Examples of past and present slang (2023)

Examples of past and present slang (1)
  • DESCRIPTION

    Examples of slang words

  • THOSE

    Fondo: Tolchik/iStock/Getty Images Plus

  • PERMISSION

    Used under license from Getty Images

Each generation has itsJargon— very informal language or specific words used by a specific group of people. You'll typically hear slang spoken more often than written, though emails and text messages often contain a lot of slang. Slang sometimes gets a bad rap for being inappropriate or incorrect, but apart from being very creative, it shows that the English language is constantly evolving over time.

Examples of modern slang

Jargon is always changing, so it's good to understand the basics. But a list of modern slang (courtesy of Millennials andGenZ) can help you get started.

DARLING

DARLINGY an affectionate term meaning "above all others." It is commonly used between romantic partners, but can also be used between close friends.

Example: baby, you are the best.

Announcement

basic

if someone isbasic, describes them with a disapproval for a conformist (resp.normal) something so mundane as to be boring.

Example:People Who Only Drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes Are Like Thisbasic.

goodbye felicia

Saying "Bye, Felicia" is a quick way to tell someone to go away. It's from the 1995 movie.Freitag.

Example:I know you're just copying my style.goodbye felicia.

(Video) Linguists Explain Slang Trends Through History | WIRED

Die

Sometimes something is so funny that you can die laughing. Not literally, of course, and the jargonDieIt's not literal either. it just means it's youHA HA HAquite.

Example:Oh my gosh, this stand-up is hilarious! I amDie.

Epic

Extra

If someoneextra, it means that they are very dramatic. you can dress up a littleextraor act a littleextra, but either way, they're a bit much.

Example:my friend is like thatextrafor giving me flowers, stuffed animals, candy, cards, and jewelry, and it wasn't even a holiday.

Announcement

bitter

The termbitterdenotes a strong and independent person. It can also refer to someone who dresses boldly and elegantly.

Example:I love Beyonce. She is sobitter!

GOAT

call someonea goatIt's not a compliment but when you call herthe goatThey say they are "the greatest of all time". It's the perfect term for exceptional musicians and athletes, or simply if you just want to make your own.The best girlfriendto feel comfortable.

Example:With over 240 wins and 15 Pro Bowls, Tom Brady truly is the greatest.GOAT.

illuminated

if there is somethingilluminated, is great or very nice. If anything is really lit, it's this.direct fire– impeccable, incredible.

(Video) Slang Examples

Example:the party was yesterdayilluminated.

Discreet

When someone or something isdiscreet, it means it's done under the radar or they don't want anyone to know about it. the opposite ishigh key: not secret, quite open.

Example:UEdiscreetI love Imagine Dragons, but don't tell anyone!

Announcement

To the point

Every generation has a way of saying cool, but the modern way of saying it isto the point(othey flex). It can be applied to a grand dance move, a dramatic outfit, or even well-groomed brows.

Example:your accessories areto the point. She looks good.

Ler

Forfurthersomeone means that you are blaming him for his bad behavior. you can also seefurtherin the phrase "leave on read": see someone's text message but not reply to it.

Example:stefanofurtherAmy for the mess at dinner last night.

Salgado

if you feelsalgado, you are angry or bitter about something. those who are specialsalgadoYou can hold a grudge for a long time.

Example:Why are you like thissalgado? I said I would share if I won the lottery.

Wild

AbrutalThe person is not afraid of hurting the feelings of others with his insults. Also know asroast meat, this attitude can be both funny and argumentative, depending on the context.

Example:Jimmy Kimmel's monologue about the president wasbrutal.

Announcement

(Video) 10 Common British English Slang Expressions & Phrases

Schiff

Meaning: Abbreviation of "romantic relationship",Schiffis normally used as a verb meaning "to support two people in a relationship". You'll find him in intense fandoms as well as excited friends updating their friends.

Example:NomouthsMike and Bella, but they say they're just good friends.

spill the tea

The termspill the tearefers to telling someone the juiciest or most dramatic gossip. You also candrink the tea- Enjoy gossip without telling anyone you know them.

Example:What about Wendy and Aaron?spill the tea!

Thirsty

If someonethirsty, it means that they are a little anxious or even desperate, often related to lust. TODurstfalleHe is a very attractive person who wants to attract attention for his appearance, usually on social networks.

Example:four es thingthirstywho has profiles on ten different dating apps.

Announcement

cast shadows

Forcast shadowsmeans to insult someone or say something rude. it's a way ofreadinga person, but it might not be as accurate (or useful).

Example:Pablocast serious shadowswhen he called Byron an ugly kiss.

