Dope. Salty. Lit. Add some commonly used American slang words to your vocabulary!
What exactly is slang?
In a nutshell, slang is informal speech. It is most often used amongst young people and has its roots in popular culture, whether that be music, television, celebrities, or Internet trends. Slang changes constantly, so words or expressions that were popular last year or even a couple months ago may not be relevant anymore.
When should I use or not use slang?
It really depends on the context. If you’re in an environment in which there’s lots of young people like a university campus, club, or concert, then using slang is generally appropriate. You should not use slang in a professional environment, such as an interview, or when you’re giving presentations at school. You also should avoid using slang when conversing with adults, teachers, or your boss.
Examples of popular slang words in American youth culture today:
Dope (adj.): something that is cool or interesting
-Hey, did you hear that Igor hitchhiked across southern Spain this summer?
-Dude, that’s dope!
Salty (adj.): used to describe a person who is upset or angry about something.
Iryna was salty that her best friend since childhood forgot her birthday.
Lit (adj.): similar to dope, but only for places (such as a party, concert, etc.). Not used for people
Bro, this party is lit! There’s a chocolate fountain, DJ, and jacuzzi!
Woke (adj.): used to describe a person who is informed or up-to-date about an issue, frequently a social issue
Even though the professor is in his 70’s, he’s woke! He volunteers with youth-led campaigns on campus to promote social justice and is deeply passionate about gender equality.
To spill the tea to someone (v.): to tell someone all the details about something. To share the gossip.
Artem said he saw you talking with Sofiya’s boyfriend. I thought you hated him. What happened? You gotta spill the tea!
To roast someone (v.): to insult someone in a direct way (but generally not with the intent to truly hurt someone’s feelings). Roasting can also be good-natured, depending on the context. Roasting is common amongst family and friends.
When I showed my family the outfit I wanted to wear to the club, my entire family roasted me. They said I looked like a grandmother!
Flexing (v.): to show off
Did you see Marko’s post on Instagram, the one where he’s posing beside his father’s Ferrari? He’s flexing so hard right now.
Savage (adj.): used to describe a response that is particularly clever or rude
When my sister was whining to my mother that nobody will ever love her, my mother shrugged and replied that if my sister doesn’t clean her room, she definitely will end up alone. Savage!
Lowkey (adj.): used as another way to say “really.” Used to emphasize a particular feeling. Alternatively, Urban Dictionary defines lowkey as “ used to describe a speaker's thoughts, feelings, and desires, and it means (1) moderately: of low emotional intensity or (2) secretly.
I know this semester just started, but I’m lowkey ready for it to be over.
No chill (adj.): someone who is agitated, upset, or won’t give you a break because he/she has an uptight personality
Hanna has no chill. She’s been texting me non-stop and won’t stop posting about what happened on social media.
Baller (n.), ballin’ (v.): rich, successful, famous; someone that is doing well in life
Oleksander is ballin’—after he graduated from university, he got a job as a stock broker, bought a house on the beach in California, and wears designer brands.
Swag (adj.): style
For someone that doesn’t make much money, Viktor has a lot of swag. Look at those cool shoes he’s wearing.
On fleek/on point (adj.): trendy, looks perfect
Yuliya’s outfit for the prom was on fleek—her hair, dress, and makeup were stunning!
Slay (v.): to look/feel confident. To have accomplished something with success.
Ivanna strutted down the catwalk at the fashion show with confidence! She slayed!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Texas native, Bianca Navia is currently in her junior year at Arizona State University, pursuing a dual major in Political Science and Global Studies. She is most passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, foreign languages, traveling, and teaching. A fun fact about her? She’s the oldest of four sisters in a big Cuban-Italian-American family!