English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

Slang Dictionary — Modern Slang, Decoded

What does that word actually mean? Our slang dictionary explains modern slang clearly — Gen Z, internet, British and street slang — with real definitions, examples and where each term came from.

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Gen Z Slangrizz, delulu, slay Internet Slangbrainrot, based, mid British Slangpeng, bare, peak AAVEbussin, finna, cap

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Latest slang terms

A slip authorizing a prisoner to move to an appointment or assignment around the facility. Pink in the California system.

Slang for the 20-inch wheels that are standard on most BMX bikes. The name comes from the double-zero of '20 inch'.

A one-off recording (often an artist re-voicing a hit with a sound system's name) cut exclusively for a sound system to play in clashes.

Dubarry deck shoes — Irish-made leather boat shoes. Worn by the D4 set, rugby lads and anyone with a holiday home in West Cork. A pair of Dubes signals a very specific Irish demographic before they open their mouth.

dual-threat quarterback

A quarterback with the ability to hurt defenses both by throwing accurately and by running effectively.

A dangerous state of alcohol withdrawal marked by tremor, agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability that can be fatal if untreated.

Short for define the relationship, the talk about what you two actually are.

Self-aware admission that you yourself went overboard.

To be experiencing delirium tremens — the severe, potentially fatal withdrawal syndrome from alcohol, with tremor, agitation and hallucinations.

Dry texting is sending short, flat, one-word or low-energy responses that signal little interest and stall the conversation.

A prolonged period during which a person isn't dating anyone or having sex, often lamented humorously. Common talk during single seasons.

Passing information to officers indirectly, for example by talking loudly about someone's activity so a guard overhears, rather than reporting outright.

Dry powder is uninvested cash that investors or funds hold in reserve so they can move quickly on opportunities without having to sell existing holdings. Private equity and VC firms track it closely.

You swing a corner raw. No flash, no smoke, no help, just you and your aim versus whoever's holding. High risk, all mechanics.

Dry dating is meeting for dates that don't revolve around drinking, such as coffee or activities, so impressions are sober and genuine.

Describes a physique with little water under the skin, making muscles look hard, grainy and defined. The opposite of a smooth, watery look.

What a person would rather do; almost always in "if I had my druthers."

drunker than cooter brown

Very drunk. Cooter Brown is a legendary figure said to have stayed drunk to avoid the Civil War draft.

Trustworthy information or advice; 'give someone the drum'.

A patient believed to be attending chiefly to secure controlled drugs rather than for genuine medical need.

Dead Right There. EMS/fire shorthand radioed or muttered when the patient is obviously deceased on scene — no CPR, no transport, no miracle. It's the call you clear in five minutes because there's nothing to do but wait for the coroner.

Thirsty; inclined to drink. A 'drouth' is a thirst or a heavy drinker.

A thirst, or a drought; also a habitual drinker ('an auld drouth').

Hitting the deck the moment you start shooting, so the enemy's crosshair sails over your head while yours stays on theirs. A classic close-quarters CoD move.