Top 52 Slang For Select – Meaning & Usage

Select individuals always seem to have a way with words that sets them apart from the rest. But what if we told you that there’s a whole new language out there that can elevate your communication to the next level? Join us as we uncover the top slang terms that the select crowd is using to stay ahead of the curve and make a lasting impression. Get ready to step up your linguistic game and be in the know with the latest trends in communication!

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1. Top-notch

When something is described as “top-notch,” it means it is exceptional or the best in its category. This term is often used to praise someone or something.

For example, “The restaurant received top-notch reviews for its delicious food and impeccable service.”
A person might say, “She’s a top-notch athlete, always performing at her best.”
A customer might comment, “This company provides top-notch customer service, always going above and beyond.”

2. Cream of the crop

When something or someone is referred to as the “cream of the crop,” it means they are the best or most superior in their field or category. This phrase is often used to highlight excellence or to acknowledge someone’s exceptional abilities.

For instance, “These students are the cream of the crop, with the highest grades and impressive extracurricular activities.”
A manager might say, “We only hire the cream of the crop, individuals who have proven themselves to be exceptional.”
A sports commentator might praise a player, saying, “He’s the cream of the crop, consistently outperforming his teammates.”

3. Handpicked

When something is described as “handpicked,” it means it was carefully selected or chosen with great attention to detail or personal preference. This term is often used to indicate that something or someone has been chosen for their excellence or uniqueness.

For example, “The artwork on display was handpicked by the curator for its artistic value and cultural significance.”
A fashion designer might say, “Each fabric used in this collection was handpicked for its quality and texture.”
A talent scout might mention, “The actors in this play were handpicked for their exceptional acting skills and stage presence.”

4. Cherry-picked

When something is described as “cherry-picked,” it means that only the best or most favorable elements have been selected while disregarding the rest. This term is often used to imply bias or the intentional omission of less desirable aspects.

For instance, “The report only included cherry-picked data that supported the company’s claims, ignoring any contradictory information.”
A critic might argue, “The author cherry-picked quotes from the interviews to support their own narrative.”
A customer might complain, “The product description cherry-picked positive reviews, leaving out any negative feedback.”

5. Prime

When something is described as “prime,” it means it is of the highest quality or in its best condition. This term is often used to indicate excellence or the ideal state of something.

For example, “The steak was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, a prime cut of meat.”
A real estate agent might say, “This location is in prime condition, with easy access to amenities and a desirable neighborhood.”
A car enthusiast might comment, “This classic car is in prime condition, meticulously restored to its original glory.”

6. Elite

This term refers to a select group of people or things that are considered superior or exclusive. It implies a high level of skill, status, or quality.

For example, “He is part of the elite group of athletes who have won multiple Olympic gold medals.”
In a discussion about universities, someone might say, “Harvard is known for its elite academic programs.”
A person might describe a luxury car as “an elite choice for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship.”

7. Creme de la creme

This French phrase translates to “cream of the cream” and is used to describe the highest quality or most exceptional people or things. It signifies the top tier or pinnacle of a particular category.

For instance, “The fashion show featured the creme de la creme of designers.”
In a conversation about restaurants, someone might say, “That Michelin-starred restaurant is the creme de la creme of fine dining.”
A person might describe an award-winning film as “the creme de la creme of cinema.”

8. A-List

This term originates from the practice of assigning celebrities to different tiers for events. The A-List refers to the top tier, consisting of the most famous and influential individuals. It is now used more broadly to represent a high-status group.

For example, “The A-List actors attended the premiere of the highly anticipated film.”
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “The A-List artists dominate the charts.”
A person might describe an exclusive party as “an A-List event with all the top celebrities in attendance.”

9. Choice

This term is used to describe something that is considered the best or most desirable among a selection of options. It implies a high level of quality or preference.

