Top 49 Slang For Complex – Meaning & Usage

Navigating the complex world of language can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to slang. It seems like every day there’s a new word or phrase that leaves you scratching your head. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Our team of language enthusiasts has compiled a list of the top slang for complex that will not only keep you in the loop but also make you the coolest kid on the block. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and impress your friends with these trendy expressions!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Complicated AF

This slang term is used to emphasize that something is extremely complicated. The acronym “AF” stands for “as f***” and is added for emphasis.

For example, “This calculus problem is complicated AF.”
A person might say, “Figuring out my taxes is complicated AF.”
Another might exclaim, “Navigating the subway system in a foreign country is complicated AF!”

2. Complexified

This term refers to the act of making something more complex or complicated than it originally was. It is often used humorously or sarcastically.

For instance, “He complexified the instructions so much that no one could understand them.”
A person might say, “She complexified the situation by involving more people.”
Another might joke, “I complexified my morning routine by adding five more steps.”

3. Complexinator

This term is used to describe someone who has a tendency to make things more complex or complicated than necessary. It is often used humorously or as a playful insult.

For example, “He’s such a complexinator. He always overthinks everything.”
A person might say, “She’s a complexinator when it comes to planning vacations.”
Another might jokingly say, “I’m a complexinator in the kitchen. I can turn a simple recipe into a culinary masterpiece.”

4. Complexology

This term is a play on the word “complex” and the suffix “-ology,” which means the study of something. It is used to describe the study or understanding of complex systems or concepts.

For instance, “He has a PhD in complexology and specializes in chaos theory.”
A person might say, “Complexology is a growing field in science and mathematics.”
Another might discuss, “The field of complexology explores the interconnectedness of various systems.”

5. Complexed Out

This term describes a state of being overwhelmed or mentally exhausted by complex or complicated situations or concepts.

For example, “After studying all night, I’m feeling complexed out.”
A person might say, “I’m complexed out from trying to understand this advanced physics lecture.”
Another might express, “I need a break. I’ve been dealing with complex spreadsheets all day and I’m feeling complexed out.”

6. Mind-boggling

This term is used to describe something that is so complex or perplexing that it is difficult to comprehend or wrap your head around.

For example, “The mind-boggling complexity of quantum physics often leaves people in awe.”
When faced with a challenging problem, someone might say, “This math equation is a real mind-boggler.”
A person might describe a complicated plot in a movie as “mind-bogglingly convoluted.”

7. Head-scratcher

This term refers to something that is confusing or perplexing, often leaving you scratching your head in an attempt to comprehend it.

For instance, “The ending of that movie was a real head-scratcher.”
When faced with a riddle or conundrum, someone might say, “This puzzle is a real head-scratcher.”
A person might describe a confusing situation at work as “a real head-scratcher.”

8. Brain-teaser

This term is used to describe a puzzle or problem that requires critical thinking and mental effort to solve.

For example, “I love solving brain-teasers and riddles in my free time.”
When discussing a challenging math problem, someone might say, “This equation is a real brain-teaser.”
A person might challenge their friends by saying, “Try to solve this brain-teaser. It’s really tricky!”

9. Puzzle

This term refers to a problem or situation that is confusing or difficult to understand, often requiring careful thought or analysis to solve.

For instance, “The mystery surrounding the missing artifact is a real puzzle.”
When faced with a complex problem, someone might say, “I need to solve this puzzle before I can move forward.”
A person might describe a complicated set of instructions as “a puzzle that needs to be deciphered.”

10. Enigma

This term is used to describe something or someone that is puzzling, mysterious, or difficult to understand.

For example, “The Mona Lisa’s smile is an enigma that has fascinated art historians for centuries.”
When discussing a person with a complex personality, someone might say, “He’s a real enigma – you never know what he’s thinking.”
A person might describe a mysterious event as “an enigma that needs to be solved.”

11. Conundrum

A conundrum refers to a difficult or confusing problem that is challenging to solve or understand. It can also refer to a riddle or a puzzle that requires careful thought and analysis.

For example, “I’m facing a conundrum: should I accept the job offer or stay in my current position?”
In a mystery novel, a detective might say, “The case presents a conundrum, with multiple suspects and no clear motive.”
A person discussing a difficult decision might say, “I’m in a conundrum between following my passion or pursuing a stable career.”

12. Riddle

A riddle is a question or statement that requires clever or creative thinking to solve. It often presents a puzzle or a mystery that challenges the listener or reader to find the answer or meaning.

For instance, “Here’s a riddle for you: I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. What am I?”
A person sharing a brain teaser might say, “Try to solve this riddle: I am taken from a mine, and shut in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost every person. What am I?”
In a children’s book, a character might encounter a riddle and say, “I love solving riddles! Let’s see if we can figure this one out.”

