American Slang: 321 Fun Examples | Texas, New York Slang & More

Have you been watching YouTube in your free time to learn English and improve your English comprehension? Understand most of the vocabulary and grammar? But what about all of those slang terms coming from American TV shows, movies, songs and podcasts?

If you’re a little puzzled, you’re not alone. With 50 states in America, each with its own demographics, personality and culture, casual speech in American dialect is an intriguing linguistic study in itself.

From New York, to California, Louisiana to Hawaii (and so much more!), read on for an exploration of fascinating, common, odd, rare and unique American slang.

Why you need to know American slang

In the United States, people from all walks of life use slang. Grandparents might use it to better communicate with their grandchildren. Different groups of people might feel comfortable using slang within their social circles, or even use it to deliberately confuse outsiders for fun. Influencers and aspiring influencers may try to connect with audiences by sending Tweets, or making Instagram reels.

Indeed, new phrases and words continue to get added to the American lexicon – that is, the vocabulary – due to poignant events over the course of the country’s history, and changing demographics. It can be difficult even for people from the United States to keep up, especially for those who wisely avoid using social media.

However, knowing a few American colloquialisms will help you:

• Better understand American culture
• Communicate more freely, expressively and openly – especially in the United States
• Prevent language misunderstandings
• Increase your fluency and ability to comprehend and speak American English conversationally

General American slang

Developed over time and greatly influenced by immigration patterns, media, and current events, here are some American slang words that will entertain you – or maybe even make you blush.

American slang words

WordMeaningHobnobSocialize with people of an artificially higher statusChillRelaxPopoPoliceFuzzPoliceAirheadSilly/foolish personCringeReally embarrassingCopiumFake drug to help twitch users deal with loss/failureSimpPerson who does too much for who he/she likesCramStudy like crazyCrashSleep/pass outDms’Direct messagesDead(Such as in a restaurant or bar) no one’s thereSteezEffortless styleSpoxSpokespersonSawbuckUs$10A-GameOne’s bestOops!When someone messes upDudeA guyNutsCrazyDope!CoolYuppieYoung urban professional, white-collar workerWhite-CollarHigh-salary job that doesn’t involve manual labor, such as accountants and lawyersBlue-CollarJobs focused on manual labor, such as farmers and minersCrayCrazyWokeAware of potential injusticesPoppin’ExcellentLitDrunk, or superbSwoleVery muscularDripFashionableDrownin’UnfashionableSaltyJealous (of someone)CoolGreatSnatchedNice and coolYeet!Expression of excitementYikes!No way! It can’t be!FinstaFake/Private Instagram accountPeriodt.End of discussion (for example, what a parent would say to the child)FlexShow offLow-keyModest, something you don’t want emphasizedSlayExcel at, win atGucciTrendyShookEmotionally bothered/shakenCurveRejecting someone’s advances (e.g. from a classmate)StanObsessive fanSusSuspect/suspiciousTurntIntoxicated, energizedBaeA best friend/loved oneFleekReally good, stylishCheugyOut of styleEmoOverly angsty/emotionalE-Girl/E-BoyAn emo girl/boyFamFamilySmolSmall/cuteSnackSomeone who’s attractiveWigThat’s so cool!LewkSomeone’s personal styleHotAttractiveSickCool, greatShadySuspiciousBombReally good, tastyBoujeeFancy and extravagantDankExcellentFlakeyIndecisiveFinnaI am going toGhostSuddenly start ignoringHypebeastSomeone who only wants to be popularWA winLA lossWhipCarHipPopular, trendyLemonBad personBabeAttractive woman, your significant otherGrubFoodJackedMuscularChickenCowardExFormer girlfriend or boyfriendWhizA smart personDumpEnd a relationshipJonesing (For)Really want somethingWackBad, not coolScoreGet what you wantCorny(Things like movies and jokes) sillyCheesy(Things like movies and jokes) sillyFlickMovieBummerDisappointmentWastedIntoxicatedBoozeAlcoholYas!(Celebratory) yes!

Popular American slang phrases

Every country — and even multiple places within many countries – have their own versions of slang. In the U.S, not only do we have words and phrases that are popular nationwide, but we also have terms that are local to states or regions.

Before we can learn how to talk like we’re from Brooklyn or Chicago, let’s see what works with people from around the country.

