25 Local Sayings & Phrases You’ll Hear in Los Angeles

When you step into Los Angeles, the local lingo hits you like a wave. You’ll hear phrases that capture the city’s essence, from casual greetings to expressions of style and attitude. Each saying reflects the diverse culture and social dynamics of LA. Curious about what “on fleek” really means or why “woke” is more than just a buzzword? Let’s explore these intriguing phrases that shape conversations in the City of Angels.

What’s the 411?

What’s the latest buzz? You’ll want to tune into local gossip, where the streets hum with whispers and insider truths.

LA thrives on its vibrant information sources, from coffee shop chatter to social media threads.

When you ask, “What’s the 411?”, you’re diving into a world where stories unfold, connections spark, and you discover the pulse of this diverse city.

Hella

Hella is one of those quintessential West Coast phrases that effortlessly captures the essence of LA’s laid-back vibe.

You’ll hear it often, whether someone’s talking about hella chill beach days or hella vibes at a local café.

It’s a versatile term, adding emphasis and energy to your conversations.

Using “hella” just makes everything feel more authentic and connected to the unique culture of Los Angeles.

The Valley

If you’re exploring the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles, The Valley offers a distinct flavor that contrasts with the bustling city life.

You’ll find a vibrant mix of Valley culture, from laid-back hangouts to local art scenes. Embrace Valley slang like “totally” and “like,” which add a playful twist to conversations.

Immerse yourself, and you’ll discover a unique sense of community that’s unmistakably its own.

On Fleek

In the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles slang, “on fleek” stands out as a phrase that captures the essence of perfection and style.

You’ll hear it when someone’s outfit, makeup, or hair is absolutely flawless, often showcased on social media.

As fashion trends evolve, this term remains a go-to compliment, perfectly encapsulating that effortlessly chic vibe LA is famous for.

Chill

While you’re steering through the laid-back lifestyle of Los Angeles, you’ll quickly discover that “chill” is more than just a word—it’s a way of life.

Embracing chill vibes is essential here; whether you’re lounging at the beach or grabbing coffee with friends, it’s all about taking a moment to relax and chill out.

In LA, staying cool is the ultimate goal.

Bail

Chill vibes might be the norm, but sometimes you just need to bail.

Whether it’s an unexpected situation or a late-night party gone wrong, you might find yourself needing bail bonds.

Los Angeles is buzzing with discussions about bail reform, aiming to make the system fairer.

Ghosting

When you’ve been left on read, it’s hard not to feel the sting of ghosting.

In LA, ghosting culture thrives, leaving you questioning every interaction.

Watch for these ghosting signs:

• Sudden silence in conversations
• A lack of enthusiasm in texts
• Unanswered calls
• Ignored plans

Understanding these cues can help you navigate the unpredictable waters of relationships in this vibrant city.

Bougie

In the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, the term “bougie” has evolved into a badge of honor for many.

You’ll find yourself enjoying a bougie brunch, sipping artisanal lattes while surrounded by trendy decor and stylish patrons.

Embracing a bougie lifestyle means indulging in the finer things, from gourmet dining to curated experiences, showcasing your appreciation for life’s little luxuries.

Cray-cray

Los Angeles is a city where the term “cray-cray” perfectly captures the wild, unpredictable spirit of life here.

Its origins trace back to playful slang, and it’s become a staple among Angelenos.

You’ll hear it used to describe:

• Outrageous situations
• Eccentric people
• Unexpected events
• Wild parties

Understanding cray cray meanings helps you embrace the chaos and excitement of L.A. life!

No Worries

Embracing the laid-back vibe of Los Angeles often means adopting the mantra “no worries.”

This phrase effortlessly captures the city’s chill attitude, where stress seems to melt away in the warm California sun.

It’s a casual reassurance that reflects the cultural context of LA, reminding you to let go of life’s little stresses and enjoy the moment.

After all, it’s all about balance.

Salty

Life in LA isn’t just about relaxation; it’s also sprinkled with a bit of sass, often captured in the term “salty.”

This word describes a playful, sometimes sarcastic attitude that permeates conversations, especially when someone’s feeling a bit irked or annoyed.

You might hear it in reference to:

• Salty snacks at parties
• A friend’s salty attitude
• Mildly irritated comments
• Playful banter among pals

Vibes

When you step into a gathering in Los Angeles, you immediately pick up on the unique vibes that fill the air, as if the city itself is throwing a party.

