American English has a bunch of cool, creative slang words that can make your chats more interesting.
Slang is like informal language that’s more fun and relaxed than regular English.
It comes from different cultures, areas, or groups.
Even though slang might be confusing if you’re not used to it, knowing some common slang words can help you understand casual American English talks better.
It can also make you sound more like a native speaker when you throw in some slang in your own conversations.
So, let’s explore 30 awesome American slang words and phrases that Americans like to use.
Just a heads up – some of these are a little edgy, so be careful about using them in really formal or serious situations.
Dope
Awesome, cool, amazing. Something very good. “That new video game looks dope!”
Lit
This one also means amazing or incredibly cool/good. If a party is lit, it’s a crazy good time.
Salty
Being angry, bitter or upset about something. “He got salty when his team lost the game.”
Throwing shade
Being disrespectful or putting someone down in an underhanded way.
Thirsty
Being extremely eager or desperate, usually to get romantic/sexual attention.
Slay
To do something extremely well. “You’re slaying that outfit, girl!”
Basic
Boring, mainstream, conforming. Someone who dresses and acts very conventionally.
Ghosted
When someone abruptly cuts off communication without explanation, like a ghost vanishing.
Sic/sick
Cool, impressive, amazing. “Those dance moves were sick!”
Fire
Something hot, fresh, or awesome. “Her new haircut is fire.”
Salty
Bitter, mad, upset about a situation. “He’s acting salty that he didn’t get the job.”
Snacc
An attractive person, someone you think looks good enough to eat like a snack. “He single? Because he’s a snacc!”
Extra
Over the top, doing too much, excessive behavior. “Why is she being so extra dramatic?”
Hangry
Being irritable due to hunger. A combination of hungry and angry.
Swerve
To avoid, ignore, or get away from something. “I had to swerve that awkward party.”
Tea
The latest juicy gossip or scoop. “Spill the tea – what happened with those two?”
Shook
Feeling anxious, surprised, or in shock about something. “I was so shook when I bombed that test.”
Sic/Sick
Excellent, amazing, very cool or stylish. “Her fashion sense is so sick!”
Netflix and Chill
An invitation to watch Netflix that actually implies hooking up romantically.
Shady
Dubious, questionable, not to be trusted. “That business deal seems kinda shady.”
Salty
Someone bitter and upset over an issue, usually acting petty. “Don’t be salty I won the game!”
Bae
A term of endearment for one’s romantic partner, from “baby” or “babe.”
Turnt/Turnt up
Being drunk, wild, crazy with energy and hype. “This party is so turnt!”
Can’t even
A phrase expressing being overwhelmed by amazement or amusement. “This fail video is so funny, I can’t even!”
Salty
Someone bitter, resentful, or easily bothered. “He got salty when his team lost the finals.”
Sic/Sick
Awesome, incredible, stylish. “Those new shoes are so sick!”
Adulting
Having to take responsibility and deal with the mundane yet difficult realities of adulthood. “Doing taxes and paying bills is the worst part of adulting.”
Shade
A subtle insult or rude comment, throwing shade at someone. “Was she throwing shade at me just now?”
Cringey
Causing embarrassment, or awkwardness. Something pretty uncomfortable.
Cancel
To decide that a celebrity or public figure has done something offensive or objectionable, and to stop supporting or following them as a result.
Make sure to study those slang words, incorporate them into your chats, and you’ll start sounding more like a native slang speaker.
Just be careful with your context to avoid saying anything inappropriate!
Remember to learn those slang terms, add them into your talks, and you’ll sound more like a native slang speaker.
Just be mindful of your surroundings to avoid saying anything inappropriate!
