Top 61 Slang For Common – Meaning & Usage

In today’s fast-paced world, language is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest slang is no easy task. That’s why we’re here to help! Get ready to level up your slang game as we bring you a curated list of the most popular and trendy slang words for common things. From everyday objects to popular activities, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you want to impress your friends or simply expand your vocabulary, this listicle is a must-read!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. A-OK

A-OK is a term used to indicate that everything is fine or in good condition. It is often used as a reassurance or confirmation.

  • For example, if someone asks, “Is everything okay?” you might respond, “Yes, everything is A-OK.”
  • In a conversation about a completed task, someone might say, “I finished the report, and it’s A-OK.”
  • A person might give a thumbs-up and say, “A-OK, let’s move on to the next step.”

2. ASAP

ASAP is an abbreviation for “as soon as possible.” It is commonly used to convey urgency or to request prompt action.

  • For instance, if a boss asks for a report, they might say, “I need that report ASAP.”
  • In a text message, someone might say, “Can you pick up some groceries on your way home? ASAP, please!”
  • A person might remind their colleague, “The deadline for this project is tomorrow, so we need to finish it ASAP.”

3. BTW

BTW is an abbreviation for “by the way.” It is often used to introduce additional or related information in a conversation.

  • For example, someone might say, “BTW, did you hear about the new restaurant that opened downtown?”
  • In a text message, someone might ask, “BTW, what time are we meeting tomorrow?”
  • A person might add, “BTW, I saw your favorite band is coming to town next month.”

4. FYI

FYI is an abbreviation for “for your information.” It is commonly used to share information or provide a heads-up without expecting a response.

  • For instance, if someone sends an email with important details, they might add, “FYI, please review the attached document.”
  • In a meeting, someone might say, “FYI, the deadline for the project has been extended by one week.”
  • A person might leave a note for their roommate that says, “FYI, I used the last of the milk this morning.”

5. LOL

LOL is an abbreviation for “laugh out loud.” It is often used in text messages or online conversations to indicate amusement or laughter.

  • For example, if someone tells a funny joke, you might respond with “LOL, that’s hilarious!”
  • In a comment on a funny video, someone might simply write, “LOL.”
  • A person might text their friend, “I just remembered that embarrassing thing we did. LOL!”

6. OMG

An expression used to convey surprise, shock, or excitement. It is often used in text messages or social media posts.

  • For example, “OMG, I can’t believe I won the lottery!”
  • A person might text their friend, “OMG, I just saw our favorite celebrity at the mall!”
  • Someone might comment on a funny video, “OMG, this is hilarious!”

7. TBH

A phrase used to preface an honest or candid statement. It is often used in online conversations or social media posts.

  • For instance, “TBH, I don’t really like that TV show.”
  • A person might comment on a friend’s post, “TBH, you look amazing in that picture!”
  • Someone might share their opinion on a controversial topic, “TBH, I think the new policy is unfair.”

8. TTYL

A phrase used to indicate that the person will talk to the other person at a later time. It is commonly used in text messages or online chats.

  • For example, “I have to go now, TTYL!”
  • A person might end a phone call by saying, “I’ll see you tomorrow, TTYL!”
  • Someone might send a quick message before leaving, “Leaving work now, TTYL!”

9. BRB

A phrase used to indicate that the person will be away for a short period of time and will return shortly. It is commonly used in online conversations or text messages.

  • For instance, “I need to grab a snack, BRB!”
  • A person might step away from their computer and say, “BRB, going to the bathroom.”
  • Someone might pause a video game and tell their friends, “BRB, just need to answer the door.”

10. IDK

An abbreviation used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge. It is commonly used in text messages or online chats.

  • For example, “IDK what time the movie starts.”
  • A person might respond to a question with, “IDK, I’ll have to look it up.”
  • Someone might express confusion by saying, “IDK why they canceled the event.”

11. LMAO

This acronym is used to indicate that something is extremely funny. It is often used in text messages or online conversations.

  • For example, “That joke you told was hilarious, I was LMAO!”
  • A person might comment on a funny video saying, “I can’t stop laughing, LMAO!”
  • In a chat conversation, someone might respond to a funny comment with, “LMAO, you always crack me up!”

12. NVM

This abbreviation is used to indicate that something is not important anymore or that the person no longer wants to discuss it. It is often used in text messages or online chats.

