Top 40 Slang For Revenge – Meaning & Usage

Seeking revenge is a common theme in movies, TV shows, and even real life. But have you ever wondered what are the latest slang terms people use when talking about getting back at someone? Look no further as we’ve gathered a list of the top slang for revenge that will make you feel like a master of comebacks. Get ready to up your revenge game with our curated collection of phrases and words that will have you feeling empowered and in control.

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1. Payback

Payback refers to seeking revenge or retribution for a perceived wrong or harm done to oneself. It implies a desire to get even or settle a score.

For example, “He cheated me out of my money, so I’m going to get payback.”
In a movie about revenge, a character might say, “It’s time for payback.”
A person discussing justice might argue, “Payback is necessary to restore balance and deter future wrongdoing.”

2. Vengeance

Vengeance is the act of inflicting harm or punishment on someone as a form of revenge. It implies a strong desire for justice or retribution.

For instance, “She sought vengeance against those who betrayed her.”
In a discussion about revenge in literature, one might say, “The protagonist’s journey is driven by a thirst for vengeance.”
A person discussing the concept of karma might argue, “Vengeance only perpetuates a cycle of violence and suffering.”

3. Retribution

Retribution refers to the act of punishing or seeking revenge for a perceived wrongdoing. It implies a desire to make someone pay for their actions.

For example, “The victim’s family demanded retribution for the crime.”
In a debate about the death penalty, one might argue, “Retribution is a just response to heinous crimes.”
A person discussing the concept of divine justice might say, “Retribution ensures that no one escapes the consequences of their actions.”

4. Retaliation

Retaliation is the act of responding to an attack or harm with a similar or proportionate action. It implies a desire to strike back or defend oneself.

For instance, “The country vowed retaliation for the terrorist attack.”
In a discussion about workplace conflicts, one might say, “Retaliation against whistleblowers is illegal and unethical.”
A person discussing the ethics of war might argue, “Retaliation should only be used as a last resort to protect innocent lives.”

5. Eye for an eye

The phrase “eye for an eye” originates from the concept of lex talionis, which means the punishment should be equivalent to the offense committed. It implies seeking retribution in a manner that is proportional to the harm suffered.

For example, “He believes in the principle of an eye for an eye.”
In a discussion about criminal justice, one might say, “The system should focus on rehabilitation rather than an eye for an eye.”
A person discussing forgiveness might argue, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.”

6. Tit for tat

This phrase refers to a situation where someone responds to an action with a similar action. It implies that if someone does something to you, you have the right to do the same to them.

For example, if someone insults you, you might respond with a sarcastic comment as tit for tat.
In a heated argument, one person might say, “If you’re going to raise your voice, I’ll do the same. It’s tit for tat.”
If someone takes your parking spot, you might retaliate by taking their spot later, saying, “It’s only fair, tit for tat.”

7. Getting even

This phrase means to seek revenge or to retaliate against someone who has wronged you. It implies a desire to balance the scales and make things equal.

For instance, if someone gossips about you, you might spread rumors about them as a way of getting even.
In a movie, a character might say, “I’ll get even with them for what they did to me.”
If someone steals your lunch from the office fridge, you might get even by taking something of theirs.

8. Settling the score

This phrase means to seek revenge or retribution in order to bring about a sense of justice or fairness. It implies that there is a debt that needs to be repaid.

For example, if someone cheats you in a business deal, you might seek legal action as a way of settling the score.
In a sports competition, a team might say, “We lost to them last time, but this game is our chance to settle the score.”
If someone spreads false rumors about you, you might confront them and say, “We need to settle the score once and for all.”

9. Getting back at someone

This phrase means to seek revenge or to retaliate against someone who has wronged you. It implies a desire to make the other person feel the same pain or suffering they caused you.

For instance, if someone spreads a rumor about you, you might get back at them by spreading a rumor about them.
In a movie, a character might say, “I’ll get back at them for what they did to me, no matter what it takes.”
If someone steals your idea at work, you might get back at them by taking credit for their work.

10. Revenge is a dish best served cold

This phrase means that revenge is most satisfying when it is planned and carried out with patience and careful consideration. It suggests that acting impulsively may not lead to the desired outcome.

