Gen Z stare
noun
an unblinking and vacant expression
What does Gen Z stare mean?
The Gen Z stare is a vacant expression that members of Generation Z give in situations where a spoken response would be expected. It occurs in classrooms, restaurants, and other social settings, and often appears judgmental to those on the receiving end.
Examples of Gen Z stare
I think I have the gen Z stare. My mom said I have a “soulless” stare, like i don’t like to look at people when I talk and I take just, like, a second too long to start talking during a conversation She said i look like i’m looking at my phone even when i’m looking at her.
—Reddit.com, 15 July 2025
The Gen Z stare is when a Zoomer is asked a question in a public setting, and instead of answering verbally, they deliver a passive-aggressive stare.
—the gen z stare comes out when there’s nothing nice to say…
—
Where does Gen Z stare come from?
As with much internet slang, the origins of Gen Z stare are somewhat unclear. The term spread widely on social media in the summer of 2025, with some suggesting that it had begun its life, as did many other recently viral words and phrases, on TikTok.
How is Gen Z stare used?
The term has been used to describe two scenarios: when Gen Z workers stare silently at customers they find ridiculous, and when Gen Z customers stare silently at service workers instead of responding in a timely manner.
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