Picture yourself strolling through America, smelling delicious pretzels. Suddenly, a local tells you to "Fuhgeddaboudit!" You're puzzled at first, but then you realize it means, "Forget about it." American slang is like a colorful quilt, with each city having its own unique words. From the lively talk of New Orleans to the chill vibes of Los Angeles, the USA is a language adventure. In this blog, we'll explore the top American cities and their cool US slang terms, plus the meaning behind them.
What is the meaning of American slang?
American slang is a type of language that is commonly used in the United States. It consists of words, phrases, and expressions that are not typically found in writing or standard dictionaries. American slang words or phrases don’t have a literal definition; they follow a cultural pattern. American slang constantly American society's cultural, regional, and generational nuances. It also serves as a cultural shock in America for non-residence experience.
General American slang
General American slang includes a wide variety of informal American words and phrases that are commonly used in everyday conversation across the United States. Here are a few American slang words that will keep you entertained or even make you blush a little.
Top American slang words in 2023s
Below is a curated list of all the popular American slang words in 2023 that you can try on your friends:
1. Savage
Someone ruthless or impressive in a way that is admirable or humorous.
Example: Did you see how she roasted him on Twitter? She’s savage.
2. Woke
Someone aware of social issues and injustices.
Example: He’s not just a good singer; he’s also woke. He supports many causes and charities.
3. Sus
Short for suspicious, meaning shady or untrustworthy.
Example: I don’t trust him, he’s acting sus. He always lies and cheats.
4. Rizz
A slang terms for money or cash
Example: I need to make some rizz this weekend. Do you have any gigs for me?
5. Iykyk
Short for if you know, meaning something that only insiders or people with shared experience can understand.
Example: He bought a limited edition jordans at a sneaker store and was saying ‘iykyk’. I wonder what that means.
6. Bussin
Something that is delicious or amazing.
Example: This pizza is bussin, bro. You gotta try it.
7. Cheugy
Something that is outdated or uncool, especially in terms of fashion or style.
Example: She still wears UGG boots and skinny jeans? That’s so cheugy.
8. Drip
Used for a style or appearance that is cool or fashionable.
Example: He’s got the drip, look at the outfit. He’s dripping in designer clothes.
9. It’s giving
Describes what something implies or suggests.
Example: “It’s giving me very clown vibes. He needs to stop joking around and be serious.”
10. Gucci
Something that is good or fine
Example: “How are you feeling today? I’m Gucci, thanks for asking.”
11. Shook
Someone who is shocked or surprised by something.
Example: “I was shook when I saw the plot twist in the movie. I didn’t see it coming.”
12. Salty
Someone who is bitter or angry about something.
Example: “He’s salty because he lost the game. He needs to chill and accept defeat.”
13. Extra
Someone who is over the top or excessive in their behavior or attitude.
Example: “She’s so extra, she always makes a scene wherever she goes.”
14. Flex
Showing off or bragging about something
Example: “He bought a new car just to flex on his ex. That’s a big flex.”
15. Thirsty
Someone who is desperate for attention or affection
Example: “She’s thirsty for likes, she posts selfies every day. She needs to get a life.”
16. Yeet
Throwing something with force or excitement
Example: “He yeeted his phone across the room when he saw the message. He was so mad.”
17. Tea
A noun for gossip or secrets.
Example: “Spill the tea, sis. What did he say to you?”
18. Stan
A noun or verb for a fan who is very devoted or obsessed with a celebrity or something they like.
Example: “I stan Beyoncé, she’s my queen. I’ve been stanning her since I was a kid.”
19. Snack
A noun for someone who is very attractive or appealing.
Example: “He’s such a snack, look at his abs. I want a bite of that.”
20. Shade
A noun or verb for throwing subtle insults or criticisms at someone.
Example: “She threw shade at her rival in her speech. She said she was happy for her success, but she sounded sarcastic.”
21. Lit
An adjective for something that is exciting or amazing.
Example: “This party is lit, everyone is having fun. The music is lit too.”
22. Bop
A noun for a catchy song that makes you want to dance.
Example: “This song is a bop, I can’t stop singing it. It’s stuck in my head.”
23. Slay
A verb for doing something exceptionally well or impressively.
Example: “She slayed the presentation, she was so confident and persuasive. She slayed everyone with her facts and figures.”
24. Zaddy
A noun for a man who is attractive and has charisma.
Example: “Zayn Malik previously of One Direction is a popular zaddy. He’s got the looks and the personality.”
25. Cap
A noun or verb for lying or exaggerating about something.
Example: “He said he has a million followers on Instagram, but that’s cap. He only has a few thousand.”
26. GOAT
An acronym for greatest of all time, meaning the best or most talented person in something.
Example: “He’s the GOAT of football, no one can beat him. He has won so many championships and awards.”
