By and 
Alan
Last updated:
January 5, 2023
American slang can make things tricky for English learners and even native speakers.
It’s everyday language in the U.S, but you don’t always learn it in class.
Rather, you would learn slang by hearing it from someone else in your daily life.
Here’s a rundown on some of the most common American slang so you can avoid confusing situations in American English conversations.
Contents
- Common American Slang Words
- Popular American Slang Phrases
- Region-specific Slang
- Resources for Learning American Slang Words
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This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Common American Slang Words
1. Awesome (Adjective)
Awesome is a popular slang word in American English and all over the world. You’ll hear everyone from the young to old saying it.
When you use the word awesome, you’re expressing that you think something is wonderful or amazing. It can be used in a sentence or it could be used in a one-word reply.
“What did you think of ‘The Wolf of Wall Street?’”
“It was awesome! I loved it!”
2. Cool (Adjective)
Cool like awesome means “great” or “fantastic.” It also shows that you’re okay with an idea. Be careful, the normal meaning of cool means a little cold so you have to listen to it in context to understand what’s being said.
“What did you think of my new boyfriend?”
“I liked him. He seemed like a cool guy!” (He seemed like a nice guy).
3. Sure (Adjective)
This means “certain.” If someone is sure about something, then you can trust them to be right– at least, most of the time!
Sure can also be used as an adverb to emphasize a point.
“Was that his real hair?”
“No, I’m pretty sure it was a wig!”
“That cheesecake sure is tasty!”
4. Beat (Adjective)
In normal terms, beat would be used as a verb meaning “to win” (ex. Liverpool beat Manchester United) or “to hit” (ex. “Marko, stop beating your brother”). However, it means something completely different in slang or everyday English. If you hear your friend saying I’m beat, it means he or she is very tired or exhausted.
“You look beat, what have you been doing?”
“I’ve been helping my dad in the yard all morning.”
5. Whatever (Noun)
Whatever is used to emphasize a lack of limitation on something. It can also be used as an exclamation to show that you don’t care about something or if you’re tired of something.
If used correctly, it can be an awesome way to get people to stop bothering you!
“So, can I order lobster today?”
“Eat whatever you like. It’s your birthday and I’ll pay!”
“Look, I was right all along! That means I’m smarter than you!”
“Oh, whatever!”
6. Wheels (Noun)
We know there are many things that have wheels—a car, a motorbike, a bike and even a wheelbarrow. But when somebody refers to their wheels, they are talking about their car.
“Nice wheels!”
“Thanks! I had it fixed up at the auto shop.”
7. Amped (Adjective)
If you’re amped about something, you’re super excited or you can’t wait for something to happen.
It can also mean you’re really determined and you want something to happen. With this meaning, you can also replace amped with pumped. In other words, you’re full of adrenaline!
“I can’t wait to see Beyonce live!”
“Me too, I’m amped.”
8. Babe (Noun)
If you refer to someone as a babe, it means that you think they’re hot and attractive. Be careful though, you should only use this when speaking to another person and not the babe because they may get offended.
“Oh man, Justin Timberlake is such a babe, don’t you think?”
“No, he looks like a little boy. I prefer Johnny Depp—now that’s a real man!”
9. Bust (Verb)/Busted (Adjective)
If you bust someone, you’ve caught them doing something they shouldn’t be doing/saying/hiding. “The police bust people every day” translates to “they catch all the bad guys and charge them or put them in prison.”
“There were two kids who were busted cheating in their exams!”
“Really? What happened?”
“I’m not sure, but they’ll definitely be punished.”
10. Ex (Noun)
Usually, if you hear a friend referring to their ex, they’re referring to their old boyfriend or girlfriend who they no longer date.
But if you put it with another noun, it can mean something that used to be. For example, ex-boss means your boss from before, who is no longer your boss.
“My ex always sends me messages on Facebook. It’s really annoying!”
“Maybe you should block her? Or delete her as your friend.”
11. Geek (Noun)
If you refer to a person as a geek, it’s referring to a person in a negative way because they like to study too much or spend too much time on the computer instead of socializing.
But if you call your friend a geek, it could be in a fun more playful way.
“Let’s go to Ted’s house party tonight! Everyone’s going to be there!”
“I wish I could, but I have to study for my finals!”
“Ah, man, you’re such a geek!”
12. Looker (Noun)
If somebody says that you’re a looker, you should definitely be flattered—they are paying you the ultimate compliment and saying that they think you’re good-looking. They’ll probably never say it to your face, but you might hear it from someone else.
“That Marni girl is a real looker don’t you think?”
“She’s a nice girl but not my type!”
13. In (Adjective)
In a slang context, in means to be in fashion or trending at the moment. Things that are in at the moment may not be in in a month—why? Because trends always change!
“Jordan, why do you keep listening to that music? It’s awful!”
“Mom, you don’t know anything. It’s totally in right now!”
14. Sick (Adjective)
If your buddy says that the party was sick, he’s saying he thought it was really cool, awesome or the best. In this case, it has a similar meaning to the word awesome.
You probably will only hear teenagers and college students saying this—oh and maybe those Californian surfers!
“You missed a sick party last night!”
“Oh, man, I knew I should have gone!”
15. Epic Fail (Noun)
The word epic means “huge” and you know what the word fail already means. Put the two words together and that’s what it is—a “big failure” or “complete disaster/failure.”
You’d use this noun when something hasn’t gone the right way as expected and it’s used to exaggerate the idea of failing or doing something wrong.
“Wow, the school basketball team lost the game by 30 points.”
“Yeah, epic fail!”
16. Ripped (Adjective)
In normal everyday English, ripped means “torn.”
If a person is ripped (usually men/guys, but not always) it means they have great muscles and bodies—probably because they work out a lot in the gym or are into sports.
“Dude, you’re so ripped! What’s your secret?”
“Gym workout for two hours a day!”
17. Dunno (Contraction)
Simply speaking, dunno means “I don’t know.” It’s a quicker and lazier way of saying it and it’s very popular among young people.
Do be careful who you say this to. If you say it to someone in a higher position than you, it could come across as rude. So to play it safe just use it around people your own age or younger.
“What are you doing for Spring Break?”
“Dunno, I was thinking of traveling to Mexico again but I’m not sure. You?”
“Dunno yet!”
18. Loser (Noun)
If your friend says a person is a loser, it doesn’t mean they lost a game or a competition. It means that they don’t like him or her because of their actions and behavior.
“Ray is such a loser for breaking up with Rebecca.”
“Yeah, I know, he’s never going to find a girl as good as her!”
19. Scumbag (Noun)
This is a crude and very negative term for someone who is not likable. This could be because they’re dishonest, dirty, horrible, unpleasant, a loser or all of the above.
“He said he was gonna fix my phone, but he stole it!”
“Wow, what a scumbag!”
20. Salty (Adjective)
It’s not just for describing food flavor. Salty is also used to describe an upset or bitter person. This slang became popularized by the internet, so you’ll probably encounter it often in social media posts.
“Oh wow, Jessica was two points away from getting a 100 on the test.”
“All because she forgot to write her name. She’s so salty about it.”
21. Shady (Adjective)
When you think of someone suspicious, you might imagine them lurking around in the shadows where they can’t be seen.
Shady means just that—suspicious. It could be used to describe a person, event or object that seems untrustworthy.
“Every time Jim sees me, he runs away. What’s his problem?”
“He’s acting pretty shady. Maybe he broke something of yours again.”
