Top 21 Slang For Refer – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to casual conversations and online interactions, having the right slang at your fingertips can make all the difference. “Refer” may seem like a simple word, but in the world of slang, it takes on a whole new meaning.

Join us as we break down the top slang terms for “refer” that are currently making waves. From trendy abbreviations to hidden meanings, we’ve got you covered with the latest lingo that’ll have you sounding like a pro in no time. Get ready to level up your slang game!

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1. Pass along

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is sharing or passing on information or an item to someone else. It can also refer to transmitting a message or passing something from one person to another.

For example, “Can you please pass along this message to your coworker?”
If someone asks for a favor, you might say, “I’ll pass your request along to the appropriate department.”
In a social setting, someone might say, “Pass along the snacks, please.”

2. Send someone’s way

This phrase means to send or refer someone to a particular person or place. It is often used when recommending or suggesting someone to seek assistance or guidance from another individual or organization.

For instance, “If you need help with that, I can send someone’s way who specializes in that area.”
If you meet someone who is looking for a job, you might say, “I’ll send your resume their way.”
In a conversation about finding a good restaurant, you could say, “I can send you some recommendations your way.”

3. Point in the right direction

This phrase means to provide someone with guidance or advice on how to find or achieve something. It implies showing someone the correct path or giving them the necessary information to make progress or find a solution.

For example, “If you’re lost, ask someone for directions. They can point you in the right direction.”
If someone is struggling with a task, you might say, “Let me point you in the right direction and give you some tips.”
In a discussion about career choices, someone might advise, “Find your passion and let it point you in the right direction.”

4. Hook up with

This phrase is often used to refer to meeting or getting together with someone, usually for social or romantic purposes. It implies making a connection or establishing a relationship with someone.

For instance, “I’m going to hook up with my friends at the party tonight.”
If someone is looking to meet new people, you might suggest, “You should go to that event. You might hook up with some interesting folks.”
In a conversation about online dating, someone might say, “I hooked up with my partner through a dating app.”

5. Give a shoutout to

This phrase means to publicly recognize or acknowledge someone or something, usually in a positive or appreciative manner. It is often used to show support, gratitude, or admiration.

For example, “I want to give a shoutout to my amazing teammates for their hard work.”
If someone helps you out, you might say, “I want to give a shoutout to John for his assistance.”
In a social media post, someone might write, “Just wanted to give a shoutout to my favorite local coffee shop for always making my mornings better.”

6. Direct to

This phrase means to provide someone with the necessary information or guidance to reach a particular person, place, or resource. It implies giving someone directions or pointing them in the right direction.

For example, a receptionist might say, “Let me direct you to the conference room on the second floor.”
In a customer service scenario, a representative might say, “I can direct you to the appropriate department for assistance.”
A teacher might instruct a student, “Please direct your questions to the class email address.”

7. Put in touch with

This phrase means to facilitate communication or interaction between two or more people. It suggests introducing someone to another person or providing contact information to establish a connection.

For instance, a friend might say, “I can put you in touch with my cousin who works in that industry.”
In a networking event, someone might ask, “Can you put me in touch with the keynote speaker?”
A business associate might say, “Let me put you in touch with our sales team for further assistance.”

This word means to express approval or support for someone or something, typically based on personal experience or expertise. It implies offering a favorable opinion or advice.

For example, a book lover might say, “I highly recommend this novel; it’s a captivating read.”
In a restaurant setting, a waiter might say, “I recommend the chef’s special; it’s our most popular dish.”
A doctor might recommend a specific treatment, saying, “Based on your symptoms, I would recommend trying this medication.”

9. Mention

This word means to refer to or briefly talk about someone or something in conversation or written text. It implies acknowledging or making reference to a particular topic.

For instance, during a discussion about travel, someone might mention their recent trip to Paris.
In a meeting, a participant might say, “I wanted to mention a few concerns I have regarding the project.”
A writer might mention a famous quote in their article, saying, “As Shakespeare once mentioned, ‘All the world’s a stage.'”

10. Refer to as

This phrase means to use a particular name or term to identify or describe someone or something. It implies using a specific label or designation.

For example, a teacher might refer to their students as “class” or “students.”
In a conversation about celebrities, someone might say, “We often refer to him as the ‘king of pop’.”
A journalist might write, “The media often refers to this event as a turning point in history.”

