Gen Alpha slang · Noun
catfish
Meaning
Catfish is Gen Alpha slang for someone pretending to be somebody else online, used mainly by ages 11–35. Rated "Careful" for adult use.
Where it came from
From a 2010 documentary and the television series that followed.
Tone check
A serious accusation. Worth taking literally when a child uses it.
Used in a sentence
"He got catfished."
Peak: 2012–2026
Age range: 11–35
Careful for adults to use
Related words
Keep decoding
clutch
winning from a losing position at the last moment
chat
the people watching — used as an address to nobody
beige flag
a harmless oddity in a partner or friend
screaming
reacting with disbelief or laughter
crashing out
losing your composure, publicly
default
someone with no purchased customisation in a game
washed up
thoroughly past your best
gyatt damn
an exclamation of surprise