Top 53 Slang For Beginning – Meaning & Usage

Starting out in a new environment can sometimes feel like you’re in a foreign land, especially when it comes to understanding the slang and jargon that are unique to that space. Whether you’re a newbie or just trying to catch up with the latest lingo, we’ve got you covered. Our team has compiled a list of the most essential and commonly used slang for beginners, so you can confidently navigate your way through any conversation and feel like a pro in no time. Get ready to level up your slang game!

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1. Commencement

This refers to the beginning or start of something, often used in formal or ceremonial contexts. “Commencement” is commonly used to describe graduation ceremonies.

For example, “The commencement of the project was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony.”
A university might announce, “The commencement ceremony will be held on June 1st.”
A speaker at a graduation might say, “Congratulations to the graduates on this momentous commencement.”

2. Dawn

The time of day when the sun begins to rise and daylight starts. “Dawn” is often used metaphorically to represent the beginning of something or a new era.

For instance, “The dawn of a new day brings hope and possibilities.”
A writer might describe a character’s journey by saying, “At the dawn of his career, he faced many challenges.”
A poet might use the phrase, “The dawn of love” to describe the beginning of a romantic relationship.

3. Genesis

This refers to the beginning or origin of something, often used in a religious or mythological context. “Genesis” is commonly associated with the first book of the Bible, which describes the creation of the world.

For example, “The genesis of the company can be traced back to a small garage.”
A historian might study the genesis of a conflict to understand its root causes.
A scientist might discuss the genesis of a new species through evolution.

4. Birth

The process of bringing a baby into the world. “Birth” can also be used metaphorically to describe the beginning or creation of something.

For instance, “The birth of a new idea can lead to groundbreaking innovations.”
A parent might say, “The birth of my child was the happiest moment of my life.”
A writer might describe a character’s transformation by saying, “Her journey led to the birth of a new identity.”

5. Infancy

The early stage of life, typically referring to the first few years after birth. “Infancy” can also be used metaphorically to describe the beginning or early stage of something.

For example, “The infancy of a business is often marked by financial challenges.”
A researcher might study the development of cognitive abilities during infancy.
A writer might describe a character’s innocence and vulnerability during their infancy.

6. Onset

The beginning or start of something. “Onset” is often used to describe the initial stage or phase of a process or event.

For example, in a conversation about a new project, someone might say, “We’re still in the onset stage, so there’s a lot of planning to do.”
In a discussion about a medical condition, a doctor might explain, “The onset of symptoms typically occurs within 24 hours after exposure.”
A person describing their experience with a new hobby might say, “I’m just at the onset of my journey, but I’m already hooked.”

7. Alpha

Derived from the Greek alphabet, “alpha” is often used to signify the first or initial version of something.

For instance, in software development, a programmer might say, “We’re currently testing the alpha version of the new app.”
In a discussion about a book series, a fan might mention, “I’ve been following the story since the alpha release.”
A person describing their role in a project might say, “I’m part of the alpha team, responsible for setting the foundation.”

8. Outset

Refers to the beginning or start of something, similar to “onset.” “Outset” often emphasizes the initial phase or moment of an event or process.

For example, in a conversation about a new job, someone might say, “I’m excited to be at the outset of my career.”
In a discussion about a relationship, a person might reflect, “At the outset, we had no idea where our journey would take us.”
A person describing a challenging situation might say, “I faced multiple obstacles right from the outset.”

9. Origination

The act or process of creating or starting something. “Origination” often refers to the initial concept or idea behind something.

For instance, in a discussion about a business, someone might say, “The origination of this company began with a simple vision.”
In a conversation about a scientific theory, a researcher might explain, “Understanding the origination of this phenomenon is crucial for further study.”
A person describing their artistic process might say, “I often find inspiration in the origination of a new project.”

10. Incipiency

Refers to the early stage or beginning of something, especially a process or development. “Incipiency” often emphasizes the initial or nascent state of an event or phenomenon.

