20 Modern American Slang Words to Know in 2025

Are you struggling to keep up with the latest American slang in 2024? With the constant evolution of language and the influence of social media, for international college students and young people navigating the complexities of the English language spoken in the US, the meaning and usage of American slang words and phrases can be a big challenge. In fact, research shows that over 90% of young people in the U.S. regularly use slang words in their daily conversations.

To help you bridge the gap, this guide to American slang in 2024 provides clear examples and actionable tips. Whether you're an international student or just looking to enhance your cultural integration, understanding these slang terms will improve your communication skills.

Who Uses American Slang Words and Why

Slang words are mostly used by younger generations, who are currently the demographic that tends to bring the most noticeable changes in the English language.

Just as young people all over the world, youngsters in the US use American words and phrases to assert identity and communicate in a way that resonates with their peers.

Learning American slang can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

• Enhances Communication with Native Speakers: Many Americans use slang in daily conversations, movies, TV shows, and on social media. Understanding slang allows you to follow along more naturally and respond appropriately, making interactions smoother and more authentic.
• Improves Cultural Understanding: Slang often reflects current trends, values, and humor unique to American culture. Knowing these terms helps you understand not just the words, but also the social context, jokes, and subtleties behind them.
• Boosts Social Integration: Using slang correctly can help you build rapport and connect more easily with American friends, classmates, or colleagues. It shows familiarity with local customs and can help you “fit in” more naturally within various social circles.
• Aids Media Comprehension: American movies, TV shows, music, and online content frequently contain slang. Learning these expressions makes it easier to enjoy and understand popular media without relying on subtitles or translations.
• Makes Language Learning Fun and Dynamic: Learning slang adds a playful, dynamic element to language acquisition. It moves beyond traditional textbooks, keeping the learning process interesting and up-to-date.

Learning American slang isn’t strictly necessary, but it greatly enriches your understanding of the English language and American culture, making everyday interactions far more engaging and effective.

Now let's see what is popular today.

1. Legit

"Legit" is an adjective abbreviated from "legitimate," so the word means that something is authentic or genuine.

For example: "The tacos at that food truck are legit; they're made with authentic Mexican chilis." or

"His excuse for being late sounded legit; he had a flat tire and showed us a picture as proof."

2. Vibe Check

This phrase is more than just asking someone how they're feeling; it's about assessing the overall atmosphere or energy of a situation. It looks like this phrase started as one of the New York slang words but nowadays it's everywhere.

This is one of the common slang words you can use whether you're entering a room or starting a conversation, a vibe check ensures you're on the same wavelength as the other English speakers around you.

3. Riding shotgun

"To ride shotgun" is an idiomatic expression in American slang that originated from the old American West, where the person sitting next to the driver of a stagecoach was tasked with carrying a shotgun to defend against potential attackers.

Today, it simply refers to the person occupying the passenger seat in a car.

4. Vanilla

"Vanilla" as an adjective is used to characterize something as mundane, dull, or lacking in excitement, drawing upon the perception of vanilla ice cream as a standard, unremarkable flavor.

Example: "I thought the movie would be more thrilling, but it turned out to be quite vanilla." Example: "Her fashion sense is usually so vibrant, but today's outfit is a bit vanilla."

or "The team's performance in the game was disappointing; their strategy seemed vanilla compared to their usual dynamic plays."

5. Epic fail

This is an informal expression used to describe a complete disaster or a situation that has gone horribly wrong. It is often used humorously to emphasize the magnitude of failure.

Example: The attempt to bake a cake turned into an epic fail when the oven malfunctioned and burned the entire dessert.

When it's not part of this phrase though, you can use ''epic'' in a positive way to say "cool'', just as slang terms like "wicked" or "sick" in British slang.

6. Low Key

"Low key" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is done or felt in a subtle or restrained manner.

For example, if someone wants to keep their plans for the weekend simple and relaxed, they might say, "I'm feeling low key this weekend; maybe just a quiet night in with a movie."

7. Totes

"Totes" is a shortened version of "totally," and one of the American slang words used to express agreement with someone's statement or suggestion.

Example: Person 1: "Let's grab some pizza for dinner tonight."

Person 2: "Totes, I'm craving pizza."

Example: Friend 1: "I should finish my assignment before I can play video games.”

Friends 2: “Totes.”

8. Vibing

Enough with the vibes already, right? Well, no. But only positive vibes while learning here.

