16 More California Slang Terms: How to Speak Like a Californian (Part II)
Couldn’t get enough California slang from the last article? Here are some more terms that you’ll commonly hear people in California say.
If you plan on traveling to California or you’re simply interested in Californian culture, check out the vocabulary below.
Mastering these words will easily help you connect with young people from California (as well as the rest of the U.S.). Plus, it’s just so much more fun to talk this way!
Just remember, these are all informal words.
So without further ado [without anymore waiting], here are some more popular California slang terms you may have never heard of:
FREE Slang Guide: 101 Words You Won’t Learn in School
16 More California Slang Terms
Ballin’ – something that’s really cool or fancy. You can also say balla‘, which can refer to a person. This comes from a basketball player with lots of money. For example, I put diamonds on my food because it’s the most balla‘ thing you can possible do to your food.
Boss – When something is really cool or flashy. A boss is a man in charge, leading his own life. If you’re driving an expensive car, you can say you feel like a boss. Or if someone at a party is yelling and screaming and some dude easily quiets her down, you could say about the guy, “Damn, what a boss!” Check out this funny music video about boss.
Bust – when something is dangerous, not a good idea, or a waste of time. For example, having sex without condom is a bust.
Crossfaded – when you’re drunk and stoned (intoxicated from marijuana) at the same time. For example, if you’re drinking beer and someone asks you if you want to smoke weed you could say, “No thanks man. I don’t function well when I’m crossfaded.”
Dub – $20. For example, if someone asks you if you have change for a $10 bill, you could say, “Nah man, I’ve only got a dub.”
Fresh – something that is new, in really good condition, or simply stylish. For example, if you see your friend with a cool pair of shoes you could say, “Damn, those shoes are fresh!”
Gnarley – when something is intense or scary. This started as a surfer slang term that but it’s commonly used by many young people living in California. For example, if you see someone get hit by a car you could say, “Oh my God, that was gnarley!”
Heads - another way to say people. This is usually used to refer to guys. For example, if your inviting your friend to a party you could say, “How many heads are you coming with?”
Hella – a lot or very. This is common in Northern California (NorCal), but people in Southern California (SoCal) tend to hate this word. For example, there were hella people at the beach today.
Hyphy – to go crazy, without inhibition. This is generally used when partying. For example, if you’re planning on drinking a lot and dancing a lot, you could say to your friends, “Let’s get hyphy tonight!”
Poppin’ – when a party or other similar event is really fun, usually because there’s a lot of cool people. For example, “The party’s poppin’, get over here!”
Psyched – when you’re excited for something. For example, “I’m so psyched for this concert!”
Pumped (up) – similar meaning as psyched. When you’re excited and have a lot of energy. For example, “I’m so pumped up to go snowboarding this weekend.”
Sketch(y) – something that is dangerous, stupid, or just doesn’t feel right. When used to refer to a person it can also mean they are untrustworthy, creepy, or just someone you don’t feel comfortable being around. For example, “Look at that sketchy guy over in the corner talking to himself.”
Stunnas – sunglasses (usually big and fancy). You can also say “stunna shades.” For example, if you’re going to the beach you could say to your friend, “Make sure you bring your stunna shades.” Music video about wearing stunna shades indoors.
Trip (out) – trip can have many meanings. The most common is when someone is tripping out they are making a big deal out of a small problem. For example, you can tell someone who is over-reacting to “stop tripping out,” or simply, “don’t trip.”
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