50 American Slang Words You Should Know

American Slang Words

Learning English is super fun, but it’s not only about having perfect grammar and a big vocabulary.

If you want to talk like a native speaker, you also have to get the hang of slang.

Slang words are the casual, everyday phrases that people use when they chat.

They make talking more enjoyable, laid-back, and friendly.

In this post, I’ll teach you 50 popular American English slang words.

You’ll find out what they mean and how to use them in your conversations.

Let’s jump right in!

1. Hang out

Meaning: To spend time with someone casually.

Example: “I’m going to hang out with my friends at the mall.”

2. Cool

Meaning: Awesome or impressive.

Example: “That new movie was really cool!”

3. Bummer

Meaning: A disappointment or something unfortunate.

Example: “It’s such a bummer that the concert got canceled.”

4. Chill

Meaning: To relax or calm down.

Example: “Let’s just chill and watch some TV tonight.”

5. Lit

Meaning: Amazing, exciting, or fun.

Example: “The party last night was lit!”

6. Vibe

Meaning: The mood or atmosphere of a place or situation.

Example: “This café has such a good vibe.”

7. YOLO

Meaning: “You Only Live Once,” used to express the idea of enjoying life.

Example: “I’m going to take that trip to Paris. YOLO!”

8. Savage

Meaning: Someone who is tough or does something impressive or bold.

Example: “Did you see his comeback? That was savage!”

9. Sick

Meaning: Something is really good or impressive.

Example: “That skateboard trick was sick!”

10. Bruh

Meaning: A casual way to refer to a friend or to express disbelief.

Example: “Bruh, that’s crazy!”

11. Bet

Meaning: Agreement or confirmation.

Example: “You want to grab dinner? Bet!”

12. FOMO

Meaning: “Fear of Missing Out,” the feeling of being left out of an event.

Example: “I didn’t go to the party and now I have major FOMO.”

13. Slay

Meaning: To do something exceptionally well or look amazing.

Example: “You slayed that presentation!”

14. Bae

Meaning: A term of endearment for a boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other.

Example: “I’m going out with my bae this weekend.”

15. Tea

Meaning: Gossip or interesting news.

Example: “Spill the tea! What happened at the party last night?”

16. Throw shade

Meaning: To subtly insult or criticize someone.

Example: “She threw shade at him during the meeting.”

17. On fleek

Meaning: Perfectly done or styled.

Example: “Her makeup is on fleek!”

18. Ghost

Meaning: To suddenly stop communicating with someone.

Example: “He ghosted me after our date.”

19. Low-key

Meaning: Something that’s done in a subtle or relaxed way.

Example: “I’m low-key excited about the concert tomorrow.”

20. Extra

Meaning: Someone who is over the top or does too much.

Example: “She’s being extra with all those decorations.”

21. Swerve

Meaning: To avoid or steer away from something or someone.

Example: “I had to swerve my ex at the party.”

22. Clap back

Meaning: A quick and witty response to criticism or an insult.

Example: “He clapped back at the haters on social media.”

23. Flex

Meaning: To show off or boast.

Example: “Stop flexing your new car, we get it.”

24. Lit

Meaning: Very exciting or fun.

Example: “That concert was so lit last night!”

25. Woke

Meaning: Being aware of social issues and injustices.

Example: “She’s so woke. She’s always standing up for what’s right.”

26. Salty

Meaning: Upset, angry, or annoyed.

Example: “He’s still salty about losing the game.”

27. Hype

Meaning: Excitement or buzz around something.

Example: “There’s so much hype about that new movie.”

28. Litty

Meaning: Similar to “lit,” meaning very exciting or fun.

Example: “The party last night was litty!”

29. Catch some Z’s

Meaning: To sleep or take a nap.

Example: “I’m so tired, I need to catch some Z’s.”

30. Throw down

Meaning: To engage in a serious argument or fight.

Example: “They threw down over who would win the game.”

31. Big yikes

Meaning: Something is very awkward, embarrassing, or cringe-worthy.

Example: “She didn’t show up for the meeting—big yikes!”

32. Vibe check

Meaning: To check if the mood or energy in a situation is good.

Example: “Let’s do a vibe check before we enter the party.”

33. No cap

Meaning: To tell the truth, no lie.

Example: “I’m telling you, that movie was no cap, amazing.”

34. Tight

Meaning: Close or very good, like a close friendship.

Example: “We’ve been tight since high school.”

35. Lit

Meaning: Amazing or exciting.

Example: “That concert was absolutely lit!”

36. Hundo P

Meaning: 100%, fully agree, or total certainty.

Example: “I’m hundo P sure this is going to work.”

37. Shook

Meaning: Shocked or surprised.

Example: “I was so shook after hearing the news.”

38. Cringe

Meaning: Something awkward or uncomfortable.

Example: “That was such a cringe moment.”

39. Fam

Meaning: Short for family, used to refer to close friends.

Example: “I’m going to hang out with my fam tonight.”

40. Go off

Meaning: To start talking passionately or angrily.

Example: “She went off during the meeting.”

41. Lame

Meaning: Boring or uncool.

Example: “That movie was so lame.”

42. Cap

Meaning: A lie or something that isn’t true.

Example: “Stop capping, you didn’t actually win the lottery.”

43. Chill out

Meaning: Relax or calm down.

Example: “You need to chill out, it’s just a game.”

44. Totes

Meaning: Short for totally.

Example: “I’m totes excited for the concert.”

45. Broke

Meaning: Having no money.

Example: “I can’t go out this weekend, I’m broke.”

46. Goofy

Meaning: Silly or foolish in a fun way.

Example: “You’re so goofy, but I love it.”

47. Sick

Meaning: Awesome or cool.

Example: “That new video game is sick!”

48. Slaps

Meaning: Something that is really good or enjoyable.

Example: “This song really slaps!”

49. Snatched

Meaning: Looking really good, especially in terms of fashion or appearance.

Example: “She looks snatched in that outfit!”

50. AF

Meaning: Short for “as f***,” used to emphasize something.

Example: “That concert was fun AF!”

Conclusion

Slang can really spice up your conversations and make them feel livelier.

These 50 American English slang terms will help you talk more like someone who grew up speaking the language and add some flair to what you say.

Just remember, slang is best for casual chats, so try not to use it too much in serious situations.

The next time you’re hanging out with friends or enjoying a movie, give some of these slang words a shot.

They’re a fun way to show who you are and sound more natural!

Keep learning and remember to practice often!