22. Corny (Adjective)
Corny is used to describe something that is overly emotional or cliché (unoriginal) to the point that it’s funny.
It’s slang that’s often used for movies, particularly romantic ones, that use a lot of typical dialogue or stories.
“John told me that my smile is as bright as the sun.”
“Wow, that is so corny. Where did he get that line from?”
23. Freebie (Noun)
Everyone loves free stuff, so why not create slang that means just that? A freebie is anything that you get at no cost. You’ll probably find it useful in stores or shops that generously offer little gifts or samples.
“Hey, where did you get that lipstick?”
“I got it as a freebie after buying perfume from the mall.”
24. Down (Adjective)
When you’re down for something, that means you’re able and willing to do it. This slang is commonly used among friends who are figuring out what to do.
“What should we do on Saturday?”
“I’m down for bowling. We haven’t gone in a while.”
25. Bummer (Noun)
If something was disappointing or unfulfilling, then it was a total bummer. You can also use this slang as an interjection (ex. “Bummer!”) to mean something like, “That stinks!”
“The concert last night was such a bummer.”
“Yeah. Every song sounded awful!”
26. Nuts (Adjective)
Someone who is nuts is crazy, and someone who is nuts about something is obsessed with that thing.
The slang can be used in a playful or non-serious manner, but usually, it has a negative meaning.
“I’m going to go sky-diving in Hawaii this summer.”
“Are you nuts? You’re terrified of heights! You’re going to have a heart attack!”
27. Flake (Noun)/Flaky (Adjective)/To Flake On (Verb)
Snowflakes and coconut flakes are nice things, but a human flake is not. Use the slang flake to describe an unreliable person who doesn’t follow through on their promises.
You can also describe the same person as flaky or that they flake on whatever they’re supposed to do (ex. “She’s definitely going to flake on our meeting”).
“Looks like we’re all here, except for Darren.”
“Even after he promised he would come. What a flake!”
28. Hangover (Noun)
A hangover is something many people have experienced but definitely don’t enjoy!
If you’ve had too much to drink the night before, you’ll feel sick and have a terrible headache in the morning. This is a hangover!
“Hey, Jim, why don’t we go to that all-you-can-eat restaurant tonight?”
“Urgh, no thanks. I’ve got a hangover and I’m gonna be sick.”
29. Killer (Noun)
As a slang word in a negative context, killer is used to talk about things that are hard to handle.
Used negatively it means something exhausting and tough. More positively, it can be used to describe something great, amazing and impressive.
“That exam was a killer!”
“Yeah well, it’s over. Let’s go and get a drink!”
“Wow, that was a killer burger!“
30. Sweet (Adjective)
Sweet isn’t used only for desserts — you can also use it to convey just how amazing and fantastic something is to your friends!
“Hey, I just won a car!”
“Sweet!“
Popular American Slang Phrases
31. To Hang Out (Verb)
If someone asks you where you usually hang out, they want to know in which place you prefer to be when you have free time.
And if your friend asks you if you want to hang out with them, they’re asking you if you’re free and want to spend some time together.
And what if you ask your friend what they’re doing and they just answer hanging out? It means that they are free and not doing anything special.
“Hey, it’s great to see you again.”
“And you. We should hang out sometime.”
“I would love that. I’ll call you soon.”
32. To Hang On (Verb)
This phrase is more commonly used as a way of saying “wait a minute.”
“Are you ready to go yet?”
“Hang on, I just need to save my game!”
33. To Chill Out (Verb)
Everybody loves to chill out but what does it mean? It simply means to relax.
Usually, it can be used with or without the word “out,” and if you’re speaking with an American English speaker, they’ll definitely understand. But if someone tells you to chill out, it’s not positive.
It means that they think you’re overreacting to a situation or getting stressed about silly little things.
“Hey Tommy, what are you guys doing?”
“We’re just chilling (out). Do you want to come round?”
“Sure. I’m stressing about the math test. I need to chill out a bit.”
34. To Have a Blast (Verb)
The English word blast normally refers to a big explosion and it’s a phrase that we could often see or hear in the news that concerns bombs.
But if you use this among your friends, it’s a lot more positive. It means that something is great or you had an amazing and fun time.
“Thanks for inviting me to your party last night, I had a blast.”
“Thanks for coming and I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
35. To Have a Crush [on Somebody] (Verb)
To have a crush on somebody is a great feeling. It means that you’re attracted to somebody and would like them to be more than just your friend.
Instead of saying have a crush, you can also just say crushing on—it means the same thing, but it’s usually used among the younger generation and teenagers.
“Oooh, you’re so crushing on Michael right now!”
“I am not! We’re just friends!”
36. To Dump [Somebody] (Verb)
If you dump somebody, you’re probably going to break their heart. If you dump your boyfriend or girlfriend, it means you stop having a romantic relationship with them for some reason.
And if you’re dumped, it means that somebody doesn’t want to date you anymore.
“What’s wrong with Amy? She looked sad all day.”
“Didn’t you hear? Alex dumped her last night!”
37. Hooked [on Something] (Adjective)
If you’re hooked on something or just hooked, it means that you’re addicted to something and you can’t get enough.
You can be hooked on chocolate, basketball, a new TV show or something more dangerous like smoking (which is not cool by the way).
“What did you think about the new sitcom with Seth Rogen?”
“Loved it. I’m hooked already!”
38. Rip-off (Noun)/To Rip Off (Verb)
If you find a simple t-shirt and the price tag says $80, you’d be shocked, right? That t-shirt is a complete rip-off, which means that it is way too expensive for what it is.
And if a person rips you off, they’re cheating you out of money and charging you a lot more than you should be paying. For example, tourists often get ripped off by locals because the locals want to make money and the tourists have no idea.
“How much did you buy your wheels for bro?”
“$2000!”
“Dude, you were so ripped off. This car’s worth only half of that!”
39. To Do [Someone] a Solid (Verb)
Doing a solid means you’re carrying out a favor for someone. In popular usage, it’s often implied (suggested) that the favor is suspicious or illegal in some way.
“Hey, can you do me a solid and give me $50?”
“What do you need that much money for?”
40. To Wrap Up [Something] (Verb)
To wrap up means to finish something, usually an event like a meeting. You can also tell someone to wrap it up to urge them to hurry up and complete whatever they were doing.
“Hey, can we use this room? We’re having a meeting at 12 PM.”
“Okay. We’re going to wrap up our study session in a few minutes.”
41. To Pig Out (Verb)
We all know what pigs are best at doing: eating! For a person to pig out means they’re acting just like the animal—eating food quickly and passionately.
It’s the perfect slang to use whenever a hungry person and a lot of food are involved together.
“I can’t wait to go to the new buffet restaurant.”
“Yeah, I’m starving and ready to pig out!”
42. To Drop By /To Drop In (Verb)
This is to pay a short, unscheduled visit to someone.
If someone tells you that you can “drop in anytime,” it’s a friendly way of saying that you can come over whenever you would like to.
“I’m really sorry, but I’ve still got those books I borrowed from you a month ago!”
“Oh, no worries. Why don’t you drop in after work and bring the books then?”
43. To Ride Shotgun (Verb)
Riding shotgun sounds strange, but all it means is that you’re riding in the passenger seat of a car, right next to the driver.
This slang can be explained with a bit of history: Back when horse-drawn coach vehicles were used, it was common for a bodyguard with a shotgun to sit next to the driver as protection.
Nowadays, riding shotgun is typically considered a benefit. When a group of people is being offered a ride in someone’s car, you can expect someone to shout “I call shotgun!” to claim the passenger seat before everyone else.
