Top 40 Slang For Ran – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to slang for running, the vocabulary can be as diverse as the sport itself. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, our team has compiled a list of the trendiest and most relevant running slang to keep you in the loop. Lace up your shoes and get ready to dive into this exciting world of running jargon that will have you sprinting to the finish line of slang mastery!

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1. Bolted

To “bolt” means to run away or flee from a situation or location in a fast and sudden manner.

For example, “When the alarm went off, the suspect bolted out of the building.”
In a race, a commentator might say, “The runner bolted out of the starting blocks.”
A person describing a scary encounter might say, “I saw a snake and bolted in the opposite direction.”

2. Dashed

To “dash” means to run quickly or hurriedly, often to reach a specific destination or to escape from something.

For instance, “She dashed across the street to catch the bus.”
In a sports game, a player might dash towards the goal.
Someone describing a close call might say, “I almost got hit by a car, but I dashed out of the way just in time.”

3. Zoomed

To “zoom” means to run or move at a high speed, often with a sense of excitement or energy.

For example, “The children zoomed around the playground.”
In a car race, a commentator might say, “The driver zoomed past the competition.”
A person describing a thrilling experience might say, “I went skydiving and felt like I was zooming through the air.”

4. Scooted

To “scoot” means to run or move quickly, often with short and quick steps.

For instance, “He scooted across the room to grab his jacket.”
In a crowded area, a person might say, “Excuse me, I need to scoot through.”
A parent might tell their child, “Hurry up and scoot, or we’ll be late for school.”

5. Hightailed it

To “hightail it” means to run away or flee from a situation in a fast and urgent manner.

For example, “When the dog started barking, the cat hightailed it up a tree.”
In a scary movie, a character might say, “Let’s hightail it out of here before the monster gets us.”
A person describing a close call might say, “I saw a bear and hightailed it back to the safety of my car.”

6. Legged it

This phrase is often used to describe someone running away or fleeing from a situation in a hurry.

For example, “When the police arrived, the suspect legged it down the alley.”
In a story about a daring escape, one might write, “The prisoner managed to break free and leg it out of the prison.”
A witness might say, “I saw the thief grab the purse and leg it across the street.”

7. Scurried

This term is used to describe someone or something moving rapidly and with a sense of urgency.

For instance, “The mouse scurried across the kitchen floor.”
In a description of a chaotic scene, one might write, “People scurried in all directions, trying to find safety.”
A person observing a busy street might comment, “Pedestrians scurried along the sidewalk, trying to catch their buses.”

8. Jogged

Jogging is a form of running that is done at a slower pace than sprinting or running.

For example, “She jogged around the park every morning to stay fit.”
In a conversation about exercise, one person might say, “I prefer to jog rather than run because it’s easier on my joints.”
A fitness enthusiast might give advice, “If you’re just starting out, try jogging for a few minutes and then walking to build up your endurance.”

9. Sprinted

Sprinting refers to running as fast as possible over a short distance.

For instance, “The athlete sprinted across the finish line, winning the race.”
In a story about a chase, one might write, “The suspect sprinted down the street, trying to escape from the police.”
A person describing a thrilling moment might say, “I sprinted to catch the last train, just making it before the doors closed.”

10. Galloped

This term is often used to describe the running motion of animals, particularly horses.

For example, “The horse galloped across the open field, its hooves pounding the ground.”
In a description of a wild horse, one might write, “The stallion galloped freely through the meadow, its mane flowing in the wind.”
A person recounting a childhood memory might say, “I used to pretend I was a horse and gallop around the backyard.”

11. Rushed

To run or move quickly and suddenly, often in a panicked or hurried manner. “Bolted” is a slang term used to describe a rapid and urgent movement.

For example, in a sports game, a player might bolt towards the end zone to score a touchdown.
In a dangerous situation, someone might bolt from the scene to escape harm.
A person in a hurry might say, “I need to bolt to catch my train.”

12. Fled

To run away or escape from a situation, often to avoid punishment or danger. “Made a run for it” is a slang phrase used to describe a quick escape.

For instance, a suspect might flee from the police and make a run for it.
In a thrilling movie scene, a character might make a run for it to escape from a dangerous situation.
Someone who narrowly avoids an embarrassing situation might say, “I saw my ex at the party and made a run for it.”

13. Escaped

To successfully leave or evade a place, often to avoid capture or confinement. “Made a getaway” is a slang expression used to describe a successful escape.

For example, a prisoner might escape from jail and make a getaway.
In a heist movie, the criminals might successfully rob a bank and make a getaway in a fast car.
A person who narrowly avoids a boring event might say, “I managed to make a getaway before the speeches started.”

14. Skedaddled

To leave or run away quickly, often in a hasty or furtive manner. “Skedaddled” is a slang term used to describe a swift departure.