Examples of outdated slang

Some slang words that were once popular are no longer as common. Depending on the decade, these phrases appeared quite frequently in writing and conversation.

cat pajamas

O1920s colloquialismFlappers used to use the term to indicate that something was exciting, new, or cool. Although it doesn't make much sense, it uses vivid images.

Example:This new phonograph is thecat pajamas.

(Video) Gen Z Slang RUINED BY TIKTOK...

blow your wig

When people in1930erthey were excited, they did this oftenblow your wig. This term can be literal or figurative depending on the state of the wig.

Example:Noblow your wig- It is easy to remove ketchup stains from fabric.

diller murderer

Secat pajamasIt's not your speed, maybe you prefer it1940s slangExpressionKiller-Diller. It means that something is as good as it can be and no improvement is needed.

Example:These dance steps areKiller-Diller!

square

Lick, boring, buzzkill - all sentiments are perfectly summed up in the1950s term square. Even if you can't be the big man on campus, you definitely don't want to be calledsquare.

Example:no seassquare, Man! Come to the party tonight.

slotted

if something wereslottedI am1960erIt was very nice and nothing too much trouble. Nice and gentle, no drama, much like the floral vibe of the decade itself.

Example:I feelslottedafter a date with such a beautiful girl.

You can count on that

Do you want to tell someone to shut up without telling them to shut up? try this70s slangPhrasesit on it, popularized byHappy Days'Fonzie (although it is set in the 1950s).

Example:Do you want me to take you free again?You can count on that!

I don't have a cow

It is often used to calm someone down.there is no cowbecame popular through the television showThe Simpsonsem80s slang. While you can still hear Bart say this over and over again, it's not very common to hear it in conversation anymore.

Example: I don't have a cow, Mother! I didn't eat all the ice cream.

speak with hand

very good forsit on it? Tell someone to "talk to the hand" -90s slangto "Stop talking to me, I'm done with you."

Example: Talk to your hand, because the boy does not want to hear more.

Jargon is constantly evolving

As each generation grows, it adds creative new jargon to the culture. But sometimes slang is a repurposed word with a new meaning. For example,caughtcan mean "broken" or "ugly",sickcan mean "sick" or "too cool" andhipsIt can mean "in fashion" or "in fashion not in fashion."

Although the word continues to be used, misunderstandings can arise between older and younger speakers. That's why it's a good idea to understand the latest lingo, whether you're from the younger generation or not.

FAQs

What are some examples of current slang? ›

Compound Slang
  • Crashy - Crazy and trashy, like a trainwreck.
  • Crunk - Getting high and drunk at the same time, or crazy and drunk.
  • Hangry - Hungry and angry.
  • Requestion - Request and a question, or to question again.
  • Tope - Tight and dope.
Aug 22, 2022

What is an example of a slang sentence? ›

He saw me looking with admiration at his car. 'It's pretty, isn't it, old sport? ' He jumped off to give me a better view.” “Old sport” is a slang term used between upper class gentlemen as a term of endearment.

What is jargon and slang examples? ›

A lawyer discussing an "amicus curiae brief" is an example of jargon. A teen talking about "making dough" is an example of slang.

What is a 20 slang? ›

What's your 20? is part of a system of radio codes called 10-codes. They developed in the late 1930s when police squads began using two-way radio to communicate. One was 10-20, meaning “location.” Asking What's your 20? emerged as a way to seek another's whereabouts.

What is slang give two examples? ›

Slang refers to a type of language that's too informal to use in certain situations. You can tell a word or phrase is slang when it becomes uncool to use it after a while — like "groovy" or "far out." Often, slang terms are considered vulgar or offensive to use in polite conversation.

What are some examples of American slang? ›

Overview of the Top 20 American Slang Expressions
  • to pig out. to eat a lot of food in a messy way.
  • to screw up something. to mess things up.
  • to take a raincheck. can't do something right now, but want to do it later.
  • to jack up the prices. ...
  • to drive someone up the wall. ...
  • to ride shotgun. ...
  • a couch potato. ...
  • a party animal.
Feb 27, 2017

What are the 2022 slang words? ›

21 Slang Words That Should Still Be Cool To Use In 2022
  • On Fleek.
  • Buggin'
  • Trippin'
  • Illin'
  • Word.
  • Poppin'
  • Bomb.
  • Flava.
Mar 28, 2022

What is slang for I got you? ›

English slang. “I got you” (often pronounced as “I gotchu”) is a way of saying “I understand” OR to say “it's okay, I'll protect you or do something for you.”

What is slang simple words? ›

Slang is vocabulary that is used between people who belong to the same social group and who know each other well. Slang is very informal language. It can offend people if it is used about other people or outside a group of people who know each other well.