“My backseats are a bit dirty. You can ride shotgun instead.”
“Sure! I’ll help you navigate to my address too.”
44. To Check Out (Verb)
This can also be used to say “look at” or “listen to,” typically at something unusual or interesting.
“Check out that guy over there!”
“What, the weird one with the cat on his head?”
45. My Bad (Phrase)
This slang is a casual way to say “I’m sorry.” However, keep in mind that it can also seem insincere or teasing in certain contexts.
It can work fine for minor or even laughable mistakes that aren’t worth much trouble, but it may not be the best thing to say for more serious errors.
“Hey! You spilled your drink on me!”
“Oh, my bad. Here, take my napkin.”
46. No Sweat (Phrase)
When something isn’t a problem or doesn’t cause any difficulties, then it’s no sweat.
Whether it’s doing a favor for someone or having to deal with a little trouble, use this slang to say the matter is nothing worth sweating about.
“I’m sorry, but can you carry this box for me?”
“No sweat. I can even carry more for you if you’d like.”
47. Break a Leg (Phrase)
This silly slang is just a fun way to wish someone good luck. It’s often said before performances by actors and musicians.
“Today’s my first time performing in front of a live audience!”
“I’ll be in the front row to watch you. Break a leg!”
48. I Feel You (Phrase)
No hands or touching is involved with this slang. When you say “I feel you” to someone, it means you understand them and what they’re going through.
It’s usually used when the person you’re talking to is having a hard time or is upset about something.
“Ugh, I’m so nervous about my dentist appointment.”
“I feel you. The dentist scares me more than any other doctor.”
Region-specific Slang
49. Janky (Adjective)
Used commonly in Northeastern states like New Hampshire, janky is slang for describing items that are very bad quality.
It can also be used for people who have unlikable or strange qualities.
“Tom is selling his old bike. He said he fixed it up so that it’s almost brand new.”
“That bike looks so janky. It might break as soon as you sit on it.”
50. Mad (Adverb)
No, you aren’t saying you’re angry or frustrated. Mad is a common slang word in New York that means “many” or “very.”
So, in the examples used for the slang ripped off, you can say the items were mad expensive.
“What movie should we watch this weekend?”
“How about that new comedy film? I heard it was mad funny.”
51. Wicked (Adverb)
Wicked normally means “bad” or “evil.” But as a slang used often in New England states, wicked means “very” or “excellent.”
It works a lot like the slang mad in that it usually pairs up with an adjective. This slang is also used commonly in the UK, where it has a similar positive meaning.
“Have you heard? Thomas is going to college with a full scholarship!”
“Of course, he would! He’s wicked smart.”
52. Hella (Adverb)
Possibly a contraction of “hell of,” hella is slang used in California.
Like the New York slang mad and New England wicked, hella also means “very” or “extremely.” Sometimes, it can also mean “a lot of.”
“Where should we eat?”
“How about that restaurant? Their steak special is hella delicious.”
53. Rad (Adjective)
Popular in California, rad is slang that means cool or awesome. It’s short for the word “radical.”
If you’ve ever watched movies that feature laidback Californians or surfers with long hair, then you may have heard this slang.
“Did you go to the party this weekend?”
“Yeah, it was totally rad. The food and music were great.”
54. Y’all (Contraction)
In southern states like Texas, you’ll probably hear a lot of folks saying y’all instead of “you all” when they’re talking to a group of people.
While the slang is most popular in the south, it’s also used all around America as a casual and friendly way to address others.
“It’s pretty late. Bob and Sarah already fell asleep.”
“I’m tired, too. Let’s go to bed now so we can wake up early tomorrow.”
“Sounds good to me. See y’all in the morning.”
55. Brick (Adjective)
In New York, brick basically means “very cold.” It’s the perfect word to use during the winter season when stepping outside is enough to make you shiver!
“I’ll be going now!”
“Wait, don’t forget to take your coat! It’s brick outside.”
56. Catawampus (Adjective)
This funny slang is used in midland and Southern states to describe something that’s crooked or diagonal. It can also be used when something isn’t going the way it should.
“Did you hear about the car accident last night?”
“Yeah, the car smashed into the poor stop sign and it’s catawampus now.”
57. Ope (Interjection)
When someone bumps into you by accident, you’d probably expect to hear “oops” or “whoops,” right?
Well, in Midwestern states, you’ll probably hear the word ope instead. It means the same thing!
“Ope! Sorry I nearly hit you there, Hank.”
“No sweat. Just be more careful.”
58. Fixin’ To (Verb)
Fixin’ is an accented way of saying the word fixing. When you’re fixin’ to do something, that means you’re getting ready to or are planning to do it. This expression is used often in the South.
“The grand opening for the mall is in three hours. Can you make it?”
“I’m fixin’ to finish up my work early so I can get there on time!”
59. Bless Your Heart (Phrase)
This is a common saying in Southern states and it can have two meanings. It can mean the speaker is being friendly and wishing you well for doing something nice.
However, more often, it’s used as an insult toward a person who acts foolishly.
If someone ever says this phrase to you, think first if you may have done something silly before accepting the “compliment.”
“I have $100. The steak is $20 apiece. Wow, so I can get six steaks!”
“Bless your heart. You might want to check your math again.”
Resources for Learning American Slang Words
While we can’t cover every single American slang word in English, there are lots of places to find them online.
There are plenty of videos on YouTube that can help you with must-know slang, such as these:
If you want to learn American slang at your own pace (instead of stumbling on them mid-conversation!), you can try watching modern movies and TV shows or even casual American vlogs.
They can be found online and since they are made for native English speakers, you can hear and see slang in real action.
The FluentU website and app (iOS and Android) lets you study English vocabulary and expressions from videos made for and by native speakers, like music videos and movie trailers.
Each clip has interactive subtitles and a video dictionary that reliably translate the words you hear, including slang and idioms. You can then review everything you learn through flashcards and quizzes, where you can type or speak your answers.
Here are some additional resources for American slang:
The University of Massachusetts’ list of American slang: An alphabetical list of common slang words and phrases with their meanings. Some of it is specific to the Northeast region of the U.S.
Dave Sperling’s ESL Slang Page: A comprehensive, alphabetical list of slang, which also has examples. Some of the slang is not so common.
Commonly-used American Slang from Manythings.org: This also has a comprehensive list. Unlike Dave Sperling’s ESL slang page, this page lets you see the example first. So you can guess the meaning first, before you actually see the definition.
So there you have it—these are some of the most common everyday American slang phrases you might hear among your English-speaking friends.
Download:
This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you
can take anywhere.
Click here to get a copy. (Download)
Have you been using your free time to watch YouTube to learn English and improve your understanding of English? Know most of the words and rules of grammar? But what about all the American slang words that come from TV shows, movies, songs, and podcasts?
If you’re a little puzzled, you’re not alone. There are 50 states in the United States, and each one has its own population, personality, and culture. Casual speech in American dialect is an interesting study in and of itself.
Read on to learn about interesting, common, strange, rare, and unique American slang from New York to California to Louisiana to Hawaii and so much more.
Why it’s important to learn American slang
People from all walks of life use slang in the United States. Grandparents could use it to talk to their grandchildren better. Different groups of people might feel comfortable using slang among themselves, or they might even do it on purpose to confuse people from outside their group. Influencers and people who want to be influential may try to connect with their audiences by tweeting or making Instagram reels.