For example, if someone betrays you, you might wait for the perfect opportunity to seek revenge, as revenge is a dish best served cold.
In a novel, a character might say, “I’ll bide my time and wait for the right moment to get my revenge. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold.”
If someone ruins your reputation, you might plan a strategic move to get back at them, saying, “I’ll show them that revenge is a dish best served cold.”

11. Retaliate

– If someone insults you, it’s natural to want to retaliate and insult them back.

In a conflict between two countries, one might retaliate with economic sanctions.
A victim of a crime might choose to retaliate by pressing charges against the perpetrator.

12. Getting payback

– If someone steals from you, you might plan on getting payback by stealing from them in return.

A person might say, “He cheated on me, but I’ll get my payback eventually.”
In a movie, a character seeking revenge might say, “They’ll regret what they did to me. I’m getting my payback.”

13. Revengeance

– If someone harms you, you might declare, “I will have my revengeance!”

In a heated argument, one person might shout, “You’ll pay for this! Revengeance will be mine!”
A character in a novel seeking revenge might say, “I will pursue revengeance until my enemies are destroyed.”

14. Getting your own back

– If someone spreads rumors about you, you might seek to get your own back by spreading rumors about them.

A person might say, “They thought they could get away with it, but I’ll make sure they get their own back.”
In a TV show, a character might say, “I’ve been planning this for months. It’s time to get my own back.”

15. Revenge porn

– If someone breaks up with their partner, the partner might seek revenge by sharing intimate photos as revenge porn.

Revenge porn is a serious violation of privacy and can have devastating consequences for the victims.
Laws have been enacted in many jurisdictions to criminalize revenge porn and protect victims from this form of harassment.

16. Revengeful spirit

This refers to the ghost of a person who seeks revenge on those who wronged them in life. It is often depicted as a malevolent and vengeful entity that haunts and torments its targets.

For example, in the movie “The Grudge,” the revengeful spirit of a murdered woman terrorizes anyone who enters her home.
In folklore, the revengeful spirit is often portrayed as seeking justice for a past injustice, such as in the legend of the Headless Horseman.
A person might use this term metaphorically to describe someone who holds onto grudges and seeks revenge in their interactions with others.

17. Revengeful streak

This refers to a person’s inclination or inclination to seek revenge when they feel wronged or slighted. It suggests that someone has a pattern of retaliating when they perceive an offense or injustice.

For instance, if someone always seeks revenge when they feel slighted, they might be described as having a revengeful streak.
A person might say, “Watch out for him, he has a revengeful streak. He never forgets an offense.”
In a discussion about personality traits, someone might mention that a revengeful streak can be a sign of a vindictive nature.

18. Revengeful mindset

This refers to a person’s state of mind characterized by a strong desire for revenge. It suggests that someone is consumed by thoughts of retaliation and harbors a deep-seated resentment towards those who have wronged them.

For example, a person might say, “She has a revengeful mindset. She can’t let go of past grievances.”
In a psychological context, a revengeful mindset might be seen as a sign of unresolved anger and a need for healing.
A person might use this term to describe someone who is constantly plotting ways to get back at others.

19. Settle the score

This phrase means to take revenge or seek justice for a past wrong or offense. It implies that someone is determined to even the score and make things right.

For instance, if someone is seeking revenge for a betrayal, they might say, “It’s time to settle the score.”
In a movie or TV show, a character might use this phrase before taking revenge on their enemies.
A person might use this phrase metaphorically to describe standing up for oneself and seeking justice in a non-literal sense.

20. Get even

This phrase means to retaliate or take revenge on someone who has wronged you. It suggests a desire to balance the scales and make the other person suffer in a similar way to how they hurt you.

For example, if someone spreads rumors about you, you might want to get even by spreading rumors about them.
In a heated argument, one person might threaten the other by saying, “You’ll regret it if you don’t watch your back. I’ll get even.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their determination to seek revenge and not let someone get away with their actions.

21. Retributive justice

Retributive justice refers to the idea that punishment should be proportionate to the harm caused. It is a form of justice that seeks to exact revenge or payback for a wrongdoing.

For example, someone might say, “He deserved the harsh sentence he received. It was retributive justice.”
In a discussion about criminal justice, a person might argue, “We need to focus more on rehabilitation rather than retributive justice.”
Another might say, “Retributive justice is important to maintain social order and deter future crimes.”

