45 California Sayings to Get Stoked About Right Now
Welcome to the Golden State of linguistic delights with 45 California sayings to get stoked about – right now! While some have been around for years and others are fairly new, the words blend seamlessly in the West Coast lexicon.
Having called California home since 2003, I’ve picked up a saying or two – in this case, forty-five sayings – living in this beautiful state. While I am not a native, many of my friends are, and honestly, this is how most of them talk… and I love it!
Plus, if you’re in Sacramento like me, there’s a special treat – the last nine gems in this list are as solid as the gold paint on the Tower Bridge!
Are you ready? Bust out your hiking shoes and let’s climb this hill of California lingo together! 🌴🤙
Table of Contents
45 California Sayings to Get Stoked About Right Now
1. Amped
Excited or pumped up. “I’m so amped for the show at the Fillmore tonight, it’s gonna be awesome.”
2. Bail
To leave abruptly or cancel plans. “Dude, I have to bail on dinner tonight, something came up.”
3. Bomb
Excellent or outstanding, also The Bomb. “That burrito was bomb! I could totally eat another one.”
4. Bounce
Similar to bail, but with a bit more energy, often indicating leaving quickly. “We better bounce if we want to catch the sunset at the beach.”
5. Bro, brah, bruh
Different ways to say the same term for camaraderie between friends, typically males. “What’s up, bro? Ready to head out?” “Yeah, brah, let’s go.”
6. Deep
Profound or meaningful. “That conversation got pretty deep, but it was good to talk about it.”
7. Dope
Another term for cool or awesome. “Your new haircut looks dope!”
8. Down
Willing or enthusiastic about something. “Are you down for tacos?” “Absolutely!”
9. Dude
A versatile term often used to address someone casually or express excitement. “Dude, did you see the Malossi kit on his Lambretta?”
10. For real
An expression of sincerity or confirmation. “For real, I’m super stoked we’re going on this road trip.”
11. For sure
A confirmation or agreement, similar to definitely or absolutely. “Are you coming to the Republic game tonight?” “For sure, wouldn’t miss it!”
12. Gnarly
Extreme or intense, often used to describe waves or situations. “Did you see that wipeout? It was gnarly!”
13. Grom
A young or inexperienced surfer, typically a kid. “That grom is getting better every time I see him out on the waves.”
14. Hecka
Similar to Hella, but a slightly less intense, PG-13 version. “I’m hecka tired after that hike to Mori Point, but it was worth it.”
15. Heavy
Intense or emotionally impactful. “My girlfriend keeps getting all heavy. I love her but I want to keep it light.”
16. Hella
A lot or very much, often used for emphasis. “It’s hella crowded at Amoeba, let’s come back later.”
17. Hot as Balls
Used to describe extremely hot weather. “Dude! Have you been outside? It’s hot as balls!”
18. Holla
Slang for calling out or getting someone’s attention. “If you need anything, just holla, I’ll be right over.”
19. Holla back
Similar to holla, but used to reply. “Dude, I got you, holla back if you need me.”
20. Hollon
A term mostly used when texting, a loose way to tell someone to hold on. “Hollon, let me grab my jacket.”
21. Kicks
Stylish shoes, typically sneakers or athletic types. “Those Vans are rad, dude, sweet kicks.”
22. Kick some down
To share something, to pass along extra. “If my cat’s looking for kibble, can you kick some down to her while I’m gone?”
23. Legit
Short for legitimate, meaning something genuine or authentic. “His coding skills are legit, he’s been doing it since he was a kid.”
24. Like
A filler word used in conversation, similar to “um” or “uh,” or as a way to emphasize a point. “He was like, ‘Let’s go surfing,’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, totally!'”
25. No yeah
Contrary to what might be expected; a way of disagreeing or expressing disbelief. “No yeah, I don’t think I’ll be able to make it to the party tonight.”
26. NorCal
Slang for Northern California, encompassing areas like the Bay Area and beyond. “I’m heading up to NorCal this weekend to catch some waves in Santa Cruz.”
