Cancel is a Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang word meaning “To publicly reject or call out someone for problematic behavior”. Here’s the full Cancel meaning explained, with examples, origin, and how to say it in 10+ languages.
What is Cancel? Cancel Meaning Explained
To publicly reject or call out someone for problematic behavior
Cancel or “cancelled” means someone’s been called out online for bad behavior — usually via TikTok, X (Twitter), or community drama. Gen Z often uses it ironically now, like “girl you’re cancelled for not liking fries in the bag.”
Cancel culture became a dominant internet force in the mid-2010s, used to expose or reject people for problematic behavior — from celebs to mutuals. Gen Z took the term and made it ironic, memeable, and weirdly casual. Now “cancelled” can mean anything from real accountability to “you didn’t like my fave show.”
Cancel — Slang Examples in Sentences
“I said I hate fries… now I’m cancelled.”
| Sentence | Translation / Context |
|---|
| “He’s cancelled for that take.” | Calling someone out for a bad opinion or behavior. |
| “Cancel culture strikes again 💀.” | Used ironically in Gen Z humor to exaggerate social rejection. |
| “I said I hate fries… now I’m cancelled.” | Referencing actual drama where someone was exposed or boycotted. |
| “Not liking Beyoncé? You’re cancelled.” | Used for jokes when someone breaks unspoken Gen Z rules. |
| “That reply just got you cancelled by the group chat.” | Reacting to hot takes with playful mock outrage. |
Examples: • “You hate cats? Cancelled.” • “She got cancelled over an old tweet.” • “TikTok is cancelling Starbucks now.” • “The comment section went full cancel mode.” • “He got cancelled for liking raisins.”
Where Did “Cancel” Come From? Cancel Origin
Cancel began wide-spread usage in 2016
The term blew up on Twitter around 2016, but the idea of cancelling people online has roots in older callout culture. It became mainstream through YouTube drama, TikTok discourse, and pop culture moments that sparked mass outrage. Today, it’s both a real force and a parody of itself.
Cancel in Every Language
Learn how to say (or at least explain) Cancel in 9+ languages! Jump to a section from the table above to read about Cancel in every language.
Cancel意味｜Cancelとは？ 🇯🇵
Cancelの意味は？ネットで誰かを拒否・ネタにするスラング
Cancel（キャンセル）は、問題発言や行動をネット上で非難・拒否する時に使われる言葉。今では冗談やネタとしても使われる。
Cancel의미｜Cancel이란? 🇰🇷
Cancel 뜻: 비난하거나 거부할 때 쓰는 Z세대 밈
Cancel（캔슬)는 잘못된 행동이나 발언을 지적하거나 거부할 때 쓰는 표현이에요. 요즘은 유머나 밈으로도 자주 사용돼요。
Cancel意思｜Cancel是什么？ 🇨🇳
Cancel 是什么意思？既是批评也可以是开玩笑
Cancel（取消）是网络用语，用来指出某人的错误行为或言论。现在也常用于调侃或开玩笑。
Cancel Bedeutung｜Was Bedeutet Cancel? 🇩🇪
Was bedeutet Cancel? Internet-Slang für öffentliches Bloßstellen
Cancel beschreibt, wenn jemand wegen eines Fehlverhaltens online bloßgestellt oder ausgegrenzt wird — heute oft auch ironisch verwendet。
Cancel Significado｜¿Qué Significa Cancel? 🇪🇸
¿Qué significa Cancel? Slang para señalar o bromear con alguien
Cancel se usa para decir que alguien fue rechazado o criticado públicamente. A veces es en serio, a veces solo un chiste.
Cancel Significato｜Che Cosa Vuol Dire Cancel? 🇮🇹
Cosa vuol dire Cancel? Slang per chiamare qualcuno fuori online
Cancel è un termine usato per indicare che qualcuno è stato respinto o criticato, spesso in modo ironico sui social.
Cancel Signification｜C’est Quoi Cancel? 🇫🇷
Quelle est la signification de Cancel ? Rejeter ou se moquer de quelqu’un
Cancel est utilisé pour désigner une personne critiquée ou rejetée publiquement. C’est devenu un terme à la fois sérieux et ironique.
Cancel значение｜Что такое Cancel? 🇷🇺
Что значит Cancel? Сленг для осуждения или шутливого отвержения
Cancel — это интернет-сленг, означающий, что кого-то публично осудили или «отменили». Часто используется иронично。
Cancel ما معنى｜المعنى Cancel؟ 🇸🇦
ما معنى Cancel؟ مصطلح للرفض أو الإلغاء أونلاين
Cancel هو مصطلح شبابي يُستخدم للإشارة إلى أن شخصًا ما تم انتقاده أو استبعاده، سواء بجدية أو بسخرية.
Cancel Overview
Cancel is the ultimate Gen Z phrase for mock rejection. Whether it’s calling someone out or joking about pineapple on pizza, it’s how the internet plays judge — seriously or not. From real consequences to ironic chaos, if someone says you’re cancelled… just vibe with it.
That’s the full slang guide for Cancel, straight from the Skibidi DB!
Sasha | Gen Z Reporter
Hi, I’m Sasha, a Gen Z reporter and content goblin here at Skibidi Times.
I’m 19 with Italian roots (yes, I’m fluent in both Italian and Italian Brainrot 🇮🇹💅) and I love covering everything from TikTok trends to Gen Alpha drama.
When I’m not online scrolling way too deep, you’ll catch me with Froyo in one hand and a fresh nail set on the other — I’m a certified nail art addict and self-taught specialist in all things cute ✨💅🍦.