11. Cite

When you cite something, you are quoting or mentioning it as evidence or support for a statement or argument. It is often used in academic or professional writing.

For example, in a research paper, you might write, “According to Smith (2019), the study found that…”
In a legal document, a lawyer might say, “I would like to cite the Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education.”
A student might ask their teacher, “Do I need to cite my sources for this assignment?”

12. Allude to

To allude to something means to indirectly refer to it, often by giving hints or making subtle references. It is a way of mentioning something without explicitly stating it.

For instance, in a conversation about a secret plan, someone might say, “I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say it alludes to a famous movie scene.”
In a novel, an author might write, “He made a sly comment that alluded to her troubled past.”
A comedian might make a joke that alludes to a current event without directly mentioning it.

13. Suggest

When you suggest something, you are proposing or implying it as a possibility or idea. It is a way of indicating something without explicitly stating or demanding it.

For example, in a brainstorming session, someone might say, “I suggest we try a different approach to solve this problem.”
In a conversation about dinner options, a person might suggest, “How about we order pizza tonight?”
A friend might suggest, “I suggest you take a break and relax for a while.”

14. Pass on

To pass on something means to relay or transmit information or a message to someone else. It is a way of sharing or passing along something that you have received.

For instance, if someone asks for a message to be delivered to another person, you might say, “I’ll pass it on.”
In a workplace setting, a coworker might pass on important instructions or updates to their teammates.
A friend might pass on a rumor they heard to another friend, saying, “Just thought you should know.”

15. Refer back to

To refer back to something means to go back to it or mention it again. It is often used when revisiting a previous point or topic.

For example, in a presentation, a speaker might say, “Now let’s refer back to the data we discussed earlier.”
In a conversation about a book, someone might refer back to a specific chapter or passage to make a point.
A teacher might remind their students, “Make sure to refer back to the textbook for more information on this topic.”

16. Drop a line about

This phrase means to mention or refer to something briefly or casually. It is often used in conversation or informal writing.

For example, in an email, someone might say, “Just wanted to drop a line about the upcoming meeting.”
In a discussion about a book, a person might comment, “I wanted to drop a line about the ending – it was unexpected.”
A friend might say, “I wanted to drop a line about the new restaurant I tried – it’s amazing!”

17. Give a nod to

To give a nod to something means to acknowledge or refer to it, often in a positive way. It can be used to show appreciation or recognition.

For instance, in a speech, a speaker might give a nod to the hard work of their team.
In a review, a critic might give a nod to the film’s impressive special effects.
A friend might say, “I have to give a nod to your cooking skills – that meal was delicious!”

18. Give a tip about

To give a tip about something means to offer a suggestion or provide information about it. It is often used when sharing advice or recommendations.

For example, in a blog post about gardening, a writer might give a tip about how to prevent pests.
In a conversation about traveling, someone might give a tip about the best time to visit a certain destination.
A friend might say, “I wanted to give a tip about a great new restaurant I discovered – you should check it out!”

19. Give a heads up about

To give a heads up about something means to inform or warn someone in advance. It is often used to let someone know about a situation or upcoming event.

For instance, in a text message, someone might give a heads up about heavy traffic on the way to a meeting.
In a conversation, a friend might give a heads up about a change in plans for the weekend.
A coworker might say, “Just wanted to give a heads up about the upcoming deadline – it’s been moved to next week.”

20. Show the way to

To show the way to something means to guide or direct someone towards it. It is often used when providing directions or leading someone to a specific location.

For example, in a city, a local might show the way to a popular tourist attraction.
In a hiking group, an experienced member might show the way to the summit of a mountain.
A parent might say, “Let me show the way to the grocery store – it’s just around the corner.”

21. Refer to

This phrase is used when someone wants to indirectly mention or suggest something without explicitly stating it. It implies that there is a deeper meaning or reference that the person is trying to convey.

For example, in a conversation about a movie, someone might say, “I don’t want to spoil it, but there’s a scene that refers to a famous painting.”
When discussing a book, a reader might mention, “The author often refers to historical events to add depth to the story.”
In a political debate, a speaker might say, “I’m not going to refer to any specific candidate, but there are certain policies that need to be addressed.”