Trendy English Expressions You Must Know

If you’ve ever wondered what the cool kids are saying in English, or if you’ve come across a word and thought, “What does that even mean?”—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! English is full of trendy expressions, and learning them will make you sound more like a native speaker. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, watching movies, or chatting with people, you’re bound to hear these phrases. Let’s dive into some of the most popular expressions and learn how to use them!

“Chill Guy”

You know that one person who’s always laid-back, calm, and doesn’t stress about anything? Well, they’re probably a “chill guy.” You might hear someone say, “He’s such a chill guy” or “She’s the chillest person I know.” It’s a way to describe someone who’s super relaxed, easy-going, and always in control of their cool.

Example:
“He’s always so calm in stressful situations—he’s such a chill guy.”

*“Chill Guy”, is a digital artwork and internet meme first posted by artist Phillip Banks on Twitter on October 4, 2023. The artwork consists of a dog wearing a grey sweater, blue jeans, and red sneakers, giving off a “chill” expression by smirking with his hands in his pockets. The character has gained popularity on social media as users relate to his cool, calm and collected demeanor.

“Vibe”

You’ve probably heard someone say, “This place has a great vibe!” or “I’m not feeling the vibe.” “Vibe” refers to the mood or feeling of a situation, place, or person. It’s all about how something or someone makes you feel. If you’re hanging out at a cool café, and the music is great, you might say, “This place has a chill vibe.” If you’re not feeling a conversation, you might say, “I’m not really vibing with this.”

Example:
“The party had a great vibe, everyone was dancing and having fun.”

“Flex”

If you’ve seen someone showing off their new sneakers or car, they might be “flexing.” To “flex” means to show off or brag about something, often in a fun, playful way. It’s usually used when someone is proudly displaying something they own or have achieved.

Example:
“He’s always flexing his new phone on Instagram. We get it, it’s expensive.”

“Ghosting”

This one’s a bit mysterious! “Ghosting” happens when someone suddenly stops talking to you without explanation, like they’ve disappeared into thin air. If you’ve ever sent a text and gotten no response… you might have been ghosted. Not the best feeling, right? But it’s definitely a common expression in modern English, especially in the dating world.

Example:
“I thought we were getting along, but then she started ghosting me. I haven’t heard from her in days!”

“Lit”

If something is “lit,” it’s amazing, exciting, or just really great. This is another slang term you’ll often hear when people talk about fun parties, events, or experiences. If you go to a concert that’s full of energy, you might say, “That concert was lit!”

Example:
“Did you see the fireworks last night? They were lit!”

“No Cap”

If you want to say something is true, you might say “no cap.” It’s a way to emphasize that you’re being serious or not lying. So when someone says, “This is no cap,” it means they’re telling the truth. If you want to sound super cool, try adding this to your sentences!

Example:
“I’m telling you, the new movie was amazing—no cap.”

“Throwing Shade”

“Throwing shade” means making a subtle insult or criticizing someone, usually in a very indirect way. If someone says something rude without directly calling someone out, they’re “throwing shade.” It’s not a full-on attack, just a little dig here and there.

Example:
“Did you hear how she threw shade at me during lunch? She didn’t even say my name, but I knew it was about me!”

“Lowkey” and “Highkey”

These two words are super trendy! “Lowkey” means something subtle or not very obvious, while “highkey” means something very obvious or strong. If you’re saying something “lowkey,” you’re keeping it on the down low (secretly or privately). If you say something “highkey,” you’re saying it loud and proud.

Example (Lowkey):
“I lowkey want to skip class today and go to the beach.”
Example (Highkey):
“I highkey love pizza. It’s my favorite food!”

Using trendy English expressions like “chill guy,” “vibe,” “ghosting,” and “lit” is a fun way to sound more like a native speaker and be part of the conversation. As you get more comfortable with these phrases, you’ll notice that your English improves in a natural, cool way.

So, why not start learning these phrases with Cake? It’s the perfect app to help you master trending expressions while you learn real-life English! With Cake’s videos, quizzes, and interactive lessons, you’ll pick up the latest slang and sound like a pro in no time.

>>Download the Cake app now to get started!