commentary

The Gen Z-coined suffix has infiltrated lifestyle and dietary spaces, encouraging us to obsess over what we eat

Published May 7, 2026 11:00AM (EDT)

Protein powder and shake (Anna Blazhuk / Getty Images)

If you’re chronically online like me, you’ve probably come across a slang-suffix that’s become part of the lexicon despite not being formally added to a dictionary — yet. It’s part trend, part meme. And it’s been showing up everywhere to underscore almost anything.

If you’re confused, let me explain.

I’m talking about “-maxxing,” Gen Z’s latest buzz term, following in the footsteps of “rizz” (charm or charisma), “delulu” (delusional) and “no cap” (no lie). It’s shorthand for “maximize” and is often used alongside a noun or a specific aspect of life that needs improving.…