Top 35 Slang For Successful – Meaning & Usage

Success is a universal goal, but how do you describe it in the language of today? We’ve gathered a list of slang terms that capture the essence of success in the modern world. From “hustle” to “boss moves,” these words will not only help you navigate conversations about success, but also make you feel like a true mogul in your own right. Don’t miss out on the chance to level up your slang game and inspire others with your linguistic prowess.

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1. Well done, mate!

This phrase is used to express admiration or praise for someone’s achievement or success. It is often used to acknowledge a job well done.

For example, after a friend completes a difficult task, you might say, “Well done, mate! You really nailed it.”
In a sports context, a teammate might say, “Well done, mate! Your goal was amazing.”
A coworker might compliment a colleague by saying, “Well done, mate! Your presentation was impressive.”

2. Ace!

This slang term is used to describe something or someone as outstanding or exceptional. It is often used to show enthusiasm or approval for a successful outcome.

For instance, if a friend tells you about a promotion at work, you might respond, “Ace! That’s fantastic news.”
In a game or competition, a player might exclaim, “I aced that shot! Did you see that?”
Someone might describe a delicious meal by saying, “The food at that restaurant is always ace!”

3. Bully for (name/pronoun/title)

This phrase is used to express approval or admiration for someone’s success or achievement. It is often used to show support or encouragement for someone’s accomplishments.

For example, if a friend shares news of a promotion, you might say, “Bully for you! You deserve it.”
In a conversation about a friend’s accomplishments, you might say, “Bully for him! He worked hard for that recognition.”
A teacher might say to a student who did well on a test, “Bully for you! Keep up the good work.”

4. Good on ya!

This phrase is used to express approval or congratulations for someone’s success or achievement. It is often used to show support or appreciation for someone’s efforts.

For instance, if a coworker completes a difficult project, you might say, “Good on ya! You really nailed it.”
In a sports context, a coach might say to a player, “Good on ya! Your hard work paid off.”
A friend might compliment another friend by saying, “Good on ya! You’ve really improved in your chosen hobby.”

5. Killing it

This slang term is used to describe someone who is performing exceptionally well or achieving great success. It is often used to express admiration or praise for someone’s accomplishments.

For example, if a friend tells you about a successful business venture, you might say, “Wow, you’re really killing it!”
In a music context, a fan might say about their favorite artist, “Their new album is amazing. They’re really killing it.”
A coworker might compliment a colleague by saying, “You’re killing it with your sales numbers. Keep up the great work!”

6. Crushing it

When someone is “crushing it,” they are doing a fantastic job or achieving great success in a particular area. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is excelling or exceeding expectations.

For example, “She’s really crushing it in her new job. She’s already been promoted twice in just six months.”
A friend might say, “You’re really crushing it in your fitness journey. You’ve lost so much weight and gained so much strength.”
A teammate might compliment, “We couldn’t have won the game without you. You were crushing it on the field.”

7. Nailing it

When someone is “nailing it,” they are doing something with precision and excellence. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is accomplishing a task or goal with great skill or accuracy.

For instance, “She’s nailing it in her presentation. Her delivery is confident and her points are well-organized.”
A coworker might say, “You’re really nailing it with your time management. You always meet your deadlines and produce high-quality work.”
A teacher might praise a student, “You’re nailing it in math class. Your problem-solving skills have improved so much.”

8. Slaying it

When someone is “slaying it,” they are performing exceptionally well and surpassing expectations. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is achieving great success or accomplishing something with style and confidence.

For example, “She’s slaying it on the dance floor. Her moves are incredible and she’s captivating the audience.”
A friend might say, “You’re slaying it in your new business venture. Your sales have been through the roof.”
A teammate might cheer, “Keep slaying it on the court. Your skills are unmatched and you’re a valuable asset to the team.”

9. Bossing it

When someone is “bossing it,” they are taking control and performing exceptionally well. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is leading or excelling in a particular area, demonstrating authority and expertise.

For instance, “He’s really bossing it in his new role as team captain. He’s motivating the team and leading by example.”
A coworker might say, “You’re bossing it in the boardroom. Your presentations are always on point and you command attention.”
A mentor might encourage, “Keep bossing it in your career. Your determination and skills will take you far.”

10. Rocking it

When someone is “rocking it,” they are performing exceptionally well and impressing others. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is excelling or achieving great success, often with a sense of style or confidence.

For example, “She’s rocking it on stage. Her voice is amazing and she’s captivating the audience.”
A friend might say, “You’re really rocking it in your new job. Your colleagues admire your work ethic and skills.”
A teammate might compliment, “You’re rocking it on the field. Your speed and agility are unmatched.”

11. Dominating

This term refers to being extremely successful or in control of a situation. It implies a level of superiority and overwhelming success.

For example, a sports commentator might say, “The team is dominating their opponents with their strong offense.”
A business executive might boast, “Our company is dominating the market with our innovative products.”
A student might say, “I’ve been dominating my classes this semester, acing every exam.”

12. Thriving

To thrive means to prosper or flourish, often in a particular area or aspect of life. It implies not just success, but also growth and well-being.

For instance, a farmer might say, “My crops are thriving this season, thanks to the favorable weather.”
A business owner might proudly state, “Our company is thriving in the current market, with increasing sales and satisfied customers.”
An artist might share, “I’ve been thriving creatively lately, producing some of my best work.”

13. Excelling

Excelling refers to performing exceptionally well or surpassing expectations. It suggests a high level of achievement and proficiency in a particular field or activity.

For example, a teacher might say, “Many students in this class are excelling academically, consistently earning top grades.”
A coach might praise an athlete by saying, “You’re excelling on the field, demonstrating great skill and dedication.”
A manager might recognize an employee’s efforts by saying, “You’re excelling in your role, consistently exceeding targets and delivering exceptional results.”