Slang phraseEnglish meaningIn the bagA certainty (usually for something that you want, like in sports or a contest)Once in a blue moonRarelyYou betYou’re welcomeI don’t buy thatI don’t believe youThat’s radThat’s coolNever mindLet’s change the subjectKeep in touch(When leaving someone) Let’s stay in contactI can’t even!I can’t tolerate that anymore!No biggieNot a problemNo big dealNot a problemNo sweatNot a problemShow upGo to, do better than someoneHave a crush (on someone)Like someone, want to ask someone out on a dateGet hitchedGet marriedTie the knotGet marriedI’m beatI’m tiredGet under one’s skinAnnoyA turn offSomething you don’t like about someone/somewhereCouch potatoSomeone who’s always watching tvParty animalSomeone who is always partyingHang outSpend time with peopleIt suckedIt was badI’m gameI can join you/I will do itI’m downI can join you/I will do itI’m inI can join you/I will do itHave a blastHaving a great timeGet firedLose one’s jobHit the booksStudyRip (someone) offOverchargeRide shotgunSit in the front passenger seatThe bombExcellentHave dibs onMake a claim on/toSuck upWin someone’s approval by being servileKiss assWin someone’s approval by being servileFresh meatNew target for humiliationLoose cannonSomeone dangerously uncontrollablePass the buckMake someone else responsibleMy badMy mistakeTake for grantedAssumeHit the roadLeave (to go somewhere)Go dutchEvery person pays for their own food/drinksHit the spot(Said after food/drink) Really satisfyingWrap upFinish doing somethingAre you kidding me?Phrase to represent excitement/frustrationAround the clockAll the time, 24 hours a day, 7 seven days a weekTake a rain checkDo at a later timeWhat’s up?How are you? How’s it going?You’re telling me!I know!All-earsHas your undivided attentionAll-nighterStaying up all night to do homework/chat with friendsI’m babyI’m innocent/cuteGlow upA makeover (transformed from ugly to less ugly)Open up pandora’s boxCause/start trouble/problemsIn the zonePerforming as well as or better than one canTune outStop paying attention Armchair CEOOffering expertise on
something in which the speaker lacks Off the hookFreed from blameOff the chainReally goodBye, FeliciaSaid when you’re done with a conversation. Meaning “that’s it. I’m done.”(To) aceExcel at (a test)(To) nailExcel at (a test, a race)(To) screw overCheat or exploit someoneAmped upFilled with enthusiasm/energyOn pointRelevant and appropriate, really goodNo capNot lyingStraight fireTrendySpill the tea/spill the beansShare the gossip/secretNetflix and chillWatch Netflix and have sexBig madReally angryDiamond handsTaking a major financial riskFauci ouchieCOVID-19 vaccineCancel cultureOnline shaming/embarrassment of someone due to their views

Region-specific American slang

New York slang words and phrases

New York and New York City have a bounty of their own subcultures and language. And New York slang is an enthralling part of that rich cultural tapestry.

Keep an ear out for some of these expressions and phrases from “The Big Apple” in popular music, television and cinema.

Want more? We’ve written a whole article specific to NYC slang here.

New York slangMeaningGrillAngrily stare at someoneReal talkUsed to get someone’s attention to talk about something seriousCake/CheeseMoneyMadVeryFrontin’Pretending to be skilled to impress othersDead-AssSerious about somethingTightStylish, coolRatchetA woman who has made some bad lifestyle choicesBrickFreezingSchmearLots of cream cheesePiePizza (pie)SchvitzSweatingStoopSteps in front of a buildingDumbReally, veryGothamNickname for New York City (from Batman)BodegaSmall neighborhood shopCopBuy, feel (inappropriately)Buggin’Acting crazyIceJewelryWylin’/Wildin’Acting crazyCrustyUncleanSnuffHit/punch, drugsSchlepImpatiently going between placesRegular coffeeCoffee made with cream and sugarHave beefHave a problem with/want to fight with someone

Californian slang words and phrases

Californian slang is a diverse assortment of more colorful vocabulary, complete with its own personality. We’ve listed a few fun examples below, but you can find a gigantic rad comprehensive Californian slang list here.