  • For instance, “NVM, I found the answer to my question.”
  • A person might say, “NVM, I changed my mind about going out tonight.”
  • In a group chat, someone might respond to a previous message with, “NVM, I misunderstood what you were saying.”

13. ROFL

This acronym is used to indicate that something is extremely funny. It is often used in text messages or online conversations.

  • For example, “That joke was so hilarious, I was ROFL!”
  • A person might comment on a funny video saying, “I can’t stop laughing, ROFL!”
  • In a chat conversation, someone might respond to a funny comment with, “ROFL, you always make me laugh!”

14. SMH

This acronym is used to express disapproval, disappointment, or frustration. It is often used in text messages or online conversations.

  • For instance, “I can’t believe they said that, SMH.”
  • A person might comment on a foolish action saying, “SMH, some people never learn.”
  • In a chat conversation, someone might respond to a disappointing situation with, “SMH, this is ridiculous!”

15. BFF

This acronym is used to refer to a close friend or a group of friends who are very close. It is often used in text messages or online conversations.

  • For example, “I’m going out with my BFF tonight.”
  • A person might post a picture with their best friend saying, “Happy birthday to my BFF, love you!”
  • In a chat conversation, someone might refer to their group of friends as “my BFFs.”

16. JK

This is used to indicate that the previous statement was meant as a joke or not to be taken seriously. It’s a way to clarify that the speaker was not being serious.

  • For example, “I can’t believe you thought I was serious. JK!”
  • A person might say, “I totally aced my exam. JK, I actually failed.”
  • In a text message, someone might write, “You’re such a great friend. JK, you’re actually annoying.”

17. TMI

Used to indicate that someone has shared more personal or intimate details than necessary or appropriate in a given context. It’s often used to express discomfort or to ask someone to stop sharing.

  • For instance, if someone starts talking about their bodily functions, another person might say, “TMI, dude.”
  • If someone shares explicit details about their love life, a friend might say, “Okay, TMI. We don’t need to know all the details.”
  • In a conversation where someone is oversharing, another person might say, “I think you’re crossing into TMI territory.”

18. YOLO

A phrase used to justify taking risks or doing something adventurous because life is short and should be lived to the fullest. It’s often used humorously or ironically.

  • For example, if someone suggests doing something spontaneous, another person might say, “Sure, why not? YOLO!”
  • If someone decides to eat a whole pizza by themselves, they might say, “YOLO, I’m going for it.”
  • In a conversation about trying new experiences, someone might say, “You never know if you’ll like it until you try. YOLO!”

19. AF

An abbreviation used to emphasize something to an extreme degree. It’s a way to intensify an adjective or adverb for added emphasis.

  • For instance, if someone says they’re tired, another person might say, “I’m tired AF.”
  • If someone sees a cute animal, they might say, “That puppy is adorable AF.”
  • In a conversation about a difficult challenge, someone might say, “That test was hard AF.”

20. GTG

A shorthand way of saying that someone needs to leave or end a conversation. It’s often used in text messages or online chats to indicate that the person has to go.

  • For example, if someone needs to leave a party, they might say, “Hey everyone, GTG. Thanks for a great time!”
  • If someone is in the middle of a conversation but has to go, they might say, “Sorry, GTG. Talk to you later.”
  • In a text message exchange, someone might write, “I’ll be there in 5 minutes. GTG soon.”

21. IMO

Used to express one’s personal perspective or viewpoint.

  • For example, “IMO, the movie was not as good as the book.”
  • In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “IMO, everyone should have the right to marry whoever they love.”
  • A user might comment, “IMO, this is the best restaurant in town.”

22. RN

Used to indicate that something is happening or being done at the present moment.

  • For instance, “I’m busy RN, can we talk later?”
  • A person might text, “I need your help with something RN.”
  • Someone might say, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m studying for a test RN.”

23. Aight

A casual and shortened version of “alright,” often used to express agreement or acceptance.

  • For example, “Aight, I’ll meet you at the park.”
  • In response to a request, someone might say, “Aight, I’ll do it.”
  • A person might comment, “Aight, that sounds like a plan.”

24. Wanna

A contraction of “want to,” used to express desire or interest in doing something.

  • For instance, “Wanna go to the movies later?”
  • In a text message, someone might ask, “Wanna grab dinner tonight?”
  • A person might say, “I wanna travel the world someday.”

25. gonna

A contraction of “going to,” used to indicate future plans or actions.

