Tinder Launches Dating Dictionary to Help Older Daters Understand Gen Z Singles

Image: Tinder

Tinder launched a new in-app dictionary which defines certain slang words used by many Gen Z singles, so that older daters can understand their language.

The Tinder Dating Dictionary, crafted by 18 to 25-year-olds at Tinder, was just unveiled in Australia. It provides a detailed list of common dating terminology, including popular terms like “rizz,” “cushioning,” and “kitten fishing.” The company responded to research that showed 62 percent of their target Gen Z market felt like they “spoke a different language” than older singles when it comes to dating.

The recent survey also found that 70 percent of 18-25 year-olds regularly use dating slang compared to 55 percent of 26 to 40 year-olds. Understanding the language, Tinder assumes, will help bridge this gap.

According to Tinder's press release, the dictionary proclaims: “We’re here to help arm you with all the lingo and to encourage cross-generational dating dialogue.”

Terms like “breadcrumbing” and “ghosting” have been around for a few years, but new terms like “cushioning” and others are being used more frequently. Cushioning refers to keeping several backup matches on hold in case the one you really like falls through – in other words, to “cushion” the blow. “Rizz” refers to having a lot of charisma, and “kitten fishing” means to embellish your profile so that you look more appealing, but not lying outright like catfishing.

Tinder also interviewed Australia-based sex and relationship coach Georgia Grace, who said the following about the change in dating the last few years and how people are interacting on dating apps: “We've seen radical shifts in the way people are dating, relating and having sex over the past few years. The rise in dating technology, a global pandemic, new research on sex & bodies is emerging and a sexual revolution have all had a significant and ongoing impact on the way people connect with each other.”

She went on to say: “This affects everyone differently, some of my clients find the changes daunting, vulnerable and have no idea where to begin, whilst others are excited by the new opportunities, they're having better sexual experiences and love how dating is evolving.”

Tinder Australia spokesperson Kirsty Dunn said in the company’s blog post: “We’ve seen a massive shift in how we connect and date - and along with that, the language we use to talk about dating and sex continues to evolve. Our Tinder Dating Dictionary aims to help make today's dating conversations a little more universal, so that everyone is able to share their experiences with all of their family and friends.”

For more on this dating app, read our Tinder Review. You can also check out our own Dating Acronyms and Dating Definitions resources.