For instance, “The restaurant offers a choice selection of wines from around the world.”
In a conversation about fashion, someone might say, “That designer brand is a choice label for celebrities.”
A person might describe a vacation destination as “a choice spot for relaxation and luxury.”

10. Creamy

This term is used to describe something with a smooth and rich texture or flavor. It can be used to describe food, drinks, or even textures in other contexts.

For example, “The creamy chocolate mousse melted in my mouth.”
In a discussion about skincare products, someone might say, “This moisturizer leaves your skin feeling soft and creamy.”
A person might describe a painting as “having creamy brushstrokes that create a sense of depth and texture.”

11. Selective

This term refers to someone who is very particular or choosy about what they like or want. It can also be used to describe someone who is careful in making choices or decisions.

For example, “She’s very selective when it comes to choosing her friends.”
In a discussion about food preferences, someone might say, “I’m quite selective about the ingredients I use in my cooking.”
A person might describe their hiring process by saying, “We have a selective recruitment process to ensure we hire the best candidates.”

12. Optimal

This word is used to describe the best or most favorable outcome or situation. It suggests that something is at its highest level of efficiency or effectiveness.

For instance, “The optimal time to visit the beach is early in the morning.”
In a discussion about study habits, someone might say, “Finding your optimal learning environment can greatly improve your academic performance.”
A person might describe a workout routine by saying, “I’ve found the optimal balance between cardio and strength training for my fitness goals.”

13. Premium

This term is used to describe something that is of superior quality or value compared to others. It suggests that the item or experience is worth a higher price or is considered top-notch.

For example, “This restaurant serves premium steaks that are sourced from local farms.”
In a discussion about technology, someone might say, “I prefer premium smartphones because they offer better features and durability.”
A person might describe a luxury vacation by saying, “We stayed in a premium resort with stunning ocean views.”

14. Top-shelf

This phrase is used to describe something that is considered the best or highest quality. It suggests that the item or experience is at the top or uppermost level, similar to how the most expensive or sought-after items are often placed on the top shelf in stores.

For instance, “He only drinks top-shelf whiskey.”
In a discussion about fashion, someone might say, “She always wears top-shelf designer clothing.”
A person might describe a high-end car by saying, “The top-shelf features and performance of this vehicle make it worth the price.”

15. First-rate

This term is used to describe something that is of the highest quality or standard. It suggests that the item or experience is exceptional and surpasses expectations.

For example, “The hotel provided first-rate service throughout our stay.”
In a discussion about customer service, someone might say, “We pride ourselves on delivering first-rate support to our clients.”
A person might describe a performance by saying, “The actors delivered a first-rate portrayal of their characters.”

16. Deluxe

Deluxe is a term used to describe something that is of superior quality or luxurious. It often refers to products or services that are considered to be top-tier or upscale.

For example, a hotel might advertise their deluxe suite as a luxurious and spacious accommodation option.
A restaurant might offer a deluxe menu with premium ingredients and gourmet dishes.
In the gaming industry, a deluxe edition of a video game might include exclusive bonus content or collectible items.

17. Superior

Superior is a slang term used to describe something that is excellent or of higher quality than others. It implies that the item or person being referred to is better in some way.

For instance, someone might say, “This coffee shop has superior brews compared to others in town.”
A person might compliment a friend’s fashion sense by saying, “Your style is superior to everyone else’s.”
In a debate, one might argue, “The superior candidate should be chosen based on their qualifications and experience.”

18. Exclusive

Exclusive is a term used to describe something that is limited or restricted to a select group of people. It implies that access or possession of the item or experience is special and not available to everyone.

For example, a nightclub might advertise an exclusive VIP area that is only accessible to a limited number of guests.
A brand might release an exclusive edition of a product that is only available to a select group of customers.
In social circles, someone might say, “I got invited to an exclusive party last night. It was amazing!”

19. Posh

Posh is a slang term used to describe something that is elegant, fancy, or associated with luxury. It often refers to high-end or upscale items, experiences, or lifestyles.

