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Kelly Ripa cracks up explaining her favorite Gen Z slang: 'They really are poets'


Ripa and Consuelos discussed some funny words with their young audience


Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa on Jimmy Kimmel Live© Disney via Getty Images
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
JANUARY 14, 2026 5:31 PM EST

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are learning a few things. The married couple recently had a brief segment on their TV show "Live with Kelly and Mark" where they discussed Gen Z slang, sharing their favorite words and asking some questions to their young audience. 

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos co-host "Live with Kelly and Mark", featuring guests Jim Gaffigan and Benjamin Brat, with coverage airing on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Live with Kelly and Mark airs weekdays on ABC. (Disney/Lorenzo Bevilaqua) KELLY RIPA, MARK CONSUELOS   (Photo by Lorenzo Bevilaqua/Disney via Getty Images)© Disney via Getty Images
Kelly and Mark shared some of their favorite Gen Z slang

In the segment, Ripa broke down while sharing one of her favorite slang words: Choppelganger. "It's a term thrown around for a person who looks like the ugly version of another person," she said, cracking up alongside the audience. 

The term comes from the words "chopped" and "doppelganger," with chopped referring to something that's ugly or unattractive.

"Yeah, there' also another term for that. Like an off-brand version," said Mark. Still, Kelly couldn't let go of her new favorite word. "I love choppelganger because it's such a Gen Z term. Only Gen Z could've come up with it. They really are poets," she said. 

You can check out the full clip below.

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More intriguing slang used by their kids

While Kelly and Mark need guidance when it comes to these new terms, the pair are in direct contact with Gen Z members, sharing that their kids often use these words at them, leaving them puzzled. 

"You know what's also a Gen Z term? Unc," said Mark, prompting even more laughs. "There are a lot of young people out here," he continued, eyeing the audience. "I would be considered an unc, right?"

"My son called me that the other day. 'Ok, unc.' Is it a derogatory term?" While various audience members pitched in with their thoughts, one guy explained concisely that the term can be considered a term of endearment, and it doesn't mean that someone is calling you old. 

"Are you sure?" asked Kelly

Kelly Ripa shuts down Mark Consuelos' wild theory with perfect comeback© Disney via Getty Images
Ripa and Consuelos share three kids

Another guy from the audience had an even better explanation. "Yeah, like a sexy older guy," he said, delighting Mark. "Really?" he asked.

Mark and Kelly share three kids: Michael, Lola, and Joaquin. The family has a close relationship, and they often travel to spend time together or celebrate special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

Earlier this year, Joaquin shared the news that he'd be making his Broadway debut in the play "Death of a Salesman." "Super grateful to be a part of this," he wrote in an Instagram story. He follows in his family's footsteps, with his elder brother being a writer, producer, and filmmaker, and his sister a musician. 

Joaquin Consuelos is a part of the wrestling team at Michigan University
Joaquin Consuelos will be making his Broadway debut this year

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