Slang refers to a type of informal language that is typically used in casual conversations and can vary widely across different regions, age groups, and cultures. It expresses a sense of belonging or identity within a particular group or community and can include words, phrases, and expressions that are not typically found in formal language.
Slang can be influenced by various factors such as popular culture, the media, and current events, and can evolve and change quickly over time (idioms do not change as quickly). Understanding and using slang can be an effective way to communicate with others in a casual setting, but it is important to be mindful of the potential for misunderstandings or offense when using slang with people who may not be familiar with its meanings.
Below is a list of 101 American slang terms and their meanings.
Slang | Meaning |
1. Lit | Exciting |
2. Ghost | Suddenly stop responding to someone’s messages |
3. FOMO | Fear of missing out |
4. Lowkey | Something that is done secretly or quietly |
5. Gucci | Everything is going well |
6. Woke | Aware of social and political issues |
7. Squad | Group of friends |
8. Finesse | To achieve something through charm or skill |
9. On fleek | Perfect or well-done |
10. YOLO | You only live once |
11. Tea | Gossip or news |
12. Sis | A term of endearment for a close female friend |
13. Bro | A term of endearment for a close male friend |
14. Hype | Excited or energetic |
15. Slay | To excel or do something very well |
14. Vibes | The energy of a place or situation |
15. Shook | Surprised or shocked |
16. Salty | Being upset or angry |
17. Sick | Cool or awesome |
18. On point | Doing something well or perfectly |
19. Aight | All right |
20. Sus | Suspicious |
21. Dynamite | Awesome or great |
22. Dough | Money |
23. Gig | Job or work |
24. Cushy | Comfortably easy |
25. Grand | A thousand dollars |
26. A bear | Very difficult |
27. Eyeball | To look something over |
28. Jam | In trouble |
29. All-nighter | To study all night |
30. Freebie | Something that is free |
31. Shady | Suspicious or questionable |
32. Razz | Annoy |
33. Whiz | Very talented or smart |
34. BFF | Best friends forever |
35. Chicken | Coward |
36. Bummed | Sad or disappointed |
37. Threads | Clothes |
38. Icky | Unpleasant or annoying |
39. What’s up | Asking “how are you” |
40. Same | Agree |
41. My bad | My mistake |
42. OMG | Oh my gosh |
43. LOL | Laugh out loud |
44. No worries | No big deal |
45. NBD | No big deal |
46. Cheesy | Silly |
47. Extra | Attention-grabbing |
48. Catfish | Assuming a false identity |
49. Savage | Not caring about consequences |
50. GOAT | Greatest of all times |
51. Rona | COVID-19, Coronavirus |
52. Yaass | Emphatic yes |
53. Periodt | Done with conversation |
54. Shook | In shock |
55. Sliving | Slaying living |
56. Goals | Something desirable |
57. Fact | Truth |
58. Totes | Totally |
59. Girlboss | Successful woman |
60. Slay | Extremely impressive or successful |
61. Thirsty | Desperate for attention |
62. Thanks, next | Was useful but is no longer |
63. ICYMI | In case you missed it |
64. AMA | Ask me anything |
65. MacGyver | An improvised way of thinking |
66. Cringe | Embarrassing |
67. Adorkable | Socially awkward yet endearing |
68. ROFL | Rolling on the floor laughing |
69. LMK | Let me know |
70. IDK | I don’t know |
71. BTW | By the way |
72. LOL | Laugh out loud |
73. FAQ | Frequently asked questions |
74. NP | No problem |
75. FYI | For your information |
76. Flex | Showing off own accomplishments |
77. Clap back | Verbal retaliation |
78. Boomer | Baby boomer generation |
79. Highkey | Of super importance |
80. Glow up | Becoming more fabulous with age |
81. Skrt | Stop |
82. Bye, Felicia | Dismissing a person or their request |
83. No cap | Seriously |
84. Swerve | Avoid an unwanted situation |
85. TBH | To be honest |
86. Slaps | Strikes you as good or impressive |
87. Read | Calling out someone’s flaws |
89. Aggro | Aggressive |
90. Clock | Aggressively insulting someone |
91. Realness | Authentically emulating someone or a character |
92. Throw shade | Indirectly disrespect someone |
93. Basic | To be mainstream |
94. Stan | Obsessive fan |
95. Turnt | Excited or energized |
96. Kiki | Group of gossiping friends |
97. Clout | Influencer |
98. Hypebeast | A person who constantly seeks out new trends |
99. Cancelled | No longer supported or recognized |
100. Sketchy | Suspicious or questionable |
101. Fam | Family |