Californian slangMeaningAre you down?Want to do it/join us?NoHoNorth HollywoodSigAlertTraffic alert/warningYeah noNoSoCalSouthern CaliforniaNorCalNorthern CaliforniaGnarlyGood or bad (depends on the context)RadCoolStokedExcitedHyphyOverly excitedOutta pocketInappropriateSlapsReally good (music)YadadameanDo you know what I mean?PhubbingIgnoring someone by using their phoneStealth modeSecretThree commas clubBillionairesUnicornA start-up valued at over $1 billionZombie moodStaring at one’s phone

Texas slang words and phrases

You’ll notice a lot of abbreviations here, which is all part of the fun of learning how to speak Texas slang.

Texas slangMeaningFixin’ toAbout to doBless your heartUsed either to show sympathy, or to soften an insultMight couldMaybeAll hat, no cattleSomeone who is arrogant Without anything to show for itCorn-fedBig/fat (describing people)Dag gum it!Darn it!/damn it!All git-outThe (for example, best/worst) most extreme of somethingPitch a hissy fitThrow a tantrum/act upCome hell or high water(Do something) at any cost, no matter if you get injured/make enemiesWhole ‘nutherEntirely different situationWorshWash(Wp/down) Yonder(Over) there, (down) there (describing a location)

Florida slang words and phrases

If Ponce de León had discovered the Fountain of Youth in 1513, Florida would have had something worthwhile to discuss. For now, it’s really just a place that’s 90 miles to Cuba.

Florida slangMeaningAcerePal, friend, buddyBihA person or a thingBussinTastyDaleHurry upFlorida bathSwimming in the pool (as opposed to taking a shower)Florida Happy MealSomething for the adults, like liquor or cigarettesFlorida ManSomeone who shows bizarre or stupid behaviorHundidHundredJitReferring to someone younger than the speakerOyeHelloPub subSandwich from Publix supermarket chainVibin’RelaxingParked in GoofyWhen you park your car in the further away parking lot

Hawaiian slang words and phrases

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the backgrounds of Don Ho or Duke Kahanamoku, check some of this interesting Hawaiian slang out.

Hawaiian slangMeaningManapuaPork bunAlohaHello, goodbyeDa Kine“The kind,” representing a person, place, or something abstractGrindzFoodHapaSomeone whose ancestry is partially Pacific Islander or East AsianHaoleA non-native Hawaiian, generally a caucasian personKapuProhibitedLoloCrazyMahaloThank youShoots!O.K.!, Understood!

Louisiana slang words and phrases

French Creole and Catholicism greatly influenced the creation of Louisiana slang. Plus, they’ve got some of the best eats in the country.

Louisiana slangMeaningPinch the tail and suck the headHow you eat crawfishPo’boyBaguette sandwichDressedThe way you want your po’boy madeLaissez les bon temps rouler
(lay-ZEH leh BAWN taw ROO-leh)“Let the good times roll”, something said before you’re about to celebrateThrow me somethin’What many Mardi Gras attendees say to people on parade floats, when they want souvenirs like beads or necklacesHoly Trinity(In Cajun cooking) onions, bell peppers, celeryCher(My) love, (my) dearSnoballFinely shaved ice with sugar syrupHow’s ya mama an’ them?How are your mother and your family?EnvieA desire to eat somethingParishLouisiana equivalent of countyGris grisA voodoo term used in jest (for example, “do as your parents tell you, or they might put the gris gris on you”)LagniappeLittle gift, little extra something

New Jersey slang words and phrases

The “Garden State” has a unique flair to its informal and colloquial words and expressions. We’ve listed a few New Jersey slang favorites.

New Jersey slangMeaningDown the shoreTo the beach (Jersey shore)Disco friesFrench fries covered in cheese and gravyFat sandwichA sandwich that includes almost everything on the menuHit the MACGo to an ATM to take money outHoagieSandwich on a baguetteExitGiving directions based on a highway/turnpike exitBennySomeone from Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, or New York City, invariably causing trouble in the rest of the stateShoobieSomeone from South Jersey, invariably causing trouble in the rest of the stateJ’eet yet?Did you eat yet?SPKSalt, pepper, ketchupJersey slideQuickly going from the leftmost lane to the exit (which is on the right)Cabbage nightThe night before Halloween when some kid are very mischievousPineySomeone who lives in the Pine Barrens, a rustic part of the southern coast of the stateTatsTattoosTwentyregularcashIn New Jersey they don’t pump their own gas, so to get $20 of gas, this phrase is saidThe BossNew Jersey-born musician Bruce SpringsteenPork rollA sandwich made with New Jersey’s own Taylor hamRipperDeep-fried hot dog with a slit down the middleThe CityDepending on which part of New Jersey you’re in, it’s either New York City or Philadelphia