In fact, new phrases and words are always being added to the American lexicon, or vocabulary. This is because of important events in the country’s history and its changing population. Even people from the United States can find it hard to keep up, especially if they are smart and don’t use social media.
But if you know a few American slang terms, it will help you:
Better understand American culture
Talk more freely, openly, and expressively, especially in the U.S.
Prevent language misunderstandings
Improve your fluency and your ability to understand and speak conversational American English.
American slang words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Hobnob | Socialize with people of an artificially higher status |
| Chill | Relax |
| Popo | Police |
| Fuzz | Police |
| Airhead | Silly/foolish person |
| Cringe | Really embarrassing |
| Copium | Fake drug to help twitch users deal with loss/failure |
| Simp | Person who does too much for who he/she likes |
| Cram | Study like crazy |
| Crash | Sleep/pass out |
| Dms’ | Direct messages |
| Dead | (Such as in a restaurant or bar) no one’s there |
| Steez | Effortless style |
| Spox | Spokesperson |
| Sawbuck | Us$10 |
| A-Game | One’s best |
| Oops! | When someone messes up |
| Dude | A guy |
| Nuts | Crazy |
| Dope! | Cool |
| Yuppie | Young urban professional, white-collar worker |
| White-Collar | High-salary job that doesn’t involve manual labor, such as accountants and lawyers |
| Blue-Collar | Jobs focused on manual labor, such as farmers and miners |
| Cray | Crazy |
| Woke | Aware of potential injustices |
| Poppin’ | Excellent |
| Lit | Drunk, or superb |
| Swole | Very muscular |
| Drip | Fashionable |
| Drownin’ | Unfashionable |
| Salty | Jealous (of someone) |
| Cool | Great |
| Snatched | Nice and cool |
| Yeet! | Expression of excitement |
| Yikes! | No way! It can’t be! |
| Finsta | Fake/Private Instagram account |
| Periodt. | End of discussion (for example, what a parent would say to the child) |
| Flex | Show off |
| Low-key | Modest, something you don’t want emphasized |
| Slay | Excel at, win at |
| Gucci | Trendy |
| Shook | Emotionally bothered/shaken |
| Curve | Rejecting someone’s advances (e.g. from a classmate) |
| Stan | Obsessive fan |
| Sus | Suspect/suspicious |
| Turnt | Intoxicated, energized |
| Bae | A best friend/loved one |
| Fleek | Really good, stylish |
| Cheugy | Out of style |
| Emo | Overly angsty/emotional |
| E-Girl/E-Boy | An emo girl/boy |
| Fam | Family |
| Smol | Small/cute |
| Snack | Someone who’s attractive |
| Wig | That’s so cool! |
| Lewk | Someone’s personal style |
| Hot | Attractive |
| Sick | Cool, great |
| Shady | Suspicious |
| Bomb | Really good, tasty |
| Boujee | Fancy and extravagant |
| Dank | Excellent |
| Flakey | Indecisive |
| Finna | I am going to |
| Ghost | Suddenly start ignoring |
| Hypebeast | Someone who only wants to be popular |
| W | A win |
| L | A loss |
| Whip | Car |
| Hip | Popular, trendy |
| Lemon | Bad person |
| Babe | Attractive woman, your significant other |
| Grub | Food |
| Jacked | Muscular |
| Chicken | Coward |
| Ex | Former girlfriend or boyfriend |
| Whiz | A smart person |
| Dump | End a relationship |
| Jonesing (For) | Really want something |
| Wack | Bad, not cool |
| Score | Get what you want |
| Corny | (Things like movies and jokes) silly |
| Cheesy | (Things like movies and jokes) silly |
| Flick | Movie |
| Bummer | Disappointment |
| Wasted | Intoxicated |
| Booze | Alcohol |
| Yas! |
Here are some American slang words that have grown over time and been shaped by immigration, the media, and current events. They may make you laugh, or they may even make you blush.
Popular American slang phrases
Slang is different in every country and even in different parts of the same country. There are words and phrases that are used all over the U.S., and there are also words and phrases that are used only in certain states or regions.
Before we learn how to talk like we’re from Brooklyn or Chicago, let’s see what works with people from all over the country.
| Slang phrase | English meaning |
|---|---|
| In the bag | A certainty (usually for something that you want, like in sports or a contest) |
| Once in a blue moon | Rarely |
| You bet | You’re welcome |
| I don’t buy that | I don’t believe you |
| That’s rad | That’s cool |
| Never mind | Let’s change the subject |
| Keep in touch | (When leaving someone) Let’s stay in contact |
| I can’t even! | I can’t tolerate that anymore! |
| No biggie | Not a problem |
| No big deal | Not a problem |
| No sweat | Not a problem |
| Show up | Go to, do better than someone |
| Have a crush (on someone) | Like someone, want to ask someone out on a date |
| Get hitched | Get married |
| Tie the knot | Get married |
| I’m beat | I’m tired |
| Get under one’s skin | Annoy |
| A turn off | Something you don’t like about someone/somewhere |
| Couch potato | Someone who’s always watching tv |
| Party animal | Someone who is always partying |
| Hang out | Spend time with people |
| It sucked | It was bad |
| I’m game | I can join you/I will do it |
| I’m down | I can join you/I will do it |
| I’m in | I can join you/I will do it |
| Have a blast | Having a great time |
| Get fired | Lose one’s job |
| Hit the books | Study |
| Rip (someone) off | Overcharge |
| Ride shotgun | Sit in the front passenger seat |
| The bomb | Excellent |
| Have dibs on | Make a claim on/to |
| Suck up | Win someone’s approval by being servile |
| Kiss ass | Win someone’s approval by being servile |
| Fresh meat | New target for humiliation |
| Loose cannon | Someone dangerously uncontrollable |
| Pass the buck | Make someone else responsible |
| My bad | My mistake |
| Take for granted | Assume |
| Hit the road | Leave (to go somewhere) |
| Go dutch | Every person pays for their own food/drinks |
| Hit the spot | (Said after food/drink) Really satisfying |
| Wrap up | Finish doing something |
| Are you kidding me? | Phrase to represent excitement/frustration |
| Around the clock | All the time, 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a week |
| Take a rain check | Do at a later time |
| What’s up? | How are you? How’s it going? |
| You’re telling me! | I know! |
| All-ears | Has your undivided attention |
| All-nighter | Staying up all night to do homework/chat with friends |
| I’m baby | I’m innocent/cute |
| Glow up | A makeover (transformed from ugly to less ugly) |
| Open up pandora’s box | Cause/start trouble/problems |
| In the zone | Performing as well as or better than one can |
| Tune out | Stop paying attention |
| Armchair CEO | Offering expertise on something in which the speaker lacks |
| Off the hook | Freed from blame |
| Off the chain | Really good |
| Bye, Felicia | Said when you’re done with a conversation. Meaning “that’s it. I’m done.” |
| (To) ace | Excel at (a test) |
| (To) nail | Excel at (a test, a race) |
| (To) screw over | Cheat or exploit someone |
| Amped up | Filled with enthusiasm/energy |
| On point | Relevant and appropriate, really good |
| No cap | Not lying |
| Straight fire | Trendy |
| Spill the tea/spill the beans | Share the gossip/secret |
| Netflix and chill | Watch Netflix and have sex |
| Big mad | Really angry |
| Diamond hands | Taking a major financial risk |
| Fauci ouchie | COVID-19 vaccine |
| Cancel culture | Online shaming/embarrassment of someone due to their views |
Region-specific American slang
New York slang words and phrases
There are many different subcultures and languages in New York and New York City. And the fascinating part of this rich cultural tapestry that is New York slang.
