To foreigners learning the English language, it’s not just knowing what individual words mean. Americans use slang and idioms regularly, so if you want to hold your own in any conversation, you need to be familiar with these as well.
What is slang?
Slang words refer to phrases or words that have its own cultural meaning that’s different from what they mean when taken literally. For example, asking “What’s up?” isn’t referring to asking what specific object is up, but is a slang term for asking “How are you?”
Sometimes, slang terms are in use for such a long time that they have evolved into idioms. Idioms refer to expressions where a given word combination means something totally different from the literal meaning of the individual words.
Using slang words in the correct context helps you connect better with other Americans, especially in college campuses. But remember that in formal settings such as work environments or talking with professors, we discourage the use of slang, because it makes you come across either as unprofessional or rude.
The origin of slang
Slang words usually come from pop culture, especially the youth culture. In history, TV shows, movies, hiphop and pop music, as well as video games were the main influences of current slang.
In these recent years, these still play a role in shaping slang words, but most of the youth are now spending most of their time online, so it’s safe to say that now, social media is one of the greatest drivers of American slang. A good way to learn some of the latest lingo is to spend some time watching Instagram and TikTok videos, because the way that the most popular influencers speak tend to catch on fairly quickly. Also pay attention to hashtags on these posts!
34 American Slang Words to Know Right Now
Admittedly, American slang may vary by region. In this post, we hope to share some of the most popular American slang words that pretty much anyone in any part of the country can understand:
1. Airhead: (Noun) someone foolish, silly, or forgetful
Example: I told you not to leave the ring with her, she’s such an airhead!
2. Beat: (Adjective) exhausted or very tired
Example: Man, I was up all night studying for Mr. Leeman’s exams, I’m beat!
3. Blow off steam: (Verb) to get rid of anger, stress, or excess energy
Example: Just let him blow off some steam, he’ll come back soon enough.
4. Break a leg: (phrase) to wish someone good luck, especially for a performance
Example: Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Break a leg!
5. Bummer: (Noun) something unfulfilling or disappointing
Example: I looked forward to that party for months, but talk about a bummer!
6. Chill: (Verb) to hang out or spend time together
Example: Let’s just chill tonight.
7. Chill out: (Verb) to calm down or relax
Example: Hey, it’s no big deal, just chill out, will you?
8. Cool: (Adjective) great, or to show that you agree with an idea
Example: I think it’s cool the way you and your mom have movie nights.
9. Couch potato: (Noun) a person who’s always sitting in front of the TV
Example: It’s no wonder he’s having heart problems, he’s such a couch potato.
10. Emo: (Adjective) being overly emotional or angsty
Example: I don’t really want to invite her to my party, she’s so emo.
11. Extra: (Adjective) too much, attention-grabbing, dramatic
Example: I can’t stand her, she’s too extra!
12. Flake or Flaky: (Noun or Adjective) an indecisive person, or someone who can’t be relied on to keep their word
Example: I told you we couldn’t expect Michael to be here, he’s always such a flake!
13. Get hitched: (Verb) to get married
Example: Did Joe tell you why he couldn’t come? He’s getting hitched this very minute!
14. Get under one’s skin: (Verb) to annoy
Example: How can you stand all that talk? He just gets under my skin.
15. Ghost: (Verb) to start ignoring all of a sudden
Example: We were having a perfectly decent chat online and she just ghosted me!
16. Hang out:(Adjective) to spend time together, to have fun together
Example: Why don’t you come over tonight, let’s just hang out.
17. Have dibs on: (Verb) to have a claim on
Example: I heard you’re cooking your famous apple pie tonight, dibs for roommates?
18. Hit the spot: (Adjective) to describe really satisfying food or drink
Example: Man, that ice cream sundae really hit the spot!
19. Hobnob: (Verb) to mingle with people from a higher social status
Example: I don’t like the looks of this, Lisa’s always hobnobbing with the fast crowd.
20. In the bag: (Adjective) being sure of something, such as winning a contest
Example: Hey, we’re sure to celebrate over drinks tonight, I’ve got it in the bag.
21. Living rent-free: (Adverb) to dominate one’s thoughts
Example: After watching Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe has been living rent-free in my head!
22. Looker: (Noun) refers to someone good-looking
Example: Did you see the new girl in school today? She’s a looker!
23. My bad: (Noun) to admit that something is my mistake
Example: Oops, my bad; I forgot to send him our new address!
24. Nuts: (Adjective) to be obsessed over something; or to be out of your mind to be doing something
Example: I don’t get why she’s so nuts about Frank Sinatra.
25. Off the hook: (Adjective) to be set free from blame
Example: Hey, thanks for standing up for me, my mom let me off the hook!
26. Rip-off: (Adjective) something that costs more than it’s worth
Example: What a rip-off, I could’ve told you where you could buy that for half the price.
27. Sick: (Adjective) unlike the literal meaning, in slang, this means that something was awesome
Example: That game was sick! You should’ve been there!
28. Spill the beans: (Verb) to share something that’s supposed to be a secret
Example: We tried so hard to keep the surprise party a secret, but Mandy spilled the beans.
29. Sucked: (Verb) to be disappointing or bad
Example: I had such hopes for that restaurant, but it sucked big time.
30. Suck up: (Verb) a negative way to gain someone’s approval by going all out
Example: He’s been sucking up to the boss for months just to get that promotion.
31. Take a rain check: (Verb) to do something another time
Example: I’ll have to take a rain check, but you guys have fun!
32. Woke: (Adjective) to be culturally aware or socially conscious
Example: It’s such a woke thing to be financially savvy.
33. Wrap: (Noun) to declare something as completed, such as in theater and performances
Example: That’s a wrap, guys!
34. Wrap up: (Verb) to finish doing something
Example: Let’s wrap up this meeting.
Learning American Slang Words
Understanding and learning how to use American slang words can help you relate more to your American friends, particularly in college campuses and other informal settings.
Of course, do remember that different regions in America can have their own list of slang words, so if you’re settled in one particular area, be sure to get to know the common terms used where you are.
Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- Getting a Handle on Colloquialisms: Using Regional Terms, Expressions, and Dialect
- What Is Tmesis? How Splitting Words Can Create Emphasis
- 25 Canadian Slang Words That Are Fun To Use
- Semantics and Pragmatics: What Is the Difference?
Yen Cabag is the Blog Writer of TCK Publishing. She is also a homeschooling mom, family coach, and speaker for the Charlotte Mason method, an educational philosophy that places great emphasis on classic literature and the masterpieces in art and music. She has also written several books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her passion is to see the next generation of children become lovers of reading and learning in the midst of short attention spans.
