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.

Browse slang by category

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

Browse slang by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Latest slang terms

When a quarterback throws a short pass, often to a running back, as a last resort in his read progression after downfield receivers are covered.

An exhortation to watch one's back. From aviation, where the clock positions describe directions and 'six o'clock' is directly behind the aircraft.

To voluntarily request protective custody or seg because staying on the mainline will get you killed — usually over a debt, a snitch jacket, or a rival's hit list. Mechanically you're 'checking in' to the hole; socially you're signalling that you couldn't handle your business on the yard, and the label sticks for the rest of your bid.

A noseriding move where the surfer stretches one foot forward to hang five toes over the nose while keeping most of their weight on the back foot, 'cheating' the trim.

A length of pipe shoved over the handle of a wrench (or breaker bar) to multiply your leverage on a seized bolt or fitting. Called a cheater because you're cheating the tool's designed length — and because most manufacturers explicitly tell you not to do it. Plumbers, mechanics, and pipefitters use them constantly anyway.

Repetitions completed with incorrect technique or body momentum, usually as the muscle fatigues, to keep the set going.

A scheduled break from a strict diet where you eat foods not normally allowed, for enjoyment or a psychological reset.

A scheduled day of eating more freely and consuming higher-calorie foods outside the normal diet.

By extension, 'un che' can mean an Argentine person, since the word so marks their speech, and it gave Ernesto 'Che' Guevara his nickname.

Said of a quartz banger that has developed a cloudy, burnt-on film from repeated overheating or poor cleaning, degrading flavor.

Pork cheek — usually cured, pressed and sold cold on the deli counter. Black Country butcher's-shop staple from the days when nothing on a pig went to waste. Sister cut to brawn and jowl, sliced thin into a sandwich or eaten with pickle.

The everyday Puerto Rican word for money, replacing 'dinero' in casual speech. (Note: in Mexico 'chavo' means a young guy.)

A young guy or kid; 'chava' for a young woman. Can mean boyfriend/girlfriend.

Chicano/Mexican slang for a young boy or kid.

chat is this real

A mock-disbelief line where you address 'chat' — a livestream's text feed — even when you're alone or just talking to friends. It frames whatever you're reacting to as so absurd you need witnesses.

To talk nonsense, lie, or say things with no substance. Literally 'chat air' — your words are empty as the breeze. Standard MLE comeback when someone's bullshitting.

Dismissive phrase implying someone is talking rubbish — 'chat bout him tired' = 'talking about being tired, please'.

Used to rhetorically poll a group for reassurance or reaction.

chasing the pump

Used as a mild criticism of ego or vanity-driven training.

chase-down block

A defensive play where a trailing defender catches up to a shooter on a fast break and blocks the shot from behind.

To hustle relentlessly in pursuit of money, financial success, or a goal.

A rowdy young lad, tracksuit-and-attitude type, the Newcastle flavour of what the rest of England calls a chav. Can be neutral ('the charvas down the bus stop') or properly dismissive.

chart dehiscence

Mock-surgical term (from wound 'dehiscence') for a bulky chart bursting open and scattering its papers.

In Polari, a police officer. It combines 'charper' (to search or look for, from Italian 'acchiappare', to catch) with 'omi' (man) — a 'searching man'.