Listen for some of these phrases and sayings from “The Big Apple” in popular music, TV, and movies.
| New York slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Grill | Angrily stare at someone |
| Real talk | Used to get someone’s attention to talk about something serious |
| Cake/Cheese | Money |
| Mad | Very |
| Frontin’ | Pretending to be skilled to impress others |
| Dead-Ass | Serious about something |
| Tight | Stylish, cool |
| Ratchet | A woman who has made some bad lifestyle choices |
| Brick | Freezing |
| Schmear | Lots of cream cheese |
| Pie | Pizza (pie) |
| Schvitz | Sweating |
| Stoop | Steps in front of a building |
| Dumb | Really, very |
| Gotham | Nickname for New York City (from Batman) |
| Bodega | Small neighborhood shop |
| Cop | Buy, feel (inappropriately) |
| Buggin’ | Acting crazy |
| Ice | Jewelry |
| Wylin’/Wildin’ | Acting crazy |
| Crusty | Unclean |
| Snuff | Hit/punch, drugs |
| Schlep | Impatiently going between places |
| Regular coffee | Coffee made with cream and sugar |
| Have beef | Have a problem with/want to fight with someone |
Words and phrases in the slang of California
Californian slang is a collection of words that are more colorful and have their own style. Here are a few fun examples of Californian slang, but you can find a huge list of all of them here.
| Californian slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Are you down? | Want to do it/join us? |
| NoHo | North Hollywood |
| SigAlert | Traffic alert/warning |
| Yeah no | No |
| SoCal | Southern California |
| NorCal | Northern California |
| Gnarly | Good or bad (depends on the context) |
| Rad | Cool |
| Stoked | Excited |
| Hyphy | Overly excited |
| Outta pocket | Inappropriate |
| Slaps | Really good (music) |
| Yadadamean | Do you know what I mean? |
| Phubbing | Ignoring someone by using their phone |
| Stealth mode | Secret |
| Three commas club | Billionaires |
| Unicorn | A start-up valued at over $1 billion |
| Zombie mood | Staring at one’s phone |
Slang words and phrases from Texas
| exas slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Fixin’ to | About to do |
| Bless your heart | Used either to show sympathy, or to soften an insult |
| Might could | Maybe |
| All hat, no cattle | Someone who is arrogant Without anything to show for it |
| Corn-fed | Big/fat (describing people) |
| Dag gum it! | Darn it!/damn it! |
| All git-out | The (for example, best/worst) most extreme of something |
| Pitch a hissy fit | Throw a tantrum/act up |
| Come hell or high water | (Do something) at any cost, no matter if you get injured/make enemies |
| Whole ‘nuther | Entirely different situation |
| Worsh | Wash |
| (Wp/down) Yonder | (Over) there, (down) there (describing a location) |
Florida slang phrases and words
If Ponce de León had found the Fountain of Youth in 1513, it would have given people in Florida something to talk about. At the moment, it’s just a place 90 miles from Cuba.
| Florida slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Acere | Pal, friend, buddy |
| Bih | A person or a thing |
| Bussin | Tasty |
| Dale | Hurry up |
| Florida bath | Swimming in the pool (as opposed to taking a shower) |
| Florida Happy Meal | Something for the adults, like liquor or cigarettes |
| Florida Man | Someone who shows bizarre or stupid behavior |
| Hundid | Hundred |
| Jit | Referring to someone younger than the speaker |
| Oye | Hello |
| Pub sub | Sandwich from Publix supermarket chain |
| Vibin’ | Relaxing |
| Parked in Goofy | When you park your car in the further away parking lot |
Words and phrases from Hawaii
Check out some of this interesting Hawaiian slang if you’ve ever wanted to know more about Don Ho or Duke Kahanamoku.
| Hawaiian slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Manapua | Pork bun |
| Aloha | Hello, goodbye |
| Da Kine | “The kind,” representing a person, place, or something abstract |
| Grindz | Food |
| Hapa | Someone whose ancestry is partially Pacific Islander or East Asian |
| Haole | A non-native Hawaiian, generally a caucasian person |
| Kapu | Prohibited |
| Lolo | Crazy |
| Mahalo | Thank you |
| Shoots! | O.K.!, Understood! |
Words and phrases used in Louisiana slang
French Creole and Catholicism had a big impact on how Louisiana slang came to be. Plus, some of the best food in the country is served there.
| Louisiana slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pinch the tail and suck the head | How you eat crawfish |
| Po’boy | Baguette sandwich |
| Dressed | The way you want your po’boy made |
| Laissez les bon temps rouler (lay-ZEH leh BAWN taw ROO-leh) |
“Let the good times roll”, something said before you’re about to celebrate |
| Throw me somethin’ | What many Mardi Gras attendees say to people on parade floats, when they want souvenirs like beads or necklaces |
| Holy Trinity | (In Cajun cooking) onions, bell peppers, celery |
| Cher | (My) love, (my) dear |
| Snoball | Finely shaved ice with sugar syrup |
| How’s ya mama an’ them? | How are your mother and your family? |
| Envie | A desire to eat something |
| Parish | Louisiana equivalent of county |
| Gris gris | A voodoo term used in jest (for example, “do as your parents tell you, or they might put the gris gris on you”) |
| Lagniappe | Little gift, little extra something |
Words and phrases used in New Jersey slang
The informal and slang words and phrases of the “Garden State” have their own style. Here are some popular ways to talk in New Jersey slang.
| New Jersey slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Down the shore | To the beach (Jersey shore) |
| Disco fries | French fries covered in cheese and gravy |
| Fat sandwich | A sandwich that includes almost everything on the menu |
| Hit the MAC | Go to an ATM to take money out |
| Hoagie | Sandwich on a baguette |
| Exit | Giving directions based on a highway/turnpike exit |
| Benny | Someone from Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, or New York City, invariably causing trouble in the rest of the state |
| Shoobie | Someone from South Jersey, invariably causing trouble in the rest of the state |
| J’eet yet? | Did you eat yet? |
| SPK | Salt, pepper, ketchup |
| Jersey slide | Quickly going from the leftmost lane to the exit (which is on the right) |
| Cabbage night | The night before Halloween when some kid are very mischievous |
| Piney | Someone who lives in the Pine Barrens, a rustic part of the southern coast of the state |
| Tats | Tattoos |
| Twentyregularcash | In New Jersey they don’t pump their own gas, so to get $20 of gas, this phrase is said |
| The Boss | New Jersey-born musician Bruce Springsteen |
| Pork roll | A sandwich made with New Jersey’s own Taylor ham |
| Ripper | Deep-fried hot dog with a slit down the middle |
| The City | Depending on which part of New Jersey you’re in, it’s either New York City or Philadelphia |
Words and phrases used only in Chicago
If you learn some Chicago slang, you’ll soon be able to understand what your new Chicago friends are saying without any awkward silences or misunderstandings.
