Top 35 Slang For Dead – Meaning & Usage

Death is a topic that is both universal and inevitable, but it’s not always easy to find the right words to talk about it. Luckily, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top slang terms for dead that will help you navigate this sensitive subject with ease. From humorous euphemisms to more serious expressions, this list has it all. So whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary or just want to stay up-to-date with the latest slang, this article is a must-read. Get ready to explore a whole new world of words for the dearly departed!

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1. Six feet under

This phrase refers to someone who has died and been buried in a grave that is typically six feet deep. It is a euphemism for death.

For example, “After a long battle with illness, he is now six feet under.”
In a discussion about mortality, someone might say, “We all end up six feet under eventually.”
When referring to a deceased person, one might say, “She’s been six feet under for years now.”

2. Kicked the bucket

This slang phrase means to die. It is often used in a humorous or lighthearted manner.

For instance, “He finally kicked the bucket at the ripe old age of 90.”
In a conversation about someone’s passing, one might say, “Well, he’s kicked the bucket, but at least he lived a full life.”
When discussing mortality, someone might joke, “I hope I don’t kick the bucket anytime soon.”

3. Bit the dust

This phrase can refer to both death and failure. It is often used to describe someone or something that has come to an end or been defeated.

For example, “After a long battle with illness, she finally bit the dust.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, one might say, “The company bit the dust after just a year.”
When referring to the end of a relationship, someone might say, “Their marriage bit the dust after only six months.”

4. Bought the farm

This slang phrase means to die, often in a sudden or unexpected manner. Its origin is uncertain, but it may stem from the idea of a soldier dying and being buried on a farm.

For instance, “He bought the farm in a car accident last week.”
In a conversation about someone’s passing, one might say, “She’s bought the farm, but her memory will live on.”
When discussing mortality, someone might joke, “I hope I don’t buy the farm anytime soon.”

5. Pushing up daisies

This phrase refers to someone who has died and been buried, with the idea that they are now buried beneath the ground and the daisies that grow on it. It is a euphemism for death.

For example, “After a long battle with illness, he’s now pushing up daisies.”
In a discussion about mortality, someone might say, “We all end up pushing up daisies eventually.”
When referring to a deceased person, one might say, “She’s been pushing up daisies for years now.”

6. Passed away

This is a polite and formal way to say that someone has died. It is often used in obituaries or when discussing someone’s death in a respectful manner.

For example, “My grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep.”
A news article might report, “The famous actor passed away after a long battle with illness.”
When expressing condolences, one might say, “I’m so sorry to hear that your friend passed away.”

7. Checked out

This slang term refers to someone dying or passing away. It is a more casual and informal way to talk about death, often used in casual conversations or humorously.

For instance, “He checked out last night. It was unexpected.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to check out anytime soon. I still have so much to do.”
When discussing a fictional character’s death, one might comment, “I can’t believe they checked out in the season finale.”

8. Croaked

This slang term means to die or pass away. It is a humorous and somewhat irreverent way to talk about death, often used in casual conversations or jokes.

For example, “He croaked after eating that spicy chili.”
A person might say, “I hope I don’t croak before I get to travel the world.”
When discussing a celebrity’s death, one might comment, “Another legend has kicked the bucket.”

9. Snuffed it

This slang term means to die or pass away. It is a colorful and somewhat macabre way to talk about death, often used in casual conversations or humorously.

For instance, “The old car finally snuffed it on the highway.”
A person might say, “I don’t want to snuff it before I have a chance to skydive.”
When discussing a fictional character’s death, one might comment, “They really bit the dust in that last episode.”

10. Met their maker

This slang term means to die or pass away. It is a euphemistic and sometimes religious way to talk about death, often used to imply that the person’s soul has gone to meet their creator.

For example, “After a long illness, she finally met her maker.”
A person might say, “When I die, I hope to peacefully pass on.”
When discussing a historical figure’s death, one might comment, “They have now met their maker, but their legacy lives on.”

11. Cashed in their chips

This phrase is often used to refer to someone who has died. It originates from the idea of ending a poker game and exchanging chips for money.

For example, “After a long battle with illness, he finally cashed in his chips.”
In a eulogy, someone might say, “She lived a full life and has now cashed in her chips.”
When discussing the loss of a loved one, a person might express, “It’s hard to believe he has cashed in his chips and is no longer with us.”

12. Gave up the ghost

This phrase is a euphemism for death. It implies that the person’s spirit or life force has left their body.