For instance, someone might describe a luxury hotel as posh due to its high-quality amenities and services.
A person might compliment a friend’s outfit by saying, “You look really posh in that designer dress.”
In a conversation about travel, one might say, “I prefer staying in posh resorts when I go on vacation.”

20. Select

Select is a term used to describe something that is carefully chosen or preferred. It implies that the item or person being referred to has been specifically chosen or singled out for a particular purpose.

For example, a restaurant might offer a select wine list featuring only the finest and most sought-after wines.
A company might have a select group of employees who are chosen to work on important projects or initiatives.
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “Only select artists have the talent and originality to become true legends.”

21. Top-drawer

This term is used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality or excellence.

For example, “That restaurant is top-drawer, their food is amazing.”
When talking about a talented athlete, one might say, “He’s a top-drawer player, he always gives his best.”
In a review of a luxury product, a person might write, “The craftsmanship of this watch is truly top-drawer.”

22. Blue-ribbon

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is of the highest quality or outstanding in a particular field.

For instance, “She won the blue-ribbon award for her exceptional performance.”
When talking about a top-notch product, one might say, “This car is a blue-ribbon choice.”
In a discussion about academic achievements, a person might mention, “He graduated with a blue-ribbon GPA.”

23. A cut above

This expression is used to describe something or someone that is superior or of a higher quality than others in the same category.

For example, “Her fashion sense is a cut above the rest, she always looks stylish.”
When talking about an exceptional employee, one might say, “He’s a cut above the rest, his work ethic is impressive.”
In a review of a premium product, a person might write, “The taste of this wine is truly a cut above.”

24. Cream

This term is used to describe something or someone that is considered the best or top-tier in a particular field or category.

For instance, “He’s the cream of the crop, he’s the best in his profession.”
When talking about a superior product, one might say, “This brand is the cream of the crop.”
In a discussion about talented musicians, a person might mention, “She’s part of the cream of the music industry.”

25. Pick

This word is used to describe the best or finest selection of something.

For example, “This restaurant has the pick of the city’s chefs, their menu is outstanding.”
When talking about a top choice, one might say, “This hotel is my pick for luxury accommodations.”
In a review of a curated collection, a person might write, “The store offers a pick of high-quality products.”

26. Choose

This term simply means to make a selection or decision from a set of options. It can be used in various contexts, including everyday choices or more significant decisions.

For example, someone might say, “I can’t decide which flavor of ice cream to choose.”
In a job interview, a candidate might be asked, “Why did you choose this company?”
A person discussing their career path might say, “I chose to pursue a degree in business.”

27. Opt

This is a shorter and more casual way of saying “choose” or “select.” It can be used interchangeably with those terms in most situations.

For instance, a person might say, “I opted for the chicken instead of the beef.”
In a survey, a question might ask, “Which option did you opt for?”
A friend might ask, “Did you opt to go to the party tonight?”

28. Elect

In the context of selecting someone for a position or office, “elect” means to choose or vote for a specific candidate or option.

For example, during an election, a person might say, “I plan to elect the candidate who best represents my values.”
A political analyst might discuss the factors that influence voters’ decisions, saying, “Many people elect based on a candidate’s stance on key issues.”
In a student government election, a campaign slogan might be, “Elect me for positive change!”

29. Cherry-pick

This term refers to the act of carefully selecting only the best or most desirable options from a larger set. It implies a level of exclusivity or preference for specific choices.

For instance, a coach might say, “We need to cherry-pick the best players for our team.”
In a discussion about job applications, someone might say, “Employers often cherry-pick candidates with the most relevant experience.”
A person discussing shopping strategies might advise, “Don’t just grab the first item you see, take your time and cherry-pick the best deals.”

30. Handpick

To “handpick” means to personally and carefully choose something or someone. It often implies a high level of involvement and consideration in the selection process.