Similar to "vibe check," "vibing" refers to being in sync or enjoying the same energy as someone _or something else.

For example, I can give my best friend a ''vibe check'' at a party by asking how they're doing because I have noticed they have been feeling down lately.

9. Whiz

"Whiz" is a term used to describe a smart person and show you are impressed by someone's intellect or cleverness.

Example: "Tommy is a math whiz; he always aces his exams without breaking a sweat."

"She's a computer whiz; she can troubleshoot any tech problem in minutes."

"Our team needs a marketing whiz to come up with a creative campaign for the new product launch."

10. Lit

"Lit" is an adjective commonly used to describe something that is exciting, energetic, or outstanding in a positive manner. It implies that an event or experience is going to be exceptionally enjoyable or memorable.

For instance, when referring to a party, concert, or social gathering, saying it's "That concert was lit" suggests that it was fun and filled with positive energy.

11. Such a bummer

"Such a bummer" is an expression used to express empathy or sympathy when someone is experiencing a difficult or disappointing situation. If you say that something is "a bummer," you mean that it is unpleasant or annoying.

Some examples are: "I heard Jane didn't get accepted to her dream college. That's a bummer."

"The weather forecast for the picnic is rain all day. What a bummer."

12. Being woke

Being "woke" is defined in American English slang as "conscious of and actively engaged with significant facts and matters (particularly those concerning racial and social justice)."

The roots of this phrase can be traced back to African American English and gained broader acceptance around 2014, coinciding with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Towards the end of that decade, it began to be used disparagingly by some to characterize a person who is perceived as politically left-leaning.

13. Spill the tea

This phrase is used to encourage someone to share gossip or spill secrets.

Example: "Girl, spill the tea about what happened at the party last night!"

14. iykyk ("if you know, you know")

This abbreviation is used to imply that something is understood or appreciated only by those who are familiar with a particular reference or situation.

Example: "That inside joke was hilarious, iykyk."

15. Bet

This slang term is used to express agreement, confirmation, or understanding.

Example: "We're meeting at 7, right?" "Bet"

16. ATE

This term is slang for "eaten," but it's often used metaphorically to describe someone's impressive performance or actions. It's like acknowledging that someone did something so well that they metaphorically "ate" it up. Whether it's acing a test or delivering a killer comeback, when someone says "ATE," they're giving props to someone's excellence.

17. Rizz

Rizz, originating from "charisma," describes the captivating charm and allure a person exudes. Its pronunciation mirrors its spelling, "rizz." This slang term gained traction among teenagers on platforms like TikTok and various social media channels. Rizz isn't solely about physical attractiveness; it encompasses the ability to mesmerize others with one's personality and presence.

18. It’s giving

This phrase is used to describe a situation or appearance that is reminiscent of a particular vibe or aesthetic.

Example: "That outfit is giving major '90s vibes."

19. Gas him up

This expression means to give someone praise, encouragement, or compliments to boost their confidence.

Example: "Don't forget to gas him up before his big presentation."

Extra : Gen alpha Slangs

Gen Alpha Slang: A New Wave of Cool Lingo

The Gen Alpha generation is redefining the language game with some unique slang that might leave older generations scratching their heads. Let’s break down some of the freshest terms making waves right now:

1. Gurt/Gurting

• Definition: "Gurt" is used as a verb to describe acting awkwardly or foolishly, often in a way that is noticeable to others.
• Example Sentence: Kevin was gurt-ing during the presentation, and everyone noticed how nervous he was.

2. Aura Farming

• Definition: The term refers to someone who’s always trying to look cool or popular online, often in an exaggerated way, just to attract attention or validation.
• Example Sentence: Stop aura farming on Instagram – it’s so obvious you’re just posting for likes.

3. Fat Piece of Bacon

• Definition: A funny, somewhat playful way to describe something that’s a big deal or impressively large.
• Example Sentence: That new gaming laptop? It's a fat piece of bacon!

4. SDIYBT (Start digging in your butt, twin)

• This viral catchphrase originates from an edited clip of the SpongeBob episode "Welcome to the Chum Bucket." In the scene, Plankton asks a robot resembling SpongeBob to make a Krabby Patty, and the robot responds with, “Start digging in your butt, twin,” which irritates Plankton. The phrase quickly became a meme across social media.

