United States

American Slang for Approval & Praise

7 American slang terms for approval & praise, each with its meaning, how it is pronounced and an example of it in use.

Words for saying something is good, impressive or exactly right. Nearly every language builds a large vocabulary here, and the words turn over fast — yesterday’s compliment is this year’s cringe.

ate

verb · Informal

Performed or executed something brilliantly. 'She ate that.' Often extended to 'ate and left no crumbs' for a flawless performance.

clutch

adjective · Informal

Coming through exactly when it matters most. Of a person, a play or an object that saves the day at the critical moment.

fire

adjective · Informal

Excellent, outstanding. 'That's fire.'

GOAT

noun · Informal · GOHT, or spelled out

Greatest Of All Time. An acronym, usually of an athlete or musician, and the subject of endless argument.

hits different

phrase · Informal

Affects you in a particular, heightened way — usually because of timing or context rather than the thing itself.

sick

adjective · Informal

Excellent, impressive. Came out of skate and surf culture and is now general, though it reads slightly older than fire or slaps.

Use with care

slaps

verb · Informal

Of music: is excellent. 'This track slaps.' Extended to food and, increasingly, to anything good.