For example, in a discussion about a technology trend, someone might say, “We’re witnessing the incipiency of a new era.”
In a conversation about a social movement, a person might reflect, “The incipiency of change can be both exciting and uncertain.”
A person describing their career path might say, “I’m still in the incipiency stage, exploring different opportunities.”

11. Nascence

Nascence refers to the act or process of being born or coming into existence. It is often used metaphorically to describe the beginning or origin of something.

For example, “The nascence of a new era in technology brought about significant advancements.”
In a philosophical discussion, one might say, “The nascence of life is a profound mystery.”
A poet might write, “In the nascence of the morning, the world awakens with possibility.”

12. Incipience

Incipience is the state or quality of being in an early stage or beginning. It is often used to describe the initial phase of something.

For instance, “The incipience of a relationship is filled with excitement and uncertainty.”
In a business context, one might say, “The incipience of a startup requires careful planning and resource allocation.”
A writer might describe a character’s journey as “the incipience of their transformation.”

13. Founding

Founding refers to the act of establishing or creating something, usually an organization or institution. It is often used to describe the early stages of development.

For example, “The founding of the company laid the groundwork for its future success.”
In a historical context, one might discuss “the founding of a nation.”
A journalist might report on “the founding of a nonprofit organization to address a community need.”

14. Nascency

Nascency is the state or quality of being in the process of emerging or coming into existence. It is often used to describe the early stages of development or growth.

For instance, “The nascency of an idea requires nurturing and support.”
In a scientific context, one might discuss “the nascency of a new field of study.”
A musician might describe “the nascency of their musical career.”

15. Origin

Origin refers to the point or place from which something begins or is derived. It is often used to describe the starting point or source of something.

For example, “The origin of a tradition can often be traced back centuries.”
In a discussion about language, one might explore “the origin of a word.”
A historian might study “the origin of a conflict.”

16. Dawning

Dawning refers to the start or beginning of something. It is often used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a new era or the start of a new phase in life.

For example, “The dawning of the digital age revolutionized the way we communicate.”
A person might say, “I’m excited for the dawning of a new chapter in my life.”
In a discussion about historical events, someone might mention, “The dawning of the Renaissance brought about significant cultural changes.”

17. Opening

Opening refers to the initial stage or the beginning of something. It can be used to describe the start of an event, a business, or a performance.

For instance, “The opening of the new restaurant was highly anticipated.”
A person might say, “I’m nervous about the opening of my art exhibition.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might mention, “The opening of the game set the tone for the entire match.”

18. Emergence

Emergence refers to the act of coming into existence or becoming known or visible. It is often used to describe the beginning or appearance of something new.

For example, “The emergence of social media has transformed the way we connect with others.”
A person might say, “The emergence of a new talent in the music industry is always exciting.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might mention, “The emergence of artificial intelligence has raised ethical concerns.”

19. Baseline

Baseline refers to the starting point or a reference point from which measurements or comparisons are made. It is often used to describe the initial level or standard of something.

For instance, “The baseline for success in this company is meeting monthly sales targets.”
A person might say, “Let’s establish a baseline for our project before making any changes.”
In a discussion about health, someone might mention, “Regular exercise should be the baseline for a healthy lifestyle.”

20. Threshold

Threshold refers to the point or level at which something begins or changes. It is often used to describe the initial stage or the beginning of a new experience or situation.

For example, “The threshold of adulthood is marked by turning 18 years old.”
A person might say, “I’m on the threshold of a new career.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might mention, “The threshold of artificial intelligence becoming mainstream is rapidly approaching.”

21. Git-go

This slang term is used to refer to the start or beginning of something. It is often used to emphasize the early stages or the initial point of an activity or event.

For example, “We knew we were in trouble from the git-go.”
In a conversation about a project, someone might say, “We need to plan everything from the git-go.”
A sports commentator might say, “The team has been struggling since the git-go.”

22. Debut

Debut is a term used to describe the first public appearance or performance of someone or something. It is commonly used in the entertainment industry to refer to the first release of a musician, actor, or artist.

For instance, “The singer made her debut on the big stage.”
A film critic might say, “The actor gave an impressive debut performance.”
In a discussion about a new product, someone might ask, “When is the debut of the latest model?”