5. Chopped

• Definition: Getting “chopped” is a way to say you’ve been defeated, embarrassed, or knocked out of contention.
• Example Sentence: He tried to win the game, but he got chopped after the first round.

6. Huzz

• Definition: A playful or enthusiastic exclamation, kind of like "yay" or "woo-hoo." It’s used to show excitement or approval.
• Example Sentence: Huzz! We finally won the match!

7. Cooked

• Definition: Being “cooked” means you’re in a bad situation, out of ideas, or have completely lost control. It can also mean someone is completely exhausted.
• Example Sentence: After running around all day, I am so cooked I can barely keep my eyes open.

8. Unc

• Definition: Short for "uncle," but used to refer to an older person or someone acting like they are out of touch with the younger generation.
• Example Sentence: Stop acting like such an unc – we’re not in the 90s anymore!

9. Sigma

• Definition: Referring to a “sigma male,” this term highlights someone who is independent, confident, and often a leader or an influencer without seeking attention.
• Example Sentence: Chris is totally a sigma, he doesn’t follow the crowd and always makes his own decisions.

10. Skibidi

• Definition: When something’s “skibidi,” it’s considered bad, lame, or uncool, often used in the context of a trend or an event.
• Example Sentence: That new movie? Total skibidi. Don’t waste your time.

11. Ohio

• Definition: Used to refer to someone or something that’s seen as a loser or out of place in a way that’s somewhat embarrassing.
• Example Sentence: He tried to flex with his new outfit, but he looked totally Ohio.

12. Big L

• Definition: Taking a “Big L” is to experience a major loss or fail at something, often publicly.
• Example Sentence: After missing that game-winning shot, he took a big L in front of everyone.

Gen Alpha slang brings a fun, fast-paced, and often hilarious twist to our vocabulary. While some of these terms might not stick around for long, they’re a clear signal that language is always evolving!

Regional Varieties

While the internet and pop culture have popularized common slang words nationally and globally, regional variations persist. For example, the Californian slang words and phrases used at the University of the Pacific in California may differ from that at UMass Boston. You will also notice that the same slang word may have different meanings in different places.

Chicago slang words

"Frunchroom" refers to the front room of a bungalow or flat, typically positioned overlooking the street. This space often houses the family's finest furniture but is primarily reserved for entertaining guests or unwrapping Christmas presents.

"Gangway" denotes a sidewalk situated between two houses in a narrow space. For instance, a witness might inform a police officer that they saw a fleeing individual running through the gangway.

Here are some common New York slang terms:

"Schmear" refers to a generous spread of a condiment, typically cream cheese on a bagel. For New Yorkers, starting the day with a schmear is a popular breakfast ritual.

"Sus" - short for "suspicious," this term is used to describe something or someone that seems questionable or distrustful. New Yorkers might use "sus" when assessing a situation or expressing skepticism.

"Yas/Yaaas" - an expression of excitement or approval, often accompanied by exaggerated enthusiasm. New Yorkers might shout "yas" or "yaaas" to celebrate a victory, express joy, or show support for something they find thrilling.

FAQs Relating to American Slang

In this section, we provide answers to common questions relating to American slang words.

1. What are some American slang terms?

• Bummer: Disappointing.
• Chill: Relax.
• Lit: Amazing.
• Fam: Close friends.
• Ghost: Stop responding.

2. What is a very American thing to say?

• "Let's grab a bite."
• "Living the dream."

3. What is some Gen Z slang?

• Bet: Okay.
• Cap/No Cap: Lie/Truth.
• Slay: Do well.
• Sus: Suspicious.
• Flex: Show off.

4. What is the slang for Americans?

• Y’all: You all.
• Dude: Friend.
• Bae: Significant other.
• Hangry: Hungry + angry.
• Salty: Bitter.

Summing up: American Slang Words to Know in 2024

Getting the hang of popular slang words goes beyond just memorizing a literal definition; it's about diving into the heart of everyday language. Whether you're a college student or just someone curious about modern culture, getting the gist of these terms offers a window into American lifestyle.

Learning with Lingopie isn't about rote memorization; it's about getting real exposure to how people talk in everyday situations where these slang terms naturally pop up.

So, dive in headfirst and before you know it, you'll be blending in like a pro, whether you're hanging out on the West Coast or gaming with your buddies.

Learning American slang words and phrases is all about getting a feel for the pulse of modern culture, and it's something you definitely want to be part of.