In a world full of hidden gems and undiscovered treasures, knowing the right slang for finding can make all the difference. Whether you’re on a quest for the perfect vintage find or trying to uncover the latest viral trend, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we unveil a curated list of the most essential terms that will level up your search game and have you finding like a pro in no time!
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1. Score
To “score” means to find or obtain something, often with a sense of accomplishment or luck. It can refer to finding something valuable or desirable.
- For example, “I scored a great deal on this vintage jacket at the thrift store.”
- A person might say, “I scored some tickets to the concert!”
- In a conversation about finding rare collectibles, someone might mention, “I scored a limited edition comic book at a garage sale.”
2. Snag
To “snag” means to catch or obtain something, often unexpectedly or through good fortune. It can also refer to finding a solution or successfully completing a task.
- For instance, “I snagged the last available seat on the plane.”
- A person might say, “I snagged a great parking spot right in front of the building.”
- In a discussion about finding a solution to a difficult problem, someone might say, “I finally snagged the answer after hours of research.”
3. Come across
To “come across” means to find something by chance or unexpectedly. It can also refer to encountering or discovering something or someone.
- For example, “I came across an old photo album while cleaning out the attic.”
- A person might say, “I came across an interesting article online.”
- In a conversation about meeting new people, someone might mention, “I came across a fascinating individual at a networking event.”
4. Dig up
To “dig up” means to uncover or find something, often after searching or investigating. It can also refer to discovering information or facts.
- For instance, “I dug up some old family photos from the basement.”
- A person might say, “I dug up some interesting facts about the history of our town.”
- In a discussion about researching a topic, someone might mention, “I need to dig up more sources to support my argument.”
5. Hit the jackpot
To “hit the jackpot” means to find something valuable, successful, or highly desirable. It can also refer to experiencing great luck or fortune.
- For example, “I hit the jackpot when I found this rare antique at a flea market.”
- A person might say, “I hit the jackpot with this new job opportunity.”
- In a conversation about winning a lottery, someone might mention, “I hit the jackpot and won a million dollars!”
6. Lay your hands on
– For example, “I finally managed to lay my hands on that rare vinyl record I’ve been searching for.”
- A person might say, “I need to lay my hands on a copy of that book before it sells out.”
- Someone might ask, “Do you know where I can lay my hands on some concert tickets?”
7. Stumble upon
– For instance, “I was walking in the park and stumbled upon a hidden gem of a coffee shop.”
- A person might say, “I stumbled upon this amazing vintage store while exploring the city.”
- Someone might share, “I was browsing the internet and stumbled upon this interesting article.”
8. Get a hold of
– For example, “I finally managed to get a hold of the latest smartphone model.”
- A person might say, “I need to get a hold of some concert tickets for this weekend.”
- Someone might ask, “Do you know where I can get a hold of a reliable mechanic?”
9. Turn up
– For instance, “I was cleaning my room and turned up that missing earring.”
- A person might say, “I turned up my car keys in the last place I expected.”
- Someone might share, “I was digging in the garden and turned up a buried treasure.”
10. Unearth
– For example, “Archaeologists unearthed ancient artifacts at the excavation site.”
- A person might say, “I unearthed some old family photos while cleaning out the attic.”
- Someone might share, “During my research, I unearthed some interesting facts about the history of this town.”
11. Discover
This word means to find or come across something for the first time. It can also imply finding something that was previously unknown or hidden.
- For example, “I discovered a new restaurant in town that serves amazing sushi.”
- A person might say, “I discovered a hidden gem of a bookstore while walking through the city.”
- Another might share, “I discovered a great new band through a friend’s recommendation.”
12. Pin down
This phrase means to determine or identify something with precision or accuracy. It can also refer to successfully capturing or apprehending someone or something.
- For instance, “I need to pin down the exact date of the meeting.”
- In a conversation about a suspect, someone might say, “The police are trying to pin down the suspect’s location.”
- A person might express frustration, saying, “I can’t pin down the cause of this issue.”
13. Locate
This word means to find the position or whereabouts of something or someone. It can also imply finding a specific place or destination.
- For example, “I need to locate my keys before I can leave.”
- In a discussion about a missing person, someone might say, “The search team is trying to locate the individual.”
- A traveler might ask for help, saying, “Can you help me locate the nearest train station?”
14. Procure
This word means to obtain or acquire something, often through effort or difficulty. It can also imply obtaining something that is rare, valuable, or hard to come by.
- For instance, “I managed to procure tickets to the sold-out concert.”
- In a conversation about a hard-to-find item, someone might say, “I finally procured the limited edition collectible.”
- A person might share, “I was able to procure a sample of the new product before it was released.”
15. Uncover
This word means to reveal or discover something that was previously hidden, secret, or unknown. It can also imply exposing the truth or bringing something to light.
- For example, “The investigation uncovered evidence of corruption.”
- In a discussion about a mystery, someone might say, “I can’t wait to uncover the truth.”
- A person might share, “I uncovered a hidden talent when I started painting.”
16. Scour
To scour means to search or look for something in a thorough and intensive way.
- For example, “I scoured the internet for hours trying to find that article.”
- A detective might say, “We scoured the crime scene for any clues.”
- Someone searching for a lost item might say, “I scoured every room in the house but couldn’t find it.”
17. Ferret out
To ferret out means to discover or find something through persistent and determined searching.
- For instance, “She managed to ferret out the truth about what really happened.”
- A journalist might say, “I spent weeks ferreting out information for this investigative report.”
- Someone trying to uncover a secret might say, “I will ferret out the identity of the anonymous tipster.”