For example, a chef might say, “I handpick the freshest ingredients for my dishes.”
In a talent show, a judge might comment, “I can tell you handpicked your performance and put a lot of thought into it.”
A manager might say, “I handpick my team members to ensure the best fit for the project.”

31. Pinpoint

To pinpoint something means to identify or locate it with great precision or accuracy. The term is often used when referring to finding or selecting something specific.

For example, a detective might say, “We need to pinpoint the exact location of the suspect.”
In a discussion about finding the best solution, someone might suggest, “Let’s pinpoint the key issues and address them one by one.”
A teacher might ask a student, “Can you pinpoint the main idea of this passage?”

32. Single out

To single out means to choose or distinguish someone or something from a group. It often implies focusing attention on a particular individual or item.

For instance, a coach might say, “I want to single out John for his outstanding performance.”
In a discussion about employee recognition, someone might suggest, “Let’s single out the top performers and give them special recognition.”
A teacher might say, “I’m going to single out a few students to answer this question.”

33. Pluck

To pluck means to select or remove something with care, often by picking it off or out from a larger group or collection.

For example, a gardener might say, “I need to pluck the weeds from the flowerbed.”
In a discussion about selecting the best fruit, someone might advise, “Pluck the ones that are ripe and leave the rest.”
A chef might say, “Pluck the herbs from the garden just before using them for maximum freshness.”

34. Cull

To cull means to select or gather something from a larger group, often by removing the less desirable or unneeded items.

For instance, a farmer might say, “I need to cull the weak plants to make room for the stronger ones.”
In a discussion about organizing a collection, someone might suggest, “Let’s cull the duplicates and keep only the best items.”
A manager might say, “We need to cull the unnecessary tasks and focus on the most important ones.”

35. Screen

To screen means to examine or evaluate something or someone carefully, often to determine suitability or eligibility.

For example, a job interviewer might say, “We will screen all applicants before inviting them for an interview.”
In a discussion about choosing a movie, someone might suggest, “Let’s screen a few options and then decide.”
A doctor might say, “We need to screen patients for potential health risks before prescribing medication.”

36. Filter

To filter means to narrow down or refine a selection. It is often used in the context of sorting or organizing information.

For example, “You can use the filter option to only show emails from a specific sender.”
In photography, a user might say, “I applied a filter to enhance the colors in this photo.”
In a spreadsheet, someone might explain, “You can use the filter function to only display rows that meet certain criteria.”

37. Tap

In the context of selecting or choosing something. It is often used in the sense of making a choice or deciding on a particular option.

For instance, “I tapped the red button to select my preferred language.”
In a mobile game, a user might say, “Tap on the screen to select the character you want to play.”
An instructor might explain, “Tap on the correct answer to select it and move to the next question.”

38. Mark

To mark something means to indicate or highlight it as a selection or choice. It is often used in the sense of making a visible mark or symbol to signify a selected item.

For example, “Please mark your preferred options with a checkmark.”
In a survey, a respondent might say, “I marked the answer that best represents my opinion.”
A teacher might instruct, “Mark the correct answers with an ‘X’ on your test paper.”

39. Tag

To tag something means to label or identify it as a selection. It is often used in the context of categorizing or organizing items.

For instance, “I tagged this email as urgent to prioritize it.”
In social media, a user might say, “I tagged my friends in the photo to let them know I posted it.”
A librarian might explain, “We tag books with different genres to help readers find what they’re interested in.”

40. Point out

To point out means to highlight or draw attention to a specific selection. It is often used in the sense of identifying or indicating something.

For example, “I pointed out the mistake in the report to my supervisor.”
In a presentation, a speaker might say, “Let me point out the key features of this graph.”
A tour guide might say, “If you look to your left, I’d like to point out the historical landmark.”

41. Name

This term refers to the action of giving something or someone a specific designation or title. It can also mean to identify or specify something or someone.

For example, a teacher might say, “Please name the capital cities of these countries.”
In a group of friends, someone might ask, “Can you name all the members of this band?”
A person might say, “I can’t name the exact date, but it was sometime last week.”

