, emcee and hip-hop theater artist from St. Paul. She’s the founder and executive director of TruArtSpeaks, a St. Paul arts and culture organization that provides mentorships, workshops and other opportunities for artists and art leaders.
• Alayo Tripp is a linguist and cognitive scientist studying language development. They are also an assistant professor of computational language science at the University of Florida.

Was there any slang you’re curious about that we missed in the show? Check out the list below for more words and phrases.

• 100 Current Slang Terms Teens and Gen Z Use Daily

Ten years ago, when you needed a ride across town or to the airport, you might have called a taxi. Now, you’re more likely to open an app on your phone.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have been growing at breakneck speed.

But the fast growth — and increased focus on profits — has changed the experience for some drivers and riders. It’s also prompted some states, including Minnesota, to pass minimum wage guarantees for drivers.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about how rideshare works and how it’s changing.

Guests: 

• Sergio Avedian is senior contributor for The Rideshare Guy, a driver advocacy blog and YouTube channel. He drives for multiple ridesharing and food delivery services in Los Angeles.
• Said Mohamed has been a rideshare driver for nine years and is a former taxi driver. Since moving to the Twin Cities from southern California three years ago, he’s driven over 11,000 rides. He’s also an organizer for SEIU Local 26, a union that wants to represent rideshare drivers.