For instance, when the police arrived, the suspect skedaddled out the back door.
In a funny situation, someone might say, “When the cake fell on the floor, the dog skedaddled!”
A person who wants to leave a party early might say, “I think it’s time to skedaddle.”

15. Skipped

To run away or leave quickly, often in an attempt to avoid something or someone. “Made a break for it” is a slang phrase used to describe a sudden and hurried departure.

For example, a student might skip class and make a break for it when they see the teacher approaching.
In a thrilling chase scene, a character might make a break for it to escape from pursuers.
Someone who wants to leave a boring event might say, “I’m going to skip out early and make a break for it.”

16. Trotted

This term refers to running at a moderate pace, usually with short, quick steps. It implies a steady and determined movement.

For example, “The horse trotted along the trail, eager to reach the finish line.”
In a conversation about exercise, someone might say, “I prefer trotting on the treadmill rather than running at a faster pace.”
A person describing their morning routine might say, “I trotted around the park for a quick jog before work.”

17. Hastened

This term means to run with speed and urgency, often in response to a situation or to reach a destination promptly.

For instance, “She hastened to catch the bus before it pulled away from the stop.”
In a story about a chase, the author might write, “The protagonist hastened through the dark alley, trying to escape their pursuers.”
A person describing a busy day might say, “I hastened from one meeting to another, barely having time to catch my breath.”

18. Hastily departed

This phrase describes the act of leaving a place or situation in a hurried manner, often to avoid trouble or to escape a difficult situation.

For example, “Upon seeing the approaching storm, the beachgoers hastily departed to seek shelter.”
In a story about a daring escape, a character might say, “We hastily departed from the enemy’s hideout, knowing that our lives were at stake.”
A person recounting a funny incident might say, “When the fire alarm went off, everyone hastily departed from the building, only to realize it was a false alarm.”

19. Made a break for it

This phrase means to run away abruptly and unexpectedly, often to escape from a confinement or to avoid a difficult or dangerous situation.

For instance, “The prisoner saw an opportunity and made a break for it, sprinting towards the open gate.”
In a discussion about a thrilling chase scene in a movie, someone might say, “The protagonist made a break for it, weaving through the crowded streets with the police hot on their heels.”
A person recounting a childhood memory might say, “When we accidentally broke a neighbor’s window, we made a break for it and hid in the backyard.”

20. Took off

This term means to start running suddenly and quickly, often with a burst of energy or excitement.

For example, “As soon as the starting gun fired, the runners took off, racing towards the finish line.”
In a conversation about a dog park, someone might say, “When I unleash my dog, he takes off and runs around like crazy.”
A person describing a playful moment might say, “The kids took off across the field, chasing after the kite that had been caught by the wind.”

21. Beat it

This slang phrase is often used to tell someone to go away or leave immediately. It can also be used to describe someone running away from a situation.

For example, if someone is bothering you, you might say, “Hey, beat it!”
In a movie, a character might yell, “Beat it!” as they run away from danger.
A parent might tell their child, “If you don’t finish your homework, you’ll have to beat it to your room.”

22. Flew

This slang term is used to describe running at a high speed, as if flying.

For instance, a coach might say to their team, “When the whistle blows, I want you to fly down the field.”
In a race, a commentator might say, “He flew across the finish line.”
A friend might tell you, “I was late for class, so I flew down the hallways.”

23. Scrambled

This slang word is used to describe running in a chaotic or disorganized manner, often due to a sense of urgency or panic.

For example, if someone is running late, they might say, “I scrambled to catch the bus.”
In a scary movie, a character might scramble away from a monster.
A person might describe a chaotic situation as, “Everyone was scrambling to get out of the building.”

24. Scuttled

This slang term is used to describe running away in a secretive or sneaky manner, often to avoid being caught or seen.

For instance, a teenager might scuttle away from their parents when they’re caught doing something they shouldn’t.
In a game of hide and seek, a player might scuttle away to find a new hiding spot.
A spy in a movie might scuttle away from enemy agents.

25. Sped

This slang word is used to describe running very fast, often with a sense of urgency or excitement.

For example, a coach might say to their team, “We need to speed up if we want to win this game.”
In a race, a commentator might say, “She sped past her competitors.”
A friend might tell you, “I was late for my flight, so I sped through the airport.”

26. Whizzed

To “whizz” means to move or run quickly. It implies a rapid and often effortless movement.

For example, “He whizzed past me on his skateboard.”
In a car chase scene, one might say, “The suspect whizzed through the narrow streets, barely avoiding collisions.”
A person describing a fast runner might say, “She whizzed past the finish line, leaving her competitors in the dust.”

27. Raced

To “race” means to compete in a fast run or to move swiftly in a particular direction.

For instance, “They raced each other to the finish line.”
In a sports context, one might say, “He raced ahead of the other players to score a goal.”
A person describing a frantic situation might say, “We raced to catch the train before it departed.”