22. Vendetta

A vendetta is a prolonged and bitter feud or conflict between individuals or groups, typically characterized by a desire for revenge.

For instance, in a crime novel, the protagonist might have a vendetta against a powerful crime lord.
In a discussion about family conflicts, someone might say, “Their vendetta has been going on for generations.”
A person discussing personal conflicts might say, “I have a vendetta against my former boss for the way they treated me.”

23. Grudge match

A grudge match refers to a competition or contest between two individuals or groups who have a longstanding grudge or resentment towards each other. The match is often fueled by a desire for revenge or to settle a score.

For example, in sports, a grudge match might refer to a game between two teams with a history of intense rivalry.
In a discussion about professional wrestling, someone might say, “The upcoming match is a grudge match between two bitter rivals.”
A person discussing a heated debate might say, “It turned into a grudge match as they each tried to one-up the other.”

24. Get back at

To “get back at” someone means to seek revenge or retaliate against them for a perceived wrongdoing or harm inflicted upon oneself.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m going to get back at them for spreading rumors about me.”
In a discussion about workplace conflicts, a person might say, “I want to get back at my boss for treating me unfairly.”
Another might say, “Getting back at someone might feel satisfying in the moment, but it rarely solves the underlying issues.”

25. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth

This phrase originates from the concept of retributive justice, where the punishment for a wrongdoing should match the harm caused. It signifies the idea of seeking revenge or retaliation in a manner that is proportional to the original offense.

For example, someone might say, “They stole from me, so I’m going to take something of equal value. It’s an eye for an eye.”
In a discussion about forgiveness, a person might argue, “An eye for an eye only perpetuates a cycle of revenge.”
Another might say, “The principle of an eye for an eye is deeply rooted in many cultures’ legal systems.”

26. Revengeful act

This refers to an action taken with the intention of seeking revenge or getting back at someone for a perceived wrong or injustice. It often involves causing harm or damage to the person or their belongings.

For example, “He carried out a revengeful act by vandalizing his ex’s car.”
In a discussion about revenge, someone might mention, “Revengeful acts only perpetuate a cycle of violence.”
A character in a movie might plot a revengeful act, saying, “I’ll make them pay for what they did to me.”

27. Revengeful behavior

This refers to behavior that is motivated by a desire for revenge. It involves acting in a way that is intended to cause harm, hurt, or distress to someone as a form of retaliation.

For instance, “His revengeful behavior included spreading rumors and starting fights.”
In a conversation about toxic relationships, someone might say, “Revengeful behavior is a sign of deep-seated anger and unresolved issues.”
A character in a book might exhibit revengeful behavior, seeking to ruin the lives of those who wronged them.

28. Revengeful words

This refers to the use of language or words that are intended to hurt, insult, or humiliate someone as a form of revenge. It often involves verbal attacks or insults aimed at causing emotional pain.

For example, “She lashed out with revengeful words, calling him names and belittling him.”
In a discussion about communication, someone might warn against using revengeful words, saying, “Words spoken in anger can have long-lasting consequences.”
A character in a play might deliver revengeful words, seeking to wound their adversary emotionally.

29. Revengeful thoughts

This refers to thoughts or fantasies of seeking revenge on someone who has wronged or hurt you. It involves imagining or planning ways to get back at the person and cause them harm or distress.

For instance, “He couldn’t shake off his revengeful thoughts, constantly envisioning ways to make them suffer.”
In a conversation about forgiveness, someone might admit to struggling with revengeful thoughts, saying, “I can’t help but fantasize about getting even.”
A character in a movie might have revengeful thoughts, plotting their next move to seek vengeance.

30. Revengeful intentions

This refers to the desire or intention to seek revenge on someone for a perceived wrong or injustice. It involves having a purpose or goal to harm, hurt, or cause distress to the person as a form of payback.

For example, “Her revengeful intentions were clear as she plotted her next move.”
In a discussion about conflict resolution, someone might emphasize the importance of addressing revengeful intentions, saying, “It’s crucial to understand the underlying motives to find a peaceful resolution.”
A character in a novel might harbor revengeful intentions, seeking to ruin the life of their enemy.

