Category

American Slang

American slang — the words running US culture, coast to coast.

788 words

Bet
interjection

An all-purpose 'okay,' 'deal,' or 'we'll see' — agreement or a challenge.

#aave#american#gen-z#urban-lingo
Bummy
adjective

American slang for someone or something lame, broke, or low-effort; the opposite of impressive.

#gen-z#american#aave#urban-lingo
Wicked
adverb

An intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely' — wicked good, wicked cool.

#80s#american#pop
Buccal Fat
noun

The cheek fat pad people get removed to chase a sculpted, hollow-cheek look.

#gen-z#internet#american
a lick
noun

A tiny amount; a bit of effort.

#american#regional#quantity#noun
benched
verb

Dropped to the substitutes' bench.

#sports#selection#substitute#american
Sliding
verb

Driving into a rival area looking for trouble — or, in production, the signature gliding 808 bass.

#uk#hip-hop#aave#british
hotter than blue blazes
phrase

Extremely hot.

#american#regional#weather#heat
Vibe Check
noun

A read on whether a crowd, set or moment has the right energy.

#american#gen-z#meme
Main Character
noun

Someone living life like they're the star of their own movie — full main character energy.

#gen-z#meme#american#aave
OD
adverb

Excessively; to do the most

#american#regional#intensifier#excess
bodega run
phrase

A quick trip to the corner store

#american#regional#errand#store
whiskey in a teacup
phrase

A woman who's delicate-looking but tough.

#american#regional#character#idiom
busier than a one-armed paper hanger
phrase

Exceedingly busy.

#american#regional#busy#simile
sammich
noun

Chicago-accent pronunciation of 'sandwich.'

#american#regional#chicago#food
shucky darn
interjection

Kansas exclamation of awe or mild frustration, roughly 'wow!'

#american#regional#kansas#interjection
Leg Day
noun

The dreaded workout for legs — and the meme about everyone skipping it.

#gym#fitness#american#meme
take the L
phrase

To accept a loss or defeat

#american#regional#loss#defeat
Spiraling
verb

Looping into anxious or negative thoughts that keep getting worse.

#gen-z#american#texting#meme
Regulated
adjective

Emotionally calm and in control of your nervous system — the goal state.

#gen-z#american#texting
Glow-Up
noun

A dramatic transformation from awkward to fine — looks, confidence, or life.

#gen-z#aave#american#meme
Wildin'
verb

Acting wild, going overboard, or behaving unreasonably.

#aave#american#gen-z#hip-hop
Boo-Yaa
noun

A sweetheart or romantic partner — your boo, the one you're into.

#90s#american#pop
Send It
phrase

To go for it fully with zero hesitation — commit hard, consequences be damned.

#aussie#american#gen-z#sports
turn out 18+
phrase

Mature content — open to view.

#prison#sexual-coercion#american#verb
scat
interjection

Go away; shoo.

#american#regional#shoo#command
Type Beat
noun

An instrumental made to sound like a specific artist — and a meme format for 'this gives off ___ energy.'

#hip-hop#american#internet#gen-z
Jawn
noun

A Philadelphia all-purpose noun for literally anything — a thing, place, person, or situation.

#american#aave#urban-lingo
facts
interjection

Total agreement; that's true

#american#regional#affirmation#agreement
the hub
noun

Boston (nickname)

#american#regional#place#boston
Crashout
noun

A complete emotional breakdown or reckless meltdown where you snap and stop caring about consequences.

#gen-z#aave#tiktok#meme
Heat Check
noun

A wild shot you take when you're so hot you want to confirm you can't miss.

#sports#american#aave#urban-lingo
tore up
phrase

Very upset—or badly broken.

#american#regional#upset#broken
nary
adjective

Not a single; none.

#american#regional#negation#quantity
Deadstock
noun

Brand-new, never-worn gear — especially sneakers still in original condition with the box.

#american#money#gen-z
Cheugy
adjective

A mild insult meaning out of date, trying too hard, or aesthetically uncool by Gen Z standards.

#gen-z#american#meme#y2k
Roid Rage
noun

Aggression and a short temper blamed on anabolic steroid use.

#gym#fitness#american#meme
blue face
noun

A hundred-dollar bill.

#finance#stocks#wsb#denomination
Foxy Eyes
noun

A lifted, elongated, almond eye look — makeup or a literal cosmetic lift.

#gen-z#internet#american
Bars
noun

Lyrics, especially clever or hard-hitting ones — 'he's got bars.'

#uk#american#hip-hop#aave