For instance, “After a long illness, he finally gave up the ghost.”
In a somber conversation about mortality, someone might say, “We all have to give up the ghost eventually.”
When discussing a pet’s passing, a person might say, “Our beloved dog gave up the ghost peacefully in his sleep.”

13. Took the dirt nap

This phrase is a humorous and irreverent way of saying someone has died. It refers to the idea of being buried in the ground and taking a nap that lasts forever.

For example, “He was a notorious prankster, but in the end, he took the dirt nap.”
In a lighthearted conversation about mortality, someone might say, “When my time comes, just bury me and let me take the dirt nap.”
When discussing a fictional character’s death, a person might comment, “I can’t believe they killed off the main character and made them take the dirt nap.”

14. Joined the choir invisible

This phrase is a poetic and metaphorical way of saying someone has died. It suggests that the person has joined a heavenly choir and become part of the invisible realm.

For instance, “After a long battle with illness, she joined the choir invisible.”
In a philosophical conversation about death, someone might say, “We all eventually join the choir invisible.”
When discussing the loss of a loved one, a person might express, “It brings me comfort to know that they have joined the choir invisible and are at peace.”

15. Became a stiff

This phrase is a slang term for someone who has died. It refers to the stiffness that occurs in a body after death.

For example, “He was found in his apartment, and by the time they arrived, he had already become a stiff.”
In a casual conversation about mortality, someone might say, “When I kick the bucket, I don’t want to become a stiff. I want to be cremated.”
When discussing a character’s death in a mystery novel, a person might comment, “The detective found the victim, who had become a stiff, lying on the floor.”

16. Passed on

This is a euphemism for someone who has died. It implies that the person has moved on from this life.

For example, “My grandmother passed on last night. She will be greatly missed.”
When discussing a deceased celebrity, one might say, “Many fans were saddened to hear that the actor passed on.”
A person might reflect on their own mortality and say, “When I pass on, I want to be remembered for the good I did in this world.”

17. Pushing up the daisies

This phrase is a humorous way to refer to someone who has died. It suggests that the person’s body is decomposing and contributing to the growth of flowers.

For instance, “After I’m gone, you’ll find me pushing up the daisies.”
In a dark comedy, a character might say, “I’ll be pushing up the daisies before you know it.”
A person might use this phrase to make light of their own mortality, saying, “When I’m pushing up the daisies, throw a party in my honor!”

18. Resting in peace

This phrase is often used to express the hope that a deceased person is at peace and free from any suffering.

For example, “After a long battle with illness, she is finally resting in peace.”
When discussing the loss of a loved one, one might say, “I take solace in knowing they are resting in peace.”
A person might reflect on their own mortality and say, “When I pass away, I hope to be resting in peace.”

19. Six feet deep

This phrase refers to the depth at which a person is buried in a grave. It is a way to indicate that someone has died and been laid to rest.

For instance, “Once I’m gone, you can lay me six feet deep.”
In a discussion about burial traditions, one might say, “In many cultures, it is customary to bury the deceased six feet deep.”
A person might reflect on their own mortality and say, “When I’m finally six feet deep, I hope to be remembered fondly.”

20. Six feet under the ground

Similar to the previous phrase, this expression emphasizes the burial of a deceased person. It implies that the person’s body is now beneath the surface of the earth.

For example, “When I die, I’ll be six feet under the ground.”
When discussing funeral arrangements, one might say, “They chose to have their loved one buried six feet under the ground.”
A person might use this phrase to reflect on their own mortality, saying, “One day, I’ll be six feet under the ground, but my memory will live on.”

21. Departed

This term is used to refer to someone who has passed away or died. It is a more formal way of saying “dead”.

For example, “We mourn the loss of our departed loved ones.”
In an obituary, it might say, “John Smith, beloved husband and father, departed this world on July 15th.”
When discussing someone who has passed away, one might say, “May they rest in peace, for they have departed from this life.”

22. No longer with us

This phrase is used to delicately refer to someone who has died. It is often used in a respectful or sympathetic manner.

For instance, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are no longer with us.”
When remembering a loved one, someone might say, “Though they are no longer with us, their memory lives on.”
In a eulogy, one might say, “We gather here today to honor and remember those who are no longer with us.”

23. Gone to a better place

This phrase is used to imply that someone who has died is now in a better or happier place, such as heaven or an afterlife.

For example, “Though they are gone, we take comfort in knowing they have gone to a better place.”
When consoling someone who has lost a loved one, one might say, “Take solace in the belief that they have gone to a better place.”
In a religious context, it might be said, “We believe that when we die, we go to a better place, free from pain and suffering.”