13. Gordian knot

The Gordian knot refers to an extremely difficult problem or situation that seems impossible to solve. It originates from a legend about a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, which was said to be impossible to untie until Alexander the Great solved it by cutting through it with his sword.

For example, “The issue of climate change is a Gordian knot, with complex factors and conflicting interests.”
A person discussing a challenging task might say, “I feel like I’m facing a Gordian knot with this project; it’s overwhelming and hard to unravel.”
In a political debate, a speaker might argue, “We need a leader who can untangle the Gordian knot of healthcare reform and find a solution that benefits everyone.”

14. Quandary

A quandary refers to a state of uncertainty or confusion, often resulting from a difficult choice or decision. It can also refer to a dilemma or a predicament where one is unsure of the best course of action.

For instance, “I’m in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer or continue my education.”
A person discussing a moral dilemma might say, “I’m in a quandary; should I lie to protect someone or tell the truth and risk hurting them?”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “We’re in a quandary here, with conflicting opinions and no clear consensus on how to proceed.”

15. Dilemma

A dilemma refers to a situation where one is faced with two or more equally undesirable options or choices. It often involves a difficult decision where there are no easy or obvious solutions.

For example, “I’m in a dilemma; should I prioritize my career or spend more time with my family?”
A person discussing an ethical dilemma might say, “I’m torn between doing what’s right and protecting my own interests.”
In a movie plot, a character might face a dilemma and say, “I’m caught in a dilemma: do I save my friend or follow my duty?”

16. Paradox

A paradox refers to a situation or statement that seems contradictory or absurd, but may actually be true or have some truth to it.

For example, “The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know” is a classic paradox.
In a philosophical discussion, one might bring up the paradox of the “ship of Theseus,” which questions the identity of an object as its parts are replaced over time.
A user might comment, “It’s a paradox that technology has made our lives both easier and more complicated at the same time.”

17. Intricate

When something is described as intricate, it means that it is complex, detailed, and often requires careful attention or analysis to understand or appreciate.

For instance, a user might post a photo of a beautifully intricate piece of artwork and caption it, “Check out the intricate details in this painting.”
In a discussion about a puzzle, someone might say, “The solution is more intricate than it initially seems.”
A user might comment on a complex recipe, “The steps to make this dish are quite intricate, but the end result is worth it.”

18. Complicated

When something is described as complicated, it means that it is difficult to understand, deal with, or explain due to its intricacy or complexity.

For example, a user might post, “My relationship status is complicated,” indicating that their romantic situation is not straightforward.
In a discussion about a complex math problem, one might say, “The solution is quite complicated and requires advanced knowledge.”
A user might comment on a convoluted plot in a movie, “The storyline was so complicated, I had to watch it twice to fully understand.”

19. Elaborate

When something is described as elaborate, it means that it is detailed, extensive, and often involves a lot of effort or complexity in its creation or execution.

For instance, a user might post a photo of an elaborate cake and caption it, “Check out this elaborately decorated masterpiece.”
In a discussion about a plan or strategy, someone might say, “Let me elaborate on my idea and explain it in more detail.”
A user might comment on a complicated set of instructions, “The steps to assemble this furniture are quite elaborate, but the end result is impressive.”

20. Byzantine

When something is described as Byzantine, it means that it is complex, intricate, and often difficult to understand or navigate due to its convoluted nature.

For example, a user might post, “The tax code is so Byzantine, even experts struggle to understand it.”
In a discussion about a complex legal case, one might say, “The Byzantine web of laws and regulations makes this case particularly challenging.”
A user might comment on a complicated bureaucratic process, “Navigating the Byzantine system of paperwork and approvals is a nightmare.”

21. Knotty

This word is used to describe something that is intricate or difficult to understand. It can refer to a complex problem or a confusing situation.

For example, someone might say, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are knotty.”
In a discussion about a challenging puzzle, someone might comment, “This crossword is really knotty.”
A person might describe a complicated legal case as “knotty and hard to unravel.”

22. Perplexing

This term is used to describe something that is puzzling or difficult to comprehend. It implies a sense of confusion or bewilderment.

For instance, someone might say, “The answer to this riddle is really perplexing.”
In a conversation about a complex math problem, someone might comment, “I find this equation perplexing.”
A person might describe a complicated plot twist in a movie as “perplexing and hard to follow.”

23. Cryptic

This word is used to describe something that is mysterious or enigmatic. It often implies hidden or secret meaning that is difficult to decipher.

For example, someone might say, “The message in this code is cryptic.”
In a discussion about a puzzling poem, someone might comment, “The symbolism in this poem is cryptic.”
A person might describe a mysterious behavior as “cryptic and hard to understand.”

24. Esoteric

This term is used to describe something that is known or understood by only a select few. It often refers to specialized knowledge or topics that are not widely known or understood.