| Chicago slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Frunchroom | Entertainment space |
| Pop | Soft drink, soda |
| Goes | Past/present-tense of “say” |
| Da | “The” (for example, “da bears”) |
| The lake | Lake Michigan, with which Chicago shares a coastline |
| The bean | The Anish Kapoor sculpture, formally known as Cloud Gate, in Millennium Park |
| The “l” | Elevated train in downtown Chicago |
| Prairie | Vacant lot |
| Grabowski | Blue-collar hard-working type of person |
| LSD | Lakeshore Drive (along Lake Michigan) |
| A couple | A few |
| Yous | Indicates that the speaker is talking to everyone (not just one person) |
| Sammich | Sandwich |
| Grachki | Garage key |
American slang FAQs
I. What are some American text slang abbreviations?
| Text slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Tbh | To be honest |
| Hmu | Hit me up |
| Lmk | Let me know |
| Smh | Shake my head |
| Psa | Public service announcement |
| Wbu | What about you? |
| CD9 | Can’t talk; parents are here! |
| OOMF | One of my friends/one of my followers (e.g. on social media) |
| wth | What the hell? |
| a/s/l | Age/sex/location |
| LMIRL | Let’s meet in real life |
| SOB | Son of a bitch |
| GOAT | Greatest of all time |
| BAE | Before anyone else |
| FOMO | Fear of missing out |
| CEO | Chief executive officer |
| TFW | That feeling when |
| OMG | Oh my god |
| ASAP | As soon as possible |
| FYI | For your information |
| LOL | Laugh out loud |
| RSVP | “repondez, s’il vous plait”– please respond |
| SO | Significant other |
| j/k | Just kidding |
II. What is some American slang for money?
- Greenbacks
- Scratch
- Skrilla
- Dough
- Coin
- Greens
- Dead Presidents
- Plata
- Bucks
- Bread
- Cheese
- Wampum
- Pesos
III. What is some other need-to-know New York lingo?
- Subway (referring to the metro train)
- Van Wyck (the highway that goes to JFK airport)
- AirTrain (light rail connecting the subway and JFK airport)
- Hot 97 (97.1FM a rap radio station)
- Flushing (Chinatown)
- Upstate (possibly the most controversial, since it can define anyone from north of the New York City border, although upstate has also meant north of Westchester)
- BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway)
Bonus tips for learning American English slang
Watch a lot of diverse programs catering to many different demographics
Try combining NPR (National Public Radio), sitcoms, Vimeo, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and other social media for greater breadth.
Practice with friends, family, and coworkers, basically whenever you have the chance
There’s never any shame in trying to learn. Making mistakes is part of maturing.
The English language is constantly evolving, and new words and phrases emerge all the time. American slang words are particularly interesting because it offers a unique insight into the culture of the United States.
What is American slang?
American slang is a diverse and constantly evolving part of the English language that is often influenced by regional and cultural differences.
Top 10 Common American Slang Words:
- Let – cool, exciting or fun.
- Sick – cool or impressive.
- Chill – relaxed or calm.
- Bae – a term of endearment for someone you love or care about.
- Gonna – going to.
- Woke – aware and informed about social and political issues.
- Fam – family or close friends.
- Savage – ruthless or unapologetic.
- Hella – very or a lot.
- Ghost – to suddenly stop responding or disappear without explanation.
- Yas – An enthusiastic affirmation or agreement.
- Y’all – A contraction of “you all”
- Woke – Being aware of social issues and injustices.
- Wassup – A slang greeting, meaning “what’s up?”
- Turnt – Used to describe someone who is highly excited or intoxicated
- Throw shade – To make negative or insulting remarks towards someone
- Swag – Stylish confidence
- Squad – A group of friends or associates
- Slide into DMs – To initiate a private conversation on social media with romantic intentions.
- Slay – To do something exceptionally well
- Sip tea – To mind your own business or avoid drama
- Shook – Feeling surprised or shocked
- Ship – To endorse or support a romantic pairing between two people
- Scoop – To obtain or acquire something
- Savage – Used to describe someone who is tough or ruthless
- Salty – Resentful or bitter
- On fleek – Used to describe something that is perfect or flawless
- No cap – A phrase meaning “I’m not lying” or “I’m being serious”
- Lituation – A situation that is exciting or enjoyable
- Litty – A variation of “lit” used to describe something that is highly enjoyable or exciting
- Lit – Used to describe something that is exciting or amazing
- Lame – Something that is uncool or boring
- JOMO – An acronym for “Joy Of Missing Out” (the opposite of FOMO)
- I’m dead – Used to express disbelief or amusement
- Hundo P – An abbreviation for “100 percent” or “absolutely”
- Hella – Very or extremely
- Hater – Someone who expresses negativity towards someone or something
- Gucci – Good or great
- Gonna – A contraction of “going to”
- GOAT – An acronym for “Greatest Of All Time”
- Glow up – A positive transformation in appearance or lifestyle
- Gangsta – A term for someone who is tough or fearless
- FOMO – An acronym for “Fear Of Missing Out”
- Flex – To show off or boast
- Fam – A term for close friends or family members
- Dope – Cool or awesome
- Crash – To fall asleep suddenly
- Chill – To relax or take it easy
- Bounce – To leave or depart
- Boo – A term of affection for a significant other
- Bet – Ashortened version of “you bet”, meaning “okay” or “agreed”
- Basic – Used to describe someone or something that is unoriginal or mainstream
- Bae – A term of endearment for a significant other
Also Read: British Slang words
Slang Words In English With Meaning and Sentences
- Lit – exciting or enjoyable
- Sentence: “That party was so lit!”
- Dope – cool or excellent
- Sentence: “Your new shoes are so dope!”
- Squad – a group of friends or associates
- Sentence: “I’m hanging out with my squad tonight.”
- Chill – to relax or take it easy
- Sentence: “I just want to chill and watch a movie tonight.”
- Sick – impressive or awesome
- Sentence: “That trick on the skateboard was sick!”
- Gnarly – extreme or cool in a rough way
- Sentence:“The waves today were gnarly.”
- Hella – a lot or very
- Sentence: “I’m hella tired from staying up late last night.”
- Cray – crazy or insane
- Sentence: “That rollercoaster was so cray!”
- Wack – uncool or lame
- Sentence: “That movie was wack, let’s watch something else.”
- Bummer – a disappointment or setback
- Sentence:“It’s a bummer that the concert got canceled.”
- Ace – excellent or very good
- Sentence: “You did an ace job on that project!”
- Rad – cool or awesome
- Sentence: “Those sunglasses are so rad!”
- Lame – uncool or boring
- Sentence: “I’m not going to that party, it’s lame.”
- Bae – a term of endearment for a significant other
- Sentence: “I’m going out with my bae tonight.”
- Crush – a strong attraction or infatuation
- Sentence: “I have a crush on my co-worker.”
- Slay – to do something very well
- Sentence: “She totally slayed that performance!”
- Gucci – good or all good
- Sentence: “Everything’s Gucci, no worries.”
- Fam – short for family or close friends
- Sentence: “I’m spending time with my fam this weekend.”
- Woke – aware and knowledgeable about social and political issues
- Sentence: “She’s so woke, she’s always fighting for justice.”
- Savage – fierce or unapologetic
- Sentence: “She’s a savage when it comes to competition.”
- FOMO – fear of missing out
- Sentence: “I don’t want to skip the party, I have FOMO.”
- Dank – cool or impressive
- Sentence: “That artwork is so dank!”
- Suss – to investigate or figure something out
- Sentence: “I need to suss out what happened.”
- Yolo – you only live once
- Sentence: “Let’s go skydiving, YOLO!”
- Sesh – short for session, a gathering of friends to do something
- Sentence: “We’re having a movie sesh tonight.”
- Swag – style or confidence
- Sentence: “She’s got so much swag.”
- Hundo P – short for “100 percent”
- Sentence: “I’m hundo P sure I left my keys at the office.”
