'Delulu', 'FOMO', 'Clock It': Gen Z slang echoes through Lok Sabha during NEET debate

Published 29 July 2026 · politics

Popular Gen Z expressions such as "delulu", "FOMO", "MIA" and "clock it" found an unexpected platform in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as Members of

Popular Gen Z expressions such as "delulu", "FOMO", "MIA" and "clock it" found an unexpected platform in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday as Members of Parliament invoked internet slang during a discussion on the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The debate, which centred on the proposed anti-paper leak legislation in the wake of the NEET controversy, saw MPs from both the ruling Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition using contemporary online expressions to sharpen their political attacks. NDA MPs Invoke Gen Z Vocabulary To Target Opposition Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Lata Eknath Shinde used a string of Gen Z terms while referring to the Opposition's July 20 protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What Gen Z slang was used during the Lok Sabha debate on the NEET paper leak bill? ⌵ During the Lok Sabha debate on the NEET paper leak bill, Gen Z slang such as 'delulu', 'FOMO', and 'MIA' was used by MPs to illustrate their points. 2 Why did MPs choose to use Gen Z slang in their arguments regarding the NEET bill? ⌵ MPs used Gen Z slang to connect with younger audiences and to emphasize their criticism of the opposition's actions, highlighting their disconnection with current youth sentiments and issues. 3 How did the use of slang affect the debate on the NEET paper leak bill in Lok Sabha?

⌵ The use of slang added a contemporary angle to the debate, but it was met with mixed reactions, with some members urging a focus on serious discussion over language. 4 Should policymakers consider Gen Z language when addressing youth issues? ⌵ Policymakers should consider using Gen Z language as a tool for engagement, but they must balance this with substantive discussions to address pressing issues affecting youth. 5 What was the primary focus of the Lok Sabha debate surrounding the NEET exam and its controversies? ⌵ The primary focus of the debate was the introduction of the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aimed at curbing paper leaks and safeguarding students' interests. "I would like to sum up the Opposition's protest in Gen Z language. They were MIA (missing in action) for the first 37 days and did not go to Jantar Mantar. Then came FOMO (fear of missing out), so they held a protest outside the prime minister's residence. Finally, they became 'delulu' (delusional), believing the protesting students would join them, but no one did," he said. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, representing the New Delhi constituency, also borrowed from Gen Z vocabulary while criticising the Congress. "Where Congress created a policy vacuum, Modi clocked it, if I may borrow the language of Gen Z, and created a solution. All the Opposition did was chase political opportunism." BJP MP Tejasvi Surya also used the term "delulu" while attacking the Opposition.