31. Revengeful motives

Revengeful motives refer to the underlying reasons or motivations behind seeking revenge. It often stems from a desire to retaliate or seek justice for a perceived wrongdoing.

For example, someone might have revengeful motives after being betrayed by a close friend.
In a story of revenge, a character might have revengeful motives after their family is harmed.
A person might say, “His revengeful motives drove him to seek vengeance at any cost.”

32. Revengeful consequences

Revengeful consequences refer to the outcomes or results that occur as a result of seeking revenge. These consequences can be both positive and negative, and often have a lasting impact on the individual seeking revenge.

For instance, revengeful consequences might include loss of relationships or worsening of the situation.
In a cautionary tale, revengeful consequences might involve the protagonist suffering unintended harm.
Someone might reflect, “The revengeful consequences of my actions were more severe than I anticipated.”

33. Revengeful aftermath

Revengeful aftermath refers to the aftermath or aftermath that occurs after seeking revenge. It encompasses the emotional, psychological, and physical aftermath that the individual experiences.

For example, revengeful aftermath might include feelings of guilt, regret, or satisfaction.
In a story, revengeful aftermath might involve the protagonist questioning their actions and grappling with the consequences.
A person might say, “The revengeful aftermath of my actions left me feeling empty and hollow.”

34. Revengeful satisfaction

Revengeful satisfaction refers to the feeling of satisfaction or fulfillment that an individual experiences after seeking revenge. It is the sense of accomplishment or justice achieved through retaliatory actions.

For instance, revengeful satisfaction might come from seeing the person who wronged you suffer.
In a revenge story, revengeful satisfaction might involve the protagonist feeling a sense of closure or vindication.
Someone might declare, “I finally got my revengeful satisfaction and it feels amazing.”

35. Even the odds

Even the odds is a phrase used to describe the act of leveling the playing field or balancing the scales of justice. It refers to seeking revenge in order to restore fairness or equity in a situation.

For example, someone might seek to even the odds after being taken advantage of.
In a story, a character might use revenge to even the odds against a more powerful opponent.
A person might say, “It’s time to even the odds and show them that they can’t walk all over me.”

36. Repay in kind

This phrase means to respond to someone’s actions or behavior by doing the same thing to them. It implies seeking revenge or getting back at someone for their actions.

For example, “He cheated on me, so I decided to repay in kind and cheat on him too.”
In a discussion about revenge, someone might say, “An eye for an eye, repay in kind.”
A character in a movie might declare, “You hurt me, now I’m going to repay in kind and hurt you just as much.”

37. Serve justice

This phrase means to take action in order to bring about a fair and appropriate outcome, often by punishing someone for their wrongdoings.

For instance, “The victim’s family seeks to serve justice by ensuring the perpetrator is held accountable.”
In a discussion about crime, someone might say, “We need to serve justice and put an end to this violence.”
A character in a TV show might declare, “I will serve justice and make sure the guilty pay for their crimes.”

38. Revenge is sweet

This phrase suggests that seeking revenge can bring a sense of satisfaction or pleasure, implying that it can be enjoyable to get back at someone who has wronged you.

For example, “After years of being mistreated, she finally got her revenge. Revenge is sweet.”
In a conversation about revenge, someone might say, “They may have hurt me, but I’ll show them that revenge is sweet.”
A character in a book might think, “I can’t wait to get my revenge. Revenge is sweet, and they deserve it.”

39. Give them a taste of their own medicine

This phrase means to retaliate by subjecting someone to the same actions or behavior they have inflicted on others.

For instance, “He’s always been rude to others, so it’s time to give him a taste of his own medicine.”
In a discussion about dealing with difficult people, someone might say, “Sometimes, you just have to give them a taste of their own medicine.”
A character in a movie might declare, “They’ve been bullying me for too long. It’s time to give them a taste of their own medicine.”

40. Return the favor

This phrase means to do something for someone in response to a previous action or favor they have done for you, often with the intention of repaying their kindness or helping them in return.

For example, “She helped me when I was in need, so now it’s time to return the favor and assist her.”
In a conversation about gratitude, someone might say, “Whenever someone does something nice for me, I always try to return the favor.”
A character in a book might think, “They’ve done so much for me. It’s time to return the favor and support them.”