These 17 Slang Terms Only Make Sense If You Live in California

If you’ve ever visited California, you’ve probably heard the locals throw around some words and phrases that left you wondering if you needed a translator. From the laid-back beach vibes to the high-energy hustle of Hollywood, California has a slang all its own, a blend of chill surfer talk and techy jargon with a dash of “I’m just here for a good time.” Whether you’re cruising through LA traffic or catching a sunset in San Francisco, these 17 slang terms will have you sounding like a true Californian in no time!

Hella

If you’re from California, you know this word means “a lot” or “very.” You’ll hear it all the time in NorCal. “That party was hella fun!”

Broke

It’s not just about being out of money—it’s a lifestyle. “Broke” can refer to anything that’s not working right or just not up to par. “My car’s so broke, it won’t even start.”

Chill

This isn’t just about your attitude—it’s how we describe everything from the weather to an evening out. “Let’s just chill at the beach tonight.”

Lit

This one’s everywhere, but it’s especially big in Cali. It means something’s really exciting or great. “That concert was lit!”

Dude

It doesn’t matter if you’re talking to a guy or a girl, “dude” is the universal term of endearment here. “Hey, dude, you coming to the party?”

Gnarly

Originally from the surf culture, this one’s now used to describe anything that’s cool or sometimes just really intense. “That trick was gnarly, man!”

Bay Area

If you live in Northern California, you know that “the Bay Area” is not just a region, it’s a lifestyle. “I’m from the Bay Area, born and raised.”

Sick

Like “gnarly,” it’s a compliment, but it can mean something’s cool, awesome, or impressive. “That new Tesla? It’s sick!”

No worries

It’s how Californians brush off a problem, because, really, nothing is that serious. “You didn’t bring the sunscreen? No worries, I’ve got extra.”

Yew

This is a word of excitement or approval, often heard in the surf scene but spreading to all corners of California. “Yew! That was the best wave of the day!”

Vibe

It’s all about the energy, whether you’re talking about a party, a person, or the weather. “The vibe at that festival was amazing.”

Squad

Not just your group of friends, your squad is the crew you roll with, your ride-or-die. “Can’t wait to hang with the squad this weekend.”

Bae

Short for “before anyone else,” this term refers to a boyfriend or girlfriend, but also sometimes just someone you really care about. “I’m going to the beach with bae later.”

Throw Shade

If you’re “throwing shade,” you’re subtly insulting someone. “Did you hear her throw shade at Mark? That was cold.”

Stoked

When you’re excited about something, you’re “stoked.” It’s more than just a little happy—it’s pumped! “I’m stoked for the weekend surf session.”

Woke

It’s not just about being aware of social issues—it’s also about being “in the know” or being trendy in California. “He’s so woke, he was talking about the latest trends before anyone else.”

The 405

In California, you don’t say “Highway 405.” It’s simply “The 405,” and it’s the lifeblood of LA traffic. “I’ve been stuck on The 405 for hours, I’m gonna lose my mind.”

Now that you’ve got your California slang game down, you’ll be cruising through the Golden State like a local. Whether you’re catching some waves, sipping on kombucha, or just chatting with your squad, these terms will help you fit in—and maybe even sound cooler than you already are. Just don’t forget to stay “chill” and “stoked” because, in California, that’s how we do!

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