Connect with other students using these 10 American slang words

Cultures communicate with their own unique slang words and phrases. In the United States, slang can change over time and these words and phrases can vary between groups. 

Some words and phrases are more common to certain areas (ex. “Pop” vs “soda”, “you all” vs “y’all”, etc.), while others become more well-known among certain age groups. It’s a good idea to keep up with current social media slang to understand posts and videos, since it is so common on social media.

Slang exists even at the institutional level for companies, schools and other groups. Arizona State University (ASU) has its own slang and unique jargon known to students and faculty alike. Some examples are ASURITE ID, Sun Devils, Duo and Canvas.

Using or at least understanding the most current slang can help you connect better with the group that uses it and feel as though you fit in. This sense of belonging is especially important to international students learning English to help them have a better, more immersive student experience.

U.S. slang is a casual way to interact with others and can boost understanding in conversation. It can also cause miscommunication if the slang is not understood, misinterpreted or used incorrectly.

To help you avoid misunderstanding current U.S. slang, here are some of the top college slang words and phrases that are used today:

The fit is short for saying ‘outfit’ or a set of clothes one wears together. 

For example: “Check out the new fit I bought last week.”

To gas someone up is to give them praise, support or compliments. 

For example: “Whenever I post pics on social media, my friends gas me up.”

Fax is something one says when they agree with what another person has said.  

For example: 
John: “The new iPhone SE is so much better than last year's version.”
Madison: “Fax.”

A girl’s girl is someone who supports and celebrates other women. 

For example: “My best friend is a real girl’s girl because she feels proud and excited for me when I succeed.” 

Extra is used to show that something or someone is acting dramatic or doing something that gets people’s attention. 

For example: “His constant posts about himself and his over-the-top stories prove that he is extra.” 

Catching feels is when you start to have romantic feelings for someone. 

For example: “I think I like him more than just a friend and I’m catching feels for him.”

If you can make someone like you and romantically attract their attention, you have rizz. (Also short for ‘charisma’).

For example: “Everyone likes him because he has so much rizz.” 

Means greatest of all time. Someone or something that is the best ever. 

For example: “If she had continued practicing, she would have been the GOAT, but she didn’t have time.”

BFR stands for ‘be for real’. It is used in reaction to something surprising or suspicious. 

For example: “When he was texting things that seemed too good to be true, I told him BFR.”

Slay means to do something really well and to impress others. 

For example: “He really slayed that chemistry test.”

Add these slang words to your English vocabulary so you can keep up to date with casual conversations. First, listen to them used in conversation, then when you feel comfortable, you can start to use them with friends. Then you will really sound like a U.S. college student!