Amitabh Bachchan learns Gen Z slang 'suss', 'gwop' on KBC Season 18
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan received an impromptu Gen Z vocabulary lesson on Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 from contestant Aarya Sahani, a medicine aspirant, in a light-hearted exchange that highlighted the generational language divide — and Bachchan's endearing desire to bridge it. The segment aired on the popular quiz show, currently in its 18th season.
Why Bachchan Wanted the Lesson
The exchange began when Bachchan candidly admitted that Gen Z language puzzled him — not just on set, but at home. His grandchildren, he said, regularly use such terms, and he was eager to pick up a few words to impress them.
'Sir, this Gen Z language is very strange because my grandchildren at home also use this kind of language. Please do one thing, sir, tell me two to four words so that I can impress them,' Bachchan said in Hindi.
The Three Words Aarya Taught Big B
Rising to the challenge, Aarya Sahani introduced three terms — each given a clever KBC-specific spin to make them memorable for the host.
The first was 'clock it', presented as a Gen Z substitute for the show's iconic 'lock it', meaning no further discussion. Bachchan responded with characteristic wit, joking that saying 'clock it' might actually start the clock running on screen.
The second term was 'suss' — short for suspicious. Aarya illustrated it with a scenario straight from the show's format: a contestant glancing at Bachchan hoping for a hint, only to be told, 'I find your look a little suss.' Bachchan, amused, noted that if he used the word with someone from his own generation, they might simply get up and walk away.
The third and perhaps most show-relevant term was 'gwop', which Aarya defined as winning a large sum of money. He suggested Bachchan could replace the standard announcement of 'You have won ₹7 crore' with 'You have won a lot of gwop' — a suggestion that visibly tickled the host.
Bachchan's Reaction
The actor-host took each term in his stride, offering humorous interpretations along the way. He acknowledged, however, that he would need some time before the new vocabulary felt natural. The exchange drew warmth from the studio audience and underscored the show's long-running appeal as a cross-generational cultural touchpoint.
The Bigger Picture
The moment speaks to a broader cultural conversation in India about Gen Z vernacular — a hybrid of English internet slang and everyday Hindi that is increasingly filtering into mainstream entertainment. KBC, now in its third decade on air, has consistently used such contestant interactions to stay relevant across age groups. Notably, this is not the first time Bachchan has leaned into generational humour on the show — his self-deprecating style has long been a hallmark of his hosting persona.
The episode is a reminder that even at 83, Bachchan's curiosity and adaptability remain among the most watchable qualities he brings to Indian television.