28. Pretty Stoney
Used to describe something relaxed, mellow, or chill. “That beach bonfire was pretty stoney, just sitting there watching the waves.”
27. Pumped
To be excited or enthusiastic about something. “I’m totally pumped about the camping scooter rally in Eureka!”
29. Rad
Short for radical, meaning excellent or impressive. “Her artwork is so rad, I could stare at it for hours.”
30. Rock
To wear or sport something. “She rocks that macrame dress she got at the boutique in Monterey.”
31. Scoop or scoop by
To pick someone up or give them a ride. “Can you scoop by me on your way to get coffee?”
32. Sick
Cool or awesome. “That new skate park is sick, let’s check it out.”
33. Sketchy
Suspicious or untrustworthy. “She moved to a new place and the area is kind of sketchy.”
34. SoCal
Short for Southern California, representing places like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County. “The weather in SoCal is always perfect for a beach day.”
35. Stoked
Excited or thrilled about something. “I’m stoked we’re going to Half Moon Bay, it’s gonna be epic.”
36. Swag
Extra items, sometimes provided as part of a promotional event. “Dude, check out this rad Stüssy swag I picked up at Fog Fest!”
37. Delta Breeze
Refers to the cooling breeze that comes off the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and provides relief from hot temperatures in the Sacramento Valley. “You feel that Delta Breeze ripping?” “Heck yes!”
38. Janky
A hybrid of the words junky and skanky, janky in Sacramento means original, unique, or eclectic. “Can you get me one of those classic ‘Keep Midtown Janky’ bumper stickers?”
39. Old Sac
Short for Old Sacramento, a historic district in Sacramento, with storefronts reminiscent of the gold mining days and the Wild West. “Let’s head over to Old Sac and hit up Candy Heaven.”
40. Placer
Pronounced /plah-sir/, short for Placer County, a conservative county in Northern California known for its scenic beauty. “We’re heading up for dinner at The Smith Flat House in Placer.”
41. The Claw
A large, shovel-scoop-like tractor that works the streets in The City of Trees during the Fall. “Bob’s Lincoln Continental was parked in the street and got nicked by The Claw!”
42. The Delta
The area surrounding the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region in Northern California. “We’re planning a vintage scooter ride along the Delta.”
43. The Grid
Refers to the street grid system in cities like Sacramento, characterized by numbered and lettered streets. “Navigating the grid is easy once you get the hang of it.”
44. The Sierras
Short for the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. “Dude! Let’s snowboard in the Sierras next weekend!”
45. West Sac
Slang for West Sacramento, a city in Yolo County, California, located across the Sacramento River from downtown Sacramento. “Have you been to the IKEA in West Sac?”
Wrap Up
So there you have it! Did you recognize any of these 45 California sayings to get stoked about right now? Did you laugh at the legendary phrases, or pick up a few new ones to sprinkle into your conversation?
Whether you’re ready to brew up some bomb kombucha or kick down some Diamond nuts to the squirrels, these words are your passport to the Golden State.
Are you feeling inspired? Why not come and experience it all firsthand? From the stunning coastlines to the bustling cities, it’s always a great time to visit California.
So schedule some vacay, pack your bags, and prepare to make some pretty stoney memories! 🌞✌️
Some of My Favorite Companies to use for Travel Planning
Here are some of my favorite companies where you can find information, score great deals, and take the stress out of travel planning. These are affiliate links, which means that if you take action on a link, such as book accommodations, rent a car, or buy products through the link posted, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!
- Book the best flight! CheapOair.com has great flights and is easy to use
- Enjoy your stay! Booking.com offers great deals on BnBs, hotels, houses, and single-room stays, from Eureka to San Diego!
- Don’t be hostile! Book a hostel. HostelWorld.com offers a great alternative to hotels worldwide. You can even stay in hostel lighthouses near Pescadero!
- Find unique things to do and see! Use Viator or Get Your Guide for the best tours and experiences – California has tons of fun things to do and see!
- Lounge in style! Priority Pass offers a membership with access to over 1,400 VIP lounges, including my favorite California airports, SAN, SFO, and SAN!