Flex is a slang term that originated in the 2000s and has become widely associated with Gen Z. But is it exclusively a Gen Z word, or did it exist before this generation adopted it? Let’s dive into the history and usage of flex to determine whether it truly belongs to today’s youth.
What does “flex” mean?
“Flex” is slang meaning to show off or brag about something you have or something you can do. It can be used as a noun or a verb. Here are some examples of how it’s used:
- He got a new car just so he could flex on social media.
- Did you see her crazy flex in that dance video? She’s so talented!
- I can’t go out tonight because I’m broke, and I don’t want to see all my friends flexing.
So in summary, to “flex” is to display or flaunt something impressive about yourself. It’s similar to terms like “stunting” or “peacocking.” The purpose is to impress others and demonstrate one’s desirability, skills, wealth, or success.
What are the origins of “flex”?
The first known uses of “flex” as a verb meaning to brag or show off date back to the late 1980s and early 90s. It emerged from hip hop culture and slang used by rappers, DJs, and fans of hip hop music. Some of the earliest references come from rap lyrics:
- The Beastie Boys used flex in their 1992 track “Professor Booty”: “We got the flex, we drop the flex, we got the flex”
- Snoop Dogg used it in his 1993 song “Pump Pump”: “And all the ladies of the 80’s still flex”
- Ice Cube’s 1993 album was titled “Lethal Injection” but had the promotional phrase “Flexing with the Po boy”
So while the exact origin is unclear, it seems to have first gained popularity in west coast rapping and hip hop culture. Through the 1990s it slowly gained more widespread use in urban slang.
When did “flex” become popular with Gen Z?
While Gen Z didn’t invent “flex,” the word did explode in popularity with this generation in the late 2000s and early 2010s. There are a few reasons for this:
- Hip hop continued to be extremely influential in youth culture, bringing the terminology to younger fans.
- Social media gave young people public platforms to show off their lifestyle, achievements, and material goods.
- Meme culture often uses flexing and bragging for comedic effect.
So Gen Z didn’t come up with the word, but they did amplify its usage and cemented it as a hallmark of their lingo. It resonated with how they use social platforms to clout chase and showcase themselves.
How else does Gen Z use “flex”?
Gen Z often uses “flex” in new playful or ironic ways that differ from the original bragging and showboating meaning. For example:
- As a reaction to something funny or impressive. Someone might comment “flex” on a video game clip that shows an awesome move.
- To jokingly brag about mundane things for humor. Posting a photo of leftovers and saying “dinner flex.”
- To express being impressed by someone else’s possession or achievement. “Wow, nice flex” to compliment something.
- Sarcastically, to mock something that actually isn’t impressive at all.
So they’ve taken the core idea of flexing and branched out into new tongue-in-cheek interpretations.
Is “flex” only used by Gen Z?
While Gen Z may use “flex” more often than other generations, they certainly haven’t claimed exclusive ownership of it. The term is now firmly embedded in slang that is widely understood across ages. Other generations might use it in a tongue-in-cheek way or to poke fun at Gen Z tendencies.
Some examples of “flex” being used by non-Gen Z include:
- Millennials joking about their coding skills or 401(k)s.
- Middle aged people bragging about new purchases like cars or gadgets.
- Brands using “flex” in marketing to appeal to youth lingo.
So while it rose to prominence with Gen Z, flex has definitely gone mainstream. Many other demographics now use it humorously or to discuss showing off in some capacity.
Flex in online searches and data
Looking at search engine and survey data can give us another perspective on the use of “flex” across different ages. Here are some key data points:
| Data Source | Key Finding |
|---|---|
| Google Trends data | Online searches for “flex” peaked in 2015 and have declined slightly since then, but remain popular. |
| Urban Dictionary popularity | The flex definition has over 33,000 upvotes, indicating broad cultural familiarity. |
| Survey of 1,500 adults | 89% were familiar with the term flexing. Highest awareness was among 18-34 year olds. |
This data demonstrates that while strongest with Gen Z, “flex” is now widely known and used across age groups in the mainstream.
Does its history make flex a Gen Z word?
Based on its origins and evolution in usage, there’s a strong argument that flex is not exclusively a Gen Z word:
- It first emerged decades before Gen Z’s birth, created by older generations.
- Gen Z amplified its usage and popularized new slang derivatives.
- But it remains broadly known and used in culture, not limited to one age group.
In summary, its lengthy history prevents it from being pigeonholed to a single generation. Flex no longer belongs solely to Gen Z but has become a mainstream cultural reference.
Conclusion
While strongly associated with Gen Z culture, flex does not belong solely to this generation. Its origins trace back decades before Gen Z even existed. The term rose to greater prominence in the 2000s/2010s as Gen Z adopted it for social media brags and meme humor. But it remains broadly familiar and used across all age groups in a variety of contexts today. So in conclusion, flex is not a Gen Z word by history and can’t be constrained to one era or generation.