Louisiana Slang Words And Phrases – 22 Most Popular Ones!

Slang words of any region or culture represent a unique way of expressing emotions, feelings, and ideas. Louisiana slang words and phrases are no different!

Louisiana slang has been around for centuries and has evolved as the state’s cultural influences have changed. Here are a few Louisiana staples you should know

Louisiana Slang Words And Phrases

Louisiana has its dialect, and it can be hard to understand the locals if you’re not from Louisiana.

Common Louisiana slang words include “choupique” which means catfish, “tout de suite,” meaning right away or immediately; and “gris-gris,” which is a form of Voodoo.

Louisiana slang has also made its way into everyday English, as Louisiana is the birthplace of jazz and many other musical genres.

So phrases like “pass a good time” and “laissez les bons temps rouler” is commonplace in Louisiana. Louisiana slang is fun to listen to and even better to use.

So if you’re ever in Louisiana, make sure you brush up on your Louisiana slang words so that the locals know you’re one of them.

Louisiana slang words and phrases will make your Louisiana experience even more memorable.

So, get ready to learn some Louisiana lingo so that you can fit right in with the locals! Bonne chance et bon voyage!

22 Popular Louisiana Slang Words And Phrases

Louisiana slang is a unique blend of different cultural influences.

Louisiana has been home to many different cultures over the centuries, which has helped create the Louisiana slang you hear today.

Louisiana slang contains French, Spanish, African American Vernacular English (AAVE), and Louisiana Creole elements.

Louisiana’s diverse culture and history have created a vibrant language full of Louisiana slang words and phrases!

Louisiana slang can range from descriptive words to playful phrases expressing joy and excitement.

Louisiana has a rich language full of colorful expressions. Here are some common Louisiana slang words and phrases that you might hear around the state:

1. Lagniappe:

Louisiana’s version of “something extra“. Louisiana is known for its generous spirit; lagniappe is a perfect example.

The term was derived from Louisiana French and loosely translates to “a little something extra.”

For example, if you ordered a sandwich and the shop owner threw in a free cookie, that’s lagniappe. The term can also be used when referring to a bonus or unexpected gift.

2. Choot:

Louisiana’s version of “no way!” This exclamation is used in response to something unbelievable or outrageous.

For example, if you heard that Louisiana had the best jambalaya in the world, you might respond with “choot!”

Louisiana is known for its vibrant culture and lively people, so it only makes sense that we’d have our own way of expressing disbelief.

3. Cher:

A term of endearment meaning “dear.” Louisiana is a state known for its Southern charm and hospitality, and cher is the perfect example of that.

When someone calls you “cher,” it means they think fondly of you. The term can also be used instead of “honey” or “sweetheart.”

4. Tee-tot:

A Louisiana slang word meaning “just a little bit.” This phrase expresses small amounts, like a few drops of hot sauce on your jambalaya.

For example, you could say, “I need a tee-tot of hot sauce on my jambalaya.” Louisiana folks know the importance of seasoning their food.

The term can also be used to express a small amount of something else, like time or money.

5. Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler:

A Louisiana phrase that translates to “let the good times roll.” This phrase is often shouted at Louisiana festivals and events as an expression of joy and anticipation.

It encourages people to have fun and enjoy themselves. Louisiana is known for its lively culture, and Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler captures that spirit perfectly.

6. Cajun Christmas:

“Cajun Christmas” is a Louisiana term to describe the holiday season.

It’s used to express how Louisiana folks are especially festive during this time of year, decorating their homes with lights, attending parades, and hosting parties.

For Example, Louisiana families often have a Cajun Christmas dinner, where they enjoy Louisiana dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya.

Cajun Christmas is a Louisiana original and one of the state’s most unique phrases!

7. Gator Bait:

A Louisiana phrase used to describe someone who is particularly attractive or appealing.

Typically, this phrase is used by Louisiana locals to flirt with someone they find attractive.

For example, a Louisiana local might say to someone they have their eye on, “you’re sure gator bait!”. In addition, it is often used as a term of endearment.

8. Poche:

A Louisiana phrase used to refer to something as being small or insignificant. It is commonly used in Louisiana when talking about the size of an object or person.

For example, if someone sees a particularly tiny dog, they might say, “that pup is sure poche!”.

The term is derived from the Louisiana French word for a pocket.

9. Choupique:

Another Louisiana phrase used to describe something as being bad or unpleasant. It can be used to refer to a person, place, or thing.

For example, if someone is unhappy with their meal at a restaurant, they might say, “this food is choupique”.

The term is derived from the Louisiana French word for a fish that is known to be bad tasting.