42. Highlight

To draw attention to or give special importance to something. It can also mean to mark or color something to make it stand out.

For instance, a presenter might say, “Let me highlight the key points of this report.”
In a document, someone might use a bright color to highlight important sections.
A person might say, “I want to highlight the achievements of our team during this project.”

43. Distinguish

To recognize or point out the difference between two or more things. It can also mean to make something stand out or be unique.

For example, a teacher might say, “Can you distinguish between these two similar-looking plants?”
In a conversation, someone might say, “What distinguishes this product from its competitors?”
A person might say, “His unique fashion sense distinguishes him from the crowd.”

44. Sort out

To arrange or categorize things or people in a systematic way. It can also mean to resolve or solve a problem.

For instance, a librarian might say, “Let’s sort out these books by genre.”
In a messy room, someone might say, “I need to sort out my clothes and put them away.”
A person might say, “I’ll help you sort out your issues and find a solution.”

45. Set apart

To make something or someone different or unique from others. It can also mean to separate or keep something or someone distinct.

For example, a judge might say, “This case sets apart from others due to its unique circumstances.”
In a crowded room, someone might wear a distinctive outfit to set themselves apart.
A person might say, “Her talent and dedication set her apart from other athletes.”

46. Opt for

To choose or select something as a preference or option. “Opt for” implies making a deliberate choice among different possibilities.

For example, when ordering at a restaurant, you might say, “I’ll opt for the steak.”
In a job interview, a candidate might state, “I chose to opt for a career in marketing.”
A person deciding between two vacation destinations might say, “I think I’ll opt for the beach instead of the mountains.”

47. Decide on

To make a firm choice or decision about something. “Decide on” indicates reaching a conclusion after considering various options or possibilities.

For instance, when planning a wedding, a couple might decide on a specific date.
In a group project, team members might need to decide on a leader.
A person contemplating a career change might say, “I’ve decided on pursuing a different path.”

48. Fix on

To choose or decide on something after considering different options. “Fix on” suggests a final decision or resolution.

For example, when shopping for a new car, a person might fix on a specific make and model.
In a debate, someone might fix on a particular argument to support their position.
A person deciding on a vacation destination might say, “I’ve settled on going to Hawaii.”

49. Settle on

To choose or decide on something after considering different options. “Settle on” implies reaching a conclusion or making a final choice.

For instance, when selecting a movie to watch, a group might settle on a comedy.
In a menu with numerous options, a person might settle on a particular dish.
A student choosing a college might say, “I finally settled on attending a university in my home state.”

50. Cherry-select

To carefully choose or select only the best or most desirable options. “Cherry-select” implies a meticulous or selective approach to choosing.

For example, when assembling a team, a manager might cherry-select the most skilled individuals.
In a clothing store, a shopper might cherry-select the best items from a display.
A person choosing ingredients for a recipe might say, “I always cherry-select the freshest produce for my dishes.”

51. Cherry-opt

This term is used to describe the act of selecting the best or most desirable option from a given set of choices. It implies choosing the option that is considered the most advantageous or favorable.

For example, in a group decision-making process, someone might say, “Let’s cherry-opt the proposal that has the highest potential for success.”
When discussing job offers, a person might advise, “You should cherry-opt the opportunity that aligns best with your career goals.”
In a conversation about travel destinations, someone might suggest, “Cherry-opt the location that offers the most unique cultural experiences.”

52. Cherry-elect

This slang term refers to the act of choosing or electing someone or something that is considered the best or most desirable option. It implies selecting the option that is most likely to succeed or be successful.

For instance, in a sports draft, a team might cherry-elect the player with the highest potential.
When discussing promotions, a manager might say, “We need to cherry-elect the employee who consistently demonstrates exceptional performance.”
In a discussion about college admissions, someone might advise, “Cherry-elect the university that offers the best program for your intended major.”