23. Advent

Advent is a word that signifies the arrival or beginning of something significant. It is often used to describe the start of a new era, season, or event.

For example, “The advent of the internet changed the way we communicate.”
A historian might say, “The advent of the Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in human history.”
In a conversation about a new technology, someone might mention, “We are eagerly awaiting the advent of self-driving cars.”

24. Institution

Institution is a term used to describe an established organization or tradition that has been around for a long time. It can refer to a wide range of entities, including educational institutions, government bodies, or cultural traditions.

For instance, “Harvard University is an esteemed institution.”
A sociologist might say, “Marriage is an institution that has evolved over time.”
In a discussion about societal norms, someone might argue, “We need to challenge traditional institutions to bring about positive change.”

25. Fresh start

Fresh start is a phrase used to describe a new beginning or a clean slate. It is often used when someone wants to leave behind past mistakes or start over in a different direction.

For example, “After the divorce, she decided to move to a new city for a fresh start.”
A motivational speaker might encourage their audience by saying, “Every day is an opportunity for a fresh start.”
In a conversation about career changes, someone might say, “I’m ready for a fresh start in a different industry.”

26. Blank slate

A blank slate refers to a situation or person that is free from any preconceived ideas or influences. It represents a fresh start or the opportunity to begin anew.

For example, when starting a new job, one might say, “I’m excited to have a blank slate and make a positive impression.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might reflect, “I believe in the power of a blank slate to reinvent oneself.”
A student starting a new school year might think, “This year, I have a blank slate to achieve my goals.”

27. Clean slate

Similar to a blank slate, a clean slate represents a fresh start or the opportunity to begin anew. It refers to a situation or person that is free from any past mistakes or negative experiences.

For instance, someone who has overcome addiction might say, “I’m grateful for the chance to start with a clean slate.”
In a discussion about forgiveness, one might argue, “Everyone deserves a clean slate and the opportunity to change.”
A person starting a new relationship might think, “With this person, I have a clean slate to build something special.”

28. Tabula rasa

Tabula rasa is a Latin phrase that translates to “blank slate” in English. It refers to the concept that individuals are born with a mind that is free of any innate ideas or knowledge. It represents a state of complete openness and potential.

For example, a philosopher might discuss the idea of tabula rasa as the foundation for human development.
In a conversation about education, one might argue, “Children are born as tabula rasa, ready to absorb knowledge.”
A person reflecting on their personal growth might say, “I strive to approach each day with a tabula rasa mindset.”

29. New chapter

A new chapter refers to a new phase or period in one’s life. It represents a fresh start or the opportunity to embark on a different path or experience.

For instance, someone starting a new job might say, “I’m ready to begin this new chapter in my career.”
In a discussion about relationships, one might reflect, “After a breakup, it’s important to close that chapter and open a new one.”
A person reflecting on their life journey might think, “Every day is a chance to turn the page and start a new chapter.”

30. Opening act

An opening act refers to the first performance or act in a show or event. It represents the beginning of the entertainment and sets the tone for what is to come.

For example, at a music concert, the opening act might be a lesser-known artist or band before the main performer takes the stage.
In a discussion about theater, one might say, “The opening act really captivated the audience and built anticipation for the rest of the show.”
A person attending a comedy show might comment, “The opening act had everyone laughing and set a great mood for the night.”

31. Launch

This term refers to the start or initiation of something. It can be used to describe the beginning of a project, event, or even a new phase in life.

For example, “The company plans to launch a new product next month.”
A sports commentator might say, “The team had a strong launch to the season.”
In a conversation about a new business venture, someone might ask, “When is the launch date?”

32. Kickstart

To “kickstart” something means to start it or get it going, often with a burst of energy or momentum. It implies giving something a boost or jumpstarting it.

For instance, “We need to kickstart this project and get things moving.”
In a discussion about a new exercise routine, someone might say, “I’m going to kickstart my fitness journey with a 30-day challenge.”
A motivational speaker might encourage their audience by saying, “It’s time to kickstart your dreams and make them a reality.”