Chicago slang words and phrases

Brush up on your Chicago slang and you’ll soon be able to understand what your new Chicago friends are saying, without any awkward silences or misinterpretations.

Chicago slangMeaningFrunchroomEntertainment spacePopSoft drink, sodaGoesPast/present-tense of “say”Da“The” (for example, “da bears”)The lakeLake Michigan, with which Chicago shares a coastlineThe beanThe Anish Kapoor sculpture, formally known as Cloud Gate, in Millennium ParkThe “l”Elevated train in downtown ChicagoPrairieVacant lotGrabowskiBlue-collar hard-working type of personLSDLakeshore Drive (along Lake Michigan)A coupleA fewYousIndicates that the speaker is talking to everyone (not just one person)SammichSandwichGrachkiGarage key

Other American slang from more regions

SlangPlace where it’s usedEnglish meaningWater icePhiladelphia, southern New JerseyShaved ice, sugar, and flavored syrup (a summer treat)You guysVariousYou allSnowbirdsVariousDescribing people from colder states who live in warmer states during the winterWawaPennsylvania, southern New JerseyA convenience store chainY’allVarious Southern statesYou allCattywampusVarious Southern statesSomething that is crooked or not rightBailVariousLeave in a hurryNo AccountVarious southern statesSomething broken/worthlessWickedNew EnglandReally, veryThrowing shadeVariousShowing disapproval for someone without necessarily saying itShut up!VariousBe quiet!Down-to-earthVariousSomeone authentic and humbleSalt-of-the-earthVariousSomeone upright and modest

American slang FAQs

I. What are some American text slang abbreviations?

Text slangMeaningTbhTo be honestHmuHit me upLmkLet me knowSmhShake my headPsaPublic service announcementWbuWhat about you?CD9Can’t talk; parents are here!OOMFOne of my friends/one of my followers (e.g. on social media)wthWhat the hell?a/s/lAge/sex/locationLMIRLLet’s meet in real lifeSOBSon of a bitchGOATGreatest of all timeBAEBefore anyone elseFOMOFear of missing outCEOChief executive officerTFWThat feeling whenOMGOh my godASAPAs soon as possibleFYIFor your informationLOLLaugh out loudRSVP“repondez, s’il vous plait”– please respondSOSignificant otherj/kJust kidding

II. What is some American slang for money?

• Greenbacks
• Scratch
• Skrilla
• Dough
• Coin
• Greens
• Dead Presidents
• Plata
• Bucks
• Bread
• Cheese
• Wampum
• Pesos

III. What is some other need-to-know New York lingo?

• Subway (referring to the metro train)
• Van Wyck (the highway that goes to JFK airport)
• AirTrain (light rail connecting the subway and JFK airport)
• Hot 97 (97.1FM a rap radio station)
• Flushing (Chinatown)
• Upstate (possibly the most controversial, since it can define anyone from north of the New York City border, although upstate has also meant north of Westchester)
• BQE (Brooklyn Queens Expressway)

Bonus tips for learning American English slang

Watch a lot of diverse programs catering to many different demographics

Try combining NPR (National Public Radio), sitcoms, Vimeo, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and other social media for greater breadth.

Practice with friends, family, and coworkers, basically whenever you have the chance

There’s never any shame in trying to learn. Making mistakes is part of maturing.

Make it so

From the North to the South, East to West, now that you’ve been exposed to a breadth of slang terms and phrases from around the United States of America, aren’t you amped up to share your newfound knowledge with friends and family?

To really round up some essential vocab, you might want to explore all the interesting ways to say hello in English (including some need-to-know informal and casual ways).

If you love learning English, you might enjoy learning what are the longest English words in the world. Want even more? We publish fun and free articles on our English blog every week, so come on the journey with us!

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