🌴 Los Angeles Slang Dictionary

ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit; a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. aesthetic A particular style or look, often referring to a curated visual theme or vibe on social media. agent A representative who manages the careers of actors, writers, directors, or musicians, finding them work and negotiating contracts. apartment hunting The activity of searching for an apartment to rent. art walk A recurring event where art galleries, studios, and cultural venues in a neighborhood open their doors for public viewing, often with street performers and vendors. bet Okay, I'm down, agreement, confirmation, or 'you're on.' big break A sudden and significant opportunity or moment of success that launches one's career, especially in the entertainment industry. birds chirping The short, high-pitched sounds made by birds. boardwalk A wooden promenade built along a beach or waterfront, often featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment. boardwalk performer An entertainer who performs publicly on a boardwalk, typically for tips, common in places like Venice Beach. boba A Taiwanese drink typically made with tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls (boba) at the bottom. Also known as bubble tea. bogus Fake, false, unfair, not genuine, or otherwise undesirable. boujee High-class, luxurious, or aspiring to a higher social status; often with a connotation of being materialistic or pretentious. bouncer A security guard employed at a bar or club to control entry, maintain order, and deal with unruly patrons. boutique A small store selling fashionable clothes, jewelry, or other luxurious goods, often catering to a niche market. bugging Acting foolish, overreacting, or getting upset unnecessarily; also used as 'tripping'. bungalow A small, often single-story house, typically with a low-pitched roof and a front porch. canyon roads Winding, often narrow roads that cut through the hills and canyons of areas like the Hollywood Hills, known for scenic views and residential access. carpool An arrangement where several people travel together in one car, often to save costs or use special lanes. casting The process of selecting actors for roles in a film, television show, play, or commercial. catch you on the flip side A colloquial way of saying 'Goodbye' or 'See you later,' often implying a future meeting. Chargers Los Angeles Chargers, a professional American football team based in Inglewood, California, also competing in the NFL. chatter Continuous, informal talk, often light and quick, typically from a group of people. chill Relaxed, calm, laid-back; also used as an imperative to relax. choice Excellent, superb, of high quality or desirability. City of Angels A poetic nickname for Los Angeles, derived from its Spanish name 'Los Ángeles'. clean girl A TikTok aesthetic referring to a polished, minimalist look, often involving slicked-back hair, natural makeup, and simple, elegant clothing. Clippers Los Angeles Clippers, a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, also competing in the NBA. clout Influence or power, especially in social media or among peers; often sought after for status. community garden A shared piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people, often in urban areas, to grow food or flowers. creative differences Disagreements between individuals or groups, often in creative fields like film or music, leading to a project's change or cessation. cruising Driving around leisurely, often without a specific destination, just enjoying the ride. Crypto Arena Formally named Crypto.com Arena, a multi-purpose arena in Downtown Los Angeles, California, home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, and Sparks (WNBA). dispensary A retail establishment that sells cannabis products for medicinal or recreational use, legally regulated in California. dive bar A small, unpretentious, and often old-fashioned bar, typically with a local clientele and cheap drinks. Dodgers Los Angeles Dodgers, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in Los Angeles, California. draft beer Beer served from a keg or cask rather than a bottle or can, typically fresher and served on tap. dream big To aspire to grand and ambitious goals, often encouraged in the aspirational culture of Los Angeles. drip A person's sense of style, particularly their outfit or accessories, implying a high level of fashion or coolness. drive-thru A service allowing customers to purchase goods, especially food, by driving a vehicle to a window rather than entering the establishment. DTLA Downtown Los Angeles dude A casual term for a man or person; often used as an interjection. dynamic Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress; full of energy. Echo Park A historic and diverse neighborhood in Central Los Angeles known for its lake, Victorian homes, and vibrant community. facts Used as an interjection to affirm agreement with a statement or acknowledge its truth. farmers market A public market where farmers sell produce directly to consumers, often including other local goods like baked items, crafts, and prepared foods. fit A complete outfit or ensemble of clothing worn by a person. Short for 'outfit'. flea market A market, usually outdoors, where vendors sell inexpensive or secondhand goods, antiques, and collectibles. flip flops A type of open-toed sandal, typically made of rubber or plastic, with a Y-shaped strap