Top 26 Slang For Burning – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to discussing the act of burning, there’s a whole world of slang and terminology to explore. From casual conversations to online forums, knowing the right words can make all the difference. Let our team guide you through the top slang terms for burning, so you can stay in the loop and spark up some interesting conversations along the way.

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1. Torch

To set something on fire or ignite it. “Torch” can also refer to a handheld portable light source.

For example, “He torched the old documents to destroy the evidence.”
In a discussion about camping, someone might say, “Don’t forget to bring a torch for the nighttime.”
A firefighter might talk about their job and say, “We use torches to cut through metal in rescue operations.”

2. Singe

To burn or scorch something lightly, usually resulting in a small amount of damage or discoloration.

For instance, “She accidentally singed the edge of her shirt while ironing.”
In a conversation about cooking, someone might say, “Make sure you don’t singe the bacon.”
A hairstylist might talk about styling techniques and say, “I like to singe the ends of the hair for a more textured look.”

3. Scorch

To burn or char something with intense heat, often resulting in significant damage or discoloration.

For example, “The sun scorched the grass and turned it brown.”
In a discussion about cooking, someone might say, “Be careful not to scorch the sauce.”
A person describing a hot summer day might say, “The sun was scorching and the pavement was too hot to walk on.”

4. Ignite

To cause something to catch fire or burst into flames.

For instance, “He used a match to ignite the fireworks.”
In a conversation about chemistry, someone might say, “Certain chemicals can ignite when exposed to air.”
A fire safety instructor might talk about fire prevention and say, “Always be cautious with open flames, as they can easily ignite flammable materials.”

5. Sizzle

To cook something, usually meat, on a hot surface with a sizzling sound.

For example, “The steak sizzled on the grill.”
In a discussion about cooking techniques, someone might say, “Searing the meat in a hot pan creates a nice sizzle.”
A person describing a delicious meal might say, “The bacon was sizzling and smelled amazing.”

6. Combust

To catch fire or burst into flames. “Combust” is a formal term used to describe the process of something starting to burn.

For example, “The car’s engine combusts when the fuel and air mixture ignites.”
A firefighter might say, “The dry grass is highly combustible and can easily catch fire.”
In a chemistry class, a teacher might explain, “When oxygen and a flammable substance combine, they can cause a combustible reaction.”

7. Kindle

To start a fire or cause something to start burning. “Kindle” can also refer to the act of igniting an emotion or passion.

For instance, “She used a match to kindle the campfire.”
A book lover might say, “Reading a good novel can kindle a love for literature.”
In a metaphorical sense, someone might say, “His speech kindled a fire of inspiration in the audience.”

8. Flare up

To suddenly burst into flames or become more intense. “Flare up” is often used to describe a fire that becomes larger or more dangerous.

For example, “The fire in the forest flared up after the strong winds.”
A doctor might say, “If your symptoms flare up again, come back for a check-up.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “Emotions can flare up and make the situation worse.”

9. Fire up

To ignite or start a fire. “Fire up” can also mean to become excited or enthusiastic about something.

For instance, “He used a lighter to fire up the grill.”
A coach might say, “Let’s fire up the team and get ready for the game.”
In a motivational speech, someone might say, “Fire up your passion and pursue your dreams.”

10. Engulf

To completely surround or cover something, often with fire. “Engulf” is used to describe the act of something being completely taken over or consumed by flames.

For example, “The house was engulfed in flames within minutes.”
A witness might say, “The car crash caused the vehicle to engulf in smoke.”
In a disaster movie, a character might say, “The city was engulfed by a massive firestorm.”

11. Conflagrate

To conflagrate means to set something on fire or to be consumed by fire. It is often used to describe a large and destructive fire.

For example, “The entire building conflagrated within minutes.”
In a news report about a wildfire, one might say, “The dry conditions caused the forest to conflagrate.”
A person discussing fire safety might advise, “Never leave candles unattended as they can easily conflagrate.”

12. Inferno

An inferno refers to an intense and uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly and causes widespread destruction.

For instance, “The house was engulfed in an inferno.”
In a description of a volcanic eruption, one might say, “The lava spewed out, creating an inferno of heat.”
A person discussing a devastating fire might say, “The entire neighborhood was reduced to ashes in the inferno.”

13. Pyro

Pyro is a slang term used to refer to someone who has a fascination or obsession with fire. It is often used to describe someone who enjoys setting fires or watching things burn.

For example, “He’s a bit of a pyro, always playing with matches.”
In a discussion about fire safety, one might say, “Pyros need to understand the dangers of their fascination.”
A person jokingly describing their friend might say, “Don’t let him near any fireworks, he’s a pyro!”