- Lowkey – secretly or discreetly
- Sentence: “I’m lowkey excited for the new season of my favorite show.”
- Fleek – perfect or flawless
- Sentence:“Your makeup is on fleek!”
- GOAT – greatest of all time
- Sentence: “LeBron James is the GOAT of basketball.”
American Slang Phrases
- Amped – excited or hyped up
- Bummed out – disappointed or sad
- Cool beans – “okay” or “great”
- Epic fail – a major failure or mistake
- Hangry – irritable or angry due to hunger
- Killing it – doing extremely well
- On point – accurate or precise
- Piece of cake – something that is easy to do
- Take a chill pill – a phrase telling someone to calm down or relax
- Winning – doing very well or succeeding.
- Ain’t nobody got time for that – “I’m not interested” or “I don’t have time for that”
- Cheddar – money or cash
- Deadass – “seriously” or “I’m not joking”
- Fam bam – a term for a close-knit group of friends or family members
- Gimme five – a phrase used for a high-five
- I’m outta here – “I’m leaving”
- Keep it 100 – to be honest or truthful
- Lit AF – a variation of “lit” meaning extremely exciting or awesome
- Netflix and chill – a euphemism for a casual sexual encounter
- No worries – “don’t worry about it”
- Off the chain – something that is really exciting or impressive
- Peace out – “goodbye”
- Pop a squat – to sit down
- Real talk – “honest conversation”
- Slay queen/king – a term of praise for someone who is killing it or doing something exceptionally well
- Throwback – something from the past, often nostalgic
- Totally – a word meaning “absolutely” or “completely”
- Turn up – to party or have a good time
- What’s good? – “what’s up?” or “how are you?”
American Sayings
- All bark and no bite – someone who talks tough but doesn’t follow through
- Bite the bullet – to face a difficult situation head-on
- Break a leg – a phrase used to wish someone good luck
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch – don’t assume something will happen before it actually does
- Drive someone up the wall – to annoy someone
- Get a taste of your own medicine – to experience something you have done to someone else
- Hang in there – a phrase used to encourage someone to persevere through a difficult situation
- Hit the hay – to go to bed
- In the same boat – in a similar situation as someone else
- On the ball – someone who is sharp or quick to understand things
- Piece of cake – something that is easy to do
- Rain check – a postponement of plans to a later date
- The ball is in your court – it’s up to you to make a decision or take action
- The early bird gets the worm – those who act early in life or work will succeed
- When pigs fly – a humorous way to say that something will never happen.
Italian American Slang
- Fuggetaboutit – an expression meaning “forget about it”
- Mamaluke – a term for a foolish or incompetent person
- Capisce? – a question meaning “do you understand?”
- Gavone – a term for someone who is gluttonous or lazy
- Goomba – a term for a close friend or companion
- Madone – an expression of surprise or disbelief
- Muzzarella – a way of pronouncing “mozzarella” with an Italian accent
- Paisan – a term for a fellow Italian or Italian-American
- Pizzafication – a term for the process of Americanizing pizza with non-traditional toppings
- Rigatoni – a slang term for a revolver or gun.
American Slang Expressions
- Bite me – a rude way of telling someone to leave you alone or expressing anger
- Cool beans – an expression of approval or agreement
- Don’t sweat it – a way of saying “don’t worry about it”
- Eyes peeled – to be watchful and alert
- Far out – an expression of excitement or enthusiasm
- Freak out – to become extremely upset or excited
- Hang loose – to relax or take it easy
- Nailed it – to successfully complete a task or perform well
- No worries – a way of saying “it’s okay” or “don’t worry about it”
- Take a chill pill – to calm down or relax.
American Slang Words 2022
- Vaxxed – vaccinated against COVID-19
- Boosted – received a COVID-19 booster shot
- Flu – to fake or exaggerate – “He’s totally flu-ing, he doesn’t really have a Lamborghini.”
- Simp – someone who does too much for someone they have a crush on
- Glow up – a dramatic improvement in appearance or confidence
- Cancel – to publicly reject or boycott someone or something – “I’m going to cancel that celebrity, I don’t like their behavior.”
- Cheugy – out of style or uncool – “Those shoes are so cheugy.”
- Karen – a derogatory term for an entitled or demanding woman
- Poggers – a term of excitement or approval – “That play was so poggers!”
- No cap – no lie or no joke – “I’m no cap, that concert was amazing.”
- Savage – ruthless or unapologetic – “She’s such a savage when it comes to competition.”
- Ship – to support or endorse a romantic relationship between two people – “I totally ship those two characters on the TV show.”
- GOAT – greatest of all time – “LeBron James is the GOAT of basketball.”
- Yeet – to throw or discard something with force – “I’m going to yeet this old sweater.”
- Clout – influence or popularity – “He’s got a lot of clout on social media.”
- TFW – an acronym for “that feeling when” – “TFW you finally finish a project you’ve been working on for months.”
- Flex – to show off or boast – “He’s always flexing his new car.”
- Salty – bitter or resentful – “She’s salty because she didn’t get the promotion.”
- AF – an acronym for “as f***” – “That party was lit AF!”
- Gucci – good or all good – “Everything’s Gucci, no worries.”
You Can DOWNLOAD PDF American Slang Words
- I’ve managed to book the best seats at the theatre for us, this weekend!
- Wicked! Thank you. I’m really excited!
What do you think ‘wicked’ means? No, it doesn’t mean ‘evil’ or ‘bad’.
Believe it or not, ‘wicked’ is actually a slang term that means ‘Brilliant!’ or ‘Awesome!’
Slang is a type of jargon that originates from various small groups of people. They tend to come about from conversation, and people naturally use words that have a meaning for them, then over time, these words alter and become slang.
It is probably one of the hardest aspects of the English language to learn, because there are so many variations in each small town, let alone in different English-speaking countries!
People use slang to sound less formal. Slang is mainly used because it relaxes the mouth, and allows people to speak in a more comfortable way. It is a lot easier to use slang than ‘perfect English’, which is probably why it’s so common!
This blog post will show you some of the most popular slang terms, but this doesn’t cover all of them! There are just too many! Hopefully the list below will cover some of the most common ones that you might hear!
1. UNREAL
Something that is unbelievably cool or brilliant
- I love this party, it’s just unreal!
2. PROPS
This means respect, recognition
- I know he failed the test, but you’ve got to give him props for trying.
3. KUDOS
Another word for respect, recognition
- Kudos for organising this party. It’s brilliant!
4. BOTTOM LINE
The main point
- The bottom line is we just don’t have enough money to make it work.
5. DISS
When a person disrespects someone else
- Stop dissing her behind her back. Show some respect!
6. DIG
To really like something
- Hey, I dig your new style. Where did you buy that T-shirt?
7. BOB’S YOUR UNCLE
This is a well-used phrase in the UK. It is added to the end of sentences, and means something like and that’s it!
- How did you make this cake? It’s delicious!
- Well, I just mixed in the batter thoroughly, poured it into a cake pan, baked it for 30 minutes and Bob’s your uncle!
8. BUDGE UP
When you ask someone to move and make space for you
- I want to sit down too, could you budge up a little please?
9. ACE
This has two meanings, something that is awesome, really cool. Or to achieve something with perfection, really easily
- Ace! I just got a promotion at work!
- Robert aced his physics exam!
10. ALL RIGHT?
This means ‘hello, how are you?’
- All right?
- Good thanks, you all right?
11. FULL OF BEANS
This means to have loads of energy
- All the children were full of beans at the party today. I couldn’t get any of them to sit still!
