Black Slang (AAVE)

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

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

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

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

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

Acting wild, going overboard, or behaving unreasonably.

Impressive, tough, or excellent — especially music or a look.

Your home or place — where you live and chill.

A sharp, witty comeback to criticism or an insult — a response that shuts the other person down.

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

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

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

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

Talking a lot, often pointlessly or without anyone listening.

When someone's saying something disrespectful, unreasonable, or out of pocket.

Stylish, attractive, and effortlessly cool — looking good and knowing it.

To go off impressively — kill it, get hyped, or unleash a passionate rant.

A mantra about staying detached, chasing travel and freedom instead of getting attached.

Someone relentlessly focused on making money — chasing the bag above all else.

Money — older slang for cash, named for the green color of bills.

Jamaican word for feeling good, at peace, and everything being alright.

Money — chasing paper means chasing cash.

Luxurious, high-class, or fancy — living or acting upscale; from bourgeois.

Someone who resents your success instead of getting their own.

When your shot gets violently blocked, slapped out of the air like a bug.

Dominating your opponent so thoroughly you're basically cooking them like a meal.

Past your prime — no longer skilled or relevant.

The shortest possible 'what's up' — a one-word greeting.

Gossip, the latest news, or the truth — 'spill the tea' means tell me everything.

To disrespect or insult someone — a put-down, often in a song.

Delivering a look so strong you're 'serving' it up like a runway moment.

Excellent, cool, and top-quality — a hip-hop term of high praise.

Stacks of cash — from the rubber bands around bundles of bills; a "band" is $1,000.

Excellent, amazing, or extremely good.

"Let's get it" — a hype ad-lib popularized by Lil Uzi Vert.

An unflattering lookalike — a blend of "chopped" (ugly) and "doppelganger."

Those short shouts and tags a rapper layers behind the main vocal — 'skrrt,' 'yeah,' 'gang' and the like.

Disbelief at someone's nerve — they did something so bold and disrespectful you can barely process it.

The people who've been with you from the very beginning.

A term of address for a close friend or anyone you're talking to.

Means 'seriously' or 'for real' — you're not joking even a little.

A loyal crew member down to put in work — pronounced like 'hitter' without the hard ending.

A situation that's lit — any scene that's exciting, hyped, and popping off.

Loud, messy, or unrefined — sometimes an insult, sometimes a self-aware, fun descriptor.

The lineup of people you're casually dating or talking to at the same time.

'What you doing?' — the classic low-effort opener, often a low-key flirt or boredom check.

The backboard — bank shots 'off the glass,' rebounds are 'cleaning the glass.'

A swear-on-it phrase meaning 'I promise, on my brother's life.'

'Where you at?' — the locator text when you're waiting on someone or trying to link up.

'What you mean?' — asks for clarification, sometimes with attitude.

To show off your money, style, or success — flexing for the audience.

The numbers or facts don't add up — something is off and doesn't make sense.

A smashed-together way of saying 'talking about' that AAVE speakers use all day.

Step back and let someone do their thing — they're in the zone and about to cook up something good.

To meet up with someone — to connect in person and hang out.

Smashed 'about to' — on the verge of doing something right now.

An exclamation of amazement or hype, drawn out as "sheeeesh" to gas something up.

Being deliberately spiteful over small things, often in a funny, dramatic way.

Slang compliment for someone so attractive they look good enough to eat.

A small, chill, low-key gathering — the relaxed opposite of a rager.

Means the greatest of all time; the highest praise you can give someone or something.

Mature content — open to view.

To call out, get in touch, or shout someone out.

Harshly criticised or mocked, especially publicly online.

A casual way to admit a mistake — 'that was my fault.'

To praise, hype up, or give respect to someone — a shout-out, Jamaican style.

Basketball itself — both the rim and the act of playing the game.

The ballroom emcee's call announcing the theme contestants must serve — 'the category is...'

The catchy, repeated part of a song — usually the chorus — that hooks you and gets stuck in your head.

British slang for someone or something seriously attractive, fit, or top-quality.

A perfect, on-the-money assist that sets a teammate up for an easy bucket.

A hot dog — the word blew up as a meme but it actually started as DMV slang for a gun.

An ecstatic, drawn-out 'yes' — pure excitement and approval.

Points scored in basketball, especially the smooth, repeatable kind from a real scorer.

Being out enjoying yourself, socializing, and living life — not stuck inside.

A badly missed shot that clangs hard off the rim like you threw a brick.