28. Hightailed

To “hightail” means to flee or leave quickly, often in a hurry or with a sense of urgency.

For example, “They hightailed it out of there when they heard the sirens.”
In a dangerous situation, one might say, “We need to hightail out of here before it’s too late.”
A person describing a swift escape might say, “He hightailed it to the airport to catch his flight.”

29. Booked it

To “book it” means to run away or escape quickly. It implies a sense of urgency or the need to leave a situation rapidly.

For instance, “When the alarm went off, they booked it out of the building.”
In a chase scene, one might say, “The suspect booked it down the alley, trying to evade the police.”
A person describing a hasty departure might say, “I saw him drop his bags and book it towards the exit.”

30. Beat feet

To “beat feet” means to run away or escape quickly. It suggests a rapid and often furtive movement.

For example, “They beat feet when they saw the security guard approaching.”
In a thrilling moment, one might say, “We beat feet out of the haunted house, scared out of our minds.”
A person describing a swift retreat might say, “He beat feet from the scene of the crime before anyone could see him.”

31. Made tracks

This slang phrase means to leave a place in a hurry or to depart quickly. It implies a sense of urgency or the desire to avoid something or someone.

For example, “I saw the police coming, so I made tracks before they could catch me.”
In a conversation about a party, someone might say, “It was getting late, so we made tracks and headed home.”
A person recounting a funny story might say, “I accidentally knocked over a display in the store and made tracks before anyone noticed.”

32. Skipped out

To “skip out” means to leave a place or situation without permission or without fulfilling obligations. It often implies sneaking away or avoiding responsibility.

For instance, “He skipped out on paying the bill at the restaurant.”
In a discussion about a job, someone might say, “I can’t believe she skipped out on her shift without telling anyone.”
A person recounting a prank might say, “We skipped out of class and hid in the janitor’s closet until the teacher gave up looking for us.”

33. Vamoosed

This slang term means to leave a place in a hurry or to depart quickly. It carries a sense of urgency or the need to escape.

For example, “When the party got too rowdy, I vamoosed before things got out of hand.”
In a conversation about a boring event, someone might say, “I vamoosed as soon as the speeches started.”
A person describing a getaway might say, “We vamoosed from the scene of the crime before anyone could catch us.”

34. Split

To “split” means to leave a place or situation abruptly or suddenly. It can imply a sense of urgency, disagreement, or the need to escape.

For instance, “I couldn’t handle the tension anymore, so I split before things got worse.”
In a discussion about a party, someone might say, “We split when the music started getting too loud.”
A person recounting a disagreement might say, “We had a huge argument, and I just split without saying another word.”

35. Scarpered

This slang term means to leave a place or situation quickly or abruptly. It often implies a desire to escape or avoid trouble.

For example, “When the police arrived, the suspects scarpered in different directions.”
In a conversation about a boring event, someone might say, “I scarpered as soon as I saw my ex walking towards me.”
A person describing a prank might say, “We scarpered after setting off the fire alarm, leaving everyone in confusion.”

36. Absquatulated

This term is often used humorously to describe someone running away or making a hasty exit. It implies a sense of urgency or surprise.

For example, “When the police arrived, the suspect absquatulated from the scene.”
In a funny story, someone might say, “I saw a spider in the room and absquatulated like my life depended on it.”
A witness to a daring escape might exclaim, “He absquatulated before anyone could catch him!”

37. Skirted

This slang term refers to avoiding a situation or running away from it, often to escape trouble or confrontation.

For instance, “He skirted the responsibility of paying his bills by moving out of town.”
In a conversation about avoiding an awkward encounter, someone might say, “I saw my ex at the party and skirted around them all night.”
A person might explain, “I didn’t want to deal with the drama, so I skirted the whole situation.”

38. Beat a retreat

This phrase is a figurative way to describe running away or retreating from a situation, often to avoid danger or embarrassment.

For example, “When they realized they were outnumbered, they beat a retreat.”
In a war movie, a soldier might shout, “We’re outnumbered, men! Beat a retreat and regroup!”
A person describing a failed attempt at a party might say, “I tried to make a good first impression, but I ended up beating a retreat after spilling a drink on myself.”

39. Took flight

This phrase is used to describe someone running away or fleeing from a situation, often out of fear or to escape danger.

For instance, “When the dog started barking, the squirrel took flight.”
In a story about encountering a wild animal, someone might say, “I stumbled upon a bear while hiking, and I took flight.”
A witness to a crime might describe the perpetrator’s actions by saying, “They took flight as soon as they heard the sirens.”

40. Hotfooted it

This slang term describes running or moving quickly, often with a sense of urgency or haste.

For example, “I hotfooted it to catch the last train.”
In a race, someone might say, “She hotfooted it to the finish line and won the race.”
A person describing their morning routine might say, “I woke up late and had to hotfoot it to work to avoid being late.”