Top 40 Slang For Ordinary – Meaning & Usage

In a world filled with ever-evolving language, staying current on the latest slang for ordinary can be a challenge. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! Our team has scoured the depths of everyday conversations to bring you a curated list of the trendiest and most relatable slang terms that will have you feeling like a language pro in no time. So sit back, relax, and get ready to level up your everyday lingo game with our comprehensive guide.

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1. Run of the mill

This phrase is used to describe something that is common or unremarkable. It refers to something that is not special or out of the ordinary.

For example, “That restaurant is just run of the mill. The food is nothing special.”
In a discussion about cars, someone might say, “I’m looking for a reliable, run of the mill vehicle.”
A person describing a movie might say, “It was entertaining, but ultimately run of the mill.”

2. Plain Jane

This term is used to describe a person, typically a woman, who is unremarkable or plain in appearance. It is often used in a light-hearted or affectionate manner.

For instance, “She’s not the most attractive girl, but she’s a real plain Jane.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “I prefer a more unique style. I don’t want to look like a plain Jane.”
A person might describe themselves as a plain Jane, saying, “I don’t wear much makeup and I prefer a simple, understated look.”

3. Dime a dozen

This phrase is used to describe something that is extremely common or abundant. It suggests that the item or person being referred to is not unique or special.

For example, “Those cheap knockoff handbags are a dime a dozen.”
In a discussion about job applicants, someone might say, “There are plenty of candidates with similar qualifications. They’re a dime a dozen.”
A person might describe a certain type of flower as a dime a dozen, saying, “You can find them everywhere. They’re not hard to come by.”

4. Nothing to write home about

This phrase is used to indicate that something is not particularly impressive or noteworthy. It suggests that the thing being referred to is not exciting or remarkable enough to be worth writing home (or telling others) about.

For instance, “The movie was okay, but nothing to write home about.”
In a discussion about a restaurant, someone might say, “The food was decent, but nothing to write home about.”
A person might describe a vacation destination as nothing to write home about, saying, “It was nice, but not worth raving about to others.”

5. Middle of the road

This term is used to describe something that is neither exceptional nor terrible. It suggests that the thing being referred to is average or moderate in quality or characteristics.

For example, “The hotel was fine, nothing special. It was just middle of the road.”
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “Their latest album was okay, but it’s pretty middle of the road.”
A person might describe a car as middle of the road, saying, “It’s not the most luxurious, but it gets the job done.”

6. Garden variety

This term is used to describe something that is typical or unexceptional. It can be used to refer to people, objects, or situations.

For example, “He’s just your garden variety car salesman.”
In a discussion about fruits, someone might say, “Apples are a garden variety fruit.”
A person describing a boring movie might say, “It was just a garden variety romantic comedy.”

7. Ho-hum

This expression is used to describe something that is dull, uninteresting, or uninspiring. It can be used to describe various aspects of life.

For instance, “The presentation was ho-hum and didn’t capture the audience’s attention.”
A person might say, “I had a ho-hum day at work.”
Someone describing a lackluster performance might say, “The team’s performance was ho-hum.”

8. Vanilla

This term is used to describe something that is basic, plain, or lacking in excitement or originality. It can be used to describe various things, including food, music, and people.

For example, “He’s a pretty vanilla guy, not into anything too adventurous.”
A person might say, “I prefer more exciting flavors, not just plain vanilla.”
Someone describing a boring party might say, “It was a pretty vanilla event.”

9. Mundane

This word is used to describe something that is ordinary, commonplace, or lacking in excitement. It can be used to describe various aspects of life or situations.

For instance, “I’m tired of doing mundane tasks at work.”
A person might say, “I need to escape the mundane routine of everyday life.”
Someone describing a boring conversation might say, “It was just mundane small talk.”

10. Average Joe

This term is used to refer to an ordinary, average person. It is often used to emphasize the normalcy or lack of exceptional qualities in someone.

For example, “He’s just an average Joe, nothing special.”
A person might say, “I relate more to the struggles of the average Joe.”
Someone describing a relatable character in a book might say, “The protagonist is an average Joe trying to navigate life.”

11. Commonplace

This term refers to something that is ordinary, average, or lacking in uniqueness. It is often used to describe things that are not special or extraordinary.

For instance, someone might say, “Going to the grocery store is just a commonplace task.”
In a discussion about music, someone might comment, “His songs are catchy, but they’re quite commonplace.”
A person describing their job might say, “My work is pretty commonplace, nothing too exciting.”

12. Everyday

This word is used to describe something that is part of daily life or occurs on a regular basis. It refers to things that are common or ordinary.

For example, someone might say, “I wear jeans and a t-shirt for everyday attire.”
In a discussion about cooking, a person might comment, “I like to make simple, everyday meals.”
Someone might describe their commute as, “Just the everyday traffic.”

13. Humdrum

This term describes something that is dull, boring, or lacking excitement. It refers to things that are ordinary or mundane.

