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

Post prefix used to flag a public service announcement — a tip, warning or fact the writer thinks more people need on their radar. Required format on r/YouShouldKnow includes a "Why YSK" justification.

An exclamation used to call for attention or greet someone, like 'hey' or 'yo'.

youtube footballer

A player accused of prioritising flashy tricks and viral moments rather than doing what helps the team win.

The plural of 'you'. English doesn't officially have one, so Manchester (and Liverpool, Dublin, Glasgow, half of Australia) invented it. Imported via Irish migration in the 19th century and stuck like glue. Saves you having to say 'all of you' like a posho.

A non-standard plural of 'you', common in casual Australian speech.

The ideal person or thing for a particular task or need.

Universal Irish stand-in for any male whose name you've forgotten, can't be bothered to say, or assume the listener already knows. Has zero possessive meaning. The female version is 'your one'. Confuses tourists endlessly.

Refers to a girl or young woman, typically a teenager. Distinct from the male equivalent 'young fella'. Often used by older speakers about someone notably younger. Neutral in tone — can be fond, neutral, or mildly disapproving depending on delivery.

young invincibles

Slang (especially in US health-policy) for young people who assume they won't get sick and skip insurance or care.

A checking-in phrase meaning 'are you alright?' or, in a shop, 'do you need help?'.

you reach, i teach

A streetball taunt warning that if a defender reaches for a steal, the ball-handler will punish them.

Plural 'you' — addressed to a group. Functions exactly like 'you guys' or 'you lot'. 'Man' here isn't gendered; it's a pluraliser the way 'dem' is in Patois.

A multipurpose check-in or reassurance — asking if someone's alright, or telling them not to worry.

A dismissive clapback claiming the target has lost their edge, relevance, or quality — they peaked and the peak is gone. Standard issue in the L + ratio + you fell off comment combo. Works on rappers, streamers, friends and your own jump shot.

you can't get blood from a turnip

A proverb meaning you cannot get money or resources from someone who has none.

An enthusiastic affirmation used to agree, reassure, or accept someone's point. Strongly associated with Minnesota and the Dakotas.

An exclamation of joy or triumph; also 'you bewdy'.

A Welsh idiom used when passing an item to someone.

Someone from the U.P. — Michigan's Upper Peninsula, that wild, forested chunk above the Mackinac Bridge. From 'U.P.-er'. Worn as a badge of honour: Yoopers have their own accent (Finnish/Scandinavian lilt), their own food (pasties), their own weather (brutal) and a low-grade rivalry with everyone 'downstate' (whom they call 'trolls', because they live under the bridge).

A manga drawn as vertical four-panel strips, traditionally following a setup-development-twist-punchline structure. Common for gag and slice-of-life comedy.

Refers to a place a moderate distance away, usually within sight and gestured toward. "Over yonder" is the common phrasing.

The mental layer of fighting games — out-thinking your opponent. You read that they'll jump, you read that they know you'll read that, and the mind games stack into layers. Pure yomi is calling someone's option before they commit and punishing it clean.

Slang (also spelled 'yoked') for a muscular, well-developed physique, particularly emphasising thick traps and shoulders — the 'yoke.'

Itchy. Said of skin, scalp, an old jumper, midge bites — anything that's got you scratching. Doric and wider Scots; you'll hear it from the north-east down through Aberdeenshire.