passing between the first and second toes. FlyAway A non-stop bus service connecting various points in LA to LAX. food hall A large indoor area with multiple food vendors, offering a variety of cuisines and dining options, often with communal seating. food truck A large motorized vehicle equipped to cook and sell food, often found at street corners, events, or designated food truck lots. food truck alley A designated area or street where multiple food trucks regularly gather to serve various cuisines. for real Seriously, truthfully, or to confirm something is genuine. freeway A multi-lane highway designed for high-speed traffic with controlled access. gaslight To manipulate someone psychologically into questioning their own sanity or perceptions of reality, often for personal gain or control. gatekeep To control access to something, often information, resources, or communities, and exclude others, often perceived as an elitist act. gig A job, especially a temporary or short-term engagement in the entertainment or creative industries. girlboss A woman who is successful, ambitious, and self-sufficient in business or career, often with a slight ironic or critical undertone in contemporary usage. gnarly Originally used by surfers, meaning extreme, awesome, difficult, or intense; can also mean dangerous or unpleasant depending on context. gold rush A period of rapid migration and economic growth due to the discovery of a valuable resource, historically gold, but metaphorically used for new booming industries in LA. graffiti Writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a wall or other surface in a public place. gridlock A traffic jam in which a network of streets or roads becomes completely congested, bringing traffic to a standstill. Griffith Common short for Griffith Park, a large municipal park in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, featuring the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, and extensive trails. guest house A separate small dwelling on the same property as a main house, used for guests or as a rental unit. guestlist A list of invited guests who are granted free or discounted entry to an event or club. happy hour A designated period, typically in the late afternoon, when bars and restaurants offer discounted drinks and appetizers. headshot A professional photograph, typically of a person's head and shoulders, used by actors, models, and professionals for casting or resumes. heatwave A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. helicopters Aircraft with rotating blades, often heard flying overhead in LA for news, police, or traffic monitoring. highkey Openly, obviously, or intensely; the opposite of 'lowkey.' Hollywood Sign An iconic landmark on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, spelling out 'HOLLYWOOD' in large white letters, synonymous with the film industry. honking The sound of a car horn, often used in traffic to express impatience or warn others. In-N-Out A popular West Coast fast-food chain famous for its simple menu of hamburgers, fries, and shakes. indie Short for 'independent,' referring to films, music, or artists that are produced outside of major studio or record label systems. industry Refers specifically to the entertainment industry (film, television, music, etc.) in Los Angeles. industry standard A common practice or benchmark in a particular industry, often used in the entertainment or tech sectors in LA. June gloom A weather phenomenon in Southern California during May and June characterized by persistent overcast skies and cool temperatures due to the marine layer. K-Town Koreatown, a district in Los Angeles known for its large Korean population, restaurants, and businesses. kicks Informal term for shoes, especially sneakers. Kings Los Angeles Kings, a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California, competing in the NHL. La La Land A colloquial nickname for Los Angeles, often suggesting a dreamlike, unrealistic, or detached state of mind associated with the entertainment industry. LAFC Los Angeles FC, a professional soccer team based in Los Angeles, California, competing in Major League Soccer (MLS). Lakers Los Angeles Lakers, a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, competing in the NBA. lane splitting A motorcycle maneuver where a rider drives between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic. LAX The three-letter IATA code and common abbreviation for Los Angeles International Airport. lease A legal contract allowing a tenant to use a property for a specified period in exchange for rent. like A common filler word used in casual speech, often without specific meaning, or to introduce an example/comparison. literally Used for emphasis, often hyperbolically, to mean 'virtually' or 'in effect,' though technically it means 'in a literal sense.' local Someone who lives in a particular area, often implying familiarity and loyalty to that place. local pop-up A temporary retail store, restaurant, or art gallery that appears in unexpected spaces for a short period. lounge A stylish bar or club, often with comfortable seating and a more relaxed, upscale atmosphere than a typical nightclub. lowkey Quietly, subtly, or discreetly; sometimes implying a slight preference or understated feeling. main character energy The quality of acting and feeling as though one is the central figure of a story, often characterized by confidence, self-focus, and a vibrant persona. Malibu