What is slang in communication? ›

Slang is a form of language that's not considered to be formal English. It's comprised of a group of phrases or words, that are very informal. Slang is more common in speech than in writing, and is often used in a particular context — whether it be cultural, or generational. Don't confuse slang with jargon.

What is a jargon answer? ›

: a hybrid language or dialect simplified in vocabulary and grammar and used for communication between peoples of different speech.

What are slang and buzzwords known as? ›

Jargon is sometimes understood as a form of technical slang and then distinguished from the official terminology used in a particular field of activity. The terms jargon, slang, and argot are not consistently differentiated in the literature; different authors interpret these concepts in varying ways.

What does 1314 mean in text? ›

1314 – "Forever", usually preceded by a phrase such as "I love you" or the similar. 1314 (pinyin: yīsānyīsì) represents 一生一世 "one lifetime, throughout one's life" (pinyin: yīshēng yīshì).

What does 53X mean in text? ›

Sometimes teens use coded language to keep their parents in the dark, say by using sneaky texting acronyms teens to hide communication from adults such as 53X for “sex,” or CD9 for “code 9, parents around.”

What does 420 mean in dirty language? ›

420, 4:20 or 4/20 (pronounced four-twenty) is cannabis culture slang for marijuana and hashish consumption, especially smoking around the time 4:20 pm (16:20). It also refers to cannabis-oriented celebrations that take place annually on April 20 (4/20 in U.S. form).

What does 🥜 mean in slang? ›

The Brief: The peanuts emoji 🥜 is often used as an innuendo for ejaculation/orgasm.

What does 🤟 mean in slang? ›

🤟 I Love You Gesture emoji

It comes in a range of skin tones. It's used to express affection … but is also used when people are trying to find the sign of the horns 🤘instead (oops).

What does 🤙 mean slang? ›

👌 Ok Hand emoji

The OK hand emoji has a range of meanings: It can stand in for the word OK, (or the OK hand gesture) communicate strong approval, mark sarcasm, or combine with other emoji to represent sex.

What are the top 10 slang words 2022? ›

10 English slang terms you need to know in 2022
  1. Cheugy. This word (pronounced choo-gee) has swooped in to replace old fan-favorite “basic”. ...
  2. Rent free. Can't stop thinking about someone? ...
  3. Vibe check. Is someone acting shady or negative? ...
  4. Main character. ...
  5. Caught in 4k. ...
  6. Understood the assignment. ...
  7. Bussin' ...
  8. The blueprint.
Jan 5, 2022

What is the 50 slang? ›

Enduring '50s Slang Terms

For example, some people still say they're “having a blast,” “getting their kicks,” “on cloud 9,” “catching a flick,” “making out,” working a “gig,” and calling “dibs.” Then there's “nerd,” “spaz,” “pad” (your home), “the heat,” “no sweat,” “hip,” and lots more.

What is a high five in slang? ›

high-five. / slang / noun. a gesture of greeting or congratulation in which two people slap raised right palms together.

What are Gen Z slang words? ›

Gen Z slang explained
  • Glow-up: Think of this term as a way of describing how someone improved from where they used to be.
  • Slay: This word means to do something well or to do a good job.
  • Bet: Bet is a way of saying “yes” or “OK” or “it's on.”
  • Vibing: Gen Z is big on vibes.
Dec 12, 2022

What slang is trending? ›

Here's your cheat sheet to the trending slangs that you must start using in 2022.
...
  • Stan. Popularised by Eminem's song of the same name, Stan is a mix of the words stalker and fan. ...
  • Snake. ...
  • Simp. ...
  • Cheugy. ...
  • Zennial. ...
  • Snack. ...
  • Sip tea. ...
  • Sheesh.
Nov 10, 2022

What does rip mean slang? ›

rest in peace Meaning | Pop Culture by Dictionary.com.

Videos

1. Ricky Gervais Teaches You British Slang | Vanity Fair
(Vanity Fair)
2. 15 English Slang Words You NEED TO KNOW in 2020 (Speak Like a Native)
(linguamarina)
3. A LONDONER Explains How to Speak COCKNEY (London accent)
(LetThemTalkTV)
4. The BEST British Street Slang
(English Jade · Learn English with engVid)
5. Gerard Butler Teaches You Scottish Slang | Vanity Fair
(Vanity Fair)
6. Cockney Rhyming Slang with my Gran | British Slang Lesson
(Love English with Leila & Sabrah)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Van Hayes

Last Updated: 10/19/2022

Views: 6296

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Van Hayes

Birthday: 1994-06-07

Address: 2004 Kling Rapid, New Destiny, MT 64658-2367

Phone: +512425013758

Job: National Farming Director

Hobby: Reading, Polo, Genealogy, amateur radio, Scouting, Stand-up comedy, Cryptography

Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.