For instance, someone might say, “My job can be quite humdrum, doing the same tasks every day.”
In a conversation about hobbies, a person might comment, “I need something more exciting, my current activities are too humdrum.”
A student might describe their school day as, “Just another humdrum day of classes.”

14. Standard

This word is used to describe something that is considered normal or average. It refers to things that are commonly accepted or expected.

For example, someone might say, “The standard procedure is to follow these steps.”
In a discussion about car features, a person might comment, “The standard model comes with basic options.”
A teacher might describe a test as, “The questions are pretty standard, covering the material we’ve learned.”

15. Regular

This term refers to something that happens or occurs on a regular basis. It is often used to describe something that is common or normal.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m a regular customer at that coffee shop.”
In a conversation about exercise, a person might comment, “I try to go for regular runs to stay in shape.”
A person might describe their work hours as, “I have regular 9-to-5 job.”

16. Typical

This term is used to describe something that is common or expected. It implies that there is nothing special or extraordinary about the thing being referred to.

For example, “It’s typical for the bus to be late.”
In a conversation about weather, someone might say, “Typical British weather – raining again.”
A person might comment on a predictable outcome with, “That’s typical of him, always taking the easy way out.”

17. So-so

When something is described as “so-so,” it means it is neither particularly good nor particularly bad. It suggests a level of mediocrity or average quality.

For instance, if someone asks how a meal was, one might respond, “It was so-so, nothing special.”
In a conversation about a movie, someone might say, “I thought it was so-so, not great but not terrible either.”
A person might describe their day as, “It was just so-so, nothing exciting happened.”

18. Mediocre

This term is used to describe something that is of average or ordinary quality. It suggests that the thing being referred to is not particularly impressive or exceptional.

For example, “The restaurant had mediocre food and service.”
In a discussion about a sports team, one might say, “They had a mediocre season, finishing in the middle of the pack.”
A person might comment on a performance with, “It was mediocre at best, nothing memorable.”

19. Unremarkable

When something is described as “unremarkable,” it means that it is not worthy of attention or special notice. It suggests that the thing being referred to is ordinary or average.

For instance, if someone asks about a vacation, one might respond, “It was unremarkable, just a typical beach trip.”
In a conversation about a book, someone might say, “I found it unremarkable, nothing stood out.”
A person might describe a meeting as, “It was unremarkable, just the usual discussions.”

20. Common

This term is used to describe something that is widespread or ordinary. It suggests that the thing being referred to is not rare or unique.

For example, “It’s common to see people using smartphones.”
In a discussion about fashion, someone might say, “Wearing jeans is common attire.”
A person might comment on a trait with, “It’s a common characteristic among siblings.”

21. Bland

When something is described as “bland,” it means that it is dull or uninteresting. This can refer to food, experiences, or even people.

For example, “The pasta dish was bland and needed more seasoning.”
A person might say, “I find his personality to be a bit bland; he doesn’t stand out in a crowd.”
When discussing a movie, someone might comment, “The plot was predictable and the characters were bland.”

22. Dull as dishwater

This phrase is used to emphasize just how unexciting something is. It compares the dullness of dishwater to the lack of excitement in a situation.

For instance, “The lecture was as dull as dishwater; I struggled to stay awake.”
A person might say, “I tried watching that show, but it was dull as dishwater.”
When describing a party, someone might say, “The atmosphere was dull as dishwater; there was no energy or excitement.”

23. Plain vanilla

This phrase is often used to describe something that is basic or lacks any unique qualities. It refers to the simple flavor of vanilla compared to more exotic or interesting flavors.

For example, “His fashion sense is pretty plain vanilla; he always wears the same basic outfits.”
A person might say, “I prefer more adventurous vacations; a beach trip is just plain vanilla.”
When discussing music, someone might comment, “The song was catchy, but the lyrics were plain vanilla.”

24. Nothing special

This phrase is used to indicate that something is not particularly unique or impressive. It suggests that there is nothing noteworthy or exceptional about the thing being described.

For instance, “The restaurant was okay, but nothing special.”
A person might say, “I’ve seen that movie before; it’s nothing special.”
When describing a gift, someone might comment, “It’s just a basic mug, nothing special.”

25. Average

When something is described as “average,” it means that it is neither exceptional nor below average. It is a term used to describe something that is considered typical or ordinary.

For example, “His grades were average; he didn’t excel, but he didn’t fail either.”
A person might say, “The movie was entertaining, but it was pretty average.”
When discussing height, someone might comment, “He’s of average height for a man.”

26. Run-of-the-mill

This term refers to something that is common or typical, lacking any special or unique qualities.

For example, “I’m tired of eating run-of-the-mill fast food. Let’s try something different.”
In a conversation about jobs, someone might say, “I’m looking for something more challenging. I’m tired of the run-of-the-mill office job.”
A person describing a movie might say, “It was entertaining, but nothing special. Just a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy.”

27. Regular Joe

This slang term is used to refer to an ordinary or average individual, often used to contrast with someone who is famous, wealthy, or exceptional in some way.