For instance, someone might say, “The teachings of this ancient philosophy are esoteric.”
In a conversation about a niche hobby, someone might comment, “The terminology used in this hobby is esoteric.”
A person might describe a complex scientific theory as “esoteric and difficult to grasp.”

25. Abstruse

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or comprehend. It implies a high level of complexity or intellectual challenge.

For example, someone might say, “The concepts in this academic paper are abstruse.”
In a discussion about a complicated theory, someone might comment, “The ideas presented in this book are abstruse.”
A person might describe a challenging puzzle as “abstruse and requiring deep thought.”

26. Inscrutable

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to comprehend or decipher. It suggests a sense of mystery or confusion.

For example, a person might say, “The professor’s lecture on quantum physics was inscrutable to me.”
In a book review, one might write, “The author’s writing style is intentionally inscrutable, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions.”
A movie critic might say, “The film’s plot was intentionally inscrutable, leaving audiences to piece together the story themselves.”

27. Arcane

This term refers to something that is known or understood by only a few people. It suggests a sense of secrecy or exclusivity.

For instance, a person might say, “The ancient rituals of the secret society are highly arcane.”
In a discussion about computer programming, one might say, “The code for this software is quite arcane, only a few experts can understand it.”
A book reviewer might describe a novel as “an exploration of arcane knowledge and hidden truths.”

28. Puzzling

This word is used to describe something that is difficult to understand or figure out. It suggests a sense of bewilderment or uncertainty.

For example, a person might say, “The ending of the movie was quite puzzling, leaving audiences with more questions than answers.”
In a discussion about a complicated math problem, one might say, “The solution to this equation is quite puzzling, even for experienced mathematicians.”
A product reviewer might write, “The instructions for assembling this furniture were puzzling, causing frustration for many customers.”

29. Complex

This term describes something that is made up of multiple interconnected elements or components. It suggests a sense of intricacy or sophistication.

For instance, a person might say, “The complex machinery required expert knowledge to operate.”
In a discussion about a novel, one might say, “The plot of this book is complex, with multiple storylines and characters.”
A restaurant reviewer might describe a dish as “a complex blend of flavors that delight the palate.”

30. Intriguing

This word is used to describe something that is interesting or compelling. It suggests a sense of curiosity or fascination.

For example, a person might say, “The speaker’s presentation was intriguing, leaving the audience wanting to learn more.”
In a discussion about a new scientific discovery, one might say, “The findings of this study are intriguing and could lead to further research.”
A book reviewer might describe a novel as “an intriguing exploration of human nature and morality.”

31. Sophisticated

This term refers to something that is intricate, complex, or refined in nature. It often implies a high level of sophistication or elegance.

For example, “Her taste in art is very sophisticated.”
In a discussion about fashion, someone might say, “That dress has a sophisticated design.”
A person describing a complex problem might say, “The solution to this issue requires a sophisticated approach.”

32. Multifaceted

This term describes something that has many different aspects, elements, or dimensions. It implies that there are multiple sides or perspectives to consider.

For instance, “The movie had a multifaceted plot with many twists and turns.”
In a conversation about a public figure, someone might say, “He has a multifaceted career, excelling in both music and acting.”
A person discussing a complex issue might say, “This problem is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive solution.”

33. Involved

This term describes something that is complicated, intricate, or difficult to understand or navigate. It implies that there are many details or factors to consider.

For example, “The instructions for assembling the furniture were very involved.”
In a discussion about a legal case, someone might say, “The trial was long and involved, with many witnesses and pieces of evidence.”
A person describing a complex recipe might say, “This dish is quite involved and requires careful attention to each step.”

34. Dense

This term describes something that is difficult to understand or comprehend due to its complexity or intricacy. It implies that there is a lot of information or details packed into a small space.

For instance, “The scientific paper was quite dense and required multiple readings to fully grasp.”
In a conversation about a challenging book, someone might say, “The author’s writing style is dense, making it a slow but rewarding read.”
A person discussing a complex concept might say, “The theory is quite dense and requires a deep understanding of the subject matter.”

35. Deep

This term describes something that is complex, profound, or intellectually challenging. It implies that there are layers of meaning or depth to be explored.

For example, “The novel explores deep philosophical questions about the nature of existence.”
In a discussion about a movie, someone might say, “The film has a deep and thought-provoking storyline.”
A person describing a complex problem might say, “We need to take a deep approach to understand the underlying issues and find a solution.”

36. Labrynthine

Labrynthine is used to describe something that is complex, convoluted, or difficult to navigate. It implies a maze-like quality.

For example, “The plot of the movie was labrynthine, with multiple twists and turns.”
A person trying to understand a complex scientific theory might say, “The concepts in this textbook are labrynthine.”
In a discussion about a challenging video game level, a player might say, “The level design is so labrynthine, it took me hours to figure out the right path.”