10. Couyon:

A Louisiana term used to refer to someone as being foolish or naive. It can also be used as an expression of surprise or disbelief.

For example, you might say, “you really did that? That’s couyon!” The term is derived from the Louisiana French word for a small bird that is known to be easily fooled.

11. Gris-gris:

A Louisiana term is used to describe something as being both good and bad simultaneously.

It can be used to refer to a person’s behavior or attitude or any situation in which there are mixed emotions.

For example, if someone hears both praise and criticism for a job they did, they might say, “it’s a gris-gris situation.”

The term is derived from Louisiana French word meaning ‘charm‘.

12. Zydeco:

This Louisiana term refers to a type of music that combines elements of blues and folk music, as well as Louisiana Creole and French influences.

The term is believed to be a Louisiana French interpretation of the phrase “Les haricots,” which means beans.

13. Red Stick:

A nickname for the Louisiana city of Baton Rouge, which translates to “red stick” in French.

This term dates back centuries when Native Americans used sticks as boundary markers, and Louisiana’s capital had a particular red stick, distinguishing it from other cities.

Louisiana locals are very proud of this nickname, so don’t be surprised if you hear it frequently!

14. Cajun:

Louisiana locals often refer to themselves as Cajuns, which is an acronym for “Acadians“.

This is a reference to the French-speaking immigrants who were expelled from Canada and settled in the Louisiana area.

Many Louisiana citizens are of Cajun descent, so you’ll likely hear this term a lot during your stay.

15. T’weren’t:

This Louisiana slang term means “it wasn’t,” and it’s used to express disbelief.

You might hear Louisiana locals say this phrase when they find out something crazy happened that they can’t believe!

So, for example, if someone tells you a wild story about what happened at the bar last night, you could respond with, “T’weren’t!”

16. Fais Do-Do:

Louisiana’s French settlers made this phrase famous. It means “go to sleep” and is often used in reference to Cajun dances called fais do-dos.

The term can also be used for the afterparty following a dance.

For example, instead of saying, “we’re going to a party,” Louisiana natives may say, “on va aller au fais do-do!”

17. L’araignée:

This term is used to describe Louisiana’s iconic long-legged spiders.

Louisiana natives often use this phrase when discussing the state’s unique wildlife and rich cultural heritage.

For example, Louisiana natives might say something like, “Le fais do-do last night was so much fun. J’ai vu une l’araignée!”

18. Chez Moi:

This Louisiana slang phrase literally translates to “my house” and can refer to the residence of yourself or someone else.

Louisiana natives often use this phrase when referencing their own homes, as well as when referring to social gatherings.

For example, Louisiana natives might say something like, “Let’s all go chez moi and hang out!” meaning, “Let’s all go to my house and hang out!”

19. Bayou Bingo:

This Louisiana slang phrase references the popular Louisiana game of Bingo. Louisiana natives often use this phrase when referring to any kind of bingo or gambling event.

For example, Louisiana natives might say something like, “Let’s all go down to the bayou and play some bingo!”

The term can also be used to describe any activity that Louisiana natives find particularly thrilling or exciting.

20. Pass A Good Time:

This Louisiana slang phrase means to have fun and enjoy yourself.

Louisiana natives often use this when referencing social gatherings or activities, as it is an expression of their hospitality and enthusiasm for a good time.

For example, Louisiana natives may say, “We’re gonna pass a good time tonight at the party!”

21. Couillon:

Couillon is Louisiana slang for an awkward person.

Louisiana natives might use this term to describe someone who is clumsy, a bit slow, or just generally inept at carrying out tasks.

For example, if someone were to drop their plate of food at a Louisiana restaurant, they might be referred to as a couillon.

The term can also be used to describe someone who is acting foolishly or irresponsibly.

22. Pain Perdu:

This Louisiana slang term refers to an old-fashioned, Louisiana-style French toast.

It’s made with stale bread that’s fried in butter and covered in a delicious combination of syrup, powdered sugar, and Louisiana spices.

Pain Perdu is a popular Louisiana breakfast treat, often served with homemade fruit syrup or Louisiana cane syrup.

Final Thoughts:

Louisiana slang words and phrases are full of colorful and fun words and phrases that capture the Louisiana spirit.

Not only are many Louisiana slang terms unique to Louisiana, but they also give insight into Louisiana culture and traditions.

Louisiana slang adds flavor to conversations and can make everyday life more enjoyable.

Next time you’re in Louisiana, take some time to learn the local lingo – it’ll come in handy! Louisiana slang is sure to give you a true Louisiana experience.