Gen Z terms are hot, but here are basic words that say “manners”!

We’ve all grown up with our parents (and honestly, every adult around us) saying, “What are the magic words?”—that gentle reminder to add a little politeness to our sentences. In case you’ve forgotten them, read on, we’ve got them all for you! Because while Gen Z slang may be fun to throw around—“rizz”, “slay”, “bet”—the real magic words are the ones that have stood the test of time. They’re simple, timeless, and can transform how you connect with others. Whether it’s at work, in a text, or on your next coffee run, manners are still the ultimate power move.

“Hello”

When you walk into a coffee shop in the morning, your first words shouldn’t be about your order. Start your interaction with the barista with a friendly greeting—because “not acknowledging someone’s humanity before asking them something is pretty rude,” says Nick Leighton, co-host of the etiquette podcast Were You Raised By Wolves?

“Please”

Saying please transforms a demand into a request. “I think we’ve leaned away from ‘please’ because we’re worried that, in so many of the text messages we send daily, it can come across like, ‘Please get this done,’ because any magic word can be said the wrong way,” says Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute. “It’s possible to make these words nasty with our tone, but when we use them politely and positively, they have profound effects.”

“Thank you” (with a caveat)

There’s an art to writing a good thank-you note, says Rita Kirk, a professor of corporate communications and public affairs, and rule No. 1 is that thank you should never be your very first words. Instead, express your gratitude by describing what the gift, insight, or time meant to you, and why you’re thankful for it. The same applies when you’re saying thank you in person—a little thought and sincerity go a long way. Getting into the habit of expressing gratitude, whether in writing or face to face, can, quite literally, pay off.

“May I?”

This question is “the ultimate phrase of respect,” says etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work. It’s permission-seeking rather than presumptive, which instantly softens the tone of any request and communicates awareness of another person’s time and space.

“My pleasure”

Whitmore always opts for “my pleasure” over “you’re welcome.” “It conveys joy in service—that the act of helping wasn’t a burden but a delight,” she says. “Rather than putting the spotlight on the other person—‘you’re welcome’—you’re taking ownership. It’s my pleasure to do that for you.” Etiquette experts almost universally shy away from “no problem.”

So while Gen Z may have given us “rizz” and “slay,” the true social currency still lies in courtesy. “Hello,” “please,” and “thank you” might not go viral, but they are still very much respected and respectable. Good manners aren’t old-fashioned! In a world obsessed with being loud, maybe the real flex is knowing when to speak softly and say the magic words.

And here’s one last phrase that’s equally important—“Sorry, I can’t.” Gen Z has mastered the art of setting boundaries and saying no with clarity and kindness—and that’s something worth learning. It’s not about being dismissive; it’s about being respectful while standing your ground. So, take a cue from us and make sure your dictionary of niceties includes a polite but firm “Sorry, I can’t.” Because sometimes, the kindest thing you can do—for yourself and others—is to be honest about your limits.

Lead image: Pexels 

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