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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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On the CB, 'copy' means the message came through and you got it. Acknowledgment, plain and simple. Borrowed straight from military and amateur radio, where 'copy' has always meant successfully receiving a transmission. Truckers shortened the whole exchange into one word — say 'copy' and the other driver knows you're tracking.

The fly of a pair of trousers — the zip-or-button bit at the front. South Wales dialect word descended from 'codpiece'. Most often heard in the grand tradition of telling someone their coppish is undone.

The rounded metal pipe or concrete edging fitted along the top lip of a ramp, bowl, or pool, used for grinds, slides, and lip tricks.

The act of rationalising or being in denial about a bad trade or missed opportunity. Someone 'coping' clings to false hope instead of facing reality.

A long-term lung disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that causes airflow obstruction and breathlessness.

As a noun: common sense, savvy, basic awareness. 'He has no cop on' = he's clueless. 'A bit of cop on' = a measure of basic sense.

To sit down and settle into a spot, especially at a casual gathering.

To back down or surrender in an argument.

More broadly, to get hold of or obtain anything.

To snuggle down, nestle or huddle in cosily, often for warmth or comfort.

A solitary confinement or punishment cell.

A farewell wishing a safe, smooth trip; also 'no worries, everything's good'. Title of the 1993 Jamaican bobsled film.

Someone admirably unflappable under pressure.

cooking with gas

An emphatic version of "cooking," meaning things are going great and you're in a strong flow. Signals momentum.

Playing at a high level offensively, scoring easily as if there's nothing the defense can do.

Cookie jarring is treating a person as a safety net, hedging your bets by keeping them available in case your first-choice romance falls through.

A pitch the batter can readily make good contact with, essentially a gift.

Facing a situation you can't win, fully done for.

Used jokingly when someone is clearly done for.

Physically exhausted, mentally fried, intoxicated, or behaving bizarrely; hugely popular with young Australians.

To dominate and embarrass an opponent, especially off the dribble or scoring.

To do something exceptionally well — a verse, a play, a roast, a piece of work. Usually deployed as the imperative 'let him cook' to mean: shut up, don't interrupt, he's in the zone.

In prison slang, a term of respect for a seasoned inmate who understands and abides by prison politics, as opposed to an untrusted 'inmate.'

The 48 contiguous states of the U.S. mainland, as a duty or travel location.