An affluent beach city in Los Angeles County, known for its celebrity homes, beautiful beaches, and surf spots. marine layer A low-lying cloud formation or fog commonly found near coastlines in Southern California. Metro rail Los Angeles's public train and subway system. mural A large painting or artwork applied directly to a wall or ceiling. no cap No lie, seriously, truly; used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement. no doubt Certainly, absolutely, or without question; an expression of strong agreement. NoHo North Hollywood ocean breeze A gentle wind blowing inland from the Pacific Ocean, often bringing cooler temperatures. on the map To become well-known, recognized, or important, often referring to a place, person, or business achieving prominence. organic Food produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, or antibiotics, emphasizing natural farming methods. out of pocket Behaving inappropriately, rudely, or beyond what is acceptable. oversized Clothing that is intentionally made or worn in a size larger than typically needed, creating a relaxed, baggy, or comfortable fit. Pacific Coast Highway A scenic highway stretching along the California coastline, often abbreviated as PCH. Pasadena A city northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, famous for the Rose Bowl, its annual Rose Parade, and historic architecture. peace out A casual way to say goodbye, often accompanied by a hand gesture (V-sign), signifying peace and departure. period Used at the end of a statement to indicate that it is definitive and leaves no room for further discussion or argument. pilot A standalone episode of a television series that is produced to test the concept and viability of the series for potential network pickup. plaza An open public space in a city or town, often surrounded by buildings, serving as a gathering place. pop-up A temporary retail space, restaurant, or event that operates for a limited time in a non-traditional location. promoter An individual or company that organizes and publicizes events, often for clubs, concerts, or parties, and gets people on guestlists. psych Short for 'psych out,' meaning to fool, trick, or mislead someone, often used playfully after a false statement. rad Excellent, wonderful, or exciting (short for radical). radical Excellent, fantastic, extreme, far out, often implying something new or rebellious. Rams Los Angeles Rams, a professional American football team based in Inglewood, California, competing in the NFL. real talk An expression used to introduce or emphasize a serious, honest, or frank discussion. red carpet A literal red carpet laid out for VIPs at events, symbolizing celebrity and glamorous treatment, synonymous with Hollywood culture. rent control A government program that limits how much landlords can raise rent. rideshare A service that allows people to request a ride from a private driver through a smartphone app. righteous Excellent, outstanding, cool, truly good, or impressive (often with an undertone of moral approval). rizz Charisma; skill in charming or attracting a potential romantic partner. Rodeo Drive A renowned street in Beverly Hills, famous for its luxury boutiques, high-end fashion stores, and celebrity sightings. rooftop A bar or restaurant located on the roof of a building, often offering city views. roommate A person who shares a room or an apartment with another person or people. Rose Bowl A historic outdoor athletic stadium in Pasadena, California, primarily known for college football, especially the annual Rose Bowl Game. Santa Ana winds Strong, hot, dry downslope winds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California and northern Baja California. Santa Monica A coastal city west of Los Angeles, famous for its pier, beaches, and vibrant urban environment. Santa Monica Pier A historic landmark in Santa Monica, featuring an amusement park, restaurants, and an iconic Ferris wheel, extending over the Pacific Ocean. scenic overlook A designated viewpoint along a road or highway offering expansive, picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. scenic route A longer, more picturesque route chosen for its views rather than its speed; often contrasted with faster, less appealing routes. script The written text of a play, movie, or television show, including dialogue and stage directions. security deposit A sum of money paid by a tenant to a landlord to cover any damages or unpaid rent. shades Informal term for sunglasses. sick Excellent, impressive, cool. side hustle Additional work or a secondary job undertaken to supplement one's main income or to pursue a passion, often in a creative field. SIGALERT An urgent traffic advisory issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) for major incidents causing significant delays. Silver Lake A trendy, bohemian neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its reservoir, independent businesses, and artistic community. sirens Loud, wailing noises from emergency vehicles like police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks. skate To ride a skateboard; also, a skateboard itself or the act of skateboarding. skateboard roll The distinct sound of a skateboard's wheels moving across a surface, often concrete. skatepark A recreational area specifically designed for skateboarding, often featuring ramps, rails, and bowls. sketchy Suspicious, untrustworthy, or unsafe. slides Open-toed sandals, often slip-on