37. Labyrinth

A labyrinth refers to a complex structure with many interconnected paths or passages. It is often used metaphorically to describe something that is intricate or difficult to understand.

For instance, “The legal system can be a labyrinth, with its numerous rules and procedures.”
A person describing a complicated relationship might say, “Navigating their emotions was like walking through a labyrinth.”
In a discussion about a complex puzzle, someone might say, “Solving this crossword is like navigating a labyrinth of clues.”

38. Jigsaw puzzle

A jigsaw puzzle is a type of puzzle that requires the assembly of numerous small, oddly shaped pieces to create a complete picture. It is often used metaphorically to describe a complex problem or situation.

For example, “Figuring out how to optimize the company’s supply chain was like solving a jigsaw puzzle.”
Someone describing a complicated mystery might say, “Each clue is a piece of the jigsaw puzzle, and we need to put them together to solve the case.”
In a discussion about a challenging task, a person might say, “Building a successful startup is like solving a jigsaw puzzle, with each piece representing a different aspect of the business.”

39. Brainteaser

A brainteaser is a puzzle or problem that requires creative thinking and problem-solving skills to solve. It is often used to describe something that is mentally challenging or stimulating.

For instance, “The riddle about the man and his reflection in the mirror is a classic brainteaser.”
A person describing a challenging math problem might say, “Solving this equation is a real brainteaser.”
In a discussion about a difficult logic puzzle, someone might say, “This puzzle is a real brainteaser, it’s been keeping me up at night.”

40. Puzzler

A puzzler is a person who enjoys solving puzzles or riddles. It is often used to describe someone who is skilled at solving complex problems or enjoys intellectual challenges.

For example, “He’s a real puzzler, always solving crosswords and brain teasers.”
Someone describing a friend’s love for solving Sudoku puzzles might say, “She’s a dedicated puzzler, always carrying a puzzle book with her.”
In a discussion about a challenging game, a person might say, “This game is perfect for puzzlers, it requires logical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

41. Mystifying

Something that is difficult to understand or comprehend.

For example, “The magician’s tricks were mystifying to the audience.”
A person might say, “The instructions for assembling this furniture are mystifying.”
In a movie review, someone might write, “The plot of the film was intentionally mystifying, leaving the audience guessing until the end.”

42. Bewildering

Something that causes confusion or puzzlement.

For instance, “The instructions for operating this device are bewildering.”
A person might say, “The sudden turn of events in the story was bewildering.”
In a review of a confusing puzzle, someone might write, “The solution to this puzzle is absolutely bewildering.”

43. Confounding

Something that is difficult to understand or explain.

For example, “The results of the experiment were confounding and unexpected.”
A person might say, “Her behavior is confounding, I can never predict how she will react.”
In a discussion about a complex problem, someone might say, “The confounding factors make it difficult to find a clear solution.”

44. Baffling

Something that is confusing or puzzling.

For instance, “The disappearance of the plane remains baffling to investigators.”
A person might say, “The professor’s lecture was baffling, I couldn’t understand a word.”
In a review of a complicated board game, someone might write, “The rules of this game are baffling, it took us hours to figure them out.”

45. Nebulous

Something that is vague or not clearly defined.

For example, “The concept of love is nebulous, it means different things to different people.”
A person might say, “Her explanation was nebulous, I still don’t understand what she meant.”
In a discussion about a complex idea, someone might say, “The concept of time is nebulous, it’s difficult to grasp its true nature.”

46. Troublesome

This term is used to describe something that is causing trouble or is difficult to deal with.

For example, “The new software update is causing troublesome issues for users.”
A person might say, “Dealing with a troublesome coworker can be really draining.”
In a discussion about parenting, someone might mention, “Managing a toddler’s tantrums can be quite troublesome.”

47. Thorny

This slang term is used to describe a situation or problem that is complex or difficult to navigate.

For instance, “The negotiations between the two countries are getting thorny.”
A person might say, “Finding a solution to the thorny issue of climate change is a global challenge.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might mention, “Dealing with trust issues can make a relationship quite thorny.”

48. Tricky

This term is used to describe something that is not straightforward or easy to handle.

For example, “The math problem was quite tricky, but I eventually figured it out.”
A person might say, “Navigating through a crowded city can be tricky.”
In a discussion about negotiations, someone might mention, “Getting everyone to agree on the terms can be tricky.”

49. Daunting

This slang term is used to describe something that feels overwhelming or intimidating.

For instance, “Starting a new job can be daunting.”
A person might say, “The amount of information to study for the exam is daunting.”
In a discussion about challenges, someone might mention, “Running a marathon can seem daunting, but with proper training, it’s achievable.”