Top 12 Slang For Complacency – Meaning & Usage

Feeling a bit too comfortable in your routine? Curious about the slang used to describe that sense of contentment and lack of drive? Look no further! We’ve gathered a list of the top slang terms for complacency that will have you nodding in recognition. Stay tuned to expand your vocabulary and stay in the know with the latest trends in language.

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1. Couch Potato

This term refers to someone who spends a significant amount of time sitting or lying on a couch, typically while watching television or engaging in sedentary activities. It implies a lack of motivation or productivity.

  • For example, “My brother is such a couch potato, he never leaves his room.”
  • In a conversation about exercise, someone might say, “I used to be a couch potato, but now I go to the gym regularly.”
  • A friend might tease, “You’re turning into a couch potato, all you do is binge-watch Netflix.”

2. Resting on One’s Laurels

This phrase means to be content with one’s past successes and not making any further efforts to improve or achieve more. It implies a sense of complacency and lack of ambition.

  • For instance, “He won the award last year, but he’s been resting on his laurels ever since.”
  • In a discussion about career advancement, someone might warn, “Don’t just rest on your laurels, keep pushing yourself to achieve more.”
  • A coach might motivate their team by saying, “We can’t afford to rest on our laurels, we need to keep working hard to stay on top.”

3. Sitting Pretty

This phrase means to be in a comfortable or advantageous situation, often without having to make much effort. It implies a sense of ease and lack of concern.

  • For example, “She inherited a large sum of money, so now she’s sitting pretty.”
  • In a conversation about financial stability, someone might say, “If you have a steady job and no debts, you’re sitting pretty.”
  • A friend might envy someone’s situation and say, “You’re sitting pretty with that new promotion and corner office.”

4. Easy Street

This term refers to a state of financial or personal ease, where one does not have to face any significant challenges or difficulties. It implies a sense of security and lack of hardship.

  • For instance, “Ever since he won the lottery, he’s been living on Easy Street.”
  • In a discussion about career choices, someone might say, “I took the job that offered the most stability and put me on Easy Street.”
  • A person might express their desire for an easier life by saying, “I wish I could just win the lottery and live on Easy Street.”

5. Coasting

This term means to continue at a steady pace without exerting much effort or making any significant progress. It implies a lack of ambition or motivation to strive for more.

  • For example, “He’s been coasting through his job for years, never taking on any new challenges.”
  • In a conversation about academic performance, someone might say, “She used to be an A student, but now she’s just coasting.”
  • A friend might encourage someone to put in more effort by saying, “You can’t just coast through life, you need to work hard to achieve your goals.”

6. Slowing Down

This phrase is often used to describe a decrease in productivity or effort. It implies a lack of motivation or drive.

  • For example, “I used to be really productive, but lately, I’ve been slowing down at work.”
  • In a conversation about personal goals, someone might say, “I need to stop slowing down and start pushing myself again.”
  • A coworker might notice a decline in performance and comment, “You seem to be slowing down lately. Is everything okay?”

7. Kicking Back

This phrase refers to taking a break or engaging in leisure activities. It implies a lack of urgency or motivation to work.

  • For instance, “After a long day of work, I like to kick back and watch some TV.”
  • In a discussion about work-life balance, someone might say, “It’s important to find time to kick back and recharge.”
  • A friend might invite you to join them in kicking back by saying, “Let’s order some pizza and just kick back tonight.”

8. Sleeping on the Job

This phrase is used to describe someone who is not fully engaged or paying attention to their responsibilities. It suggests a lack of diligence or effort.

  • For example, “I caught my coworker sleeping on the job again. He keeps nodding off during meetings.”
  • In a conversation about workplace productivity, someone might mention, “Sleeping on the job is a surefire way to get fired.”
  • A supervisor might reprimand an employee by saying, “I won’t tolerate employees sleeping on the job. It’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on the whole team.”

9. Going on Autopilot

This phrase refers to a state of mind where someone is going through the motions without actively engaging or thinking about what they are doing. It suggests a lack of focus or intention.

  • For instance, “I’ve been going on autopilot at work lately. I feel like I’m just going through the motions.”
  • In a discussion about mindfulness, someone might mention, “It’s easy to go on autopilot and miss out on the present moment.”
  • A friend might ask if you’re okay by saying, “You seem distant lately, like you’re going on autopilot. Is everything alright?”

10. Taking a Breather

This phrase refers to temporarily stepping away from work or a task to relax and recharge. It implies a need for rest or a break from the current activity.

  • For example, “I’ve been working non-stop for hours. I need to take a breather and clear my mind.”
  • In a conversation about stress management, someone might suggest, “When you feel overwhelmed, it’s important to take a breather and regroup.”
  • A coworker might notice you looking tired and say, “Why don’t you take a breather and grab a coffee? You deserve a break.”

11. Taking a siesta

This phrase refers to taking a break or resting, often in the form of a short nap. It implies a sense of laziness or lack of motivation to do anything productive.

  • For example, “I’ve been taking a siesta every afternoon instead of working on my project.”
  • Someone might say, “I can’t get anything done because I keep taking siestas throughout the day.”
  • Another person might comment, “Taking a siesta is a great way to recharge and relax.”

12. Being on cruise control

This phrase describes the act of going through the motions without putting in much effort or thought. It suggests a lack of engagement and a passive approach to life or work.

  • For instance, “I’ve been on cruise control at my job for months. I need something new and challenging.”
  • A person might say, “I feel like I’m just going through the motions and being on cruise control in my relationship.”
  • Another person might comment, “Sometimes it’s nice to be on cruise control and not have to worry about making decisions.”
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