12. BLATANT
Something that is really obvious
- She’s blatantly very annoyed, everyone can see it apart from you.
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13. PEAR SHAPED
This means something has become a disaster
- I was trying to organise a surprise birthday party for her, but it’s all gone pear-shaped!
14. PIECE OF CAKE
When someone is boasting or they think something is extremely easy to do, they would use this
- What did you think of the exam? I thought it was really difficult.
- No, it was a piece of cake!
15. BLIMEY
This is an exclamation of surprise
- Blimey, look at all this mess here! I’d only left the house for an hour, and look what you’ve done!
16. BOTCH
There are two ways of using this expression ‘to botch something up’ or ‘to do a botch job’. They both mean that the work done was not of a high standard, or was clumsy workmanship
- The builder did a terrible job on the roof. He just botched it up, and it still leaks every time it rains!
17. CHEERS
Used when drinking with friends to salute or make a toast (raise your glasses and clink them together)
- Cheers everyone! Happy birthday to John!
18. SMASHING
This means something is terrific, brilliant
- I had a smashing time on holiday, it was so much fun!
19. SOD’S LAW
This is another name for Murphy’s Law – whatever can go wrong, will go wrong
- I wore my pretty new dress, because it was a sunny day, but as soon as I stepped out of the house, it started raining, and I got completely soaked!
- Sod’s Law!
20. CHIN WAG
This means having a nice, long chat with someone. You can probably tell why!
- I saw Mary after such a long time yesterday! We had a lovely chin wag together, like the good old days.
21. CHUFFED
Used when someone is really pleased about something
- My mum bought me a fantastic car when I passed my driving test. I was chuffed to bits!
22. CRAM
This means to study hard in a very short period of time
- I was so busy with my family before the exam, that I only had three days to cram in all the revision work!
23. NICE ONE
Can be used when someone does something particularly impressive
- I published my first book last year, and I’ve already started working on the sequel!
- Nice one! You’re doing really well.
24. CRIKEY
An exclamation of surprise
- I went shopping today! (comes in with lots of bags)
- Crikey! Have you spent all of our savings??!!
25. DEAR
Something that is expensive
- I avoid going shopping into the town centre nowadays, everything is so dear!
26. FAFF
This is when someone procrastinates, or wastes time wondering around
- Come on we have to go now. Stop faffing around, we’re going to be late!
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27. DO
Another word for a party
- Are you going to Lizzie’s birthday do next week?
28. FLOG
To sell something
- I managed to flog my car for a really good price!
29. FORTNIGHT
Two weeks. This comes from an abbreviation of ‘fourteen nights’
- I’ve been really ill for the past fortnight, and still haven’t recovered.
30. GOBSMACKED
This means amazed (your gob is your mouth, and if you smack your gob, it would be out of amazement!)
- I can’t believe I passed that exam! I thought I was going to fail, I’m completely gobsmacked!
31. SPLASH OUT
When you spend far too much money
- I wanted to give Sarah a special treat for her birthday, so I splashed out on a very romantic weekend away.
32. GRUB / NOSH
Both these words mean food
- I’m going to get some grub for myself from the local takeaway. Do you want anything?
33. BEE’S KNEES
Something or someone fabulous, spectacular
- You should see my new sound-system, it’s the bee’s knees!
- I don’t like Harvey very much, he thinks he’s the bee’s knees!
34. GUTTED
When someone is really upset or disappointed
- I’m so gutted I failed my driving test, again!
35. PEANUTS
When something is cheap, financially low
- I hate my job. I have to work such long hours, and I get paid peanuts.
- You should buy your clothes on-line. You can find some great designs for peanuts!
36. HAGGLE
To argue over, and try to negotiate the price of something you want to buy
- The last time I went shopping with my mum, she was haggling for something that was already really cheap!
- I managed to haggle the price of this shirt down by 25%!
37. JOLLY
You might hear people use this in all sorts of ways, but basically it means ‘very’. So “jolly good” would mean ‘very good’
- Don’t worry, I will pay you back before the end of this month.
- I should jolly well think so!
38. THROW A SPANNER IN THE WORKS
This is an expression that means to wreck something
- I managed to keep the surprise a secret, right up until the day before my sister’s birthday, then he threw a spanner in the works by telling her!
39. KIP
A short sleep, forty winks, a nap, a power nap, or a snooze.
- Why don’t you try and have a kip before everyone gets here? You won’t have time to rest later.
40. WIND UP
This has a couple of meanings. If something you do is a ‘wind up’ it means you are making fun of someone – you could be called a wind-up merchant if you do this.
However, if you are ‘wound up’ it means you are annoyed.
- John really is a wind-up merchant, but the girl he was picking on was so gullible!
- I was just winding her up for fun, but she took offence to it and got really angry!
41. MATE
This means friend, chum, pal, or buddy.
- I’m going to the cinema with my mates tonight.
42. NOT MY CUP OF TEA
This is a common saying which means that something is not to your liking.
- I don’t really like this sort of music. It’s just not my cup of tea.
43. PORKIES
This means telling lies. It comes from cockney rhyming slang. Short for ‘porky pies’, meaning ‘pork pies’, which rhymes with lies!
- Don’t listen to her, she’s telling porkies!
44. ROW
This means an argument (rhymes with ‘cow’)
- My brother had a huge row with his girlfriend yesterday. He’s really upset!
45. DONKEY’S YEARS
If someone says ‘I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years’, it means they haven’t seen you for a very long time!
- Hi Sarah! What a surprise to see you here. I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years! How have you been?
46. EASY PEASY
A childish term for something very easy
- I could make that for you, if you like? It’s easy peasy!
47. SORTED
When someone asks you about a problem you have already fixed, you could say this.
You can also say “get it sorted”, when you are telling someone to get on with something they have to do.
- What’s happening about that roof leak then?
- Oh that’s sorted now. I found a really good builder to do the job.
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48. STROP
If someone is sulking or being particularly miserable, you would say they are ‘being stroppy’, or ‘throwing a strop’
- Janet would you please cheer up? It’s your birthday, don’t be so stroppy!
49. CHEERIO
This is a friendly way of saying goodbye
- Right, I have to go now, see you soon. Cheerio!
50. WANGLE
This is used to say some people have all the luck
- I can’t believe he managed to wangle an upgrade on their airline seats, AND the honeymoon suite in their hotel!
51. BLINDING
If something is a blinding success, it means it was awesome, brilliant
- They had a blinding party after their wedding ceremony. Everyone had such a great time!
52. WONKY
If something is shaky or unstable, you might say it is wonky.
- I can’t eat my dinner at this table. It’s wonky and won’t stop wobbling!
53. ZONKED
If someone is zonked or ‘zonked out’ it means they are totally knackered, or exhausted
- He had a lot of fun at his birthday party earlier, but he’s completely zonked out now!
54. DODGY
If someone or something is a bit dodgy, it is not to be trusted.
- I saw a few dodgy-looking people standing around along that quiet street near our house, so just to be on the safe side, I notified the police.
- This food looks a bit dodgy, it might have passed its expiry date. I don’t think we should eat it.
55. LEG IT
This is a way of saying ‘run’ or ‘run for it’
- I went out on Halloween night, and someone jumped out from behind a bush to scare me. I was so frightened, that I just legged it all the way back home!
So there you go. Now you have a long list of slang words that you can familiarise yourself with, and try to remember! If you’re going to England or another English-speaking country, you might feel a bit more prepared to make conversation, if you’ve gone through this list!