Explaining the latest Gen Z insult
A new year means new slang that'll make you immediately feel older.
From skibidi and sigma to rizz and rage bait, the internet buzzed as they grew in popularity and became some of the newest slang among younger generations in 2025.
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According to Randoh Sallihall, the spokesperson for Unscramblerer, popular slang in the last year was still heavily influenced by social media platforms TikTok and Instagram, as well as gaming, streaming and other Gen Z and Alpha online communities.
"Trends from social media spread rapidly via memes and viral challenges," says Sallihall.
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Although these slang words have become common among youngsters, many of us were left clueless, having to sneakily Google them to make sure we understood their meanings.
It’s no wonder people are having a hard time keeping up with new slang, since language is changing more rapidly than ever due to social media.
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Sallihall added, "Fuelled by technology, our language adapts to new slang trends more rapidly than ever. Slang is a fascinating and fun mirror of our culture."
If you're struggling to keep up, you don't have to be embarrassed, and you are definitely not alone.
But if you want to stay one step ahead of those much younger than you, we have an update.
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Various media sites have picked up on a new Gen Z insult making the rounds.
The latest edition is the word "choppelganger," and you do not want to be called one.
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What does "choppelganger" mean?
The word is a combination of "chopped" and "doppelganger".
"Chopped" is another slang term for someone who is unattractive or unfortunate-looking.
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"Doppelganger" is a well-known term for two people, usually strangers, unrelated to each other, who look exactly alike.
Now the young ones have decided to put the two together and create "choppelganger", which essentially means someone is an uglier version of another person.
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For example, if somebody is called a Brad Pitt choppelganger, they are an unattractive version of the actor.
Like most slang, the origins are virtually impossible to track down, but one of the earliest reported mentions appeared in a video comment.
My dyslexic ass read this as “choppelganger” and I think I just made a word for someone who looks like u but very slightly and subtly worse https://t.co/NIqALVNWX7
— kyrein (@2seatlimousine) May 20, 2025
Since then, it's only become more popular.
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People are even searching for poor souls who resemble celebrities and more genetically blessed people in order to call them choppelgangers.
One person shared these wise words: "Everyone has a choppelganger it’s like someone who almost looks like you but chopped. Or maybe you’re someone’s choppelganger idk. Food for thought."
@robyn_nagioff #choppelganger ♬ Venus As A Boy - Björk
@indie88toronto We love learning new words! Who’s YOUR choppelganger? 🤔 @Carlin Burton @Radiobrent @JackiePirico #genz #millenials #heatedrivalry #hudsonwilliams #doppelganger ♬ original sound - Indie88 Toronto’s Modern Music
@sparklejumpropefein_ STOP CALLING ME MICK JAGGER #chopped ♬ original sound - H3adband🟡
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