14. Smolder

To smolder means to burn slowly and emit smoke without flames. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling or situation that is slowly building up or intensifying.

For instance, “The campfire continued to smolder long after the flames had died down.”
In a description of a tense situation, one might say, “The anger between them smoldered beneath the surface.”
A person describing their attraction to someone might say, “There’s a smoldering chemistry between us.”

15. Cremate

To cremate means to incinerate a dead body, usually as part of a funeral or burial process. It involves reducing the body to ashes through intense heat.

For example, “They chose to cremate their loved one’s remains.”
In a discussion about funeral traditions, one might say, “Cremation is becoming more popular as an alternative to traditional burials.”
A person discussing their end-of-life wishes might say, “I want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered in the ocean.”

16. Torch up

To ignite or start a fire, usually referring to lighting a cigarette or joint. “Torch up” is a slang term commonly used when talking about smoking.

For example, “Hey, do you want to torch up before we go inside?”
A person might say, “I’m going to torch up a joint after work.”
In a conversation about smoking, someone might ask, “Do you prefer to torch up a cigarette or use a vape?”

17. Spark

To start a fire or light something up. “Spark” is a slang term often used to refer to lighting a cigarette or joint.

For instance, “Can you spark the grill so we can start cooking?”
A person might say, “I’m going to spark a cigarette before we head out.”
In a discussion about smoking, someone might ask, “Who wants to spark a joint with me?”

18. Conflagration

A large, destructive fire that spreads rapidly and uncontrollably. “Conflagration” is a more intense and dramatic term for burning.

For example, “The entire building was consumed by the conflagration.”
A person might say, “The forest fire turned into a massive conflagration.”
In a news report about a fire, the headline might read, “Conflagration engulfs city, leaving destruction in its wake.”

19. Burn up

To burn or incinerate something completely. “Burn up” is a slang term often used when talking about setting something on fire.

For instance, “Let’s burn up these old papers in the bonfire.”
A person might say, “Don’t burn up all the firewood at once.”
In a conversation about arson, someone might ask, “Did they intentionally burn up the building?”

20. Blaze up

To ignite or start a fire, usually referring to lighting a joint or smoking marijuana. “Blaze up” is a slang term commonly used in the context of smoking.

For example, “Let’s blaze up and relax after a long day.”
A person might say, “I’m going to blaze up a joint before the concert.”
In a discussion about marijuana legalization, someone might ask, “Do you think people should be allowed to blaze up in public?”

21. Charred

This term refers to something that has been partially or completely burned. It often implies a blackened or discolored appearance due to the burning.

For example, “The steak was charred on the outside but still pink in the middle.”
A person might say, “The fire charred the walls of the building.”
In a discussion about cooking, someone might mention, “The charred flavor adds a smoky taste to the dish.”

22. Scorched

This term describes something that has been burned or singed, typically as a result of intense heat or fire.

For instance, “The desert sun left my skin scorched.”
A person might say, “The fire scorched the trees and turned them to ash.”
In a conversation about hair styling, someone might mention, “Be careful not to leave the curling iron on too long, or it will scorch your hair.”

23. Flame

This term refers to the visible, gaseous part of a fire. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of burning or igniting something.

For example, “The flame flickered in the candle.”
A person might say, “She set the paper on fire and watched it go up in flames.”
In a discussion about passion, someone might say, “The flame of love can burn brightly, but it can also be extinguished.”

24. Scorching

This term describes something that is very hot or burning, often to the point of causing discomfort or damage.

For instance, “The scorching sun made it unbearable to be outside.”
A person might say, “I accidentally touched the scorching hot stove and burned my hand.”
In a conversation about weather, someone might mention, “The scorching temperatures broke records for this time of year.”

25. Combustible

This term describes something that is capable of catching fire and burning easily. It often refers to materials or substances that have a high potential for combustion.

For example, “Gasoline is a highly combustible liquid.”
A person might say, “Keep the combustible materials away from open flames.”
In a discussion about fire safety, someone might mention, “It’s important to store combustible materials in a safe and controlled manner.”

26. Blistering

Blistering refers to a sensation of intense heat or burning, often used to describe the feeling on the skin after being exposed to extreme heat or a burn.

For example, “After spending all day at the beach, my skin feels blistering hot.”
A person might say, “I accidentally touched a hot stove and felt a blistering pain.”
Another might describe a scorching summer day as, “The sun was blistering hot, I couldn’t even step outside without feeling the burn.”