33. Prelude

A “prelude” is an introductory or preparatory event that sets the stage for something to come. It can be used to describe the beginning or opening act of a performance, a piece of music, or even a relationship.

For example, “The prelude to the concert featured a solo violin performance.”
In a discussion about a book, someone might say, “The author wrote a prelude to introduce the main characters.”
A person reflecting on their first date might say, “That awkward prelude led to a wonderful relationship.”

34. Embarkation

This term specifically refers to the beginning or start of a journey, often a physical one. It implies the act of boarding a vehicle or setting off on an adventure.

For instance, “The embarkation point for the cruise was in Miami.”
In a conversation about traveling, someone might ask, “What time is the embarkation for our flight?”
A travel blogger might write, “Embarkation day is always filled with excitement and anticipation.”

35. Starting point

The “starting point” is the initial stage or place from which something begins. It can be used to describe the beginning of a project, a game, or even a discussion.

For example, “Let’s go back to the starting point and review our goals.”
In a conversation about a race, someone might say, “The starting point is at the park entrance.”
A team leader might emphasize the importance of a strong starting point by saying, “A solid foundation is crucial to success. Let’s make sure we have a strong starting point.”

36. Opening gambit

An “opening gambit” refers to the first move or action taken in a situation or endeavor. It is often used in a strategic or competitive context.

For example, in a chess game, a player might say, “My opening gambit was to move my pawn to e4.”
In a negotiation, someone might start with an opening gambit like, “I propose a 10% discount on the initial offer.”
A writer might describe a character’s opening gambit in a story, such as, “Her opening gambit was to ask a thought-provoking question to engage the audience.”

37. First step

The “first step” refers to the initial action or task taken in a process or journey. It signifies the beginning of a sequence of actions or events.

For instance, in a recipe, the first step might be to preheat the oven.
In a project plan, someone might outline the first step as conducting research or gathering data.
A motivational speaker might emphasize the importance of taking the first step towards achieving goals, saying, “The first step is always the hardest, but it’s crucial for progress.”

38. Launchpad

A “launchpad” is a metaphorical term used to describe a starting point or platform for something to begin or take off. It often implies a place or situation from which something can be launched or initiated.

For example, in the context of a business, a startup might consider a small investment as their launchpad into the market.
In the field of technology, a developer might refer to a specific software or hardware as a launchpad for innovative applications.
A person embarking on a new career might view their education or training as a launchpad for future success.

39. Kickoff point

The “kickoff point” refers to the starting or beginning point of an activity, event, or process. It is often associated with the idea of initiating or commencing something.

For instance, in a soccer game, the kickoff point is when the referee blows the whistle and the ball is put into play.
In a project, the kickoff point might be a team meeting to discuss goals, objectives, and assign tasks.
A speaker at a conference might refer to a significant event as the kickoff point for a series of discussions and presentations.

40. Takeoff

“Takeoff” is a term used to describe the beginning or start of something, often associated with a rapid or sudden increase in activity or progress.

For example, in aviation, takeoff refers to the moment when an aircraft starts its ascent into the air.
In a business context, takeoff might refer to the initial growth or success of a new product or company.
A person describing their journey towards achieving a goal might say, “After years of hard work, my career finally took off.”

41. Ignition

Ignition refers to the moment or point at which something begins or is set in motion. It is often used metaphorically to describe the beginning of a process or event.

For example, “The ignition of the engine signaled the start of the race.”
In a discussion about a new business venture, someone might say, “We’re hoping this partnership will be the ignition for our success.”
A motivational speaker might say, “You have the power to be the ignition for positive change in your community.”

42. Sunrise

Sunrise refers to the time of day when the sun first appears above the horizon. It is often used metaphorically to represent the beginning of a new day or a fresh start.

For instance, “We watched the beautiful sunrise from the beach.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “Every sunrise is an opportunity to start anew.”
A poet might describe a hopeful moment as, “Like a sunrise after a long night, hope began to fill her heart.”

43. Daybreak

Daybreak refers to the time of day when daylight first begins to appear. It is often used to describe the beginning of a new day or the start of something.