  • For example, “I’m gonna meet my friends for lunch.”
  • In a conversation about upcoming events, someone might say, “I’m gonna throw a party next weekend.”
  • A person might comment, “I’m gonna start working out regularly.”

26. kinda

This term is used to express a slight or moderate degree of something. It is often used in place of “sort of” or “a little”.

  • For example, “I’m kinda tired after the long day.”
  • Someone might say, “That movie was kinda boring.”
  • A person might ask, “Are you kinda hungry or should we wait to eat?”

27. lemme

A contraction of “let me”, used to ask for permission or to indicate a desire to do something.

  • For instance, “Lemme try that new game you got.”
  • A person might say, “Lemme know if you need any help.”
  • When requesting a favor, someone might say, “Lemme borrow your car for a quick errand.”

28. gotta

A contraction of “got to”, used to express the need or obligation to do something.

  • For example, “I gotta go to work in the morning.”
  • A person might say, “I gotta finish this project by the end of the day.”
  • When discussing plans, someone might say, “I gotta meet up with my friends later.”

29. dunno

A contraction of “don’t know”, used to indicate a lack of knowledge or uncertainty.

  • For instance, “I dunno what time the movie starts.”
  • A person might say, “Dunno if I’ll be able to make it to the party.”
  • When asked a question, someone might respond, “I dunno, I’ll have to check.”

30. Basic

This term is used to describe something or someone as unoriginal, predictable, or average.

  • For example, “Her outfit is so basic, everyone is wearing the same thing.”
  • A person might say, “That movie was pretty basic, nothing special.”
  • When describing a person, someone might say, “He’s just a basic guy, nothing too interesting about him.”

31. Vanilla

This term is used to describe something that is basic, ordinary, or lacking in excitement or originality. It can also be used to refer to something that is not flavored or has no added features.

  • For example, a person might say, “The movie was pretty vanilla, nothing special.”
  • In a discussion about food, someone might comment, “I prefer more adventurous flavors, this dish is too vanilla for me.”
  • A person describing their style might say, “I like to keep my outfits simple and vanilla, nothing too flashy.”

32. Dime a dozen

This phrase is used to describe something that is so common or abundant that it is not valuable or special. It implies that the item or concept is easily found and not unique.

  • For instance, someone might say, “Those t-shirts are dime a dozen, you can find them anywhere.”
  • In a discussion about job applicants, a person might comment, “Qualified candidates are dime a dozen, it’s hard to find someone truly exceptional.”
  • A person describing a popular trend might say, “Those trendy sneakers are dime a dozen, everyone has them.”

33. Garden variety

This term is used to describe something that is typical, ordinary, or average. It implies that the item or concept is not unique or exceptional.

  • For example, a person might say, “That’s just a garden variety car, nothing special.”
  • In a discussion about plants, someone might comment, “I prefer more exotic flowers, not just the garden variety.”
  • A person describing a common illness might say, “The flu is a garden variety sickness, it’s nothing too serious.”

34. Middle of the road

This phrase is used to describe something that is neither extreme nor exceptional. It implies that the item or concept is average or moderate in quality, value, or performance.

  • For instance, someone might say, “That restaurant is middle of the road, the food is decent but not outstanding.”
  • In a discussion about music, a person might comment, “Their latest album is middle of the road, it doesn’t stand out from other artists.”
  • A person describing their political views might say, “I consider myself middle of the road, I don’t align strongly with either party.”

35. Everyday

This term is used to describe something that is part of daily life or is commonly encountered. It implies that the item or concept is not special or out of the ordinary.

  • For example, a person might say, “I wear everyday clothes to work, nothing too fancy.”
  • In a discussion about household items, someone might comment, “These are just everyday kitchen utensils, nothing fancy.”
  • A person describing their routine might say, “I do the same everyday activities, nothing too exciting.”

36. Ho-hum

Used to describe something that is dull, uninteresting, or lacking in excitement.

  • For example, “The movie was ho-hum, nothing special.”
  • A person might say, “I had a ho-hum day at work, nothing out of the ordinary happened.”
  • Another might describe a party as “ho-hum” if it was uneventful and unremarkable.
See also  Top 60 Slang For Struggle – Meaning & Usage

37. Mundane

Refers to something that is commonplace, ordinary, or lacking in excitement or interest.

  • For instance, “I’m tired of doing mundane tasks like laundry and dishes.”
  • A person might say, “My job is so mundane, I do the same thing every day.”
  • Another might describe a routine as “mundane” if it is monotonous and lacks variety.