Delivered exactly what the moment called for and nailed it perfectly.

An ongoing feud or grudge — in rap, a public conflict often played out through diss tracks.

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Freaking out, overreacting, or acting crazy — your wires are tripping.

Money — a cousin of 'guap,' all about the cash flow.

The mood, feeling, or atmosphere of a person, place, or thing — "good vibes" means good energy.

An acronym for "Slime Love All The Time" — a hip-hop expression of loyalty and solidarity.

An expression of agreement or 'I hear you' from 80s hip-hop culture.

Money, especially a serious amount of it.

Very, a lot — the NorCal intensifier that went national.

Makeup applied flawlessly and fully — a face that's beat is perfectly done.

Genuinely involved in road life — putting in real work, not just rapping about it.

A young person, kid, or youth — UK slang from Jamaican Patois.

A car — especially a stylish or expensive one.

To show off — to flaunt money, status, looks, or achievements.

What's up — the drawn-out 90s greeting Budweiser turned into a national catchphrase.

Did something exceptionally well — "she ate that," often "ate and left no crumbs."

When you score while getting fouled and earn a free throw on top of the bucket.

'At this point' — the lead-in for a resigned or fed-up conclusion.

A subgenre of hip-hop, or slang for a place where hustling happens.

Highly desirable, hyped clothing or sneakers — the fire pieces everyone wants.

When food (or a song) is so good it hits hard — 'this meal slaps.'

Wild, exciting, and amazing — so good it's out of control.

An agreement meaning that's true or I relate to that.

To cleverly insult or call out someone's flaws with precision and wit.

Delivered an amazing look or performance with total confidence.

An intensifier meaning 'completely' or 'to the max' — she served the house down.

Money, especially a thick stack of it — getting cake means getting paid.

Fully decked out in stylish, expensive-looking clothes and jewelry from head to toe.

A rhetorical 'explain this' aimed at something illogical or unfair.

Muscular and pumped up — looking big and strong from lifting.

A thick roll of cash folded and tied off — a fat wad of bills.

Faking it, putting on a false front to seem tougher or richer.

A ballroom category judged on how convincingly you embody a real-world look or role.

Hyped, wild, and out of control — usually from drinking, partying, or pure energy.

A self-roasting confession of something embarrassing you actually did — 'not me crying at a commercial.'

A plea for someone to be serious or honest — 'you cannot be so for real right now.'

Desperate for attention, validation, or romantic/sexual interest — visibly craving it.

Your connection — the person who can get you what you need, party or otherwise.

Thousands of dollars in cash — one rack is $1,000.

A deliberately alluring photo posted to attract attention, compliments, or desire.

So shocked or amazed you're speechless — left gasping by something stunning.

Selling drugs to make money — the grind drill and trap music document.

Openly and obviously — the loud, no-shame opposite of lowkey.

Secretly really good, in an understated way.

So funny you're metaphorically dying of laughter — or totally done.

Mature content — open to view.

A figure of authority and admiration — the icon everyone looks up to, or the head of a ballroom house.

To rise into a jumper off the dribble — or, in street slang, to show up somewhere.

So good it's almost offensive — a top-tier compliment for a flawless look or performance.

Loud, lively, and full of energy — usually about music or a scene.

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The cap emoji — means a lie; sending 🧢 calls out that something is false.

Did something flawlessly and completely — absolutely nailed it with nothing left to criticize.

Flashy, expensive jewelry — the sparkle of chains, rings, and diamonds.

Over-the-top, dramatic, or doing way too much — more than the situation calls for.

Overreacting, acting irrational, or saying something wild.

Very angry, often in a way that's funny because the person won't admit it.

A playful spin on 'homie' — your close friend, with extra silliness.

Hyped, rowdy, and turnt — the energy of Southern 2000s rap.

Completely calm and unaffected by drama, criticism, or stress.

Ugly, busted, or low-quality — a harsh insult for looks, fits, or anything that came out badly.

Cash earned from the hustle or grind — money made the hard way.

"On my friends" or "on the gang" — used to swear something is true, like "I swear to God."

Money, cash, paper — a tasty 2000s word for it.

A sideways look of suspicion, disapproval, or judgment — often shown with the 👀 emoji.

The absolute best — something so good it's explosive.

To lose it and react recklessly out of anger or stress — about to do something you'll regret.

Go get the money — stop wasting time and chase that paper.

Feels uniquely better or more impactful — something that lands in a special way.

An attractive, stylish, confident older man — like "daddy" but with extra swagger.