For example, “We woke up at daybreak to start our hike.”
In a discussion about productivity, someone might say, “I find that I’m most focused during the early hours of daybreak.”
A writer might describe a peaceful scene as, “The stillness of daybreak was interrupted by the chirping of birds.”

44. Break of day

Break of day refers to the time when daylight first starts to appear. It is often used to describe the beginning of a new day or the transition from darkness to light.

For instance, “The break of day brought a sense of hope and renewal.”
In a conversation about early morning routines, someone might say, “I love watching the world wake up at the break of day.”
A photographer might capture the beauty of the break of day in a stunning landscape photo.

45. Fresh beginning

A fresh beginning refers to a new start or a clean slate. It is often used to describe the opportunity to start over or begin something anew.

For example, “Moving to a new city was a fresh beginning for her.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Each day is a chance for a fresh beginning.”
A coach might encourage their team by saying, “Let’s put the past behind us and focus on a fresh beginning.”

46. Opening ceremony

This refers to the formal or ceremonial beginning of an event or activity. An opening ceremony is often held to mark the start of something significant.

For example, “The opening ceremony of the Olympics is always a grand spectacle.”
A person attending a conference might say, “I’m looking forward to the opening ceremony tomorrow.”
A fan of a music festival might post, “The opening ceremony sets the tone for the entire weekend.”

47. Dawn of a new era

This phrase signifies the beginning of a significant and transformative time. It often implies that a major change or shift is taking place.

For instance, “The invention of the internet marked the dawn of a new era in communication.”
A person discussing advancements in technology might say, “We are living in the dawn of a new era of artificial intelligence.”
A sports commentator might declare, “With this victory, the team has entered the dawn of a new era of dominance.”

48. Starting line

This term is commonly used to refer to the designated point where a race or competition begins. It can also be used metaphorically to represent the initial stage or starting point of any endeavor.

For example, “The runners lined up at the starting line, ready to sprint.”
A person discussing a new project might say, “We’re at the starting line, and it’s time to put our plans into action.”
A motivational speaker might encourage their audience by saying, “Remember, every great journey begins at the starting line.”

49. First chapter

This phrase is often used metaphorically to represent the beginning stage of a story, journey, or endeavor. It signifies the initial part of something that sets the tone for what follows.

For instance, “The first chapter of a book introduces the main characters and establishes the setting.”
A person discussing their career might say, “I’m excited to start a new job and begin the first chapter of my professional life.”
A student reflecting on their college experience might say, “Freshman year was the first chapter of my educational journey.”

50. First light

This term refers to the first appearance of light in the sky at the beginning of the day. It symbolizes the start of a new day or a fresh beginning.

For example, “I woke up at first light and went for a peaceful morning walk.”
A person discussing their daily routine might say, “I like to start my day at first light with a cup of coffee.”
A nature enthusiast might post a photo of a beautiful sunrise and caption it, “Captured the magic of first light today.”

51. First move

This term refers to the initial action or decision made in a particular situation or activity. It can be used in various contexts, such as sports, games, or relationships.

For example, in a chess game, a player might say, “I need to make my first move strategically.”
In a job interview, someone might explain, “I made a good first move by highlighting my relevant experience.”
A person discussing a romantic relationship might say, “The first move is always nerve-wracking, but it’s important to take the initiative.”

52. Starting gun

This term is often used in sports or competitions to refer to the sound or signal that marks the beginning of a race or event.

For instance, in a track and field event, the starting gun is fired to indicate the start of the race.
In a metaphorical sense, someone might say, “The starting gun has been fired for the new project.”
A person discussing a competition might say, “I was ready to go as soon as the starting gun went off.”

53. Opening credits

This term is commonly used in the film and television industry to refer to the sequence of names and titles that appear at the beginning of a movie or TV show.

For example, “The opening credits of the film featured stunning visuals.”
In a discussion about a TV series, someone might say, “The opening credits of that show are so catchy.”
A person critiquing a film might comment, “The opening credits set the tone for the entire movie.”