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Have you been watching YouTube in your free time to learn English and improve your English comprehension? Understand most of the vocabulary and grammar? But what about all of those slang terms coming from American TV shows, movies, songs and podcasts?
If you’re a little puzzled, you’re not alone. With 50 states in America, each with its own demographics, personality and culture, casual speech in American dialect is an intriguing linguistic study in itself.
From New York, to California, Louisiana to Hawaii (and so much more!), read on for an exploration of fascinating, common, odd, rare and unique American slang.
Why you need to know American slang
In the United States, people from all walks of life use slang. Grandparents might use it to better communicate with their grandchildren. Different groups of people might feel comfortable using slang within their social circles, or even use it to deliberately confuse outsiders for fun. Influencers and aspiring influencers may try to connect with audiences by sending Tweets, or making Instagram reels.
Indeed, new phrases and words continue to get added to the American lexicon – that is, the vocabulary – due to poignant events over the course of the country’s history, and changing demographics. It can be difficult even for people from the United States to keep up, especially for those who wisely avoid using social media.
However, knowing a few American colloquialisms will help you:
- Better understand American culture
- Communicate more freely, expressively and openly - especially in the United States
- Prevent language misunderstandings
- Increase your fluency and ability to comprehend and speak American English conversationally
General American slang
Developed over time and greatly influenced by immigration patterns, media, and current events, here are some American slang words that will entertain you - or maybe even make you blush.
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! | (Celebratory) yes! |
Popular American slang phrases
Every country -- and even multiple places within many countries – have their own versions of slang. In the U.S, not only do we have words and phrases that are popular nationwide, but we also have terms that are local to states or regions.
Before we can learn how to talk like we’re from Brooklyn or Chicago, let’s see what works with people from around 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
New York and New York City have a bounty of their own subcultures and language. And New York slang is an enthralling part of that rich cultural tapestry.
Keep an ear out for some of these expressions and phrases from “The Big Apple” in popular music, television and cinema.
| 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 |
Californian slang words and phrases
Californian slang is a diverse assortment of more colorful vocabulary, complete with its own personality.
| 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 |
Texas slang words and phrases
You’ll notice a lot of abbreviations here, which is all part of the fun of learning how to speak Texas slang.
| Texas 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 words and phrases
If Ponce de León had discovered the Fountain of Youth in 1513, Florida would have had something worthwhile to discuss. For now, it’s really just a place that’s 90 miles to 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 |
Hawaiian slang words and phrases
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the backgrounds of Don Ho or Duke Kahanamoku, check some of this interesting Hawaiian slang out.
| 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! |
Louisiana slang words and phrases
French Creole and Catholicism greatly influenced the creation of Louisiana slang. Plus, they’ve got some of the best eats in the country.
| 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 |
New Jersey slang words and phrases
The “Garden State” has a unique flair to its informal and colloquial words and expressions. We’ve listed a few New Jersey slang favorites.
| 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 |
Chicago slang words and phrases
Brush up on your Chicago slang and you’ll soon be able to understand what your new Chicago friends are saying, without any awkward silences or misinterpretations.
| 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 |
Other American slang from more regions
| Slang | Place where it’s used | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Water ice | Philadelphia, southern New Jersey | Shaved ice, sugar, and flavored syrup (a summer treat) |
| You guys | Various | You all |
| Snowbirds | Various | Describing people from colder states who live in warmer states during the winter |
| Wawa | Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey | A convenience store chain |
| Y’all | Various Southern states | You all |
| Cattywampus | Various Southern states | Something that is crooked or not right |
| Bail | Various | Leave in a hurry |
| No Account | Various southern states | Something broken/worthless |
| Wicked | New England | Really, very |
| Throwing shade | Various | Showing disapproval for someone without necessarily saying it |
| Shut up! | Various | Be quiet! |
| Down-to-earth | Various | Someone authentic and humble |
| Salt-of-the-earth | Various | Someone upright and modest |
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.
Make it so
From the North to the South, East to West, now that you’ve been exposed to a breadth of slang terms and phrases from around the United States of America, aren’t you amped up to share your newfound knowledge with friends and family?
To really round up some essential vocab, you might want to explore all the interesting ways to say hello in English (including some need-to-know informal and casual ways).