Did something exceptionally well and left nothing to criticise.

To deliver a flawless look or attitude with full confidence — she's serving.

An icon is being an absolute icon — a queen serving exactly what fans love.

A girlfriend you see as serious, long-term, and basically marriage material.

A confident, hot, put-together woman who knows she looks good and isn't shy about it.

Looking flawlessly tight, sharp, and perfect — hair, waist, or makeup on point.

Top-tier near-flawless diamonds — the clarity grade rappers name-drop to flex how clean their ice is.

Someone willing to do violence for a crew — and in basketball slang, just a player who scores.

Cash earned through your connect — money from the source or the hookup.

Status, success, attention, money, or momentum, especially when someone is actively making things happen.

Connected to the right people — a supplier, the scene, or inside info.

Overly excited, hyped, or full of yourself — pumped up, sometimes more than warranted.

Someone rolling in cash — or the money emoji that flexes it.

Overly upset, bothered, or desperate about something that isn't worth it.

A throwaway tag meaning 'type stuff,' added to agree with or punctuate a statement.

To get something through smooth skill or slick manoeuvring — sometimes by trickery.

A low-key, hidden, or chill spot — somewhere private to hang or party.

A dark, menacing rap subgenre built on sliding 808s and cold, deadpan flows.

'On God' — swearing something's true, the Gen Z cousin of 'I swear.'

Exciting, fun, and full of energy — a lit party is amazing. (Also: intoxicated.)

Mature content — open to view.

A relaxed 'alright' — agreement, acknowledgment, or a casual goodbye.

Excellent, attractive, or really good — especially food, music, or a body.

A playful term of endearment, like 'honey' — used to address a friend with sass.

To level up, take control, and improve your status or finances.

Bitter, annoyed, or resentful — especially after losing or being upset over something small.

The block or area where your enemies — the opps — live and operate.

Excessively praising or hyping someone up to an embarrassing, suck-up degree.

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To genuinely know what you're talking about — to have real knowledge or taste on a subject.

Money, plain and simple — the cheddar, the paper, the cash.

To get dunked on so hard the moment becomes a poster — total public embarrassment.

To start working — also used jokingly for showing up to do anything.

Get the money, lock in the win, don't fumble the opportunity in front of you.

To buy or grab something, especially a hyped drop you've been waiting on.

A huge payday — the kind of money that changes your whole situation.

To make money and provide — everybody at the table getting fed.

Wild, exciting, out of control in the best way.

Always ready and down for whatever — no hesitation, on demand.

Said at the end of a statement to mean 'and that's final' — no debate.

Acting irrationally, overreacting, or being wrong about something.

I already understand and agree — no need to explain further, I'm on it.

Covered in diamonds and flashy jewelry — dripping in 'ice' from chains to watch.

Only genuine, loyal people understand or remember this — said with knowing pride.

The flame that means something is excellent, hot, or impressive — pure approval.

Effortlessly stylish clothes, jewelry, and overall swagger — looking expensive and put-together.

Impressively hard, skilful, and ruthless — high praise for a verse or beat.

Backing a defender down near the basket — or, in slang, just parking yourself somewhere.

A lie. To 'cap' is to lie; 'no cap' means no lie, for real.

Dressed up sharp in good gear — fully suited and looking the part.

A lifestyle of ease, comfort, and minimal stress, by deliberate choice.

A quick show-off of what you're wearing today, usually a head-to-toe photo or clip.

An oath meaning 'I swear,' invoking Jah (God) — basically 'on my life.'

Perfectly styled and on point — most famously about eyebrows.

To drain a jump shot, especially a three, so clean it only touches net.

A circle of rappers taking turns freestyling, each one passing the mic and trying to outdo the last.

Short for a Draco pistol — a popular firearm reference in trap and drill lyrics.

A subtle, sly insult or disrespect — disrespect implied rather than said outright.

To publicly call someone out or expose embarrassing details about them.

Lockdown defense — when you stick to your man so tight he can't breathe.

An imaginary scoreboard for how cool or cringe your actions are — gain aura for wins, lose it for fails.

Caught off guard, unprepared, or slipping — in a vulnerable position.

Short for "uncle" — an older guy, or anyone acting old or out of touch with trends.

"Fixing to" — about to or going to do something soon.

Money or profit — 'getting coin' means getting paid.

An affectionate term for a close friend or brother, rooted in Jamaican Patois.

Conflict, beef, or a problem with someone — 'who's got smoke?'

