Is This a Joke? The Military's New "Gen Z Cheat Sheet" Will Leave You Shaking Your Head

Forget 'enemy lines', the military now has to translate 'no cap' and 'peng'.

When I received an anonymous message this week from someone in the armed forces, my initial reaction was to chuckle. "Seen this today to help us understand the new recruits," they wrote, alongside a picture of a cheat sheet explaining Gen Z slang. The final line of their message hit differently (to borrow Gen Z parlance): "World has gone mad."

And honestly, looking at this bizarre guide, it's hard to disagree.

This is supposedly a tool to help recruitment staff in the armed forces communicate with new recruits. New recruits tasked with protecting this country when politicians fail at the 'diplomatic' part of their job (and let's face it, political failures have become all too familiar in this nation under our so-called 'leadership'). The guide breaks down terms like "No Cap" (to mean no lie), "Glow Up" (a transformation for the better), and "Rizz" (short for charisma).

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At first glance, it's lighthearted—something you might expect to find on TikTok. But when you realise it's meant for the military—the backbone of national pride and tradition—it becomes deeply concerning. The armed forces have long symbolised unity, resilience, and a shared British identity, so why should they feel compelled to bend to a trend that, for many, reflects a fractured and unfamiliar culture? Whatever happened to just speaking English?

We're in England, after all. Or at least, that's what we thought.

The State of the Armed Forces Today

This guide unintentionally shines a spotlight on a deeper issue: the disconnect between the armed forces and the society it recruits from. For centuries, the military has been a bastion of discipline, tradition, and shared purpose. But now, it appears that even this proud institution feels the need to "get with the times," accommodating slang and cultural shifts that many find alienating.

Imagine this: a Gen Z recruit is manning an observation post. They spot a potential target and call in to a fighter jet. "Yo, we've got movement at bare 1-8-0 degrees, no cap. Pop off ASAP!" The seasoned pilot, already navigating a high-stress situation, pauses. "Say again? What's 'bare 1-8-0'? And… pop off? Is that a go order?" The recruit, exasperated, clarifies: "Bruv, it means a lot of movement, like loads, fam. Just send it!" Meanwhile, the pilot is wondering if it's too late to retire. And who can blame him/her?

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And it's not just about the slang. This moment illustrates what many people already feel: a growing sense of estrangement from the country they once knew. It's not hard to see why recruitment numbers are struggling. When the armed forces—a symbol of unity, strength, and continuity—feels the need to adopt a vocabulary that sounds like it came straight from a viral TikTok video, people start to wonder: Is this really where we're at as a country?

The Bigger Picture: What Happened to England?

Over the past two decades, the country has changed dramatically. For many, the problem isn't just about slang or generational quirks. It's about weak leadership and a lack of clear direction. There's a sense that Britain has lost its way, leaving institutions like the military scrambling to bridge a cultural divide that never used to exist.

For generations, the armed forces reflected British identity—rooted in shared values, a common language, and a sense of national pride. Now, it seems they're being forced to adapt to a fractured, hyper-individualistic society that no longer speaks the same language—literally or figuratively. Is it any wonder that fewer young people are signing up? When the very essence of what it means to be British feels diluted, the appeal of serving that identity naturally wanes.

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I joined the armed forces at 16, filled with pride and a sense of duty. But looking at the state of our country today—how miserable it has become, failing in so many regards—there is simply no way I would sign up now to risk my life for a nation that feels unrecognisable. My trust in the integrity of our politicians has eroded completely, and their decisions seem more self-serving than ever. And let's not even start with the mainstream media (I now get my 'news' from The Angry Bootneck on YouTube'. If you have managed to keep hold of your sense of humour, then I would highly recommend this veteran).

But I digress; let's return to the matter at hand.

The Guide in Question

For those wondering what's included in this so-called Gen Z translation manual, here's a snapshot. Apparently, this is the lingo new recruits are using:

• No Cap/Cap: Lying versus telling the truth.

• Sus: Suspicious or shady behaviour.

• Rizz: Charisma, especially in a romantic context.

• Boujee: Someone with a taste for luxury.

• Beef: An argument or conflict.

• Salty: Feeling upset or bitter.

• Peng: Attractive or impressive.

• Fam: Close friends or a chosen family.

• Shook: Scared or shocked.

And it doesn't stop there:

• Bet: Affirmation or agreement.

• That Slaps/That Hits Different: High praise for something exceptional.

• Aired: Being ignored.

• Slay: To succeed or look amazing.

• Ick: Something cringe or off-putting.

• Pop Off: To go wild or crazy.

• Safe: Something good.

• Bruv: A close friend.

• Glow Up: A significant improvement or transformation.

• Stan: A blend of "stalker" and "fan"—essentially an extreme admirer.

• Cheugy: Uncool or outdated.

• Swag: Confidence or charm.

• Drip: Fashionable clothing.

• Gassed: Excited or thrilled.

• Bait: Obvious or well-known.

• Link Up: To meet up.

• Wet: Uncool.

If this feels like a foreign language, you're not alone.

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A Symptom of a Bigger Problem

For many people, this guide is a window into the sad state of modern Britain—a country that increasingly feels adrift, its institutions bending to accommodate a culture that many find unrecognisable. For older generations, this is baffling. For younger ones, it's simply reality. But is this a reality we have to accept? Should the armed forces—one of the last bastions of tradition—be trying so hard to meet society where it's at? Or should it be standing firm as a symbol of something greater: shared values, discipline, and national pride? The disappearance of common sense in decision-making, replaced by a frantic rush to stay relevant, only deepens the divide and raises more questions about the path we're on. These are the questions this guide raises, whether intentionally or not.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The armed forces are more than just a job; they're a calling. They're about serving something bigger than oneself, upholding a legacy that stretches back generations. But that legacy is hard to maintain when the very fabric of society feels like it's unravelling. If we want to restore pride in our institutions, we need leadership with the courage to chart a clear course—one that reflects the values of the people it serves.

So, this guide should also raise an eyebrow. If the military is struggling to communicate with its own recruits, what does that say about where we are as a nation?

Let me know your thoughts. And if you feel strongly about preserving the values that make this country great, consider subscribing to this blog. It's time to have the conversations that matter—no cap.

OPINION Is This a Joke? Did The Military's New "Gen Z Cheat Sheet" Leave You Shaking Your Head

Forget 'enemy lines', the military now has to translate 'no cap' and 'peng'. When I stumbled upon a military guide explaining Gen Z slang to recruitment staff, I couldn't help but laugh. "No Cap" means no lie, "Glow Up" signifies a transformation for the better, and "Rizz" stands for charisma.

While it might seem like a chuckle-worthy attempt to connect with the younger generation, the reality is far from amusing. This isn't just about language; it's a stark reflection of how disconnected we've become from the roots of British identity, tradition, and the unifying spirit of our armed forces.