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

Louisiana is a state that’s rich in culture, food, and a language all its own. From the lively streets of New Orleans to the swamps and bayous, Louisiana’s unique blend of French, Creole, and Southern influences gives it a distinct way of talking. Whether you’re feasting on gumbo, catching a parade, or just chatting with the locals, these 17 Louisiana slang terms will have you sounding like a true Bayou resident.

Laissez les bons temps rouler

A French phrase that means “let the good times roll,” this is the perfect motto for any Louisiana party, especially during Mardi Gras. “Laissez les bons temps rouler, we’re going to have a blast tonight!”

Lagniappe

A little extra something, often used to describe an unexpected gift or bonus. “They gave me a lagniappe of pralines with my order—so sweet!”

Cher

A term of endearment, often used for friends, loved ones, or even strangers. “How you doin’, cher? You lookin’ good today!”

Fais do-do

Refers to a Cajun dance party or the act of dancing. “We’re heading to the fais do-do tonight to dance to some zydeco music!”

Boudin

A type of Cajun sausage, made with pork and rice. You’ll find it at almost every local butcher shop or grocery store. “Grab some boudin for the tailgate—it’s a Louisiana tradition!”

Beignet

A delicious, deep-fried pastry covered in powdered sugar, especially popular in New Orleans. “Stop by Café du Monde for some beignets—they’re to die for!”

Who dat

A chant used by New Orleans Saints fans, meaning “Who’s that say they gonna beat them Saints?” “Who dat! We’re going all the way this season!”

Cajun

Refers to the French-speaking descendants of Acadian settlers, and is often used to describe the culture, music, and food of Louisiana. “That’s some real Cajun cooking, full of spice and flavor!”

Mudbug

A term for crawfish, especially the ones you’ll find at a Louisiana crawfish boil. “Let’s have a mudbug boil this weekend with all the fixings!”

Swamp

Used to refer to the marshy areas of Louisiana, often full of wildlife like alligators and birds. “We’re going fishing in the swamp this weekend.”

Gravy

Not just the sauce you put on your mashed potatoes, but in Louisiana, it refers to a rich, flavorful sauce, often served with gumbo. “That gumbo’s got the best gravy I’ve ever tasted!”

Tchoupitoulas

The name of a famous street in New Orleans, but used by locals to refer to anything iconic or popular. “We’re heading down Tchoupitoulas to catch the jazz parade tonight.”

Sazerac

A classic New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters. “Let’s grab a Sazerac at the bar to start the night.”

Y’at

A greeting or expression used in New Orleans, similar to “How you doin’?” “Y’at, man? What’s going on today?”

Poboy

A type of sandwich, often filled with fried shrimp, roast beef, or crawfish. It’s a New Orleans specialty. “I’m getting a shrimp poboy for lunch; you want one?”

Zydeco

A lively genre of music that blends Cajun, Creole, and blues influences, often associated with Louisiana. “We’re going to see a zydeco band play at the festival this weekend!”

Jambalaya

A flavorful rice dish made with meats, vegetables, and spices, often served at parties or celebrations. “Mama’s cooking up a big pot of jambalaya for the family reunion.”

Now you’re ready to dive into the heart and soul of Louisiana! Whether you’re indulging in some boudin, dancing at a fais do-do, or shouting “Who dat!” at a Saints game, these slang terms will help you fit right in with the locals. Louisiana’s unique culture is reflected in its language, and now you’ve got the lingo to match the spirit of the Bayou State!