To spend a large amount of money on something, no flinching.

Extremely good, usually about food that tastes amazing — 'this food is bussin.'

Describes the vibe or energy something gives off — 'it's giving main character energy.'

A casual gathering for gossip, laughs, and good vibes with your people.

So funny it leaves you weak with laughter.

To celebrate loudly — and the upward two-palm gesture that goes with it.

Real conversation about money — making it, moving it, multiplying it.

An extra-emphatic 'da bomb' — the very best, with a 90s flourish.

The skull that means 'I'm dead' — as in dying of laughter, not actual death.

Effortless personal style with attitude — a blend of 'style' and 'ease.'

The blue, frosty face that means literally freezing — or that something is 'cold' as in impressively ruthless.

Mature content — open to view.

Money, cash, paper — a classic West Coast term for the green.

Coded slang for a firearm, especially a long gun — common in drill lyrics to dodge moderation.

"No lie" or "for real" — used to stress that you're being completely honest.

In football, to out-jump a defender for a catch right over them — total aerial domination.

A crossover so nasty the defender slips, stumbles, or falls trying to keep up.

A fake friend, traitor, or untrustworthy person — UK slang from "pagan."

"You all" — the Southern second-person plural that's gone fully mainstream.

To ambush an enemy by surprise, usually ganging up several-on-one.

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'For real' — used to agree hard or to swear you're being dead serious.

A term of endearment for a close friend — 'sister' shortened, used regardless of gender.

Someone who's seriously good at basketball — a real player, not a casual.

Sharp, crisp, and well put-together — a fit with no clutter and zero flaws.

To notice, recognize, or call out something — especially catching what someone's trying to hide.

Smashed-together 'trying to' — wanting or about to do something.

Rapping off the top of your head — or, confusingly, just a loosely-themed track.

Really good or really satisfying — food, music, or a vibe that lands.

Mature content — open to view.

Isolation — one-on-one, you against your defender, everyone else clear out.

To rap, especially to deliver bars with skill — 'spit a verse' means lay down some rhymes.

Working hard and consistently toward a goal, especially making money.

A party or social gathering — often shortened to 'the func' or 'the funk.'

Shaking My Head — wordless disappointment or disbelief at something dumb.

Cool and excellent — or, flipped, annoyed and mad.

To collect a serious amount of money or land a big win.

Influence, fame, or social pull — especially online clout from followers and attention.

Large amounts of money — often a stack means a thousand dollars.

The animal that stands for G.O.A.T. — Greatest Of All Time.

To dance, especially loose and free to funky music — or to head out fast.

Pulled in tight at the waist for a dramatic hourglass — the look is cinched.

To show up somewhere, often unexpectedly — to make an appearance and let your presence be felt.

Confident style and self-assured attitude — the way you carry your look and yourself.

A dramatic 'child' — used to express exasperation, shade, or storytime energy.

'For sure' in Snoop Dogg's signature -izzle talk.

Impressive and knowing it — often said sarcastically of someone who thinks they're hot stuff.

A hyped-up 'work it' — a shout of approval when someone looks or performs flawlessly.

An all-purpose 'I agree, for real, truth' — agreement and acknowledgment in one syllable.

Someone loyal enough to stick with you through anything.

A shrug in word form: the situation is bad, you can't change it, so you're done fighting it.

Clothes — a classic, slightly retro way to refer to your outfit or wardrobe.

A close friend or loyal ally — a term of endearment popularized in rap, especially YSL.

Removable jeweled mouthpieces — gold, silver, or diamond caps you snap over your teeth.

An exclamation of shock at a big or attractive backside — basically 'god damn' for a curvy figure.

A player's full set of moves and skills — their offensive arsenal.

Bad, lame, or low-quality — the opposite of dope.

A device that makes a pistol fire fully automatic — a heavily referenced and illegal modification in drill.

Shocked, rattled, or badly shaken — caught off guard emotionally.

To do something impressively well or look amazing — "you slayed" is high praise.

A large amount of money — slang for serious cash.

Quietly, secretly, or kind of — softening or admitting something a little.

A genuinely great, catchy song — if a track is a bop, it goes hard and you can't stop playing it.

Your enemies, rivals, or opposition — especially a rival crew, gang, or anyone who's against you.

Effortless personal style and confidence — a blend of "style" and "ease."

Showing off your money, status, or wins — putting it on display.

Big money — the more commas in your bank balance, the richer you are.

The red '100' that means total agreement, authenticity, or perfect — keeping it 100.

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