For instance, “He may be a celebrity, but he’s just a regular Joe when he’s at home.”
In a conversation about famous athletes, someone might say, “Even though he’s a superstar, he’s still just a regular Joe at heart.”
A person describing their neighbor might say, “He’s a great guy, just a regular Joe who loves to barbecue on weekends.”

28. Everyday Joe

Similar to “Regular Joe,” this term is used to describe someone who is ordinary or average, often used to emphasize their relatability or lack of exceptional qualities.

For example, “The politician tries to connect with everyday Joes by talking about their common struggles.”
In a discussion about customer service, someone might say, “We need to make sure our products are affordable for everyday Joes.”
A person describing a TV show might say, “The characters are relatable everyday Joes dealing with everyday problems.”

29. Joe Blow

This slang term is used to refer to someone who is unknown, unimportant, or lacking significance.

For instance, “Why should we listen to what Joe Blow has to say? He’s just another opinion.”
In a conversation about talent shows, someone might say, “Most contestants end up being Joe Blow, but every now and then, we find a star.”
A person describing a coworker might say, “He’s always trying to act important, but he’s just Joe Blow like the rest of us.”

30. Joe Schmo

Similar to “Joe Blow,” this term is used to refer to an ordinary or unremarkable individual, often used to emphasize their lack of distinction or importance.

For example, “The salesman tried to convince Joe Schmo that he needed the product, but Joe wasn’t interested.”
In a discussion about job interviews, someone might say, “We’re not looking for a superstar, just a Joe Schmo who can do the job.”
A person describing a character in a book might say, “He’s just a Joe Schmo, nothing special about him.”

31. Commoner

This term refers to an ordinary individual who does not hold a position of power or wealth. It is often used to contrast with someone of higher social status.

For example, “The royal family mingled with the commoners at the festival.”
In a discussion about income inequality, someone might say, “The policies favor the wealthy while the commoners struggle.”
A person might describe themselves as a commoner by saying, “I’m just a commoner trying to make a living.”

32. Average Jane

This slang term is used to refer to an ordinary woman who is not exceptional or remarkable in any particular way. It is often used to emphasize normalcy.

For instance, “She may not be a superstar, but she’s just your average Jane.”
In a conversation about dating, someone might say, “I’m not looking for a supermodel, just an average Jane.”
A person might describe their friend by saying, “She’s an average Jane, but she’s always there for me.”

33. Middle-of-the-road

This term describes something or someone that is neither extreme nor exceptional. It is often used to refer to a position or opinion that is not strongly for or against something.

For example, “His political views are middle-of-the-road, appealing to a wide range of voters.”
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “Their sound is middle-of-the-road, not too heavy or too soft.”
A person might describe their style as middle-of-the-road by saying, “I like to dress in a way that’s neither too trendy nor too casual.”

34. Dullsville

This slang term is used to describe a place or situation that lacks excitement or interest. It is often used humorously to express boredom.

For instance, “The party was a total Dullsville, with no music or entertainment.”
In a conversation about vacation destinations, someone might say, “I don’t want to go to Dullsville, I want adventure and excitement.”
A person might describe their hometown as Dullsville by saying, “There’s nothing to do here, it’s a total snooze-fest.”

35. Plain as day

This phrase is used to emphasize that something is very clear or easily understood. It is often used to describe a situation or fact that is not hidden or ambiguous.

For example, “The answer to the problem was plain as day, but no one else could see it.”
In a discussion about a mistake, someone might say, “It was plain as day that they were at fault.”
A person might describe their feelings by saying, “I made my intentions plain as day, but they still didn’t understand.”

36. Meh

Used to express a lack of interest or enthusiasm towards something.

For example, “How was the movie?” “Meh, it was okay.”
When asked about a new restaurant, someone might say, “The food was meh, nothing special.”
A person might comment on a boring party by saying, “The party was meh, I didn’t have much fun.”

37. Blah

Used to describe something that is boring or unremarkable.

For instance, “I have to go to another blah meeting today.”
When asked about a recent book, someone might say, “It was just blah, nothing exciting.”
A person might describe a lackluster performance by saying, “The concert was blah, I expected more.”

38. Bleh

Used to convey a feeling of not being impressed or satisfied with something.

For example, “How was your day?” “Bleh, it was just okay.”
When asked about a new fashion trend, someone might say, “It’s bleh, not my style.”
A person might express their disappointment with a movie by saying, “The ending was bleh, it ruined the whole film.”

39. Meh-meh

Used to describe something that is average or unimpressive.

For instance, “The food at that restaurant was meh-meh, nothing special.”
When asked about a recent vacation, someone might say, “It was meh-meh, not worth the hype.”
A person might comment on a mediocre performance by saying, “The play was meh-meh, I expected better.”

40. Basic

Used to describe someone or something that lacks originality or uniqueness.

For example, “She always wears basic clothes, nothing stands out.”
When talking about a popular song, someone might say, “It’s just a basic pop song, nothing groundbreaking.”
A person might describe a generic brand by saying, “Their products are basic, nothing special.”