38. Run-of-the-mine

Used to describe something that is ordinary, average, or typical.

  • For example, “The car I bought is just a run-of-the-mine sedan.”
  • A person might say, “The hotel we stayed at was run-of-the-mine, nothing special.”
  • Another might describe a meal as “run-of-the-mine” if it is standard and unremarkable.

39. Average Jane

Refers to an average or typical woman, often used as a contrast to someone who is exceptional or extraordinary.

  • For instance, “She may not be a superstar, but she’s just an average Jane.”
  • A person might say, “I’m just an average Jane, living a regular life.”
  • Another might use the term to describe a relatable female character in a book or movie.

40. Plain vanilla

Used to describe something that is ordinary, unexciting, or lacking in special features or characteristics.

  • For example, “The dessert was just plain vanilla, nothing fancy.”
  • A person might say, “I prefer plain vanilla ice cream over exotic flavors.”
  • Another might describe a car as “plain vanilla” if it is basic and lacks unique features.

41. Nothing to write home about

This phrase is used to describe something that is ordinary or unremarkable. It suggests that there is nothing special or noteworthy about the subject.

  • For example, “The food at that restaurant was nothing to write home about.”
  • A person might say, “The movie was okay, but nothing to write home about.”
  • Another might comment, “The performance was average, nothing to write home about.”

42. Middle-of-the-pack

This term is used to describe something or someone that is neither exceptional nor terrible, but falls somewhere in the middle. It suggests being average or ordinary.

  • For instance, “The team finished in the middle-of-the-pack in the competition.”
  • A person might say, “Her grades were not outstanding, but they were middle-of-the-pack.”
  • Another might comment, “The car’s performance was decent, but definitely middle-of-the-pack.”

43. Commonplace

This word is used to describe something that is ordinary, usual, or commonly found. It suggests that the subject is not unique or special.

  • For example, “The dress she wore was quite commonplace.”
  • A person might say, “The story follows a commonplace plot.”
  • Another might comment, “The restaurant served a very commonplace menu.”

44. Dull as dishwater

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is extremely dull, boring, or uninteresting. It suggests a lack of excitement or stimulation.

  • For instance, “The lecture was as dull as dishwater.”
  • A person might say, “The book was dull as dishwater; I couldn’t even finish it.”
  • Another might comment, “The party was dull as dishwater; there was no music or entertainment.”

45. Garden-variety

This term is used to describe something that is typical, ordinary, or commonly found. It suggests that the subject is not unique or special.

  • For example, “He drives a garden-variety sedan.”
  • A person might say, “The store sells garden-variety household items.”
  • Another might comment, “The movie was a garden-variety romantic comedy; nothing new or exciting.”

46. Ten a penny

This phrase is used to describe something that is very common or easy to find. It suggests that the item or person is not unique or special.

  • For example, “Those cheap knockoff watches are ten a penny in this market.”
  • A person might say, “In this city, coffee shops are ten a penny.”
  • Another example could be, “In the world of fashion, influencers are ten a penny.”

47. Middle-of-the-road

This term refers to something that is average or ordinary, lacking any extreme qualities or characteristics. It suggests that the person or thing is not exceptional or outstanding.

  • For instance, “His music is okay, but it’s very middle-of-the-road.”
  • A person might say, “The restaurant we went to last night was just middle-of-the-road. Nothing special.”
  • Another example could be, “Her fashion sense is very middle-of-the-road. She doesn’t take many risks.”

48. Standard-issue

This phrase is used to describe something that is typical or common, often referring to items that are provided as standard or default.

  • For example, “The company gave us all standard-issue laptops.”
  • A person might say, “These uniforms are standard-issue for all employees.”
  • Another example could be, “The car rental agency provided me with a standard-issue vehicle.”

49. Regular

This term describes something that is frequent or common, often suggesting a regular occurrence or routine.

  • For instance, “He’s a regular at this bar. He comes here every Friday.”
  • A person might say, “I’m a regular customer at that coffee shop. I go there every morning.”
  • Another example could be, “She’s a regular contributor to this magazine. Her articles are published every month.”

50. Ordinary Joe

This phrase is used to refer to an average person, often emphasizing their normalcy or lack of exceptional qualities.

  • For example, “He may be a famous actor, but he’s just an ordinary Joe in real life.”
  • A person might say, “I’m no genius, just an ordinary Joe trying to make a living.”
  • Another example could be, “She’s not a celebrity, just an ordinary Joe like the rest of us.”

