Washington is known for its unique culture, including Washington slang words and phrases you may not hear anywhere else.
Many Washington locals appreciate the opportunity to show off their regional style by working Washington slang into normal conversation.
14 Most Common Washington Slang Words And Phrases!
Washington natives are known for having their special vocabulary, consisting of slang words and phrases that give a unique flavor to everyday conversations.
Welcome to the strange and wonderful world of Washington’s Glossary of Terms! For instance, “sketchy” can mean something suspicious or questionable.
And then there’s “Jebooty” which is versatile enough to describe things as awesomely cool or completely horrendous, depending on the context!
In addition to that, some of the more common phrases used in Washington are given;
1. Gonna – Going To:
Washington natives are known for using unique slang words and phrases, one of the most well-known being “gonna” or “going to“.
Additionally, Washingtonians have an alternate connotation when they refer to “while this.”
People living in Washington state often use the word “gonna” differently than others. For example, they might say it louder or more emphatically, as if telling someone to do something.
In Washington slang, “gonna” can be heard frequently everywhere, from grocery stores to Washington State University campuses.
2. Bout It, Bout It – I’m About It, I’m All In:
Washington slang is about making a concise statement that gets straight to the point.
If someone says, “bout it, bout it – I’m about it, I’m all in,” they say there isn’t any grey area for them; they are fully in and don’t care about anything else.
Washingtonians use this phrase to display a sense of loyalty and commitment to an idea or concept, representing initiative and dedication no matter what it takes.
Commonly used in sports contexts, Washington slang communicates empowerment and strength that only Washington natives can truly understand.
3. All The Way – To The Fullest Extent Or Degree:
One particularly popular Washington phrase is ‘all the way’, which means to do something to the fullest extent or degree.
Washingtonians love to see someone fully committing themselves to whatever they want, whether making a decision or taking on a challenge.
To them, ‘all the way‘ isn’t just an expression – it’s a way of life. The sentiment behind it may be simple, but Washington state natives put its meaning into action daily.
Washington’s commitment to excellence sets it apart and makes it so special.
4. Dawg – Friend Or Acquaintance:
Washington’s unique slang words and phrases have become a part of the Washington culture, no more than the term ‘Dawg‘.
This phrase has become integral to the Washingtonian lexicon, and its meaning is hard to pinpoint.
The term “generally” alludes to something that occurs more often than not, while the expression “acquaintance” denotes someone you are familiar with but do not know well.
Washington wouldn’t be Washington without this wonderful word, which explains why it continues to be popular among Washingtonians today.
5. Bruh/Sis – Brother Or Sister:
Bruh and Sis are Washington slang words that refer to a brother or sister. Though they sound informal, they can be said with love used in an endearing way to address someone who is like family.
Both terms have grown in popularity over the years and are often used in place of other Washington slang words and phrases such as bro, homie, or cuz.
If someone refers to you as Bruh or Sis, they may be trying to express the bonds that you share as a real brother or sister would.
6. Grunge – A Type Of Rock Music:
Grunge is rock music that originated in Washington in the late 80s. It is characterized by distorted electric guitar rhythms and singing featuring Washington slang words and phrases.
Bands such as Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana are known for popularizing grunge music heavily inspired by punk and metal bands.
Its “sludgy” sound came from slowing down metal riffs to give them a slower tempo creating a unique heavy-hitting sound.
Grunge music has been praised for finding its distinct style in the alternative music scene, which continues to be heard today!
7. Jaunt – A Short Trip:
If you are visiting Washington, you may hear people from there say “jaunt” to refer to a short trip. This Washington slang term describes outings that may take less than one day or last multiple days.
A jaunt is an adventure to explore something new with friends and family. This could be something like a hiking trail or a local art exhibit.
So if you’re in Washington and you hear someone suggest going on a jaunt, don’t think of it as a chore – grab your friends and check out what new sights await!
8. Poodle Skirt – A Flared Skirt Popular In The 1950s:
The iconic poodle skirt of the 1950s is one of the decade’s most enduring fashion statements. It was one of Washington’s slang words and phrases of its day, often heard in diners and malt shops around town.
This skirt hangs down softly just below the knees. The original poodle skirt was usually made from felt fabric and decorated with appliqué designs such as poodles, stars, or chevrons.
While it has evolved into various styles, this fun fad remains an important part of Washington, DC’s texture today.
9. Nifty – Cool Or Great:
Washington’s slang is not for the faint of heart! One of their favorite terms is “nifty,” which has several meanings. Most of the time, people use the word “nifty” to describe something cool or great.
For example, you might say that the last book you read was nifty. Or if your friend has a new outfit you like, you could say it looks nifty.
If someone from Washington tells you they think something is nifty, they like it.
While its meaning has slightly evolved and can be used sarcastically to express annoyance at ordinary things, nifty is still an integral part of Washington culture.
10. Seattle Freeze – Unfriendly To Newcomers:
“Seattle Freeze” is Washington slang for the tendency of people in Seattle to be cool and unapproachable towards newcomers.
Those from the city often take some time warming up to those new to the area, as they initially may put their guard up.
In most cases, it isn’t meant maliciously or purposefully but instead comes from a desire to protect their personal space and ensure comfortability with familiar people.
However, once you get to know them, Seattleites can be some of the nicest, most welcoming people.
11. Goofy – Strange Or Weird:
Goofy has become a Washington slang word that could be interpreted as either strange or weird. It originated as different iterations of the term’ goofball.’
In Washington, the term often describes someone engaging in silly behavior or doing something noticeably strange or stupid.
Another related Washington slang phrase is ‘Geekin’ which means to act wild and outrageous. Goofy and Geekin are fun expressions that capture Washington culture without being derogatory or insulting.
12. Wigged Out – Crazy Or Panicked:
If you’re feeling “wigged out,” then Washington’s the place to be! Washington has its own unique set of lingo and expressions that you’ll hear on any given day.
The phrase, wigged out, can mean being very scared or crazy. Either way, Washington has got you covered.
It is one of those slang terms Washingtonians use to describe an outburst of craziness and mayhem.
Next time you find yourself wigged out, take a deep breath and remember there’s always a Washington phrase for your feelings.
13. Ditch – To Leave Someone Or Something Behind:
The term “ditch” has distinct meanings in Washington State when used as Washington slang words and phrases.
When we say “ditch,” it means completely ignoring and abandoning someone or something without considering their needs.
To ditch someone is not the same thing as parting ways, which implies that both parties have mutually agreed to part.
You leave them behind without considering their feelings when you ditch someone or something. It is a mean thing to do that often makes people feel bad.
14. Hitting The Sauce – Drinking Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol is often referred to in Washington slang as ‘hitting the sauce’. It’s a phrase that speaks of the fun, friendly side to drinking, paired with an undertone of occasional recklessness.
However, it’s important to remember that alcohol consumption should always be done in moderation – taking care not to become too reckless with our health and wallets!
Alcoholic beverages can easily add up and cause financial hardship if drunk excessively and becoming overly intoxicated can lead to dangerous situations or even long-term health issues.
So remember to enjoy responsibly the next time you plan on ‘hitting the sauce‘.
Conclusion:
Washington slang words and phrases are an important part of the Evergreen State’s culture, helping to connect Washingtonians.
These terms capture Washington’s unique experiences and offer a common language within this diverse geographical region.
Washington slang can be understood regardless of age, location, or economic background, allowing the Washington community to come together while celebrating their homegrown dialect.
Washington slang reflects the Washingtonian culture and marks a true sense of belonging for those who call the state home.
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