You’ll feel the good vibes radiating from every corner, infused with positive energy. Conversations flow effortlessly, laughter rings out, and you can’t help but get swept up in the infectious spirit of the moment.

Flex

In the heart of Los Angeles, flexing isn’t just about showcasing your muscles; it’s a way of life that embodies confidence and self-expression.

Embracing the flex culture, you’ll find people:

• Flaunting unique fashion
• Sharing bold opinions
• Displaying creative talents
• Celebrating individualism

This flex lifestyle encourages you to stand out, inspiring authenticity and a sense of community.

It’s all about owning who you are!

Sick

Flexing your individuality in Los Angeles often leads to another local expression: “sick.”

It’s not just a term for feeling under the weather; here, it’s a badge of honor that signifies something impressive or exciting.

In the vibrant sick culture, you’ll hear this sick slang tossed around, whether it’s about a killer art show or a jaw-dropping surf day.

Embrace it.

Cali

Cali isn’t just a place; it’s a state of mind that embodies the laid-back, sun-soaked lifestyle that many dream about.

Embracing California culture and the West Coast lifestyle means you’ll encounter:

• Endless beach days
• Vibrant street art
• Tasty food trucks
• Epic sunsets

Living in Cali transforms you, inviting you to savor each moment and appreciate the beauty surrounding you.

Low-key

How does one capture the essence of Los Angeles without the glitz and glamour?

Embracing a low-key lifestyle reveals the city’s hidden charm. It’s all about those low-key vibes—chilling at a local café, enjoying sunset views without the crowds, or discovering tucked-away art installations.

In L.A., sometimes the best experiences are the simplest, where authenticity shines brighter than any Hollywood spotlight.

High-key

While low-key moments offer a serene glimpse into L.A.’s soul, the city also thrives on high-key energy that electrifies its vibrant culture.

You’ll feel it in the air during high-key moments, where excitement reigns supreme.

Expect to experience:

• Bold street art
• Lively music festivals
• Trendy rooftop parties
• Star-studded premieres

These high-key vibes are what make L.A. unforgettable and exhilarating!

FOMO

In a city that never sleeps, FOMO—fear of missing out—runs rampant, driving Angelenos to chase the next big event or happening.

This cultural phenomenon fuels your social anxiety, pushing you to participate in every trending gathering.

In the digital age, scrolling through social media only intensifies this fear, making urban lifestyle choices feel like a race against time.

Don’t let FOMO consume you!

Shade

The term “shade” captures a unique essence of Los Angeles culture, where subtlety meets sass in social interactions.

You’ll experience the art of shade throwing, revealing the playful side of shade culture.

Here are some classic examples:

• “Did you see her outfit?”
• “Bless your heart.”
• “That’s a choice.”
• “I’m not saying you’re wrong…”

In LA, it’s all in the delivery!

Slay

After you’ve navigated the subtleties of shade, you can’t help but notice the undeniable vibe of “slay” that permeates LA’s social scene.

When someone embodies confidence and style, they’re a slay queen, effortlessly turning heads.

Whether it’s a killer outfit or nailing slay goals, you’ll find inspiration everywhere.

This vibrant energy fuels the city’s creativity, making you want to join in and shine.

Throwing Shade

Shade-throwing is an art form in Los Angeles, where subtlety and wit combine to create a unique social dynamic.

You’ll quickly pick up on this skill, mastering the nuances of throwing shade and delivering subtle insults without causing an uproar.

Here’s what to look for:

• Sarcastic compliments
• Understated remarks
• Elevated eyebrows
• Ironic laughter

Woke

In the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, being “woke” has become a badge of honor, signaling a heightened awareness of social issues and cultural sensitivities.

You’ll notice conversations buzzing with social consciousness, where cultural awareness shapes perspectives.

Embracing this mindset, you find yourself more attuned to the struggles and triumphs of diverse communities, fostering a deeper connection with those around you.

Ripped

A common sight in Los Angeles is the term “ripped” being tossed around in both fitness circles and casual conversations.

You might hear it in reference to:

• Ripped muscles flexing at the gym
• Ripped jeans as a trendy fashion statement
• Ripped abs showcased on social media
• Ripped workouts that push your limits

Embracing this lingo connects you to the vibrant culture of LA!