style, popular for casual wear. sneakers Athletic shoes, typically with rubber soles, worn for sports or casual wear. SoFi Formally named SoFi Stadium, an NFL stadium in Inglewood, California, home to the Rams and Chargers. It also hosts concerts and other major events. speakeasy A hidden bar, often with a secret entrance, reminiscent of Prohibition-era establishments. steez Style with ease; a unique and effortless personal style or swagger. steezy Having excellent style and ease; stylish and effortlessly cool. stoked Very excited and enthusiastic. street corn A popular Mexican street food, also known as 'Elote', consisting of grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. street performers Artists who perform in public places for voluntary donations, common in tourist areas like Santa Monica or Hollywood. streetwear A style of casual clothing that originated from urban youth culture, combining elements of hip-hop fashion, skate fashion, and surfwear. strip mall A type of shopping center consisting of a row of stores or businesses housed in a single building, with a common parking lot in front. sublet To rent out all or part of a property to another person, with the original tenant remaining responsible to the landlord. sunglasses Eyewear designed to protect the eyes from bright sunlight. sunscreen A lotion or spray applied to the skin to protect it from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunset Strip The famous 1.5-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, renowned for its nightclubs, restaurants, rock and roll history, and large billboards. super Short for "superintendent"; a person responsible for maintaining an apartment building. surf The activity of riding ocean waves, typically on a surfboard; also, the waves near the shore. swap meet A gathering, typically outdoors, where individuals or vendors buy, sell, or exchange goods, often including used items, collectibles, and new merchandise. swell A series of ocean waves that travel long distances without breaking, often indicating good surfing conditions. taco stand An outdoor stall or small, often mobile, establishment dedicated to preparing and selling tacos, typically at affordable prices. taco Tuesday A popular weekly promotion, typically on Tuesdays, where restaurants offer discounted tacos and sometimes drink specials. tag A stylized signature or moniker, often the simplest form of graffiti, used by a writer to mark their presence. TAP card A reusable, reloadable smart card used for fare payment on most public transit in LA County. the 10 The Interstate 10 freeway, a major east-west artery in Los Angeles, connecting Santa Monica to the Inland Empire. the 101 The U.S. Route 101 freeway, running north-south through Hollywood and the Valley, extending up the coast. the 405 The Interstate 405 freeway, a major north-south artery in Los Angeles. the 5 The Interstate 5 freeway, a major north-south artery running the length of California, through Los Angeles. thrift To shop at a thrift store, buying secondhand items, often for good deals or unique finds. Tinseltown A nickname for Hollywood, emphasizing its glitz, glamour, and often artificial nature. toll lane A designated lane on a highway where drivers pay a fee to use it, often to bypass congestion or for faster travel. totally Completely, absolutely, or in full agreement. traffic The movement of vehicles and people along roads and in public areas; often used in LA to refer to congestion. traffic hum The continuous, low, indistinct sound produced by distant or widespread vehicle movement. traffic permitting If traffic conditions allow; implying that travel time is heavily dependent on congestion, a common consideration in LA. tubular Excellent, cool, awesome, especially good (derived from the perfect 'tube' wave in surfing). Union Station The main railway station in Los Angeles, a major transportation hub and historic landmark. valet parking A service where an attendant parks your car for you, common at upscale establishments and busy venues in LA. valid Legitimate, reasonable, or acceptable; expressing agreement or affirmation. Valley Girl A stereotype originating from the San Fernando Valley, referring to a young woman perceived as materialistic, superficial, and speaking with a distinct vocal fry and upward inflection. velvet rope A metaphorical barrier signifying exclusivity and strict entry requirements at a club or event. Venice A bohemian coastal neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its iconic boardwalk, canals, and unique artistic spirit. Venice Beach A famous beachfront neighborhood in Los Angeles, known for its vibrant boardwalk, street performers, Muscle Beach, and canals. vibe The atmosphere, mood, or feeling of a place, person, or situation (short for vibrations). vintage Clothing, accessories, or other items that are at least 20 years old and representative of a particular era, often valued for their style, quality, or rarity. vintage tee A T-shirt from a previous era, often sought after for its retro style, unique design, or rarity. Walk of Fame A series of stars embedded in the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, honoring achievements in the entertainment industry. WeHo West Hollywood west is best A proud assertion of preference for the Westside of Los Angeles (or more broadly, the West Coast), implying superiority over other areas. wilding Behaving in an uncontrolled, crazy, or overly energetic manner; acting out.