51. Plain as day

This phrase is used to describe something that is very clear or easy to see or understand. It emphasizes the lack of complexity or hidden meaning in a situation or statement.

  • For example, “The answer to that question is plain as day, anyone can see it.”
  • In a discussion about a straightforward solution, someone might say, “It’s plain as day that we need to increase our marketing efforts.”
  • A person describing an obvious mistake might comment, “It was plain as day that he forgot to double-check his work.”

52. Middle-of-the-line

This term is used to describe something that is not exceptional or outstanding, but also not terrible or below average. It refers to something that is average or moderate in quality or performance.

  • For instance, “The restaurant’s food was middle-of-the-line, not amazing but not terrible either.”
  • In a conversation about a mediocre movie, someone might say, “It was a middle-of-the-line film, nothing special.”
  • A person describing a decent but unremarkable car might comment, “It’s a middle-of-the-line sedan, not too fancy but gets the job done.”

53. Nothing special

This phrase is used to describe something that is ordinary or average, without any outstanding or exceptional qualities. It conveys the idea that there is nothing particularly noteworthy or impressive about the subject.

  • For example, “The party was nothing special, just a typical gathering with friends.”
  • In a discussion about a mediocre performance, someone might say, “The singer was nothing special, just average.”
  • A person describing an unimpressive vacation might comment, “The destination was nothing special, just like any other beach.”

This term is used to describe something that is standardized or lacking originality, often referring to mass-produced items or ideas that lack uniqueness or creativity. It implies that the subject is predictable and follows a common or typical pattern.

  • For instance, “The neighborhood consists of cookie-cutter houses, all looking the same.”
  • In a conversation about a generic romantic comedy, someone might say, “It’s just another cookie-cutter film with the same plot.”
  • A person describing a standard corporate office might comment, “The workspace is very cookie-cutter, with cubicles and neutral colors.”

55. Two a penny

This phrase is used to describe something that is very common or easily found, often implying that it is not valuable or unique. It suggests that the subject is abundant and can be obtained without much effort or cost.

  • For example, “Those cheap toys are two a penny, you can find them everywhere.”
  • In a discussion about a common household item, someone might say, “These utensils are two a penny, you can buy them at any store.”
  • A person describing a commonly available product might comment, “That brand of shampoo is two a penny, you can find it in any supermarket.”

56. Standard

This term refers to something that is considered normal or average. It implies that there is nothing special or outstanding about the thing being described.

  • For example, “That restaurant is just standard, nothing to write home about.”
  • In a discussion about a movie, someone might say, “It was entertaining, but pretty standard for the genre.”
  • A person describing their daily routine might say, “I wake up, go to work, and come home – just your standard day.”

57. Average

This word is used to describe something that is neither exceptional nor terrible, but falls somewhere in the middle. It suggests a lack of outstanding qualities.

  • For instance, “The movie was okay, just average.”
  • A person might say, “I’m an average cook – nothing fancy, but I can get by.”
  • In a conversation about grades, someone might say, “I’m getting mostly B’s, so I guess I’m just average.”

58. Ordinary

This term describes something that is common, usual, or unremarkable. It implies that there is nothing special or extraordinary about the thing being described.

  • For example, “It’s just an ordinary day, nothing exciting happened.”
  • In a discussion about fashion, someone might say, “I prefer plain, ordinary clothes.”
  • A person describing their hometown might say, “It’s a small, ordinary town with not much going on.”

59. Typical

This word is used to describe something that is characteristic or representative of a particular group or category. It suggests that the thing being described is what is expected or commonly seen.

  • For instance, “It’s a typical example of a romantic comedy.”
  • A person might say, “That’s a typical response from him – always playing it safe.”
  • In a conversation about weather, someone might say, “It’s typical for this time of year – hot and humid.”

60. Conventional

This term refers to something that is based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed. It implies that the thing being described follows established customs or practices.

  • For example, “They had a conventional wedding ceremony.”
  • In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “I take a more conventional approach.”
  • A person describing their taste in music might say, “I prefer more traditional genres like jazz and classical.”

61. Routine

Refers to the regular and repetitive tasks or activities that make up a person’s daily life or work routine.

  • For example, “My morning routine consists of brushing my teeth, making coffee, and checking my emails.”
  • A person might complain, “I’m tired of the same old routine every day.”
  • Someone might say, “Having a routine helps me stay organized and productive.”