27. Rona
A nickname for the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.
Example: “I’m so tired of the rona, I want to travel and see my friends. I hope it ends soon.”
28. PeriodT
A way of ending a sentence with emphasis or finality.
Example: “She’s the best singer in the world, PeriodT. No one can argue with that.”
29. Skrt
A sound effect for a car screeching or swerving, often used to express excitement or enthusiasm.
Example: “He drove off in his new car, skrt skrt. He was so happy with his purchase.”
30. Smol
An adjective for something that is small and cute, often used to describe animals or people.
Example: “Look at this smol kitten, it’s so adorable. I want to cuddle it.”
31. Clout
A noun for fame or influence, especially on social media.
Example: “He’s only dating her for clout, he wants to boost his followers and views. He doesn’t really love her.”
Popular American slang phrases
Here are some popular American slang phrases that you might come across or use in 2023;
1. To be in your bag
Being really focused on your goals or passions or achieving success, in something is referred to as "being in your bag."
2. To be on one
If someone is acting crazy or out of character in a way we say they are "on one."
3. To catch feelings
When you unintentionally develop an emotional attachment to someone, it's known as "catching feelings."
4. To hit different
If something has an unexpected impact or effect in a positive way we say it "hits differently."
5. To keep it a buck
To be honest and truthful about something even if it's unpleasant or unpopular we use the phrase "keeping it a buck."
6. To leave someone on read
Ignoring someone's message or not replying to them after reading it is commonly called "leaving someone on read " especially when referring to communication.
7. No shade
The expression "no shade" is used to soften any insult or criticism and indicate that no offense is intended.
8. To put someone on blast
When someone publicly exposes or criticizes another person on social media platforms we say they are "putting them on blast."
9. To shoot your shot
Taking a chance or risk, at something particularly involving romance or career opportunities is known as "shooting your shot."
10. To simp
To overly demonstrate kindness or obsession towards someone you like at the expense of your dignity and self-respect is referred to as "simping."
Region-specific American slang
No need to be confused, you're not the one. With 50 states in America, each having its demographics, personality, and culture, casual conversation in the United States can vary. Here is some regional American slang used in different cities in America:
New York slang words and phrases
In the city of New York, where culture thrives and people from all walks of life come together, a distinct American lingo has emerged. Let's take a look at some examples of the American slang words and phrases commonly used by New Yorkers.
1. The Big Apple
It is a nickname given to New York City.
2. Bodega
Another term for convenience stores which are found on street corners.
3. Slice
You all know New York for its pizza, this refers to a piece of pizza.
4. The Yankees
A name calling out a basketball team.
5. 5-0
A typical American slang phrase for the police.
Californian slang words and phrases
California, known for its culture and diverse influences has developed its unique vocabulary. Here are five popular American slang words and phrases commonly used in California;
1. Cali
A shortened version of California is often used to refer to the state itself or the distinctive lifestyle associated with it.
2. Hella
An intensifier that adds emphasis to "very" or "a lot."
3. Dude
A term used to address someone commonly heard in California and throughout the West Coast.
4. Gnarly
Used to describe something thrilling or risky—often linked to the surf.
5. The Golden State
A nickname for California that highlights its beauty and abundant sunshine.
Texas slang words and phrases
Texas has a culture and language renowned for its American slang words and phrases. Let's take a look, at the 5 Texas slang expressions;
1. Howdy
It's a customary Texan greeting for "How do you do?"
2. Y'all
This is a contraction of "you all " commonly used in Texas and the Southern region to address a group of people.
3. Fixin' to
This phrase indicates that someone is preparing or planning to do something.
4. Bless your heart
It's often used to express empathy or sympathy although it can also be employed sarcastically in situations.
5. Lone Star State
This is a nickname for Texas referring to the star on its state flag.
Chicago slang words and phrases
Chicago, known for its history and distinctive culture has developed its set of unique slang words and phrases. Let's take a look at the 5 Chicago slang terms;
1. Chi-Town
This is a used nickname for Chicago embraced by both locals and visitors
2. Da Bears
A phrase commonly used to refer to the Chicago Bears, the city's NFL football team.
3. Chi Raq
A term that combines "Chicago" and "Iraq " is often used to describe neighborhoods with significant levels of violence.
4. Windy City
Another known moniker for Chicago originated from its blustery weather conditions. Contrary to belief it isn't about wind speed but also references the politician's tendency to engage in rhetoric.
5. Lolla
Short for Lollapalooza, a music festival held in Grant Park, Chicago.
In this exploration of slang, we have discovered a tapestry of regional American slang that mirrors the diverse culture and rich history of different places in America. From the timeless "cool”, to treasures like "y'all" and "fuhgeddaboudit," these US slang terms present a depiction of how language evolves and adjusts to the constantly changing landscape of the United States