California is famous not just for its beaches, tech hubs, and movie stars, but also for its vibrant and often hilarious local lingo. Here are some of the funniest and most distinctive phrases you’ll hear only in California, along with their meanings and regional flavor:
Iconic and Funny California Phrases
1. “Hella”
Used almost exclusively in Northern California, especially the Bay Area, “hella” means “very” or “a lot.” Example: “That concert was hella cool!”
2. “The [Freeway Number]”
Southern Californians always put “the” before freeway numbers: “Take the 405 to the 10.” This is so ingrained that it sounds odd to outsiders.
3. “May Gray / June Gloom”
A uniquely SoCal way to describe the cloudy, overcast weather that hits coastal areas in late spring and early summer.
4. “Stoked”
A surfer-born term for being extremely excited. “I’m stoked for the waves today!”
5. “Gnarly”
Originally surf slang, it means something intense, wild, or impressive—good or bad. “That wipeout was gnarly!”
6. “Dude”
While used elsewhere, Californians use “dude” for just about anyone, any situation, and any emotion.
7. “Bomb”
If something is “bomb,” it’s awesome or delicious. “These tacos are bomb!”
8. “Bruh/Bro/Brah”
All variants of “brother,” used to refer to friends or even strangers, often with a laid-back or exasperated tone.
9. “Dip” or “Bounce”
To leave quickly. “This party is lame, let’s dip.”
10. “For sure” / “Legit”
Ways to express agreement or confirm something is real. “That’s legit.” “For sure, I’ll be there.”
11. “No yeah” / “Yeah no”
A confusing but common SoCal way to agree or disagree. “No yeah, I’m coming.” (Yes.) “Yeah no, I’m not going.” (No.)
12. “The Industry”
In LA, this always means the film or television business. “She works in the industry.”
13. “WeHo” / “NoHo”
Short for West Hollywood and North Hollywood, respectively.
14. “Yadadamean”
Bay Area slang for “You know what I mean?”
15. “Hyphy”
Another Bay Area original, meaning overly excited or rowdy. “That party was hyphy!”
16. “Slaps”
If a song “slaps,” it’s really good. “This track slaps.”
17. “Amped”
Super excited or energized. “I’m amped for the show tonight!”
18. “Grom”
A young or beginner surfer or skater. “That grom is learning fast.”
19. “Sun’s out, buns out”
A playful way to announce it’s perfect beach weather.
20. “The ‘Bu”
Short for Malibu, a famous beach city.
Why These Phrases Matter
California’s slang reflects its diverse, laid-back, and trendsetting culture. Whether you’re in NorCal or SoCal, using these phrases will help you blend in, get a laugh, and maybe even make a few new “bros” along the way.
Sources:
- https://www.berlitz.com/blog/california-slang-words
- https://www.reddit.com/r/EnglishLearning/comments/15b0u1y/slang_used_in_california
- https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/language/talk-like-a-californian-10-more-expressions/
- https://shorelight.com/student-stories/a-guide-to-american-slang-words-in-2025/