24. Took their last breath

This phrase is used to describe the moment when someone dies or passes away. It emphasizes the finality of death.

For instance, “He took his last breath surrounded by loved ones.”
When recounting the passing of a loved one, someone might say, “She peacefully took her last breath in her sleep.”
In a somber tone, one might say, “When someone takes their last breath, it is a reminder of the fragility of life.”

25. Checked into the morgue

This phrase is a more morbid and informal way of referring to someone who has died. It often implies a sense of finality and detachment from the living.

For example, “After the accident, the bodies were checked into the morgue.”
When discussing a crime scene, one might say, “The victim was found and checked into the morgue for further investigation.”
In a darkly humorous tone, someone might say, “Well, if I don’t make it out alive, just know I’ve already checked into the morgue.”

26. Pushing up the roses

This slang phrase refers to someone who has died and been buried. It implies that they are now pushing up flowers in a graveyard, specifically roses.

For example, someone might say, “After a long and fulfilling life, she’s now pushing up the roses.”
In a conversation about mortality, one might remark, “We all end up pushing up the roses eventually.”
A person discussing a funeral might say, “Let’s make sure the casket is surrounded by beautiful roses to honor the one who’s pushing them up.”

27. In the grave

This phrase simply means that someone is dead and buried in a grave. It is a straightforward way to refer to someone who has passed away.

For instance, a person might say, “He’s been in the grave for years, but his memory lives on.”
In a discussion about mortality, one might comment, “We all end up in the grave eventually.”
Someone might express condolences by saying, “I’m sorry for your loss. May the one in the grave rest in peace.”

28. Ashes to ashes

This phrase is a reference to the biblical verse “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” which is often recited during funeral services. It signifies the return of a person’s physical body to the earth.

For example, a person might say, “At the end of our lives, we all go from ashes to ashes.”
In a conversation about mortality, one might remark, “Remember that we all come from ashes to ashes.”
A person discussing the circle of life might say, “Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, we are all part of the same cycle.”

29. Worm food

This slang term refers to a dead body, implying that it will be consumed by worms and other decomposers in the soil.

For instance, someone might say, “Once we’re gone, we become nothing but worm food.”
In a discussion about mortality, one might comment, “In the end, we all become worm food.”
A person discussing burial methods might say, “I prefer cremation to being left as worm food.”

30. Pushing daisies

This phrase is a euphemism for being dead and buried. It suggests that the deceased person is now pushing up daisies from beneath the ground.

For example, a person might say, “He’s been pushing daisies for years, but his memory lives on.”
In a conversation about mortality, one might comment, “We all end up pushing daisies eventually.”
Someone might express condolences by saying, “I’m sorry for your loss. May the one pushing daisies rest in peace.”

31. Gone to the other side

This phrase is used to describe someone who has died and is believed to have moved on to the afterlife or another realm.

For example, “My grandmother has gone to the other side, but I believe she is still watching over us.”
In a discussion about spirituality, someone might say, “When we die, our souls go to the other side.”
A person sharing the news of a loved one’s passing might say, “Sadly, my friend has gone to the other side.”

32. Kicked it

This slang phrase is a euphemism for someone who has died. It is often used in a casual or informal context.

For instance, “I heard that old Mr. Johnson kicked it last night.”
When discussing mortality, someone might say, “We all know that one day we’ll kick it.”
A person sharing news of a celebrity’s death might simply state, “So-and-so kicked it today.”

33. Met one’s maker

This phrase refers to someone dying and meeting their creator or higher power in the afterlife.

For example, “When my time comes, I hope to peacefully meet my maker.”
In a discussion about death, someone might ask, “Do you think we’ll meet our maker when we die?”
A person sharing the news of a loved one’s passing might say, “Sadly, she has met her maker.”

34. Rest in peace (RIP)

This phrase is commonly used as a way to express condolences or wish peace for someone who has died.

For instance, “RIP, my dear friend. You will be missed.”
When discussing the passing of a celebrity, someone might say, “Let’s take a moment to remember their legacy. RIP.”
A person sharing news of a loved one’s death might simply state, “My grandmother passed away last night. RIP.”

35. In a better place

This phrase is used to describe someone who has died and is believed to be in a better or more peaceful state.

For example, “Although she is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing she is in a better place.”
In a discussion about grief, someone might say, “When a loved one passes, we hope they find themselves in a better place.”
A person sharing the news of a friend’s passing might say, “He’s no longer suffering. He’s in a better place now.”