Slang is a crucial component of any language and culture, and the English language is no exception. In the United States, slang is pervasive and ever-evolving, with new words and phrases always emerging.
From the streets to social media, American slang reflects the country’s diverse population and many subcultures. If you’re learning English or simply interested in American culture, understanding slang is essential to communicating effectively and navigating daily life.
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This list of 100 common American slang words and their meanings and usage examples will help you sound like a native speaker!
Ace – Great, excellent.
Ace out – To leave or exit a situation.
Aight – Alright.
Airhead – A person who is not very smart or forgetful.
All-nighter – Staying up all night to work or study.
Amped – Excited, enthusiastic.
Awesome – Great and cool.
Badass – Someone who is tough, cool, or rebellious.
Bag – To steal something.
Baller – Someone who is successful and wealthy.
Bangin’ – Great, fantastic.
Beat – Tired, exhausted.
Bling – Flashy jewelry.
Bomb – Great, fantastic.
Booze – Alcoholic beverages.
Bounce – To leave or exit a situation.
Boxed out – Excluded or left out of a situation.
Break bad – A person who has started engaging in criminal behavior.
Bro – Friend, buddy.
Buck – A dollar.
Bug – To annoy or bother someone.
Bummer – Disappointment, letdown.
Butterflies – The nervous feeling in your stomach when you’re anxious or excited.
Cake – Money.
Chill – Relax, calm down.
Chillax – To relax and chill out.
Chump – A foolish person.
Clutch – To come through in a tough situation.
Cool beans – An expression of agreement or approval.
Cray – Crazy.
Crunk – Excited, enthusiastic.
Cut – To leave or exit a situation.
Dibs – To claim something before someone else can get it.
Dope – Great, excellent.
Dude – Friend, typically a guy.
Fizz – Excitement, energy.
Fresh – Great, new, innovative.
Gonna – Going to.
Hangry – Angry because of hunger.
Hater – Someone who dislikes or envies someone else.
Hella – Very, extremely.
High-five – Hand gesture of celebration or congratulations.
Hood – Poor, urban area.
Hooptie – Old, run-down car.
Hot mess – A person or situation that is a complete disaster.
Ight – Alright.
Jacked – Stolen, robbed.
Janky – Poorly made, not trustworthy.
Jealous – Envious, covetous.
Jelly – Jealous.
Lame – Uncool, boring.
Legit – Genuine, authentic.
Lit – Fun, or otherwise excellent.
Looney – Crazy, insane.
Mad – Very, extremely.
Moolah – Money.
Nifty – Cool, innovative.
Noob – Inexperienced person.
OMG – Oh my god.
Outta – Out of.
Peeps – People.
Phat – Great, excellent.
Pissed – Angry, upset.
Rad – Cool, excellent.
Ratchet – Low-class, trashy.
Real – Genuine, authentic.
Ripped – To be of muscular build, typically with low body fat.
Salty – Bitter, resentful.
Scrub – A person with no money or prospects.
Sick – Great, cool.
Shredded – To be muscular and with low body fat.
Skanky – Dirty, disgusting.
Snazzy – Stylish, fashionable.
Snitch – A person who tells on someone else.
Solid – Great, excellent.
Spiffy – Stylish, fashionable.
Split – To leave a situation.
Spoiled – Pampered, entitled.
Stoked – Excited, enthusiastic.
Sweet – Great, excellent.
Swell – Great, excellent.
Tight – Close-knit, cool, great.
Trippin’ – Acting crazy, irrational.
Troll – A person who annoys others online.
Tweakin’ – Acting crazy, irrational.
Uptight – Tense, nervous.
Wack – Uncool, boring.
Whack – Uncool, boring.
Whatever – Indifferent, uninterested.
Wicked – Great, excellent.
Wiggin’ out – Acting crazy, irrational.
Y’all – You all.
Yikes – Expression of surprise or disappointment.
Yummers – Delicious, tasty.
Zany – Crazy, silly.
Zilch – Nothing.
Zillion – A very large number.
Zipperhead – Derogatory term for someone of asian descent.
Zonked – Tired, exhausted.
