West Coast English Slang

You’ve heard it before on the radio.  You can read it online.  English slang is everywhere.  Used primarily by young adults and teens, English slang is a quick way to claim insider knowledge, gain “street cred,” and to sound cool, hip and down with the times.

Below is a list of the most popular English slang words you might hear while visiting California – specifically Los Angeles.  Just remember, English slang is about delivery.  Many English slang words have multiple meanings.  “Clutch,” for example, could mean a small handbag when spoken as a noun ( a clutch ), but when stated as an adjective with enthusiasm ( …clutch! ) the word takes on a different meaning.

Using English slang is a great, yet challenging, way to engage native speakers and to participate in West Coast youth culture. When in doubt, ask a native speaker or your teacher to clarify.  Keep it fresh!

Bail – to leave a place

 Ex.       You – “Having a good time?”

 Me – “No, I think I’m going to bail soon.”

Ballin’ – when something is really hip or extravagant

 Ex.       You – “Have you seen her new house?  It’s ballin!”

Bomb – you can say something is bomb when you really like it

 Ex.       Me – “Did you go to the LA County Fair?”

 You – “No, not yet.”

 Me – “You should go.  The food is bomb!”

Boss – when something is cool or flashy

 Ex.       You – “That suit looks boss.”

Bum – to borrow/have

 Ex.       You – “Hey, can I bum a piece of paper?”

To call (someone) out – to say something is wrong or out of place.

 Ex.       Me – “Why was that guy so rude?”

 You – “I don’t know.   He has a bad attitude.  Someone needs to call him out.”

Clutch – when someone unexpectedly does something or has something that helps a situation

 Ex.       Me – “Thanks for picking me up!  You were clutch.”

Cruise – another way to say “come” or “leave”

 Ex.             You – “Ready to go?”

 Me – “Yeah, let’s cruise.”

Fresh – something that is new, in really good condition or stylish

 Ex.       Me – “Wow, that haircut is fresh!.”

Gnarley – when something is intense or scary

 Ex.       You – “How come you didn’t surf this weekend?”

 Me – “Because those waves were gnarley.”

Heavy – when something is very sad or depressing

 Ex.       You – “The news was really heavy today.”

Poppin’ – when a party or other similar event is really fun

 Ex.       You – “Is that a new DJ (disc-jockey)?”

 Me – “It is! This party is poppin’!”

Post up – to stand around

 Ex.       Me – “I’ll meet you outside. Post up by the front door.”

To rock (something) – to wear clothes/accessories with style

 Ex.       Me – “You are rocking that scarf!.”

Sketchy (sketch) – something that is dangerous, stupid or just doesn’t feel right

 Ex.       You – “Let’s go.  This club is super sketchy (sketch).”