We all have those friends that use words of their own, whether it’s an inside joke or regional slang. You don’t know how serious lingo can get until you have friends from California. Not only do Californians have their own words, but they also pretty much have their own distinct language. After even a few conversations with them I was lost and frustrated. I quickly realized I was never going to understand anything they were talking about unless they caught me up with their Cali slang. If you’re struggling to keep up with your Californian friends, then this might be your beacon of hope.
Bracks/brackin: something that is good
What’s bracks/brackin? (What’s good/crackin?)
Clutch: when someone has something you need to help the situation
I thought I forgot my lighter but I found one in my pocket—it was clutch.
Cruise: to “leave” or “come”
It’s getting pretty late I’m gonna cruise.
Dank: to say something is good
That pizza last night was daaaank.
Heavy: when something is sad or depressing
Man, my dog died.
Bro, I’m sorry. That’s heavy.
Hyphy: term for “hyperactive” or “to go crazy” without inhibition
We’re gonna get hyphy tonight!
Joog: to get something cheap or discounted; when you get the hookup from someone
I got the dro for the joog.
Lope: when it’s safe to do something; it’s cool
We can drink here, it’s lope.
Mish: short for mission; to go on a trip
We’re boutta go mish to San Francisco.
Mob: to go somewhere quickly usually by foot, bike, or skateboard
We should mob over to that party soon.
Steez: stee for short; how you look or someone’s style
That guy’s got mad stee(z).
Gritter: grit for short; slang for cigarette
Dude can I bum a gritter?
Stogey: stoge for short; slang for cigarette
Damn, I only have one stogey left.
Swoop: to steal, often referring to girls
She told me she has a boyfriend but I’m still tryna swoop.