18. Sniff out
To sniff out means to detect or find something through intuition or instinct, often in a figurative sense.
- For example, “She has a knack for sniffing out a good deal.”
- A dog trained to find drugs might be able to sniff out hidden substances.
- A detective might say, “I can sniff out a lie from a mile away.”
19. Fish out
To fish out means to find or obtain something with difficulty or effort.
- For instance, “I managed to fish out the key from under the couch.”
- Someone searching for a specific document might say, “I had to fish it out from a pile of papers.”
- A treasure hunter might try to fish out valuable artifacts from the ocean.
20. Track down
To track down means to locate or find someone or something after a search or pursuit.
- For example, “The detective managed to track down the suspect.”
- A person trying to find a long-lost friend might say, “I finally tracked him down on social media.”
- A bounty hunter might track down fugitives and bring them to justice.
21. Bag
This slang term is often used to describe the act of finding or obtaining something. It can refer to acquiring an item or achieving a goal.
- For example, “I finally bagged that job I’ve been wanting.”
- A person might say, “I need to bag some groceries before heading home.”
- In a conversation about shopping, someone might ask, “Where did you bag that cute dress?”
22. Cop
To “cop” something means to acquire or obtain it, usually referring to obtaining something illicit or illegal.
- For instance, “I copped a new pair of sneakers at the store.”
- A person might say, “I need to cop some cash before the party.”
- In a discussion about drug use, someone might ask, “Where can I cop some weed?”
23. Scoop
This slang term is often used to mean finding out or discovering something, especially information or news.
- For example, “I just scooped that our favorite band is coming to town.”
- A person might say, “I need to scoop the latest gossip from my friends.”
- In a conversation about research, someone might ask, “Did you scoop any new findings in your study?”
24. Pinch
To “pinch” something means to steal or take it without permission. It can also mean finding or obtaining something in a sneaky or sly manner.
- For instance, “Someone pinched my wallet while I wasn’t looking.”
- A person might say, “I pinched a few cookies from the jar.”
- In a discussion about clever tactics, someone might mention, “He pinched the last seat in the crowded train.”
25. Snatch
To “snatch” something means to steal or grab it quickly and forcefully. It can also mean finding or obtaining something in a swift or sudden manner.
- For example, “She snatched the necklace from the display.”
- A person might say, “I need to snatch a quick bite before the meeting.”
- In a conversation about opportunistic actions, someone might mention, “He snatched the chance to speak with the CEO.”
26. Grab
– For example, “I need to grab my phone before we leave.”
- In a conversation about shopping, someone might say, “I grabbed a great deal on that new dress.”
- A friend might ask, “Can you grab me a coffee on your way back?”
27. Obtain
– For instance, “I obtained a copy of the report from the office.”
- In a discussion about legal procedures, someone might say, “I obtained a restraining order against my ex.”
- A person might ask, “Where can I obtain tickets for the concert?”
28. Hit upon
– For example, “I hit upon a great idea for a new business.”
- In a conversation about finding a solution, someone might say, “I hit upon the answer while taking a shower.”
- A person might share, “I hit upon this amazing hidden gem of a restaurant in the city.”
29. Lay hands on
– For instance, “I finally laid my hands on that rare collectible.”
- In a discussion about a missing item, someone might say, “I need to lay my hands on my car keys.”
- A friend might ask, “Do you know where I can lay my hands on some good quality headphones?”
30. Run down
– For example, “I ran down the address of the new restaurant.”
- In a conversation about a missing person, someone might say, “The detective is working to run down any leads.”
- A person might ask, “Can you help me run down the contact information for that company?”
31. Chance upon
This phrase means to come across something or someone unexpectedly or by chance. It implies a sense of surprise or luck in finding something.
- For example, “I was walking through the park and chanced upon a hidden treasure.”
- A person might say, “I chanced upon a rare book at a garage sale.”
- Another might share, “I chanced upon an old friend while traveling abroad.”
32. Light upon
To “light upon” something means to find or discover it unexpectedly. It suggests a sense of serendipity or a fortunate encounter.
- For instance, “While cleaning out the attic, I lit upon a box of vintage photographs.”
- A person might say, “I lit upon a great recipe while browsing through a cookbook.”
- Another might share, “I lit upon a beautiful hiking trail during my vacation.”
33. Happen upon
This phrase means to come across something or someone by chance or accident. It implies a sense of unexpected discovery.
- For example, “I happened upon a quaint little café while exploring the city.”
- A person might say, “I happened upon an interesting article while browsing online.”
- Another might share, “I happened upon a hidden gem of a bookstore in a small town.”
34. Fall upon
To “fall upon” something means to come across it unexpectedly or by chance. It suggests a sense of stumbling upon something.
- For instance, “While hiking in the forest, I fell upon a hidden waterfall.”
- A person might say, “I fell upon a great deal at the store.”
- Another might share, “I fell upon an old family photo album while cleaning out the basement.”
35. Lay hold of
This phrase means to acquire or obtain something. It implies actively taking possession or control of something.
- For example, “I laid hold of a rare collectible at an auction.”
- A person might say, “I laid hold of some important documents for the meeting.”
- Another might share, “I managed to lay hold of the last ticket to the concert.”
36. Get hold of
This phrase is used to express the act of acquiring or obtaining something. It can refer to physically obtaining an object or gaining access to information or a person.
- For example, “I need to get hold of a copy of that book for my research.”
- In a conversation about contacting someone, one might say, “I’ve been trying to get hold of him all day but he’s not answering his phone.”
- A person discussing finding a solution might suggest, “You should try to get hold of some expert advice on the matter.”