14. Succeeding

To succeed means to achieve a desired outcome or reach a goal. It implies overcoming challenges and achieving a level of accomplishment.

For instance, a motivational speaker might say, “Success is not just about the destination, but the journey of overcoming obstacles and succeeding.”
A student might celebrate by saying, “I finally passed that difficult exam! I’m succeeding in my studies.”
A business owner might reflect, “I started this company from scratch, and now we’re succeeding in the competitive market.”

15. Winning

Winning refers to achieving victory or coming out as the best in a competition or endeavor. It implies achieving success and surpassing others.

For example, a coach might motivate their team by saying, “We’re not just playing to participate, we’re playing to win and come out on top.”
A salesperson might celebrate by saying, “I closed the deal and made the sale! I’m winning in my career.”
A student might exclaim, “I won the scholarship! I’m winning at academics and securing my future.”

16. Reaching the pinnacle

This phrase is used to describe achieving the ultimate level of success or accomplishment.

For example, “After years of hard work, he finally reached the pinnacle of his career.”
A coach might say to their team, “Our goal is to reach the pinnacle of this sport.”
In a discussion about personal goals, someone might say, “I’m determined to reach the pinnacle of success in my field.”

17. Making waves

This phrase refers to making a noticeable impact or attracting attention through one’s actions or achievements.

For instance, “The young entrepreneur is making waves in the tech industry with her innovative ideas.”
A politician might say, “We need to make waves to bring about meaningful change.”
In a conversation about a successful artist, someone might comment, “His latest album is making waves in the music industry.”

18. Breaking through

This phrase is used to describe overcoming challenges or barriers in order to achieve success.

For example, “She broke through the glass ceiling and became the first female CEO of the company.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Don’t give up, keep pushing until you break through.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might share, “I had to break through my own self-doubt to pursue my dreams.”

19. Shining bright

This phrase is used to describe someone who stands out from the crowd and excels in their field or endeavors.

For instance, “The young actress is shining bright in her breakout role.”
A teacher might say to a student, “Keep working hard, you have the potential to shine bright.”
In a conversation about successful entrepreneurs, someone might comment, “They are shining bright in the business world with their innovative ideas.”

20. Hitting the jackpot

This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe achieving a significant level of success or experiencing a stroke of luck.

For example, “He hit the jackpot with his latest business venture and became a millionaire.”
A gambler might say, “I finally hit the jackpot and won the big prize.”
In a discussion about career opportunities, someone might say, “Finding a job that you love is like hitting the jackpot.”

21. Striking gold

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone has achieved a significant level of success or made a valuable discovery. It originates from the literal act of finding gold, which is highly valuable.

For example, a business owner might say, “After years of hard work, we finally struck gold with our new product.”
A writer might exclaim, “I can’t believe it, but I struck gold with my latest article. It went viral!”
A friend might congratulate someone by saying, “You really struck gold with your new job. It’s perfect for you!”

22. Hitting the mark

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone has successfully achieved their goal or objective. It emphasizes the idea of accuracy and precision.

For instance, a salesperson might say, “I worked hard on my pitch, and I really hit the mark with the client. They signed the deal!”
A student might proudly state, “I studied all night for the exam, and I hit the mark. I got an A!”
A coach might praise a player by saying, “You really hit the mark with that shot. It was a game-changer.”

23. Sailing smoothly

This phrase is used to describe a situation where everything is going well and without any difficulties or challenges. It compares success to a smooth sailing journey.

For example, a project manager might say, “Thanks to careful planning, the project is sailing smoothly. We haven’t encountered any major issues.”
A traveler might exclaim, “Our vacation is sailing smoothly. The flights were on time, and the hotel is perfect.”
A business owner might describe their company’s success by saying, “We’ve been sailing smoothly since we implemented our new strategy. Our profits are consistently increasing.”

24. Flying high

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is achieving a high level of success or feeling extremely happy. It compares success to the feeling of flying in the sky.

For instance, a musician might say, “After winning the Grammy, I’m flying high. It’s a dream come true.”
A sports team celebrating a victory might shout, “We’re flying high after that win! We’re on top of the world.”
A person experiencing personal success might declare, “I just got promoted, and I’m flying high. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

25. Ruling the roost

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is in complete control or dominates a particular domain or situation. It originates from the behavior of a dominant rooster in a chicken coop.

For example, a CEO might say, “In this industry, we’re ruling the roost. Our competitors can’t keep up.”
A team captain might declare, “On the field, we rule the roost. No one can beat us.”
A successful entrepreneur might state, “I started my own business, and now I’m ruling the roost. I make all the decisions.”

26. Making the most of opportunities

This phrase refers to actively taking advantage of various opportunities that come your way in order to achieve success.

For example, a motivational speaker might say, “Success comes to those who are always making the most of opportunities.”
A businessperson might advise, “If you want to succeed, you have to be proactive in making the most of opportunities that arise.”
A mentor might encourage their mentee by saying, “You have great potential, so make sure you’re always making the most of opportunities that come your way.”

27. Making the world a better place

This phrase describes the act of taking actions or making efforts to improve the world and create a positive impact on society.

For instance, a philanthropist might say, “My goal is to dedicate my life to making the world a better place.”
An environmental activist might organize an event and say, “Let’s come together and work towards making the world a better place for future generations.”
A social entrepreneur might start a business with the mission of making the world a better place by addressing a specific issue.

28. Making the best of every situation

This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and making the most out of any situation, regardless of challenges or setbacks.

For example, someone facing a difficult situation might say, “I know it’s tough, but we have to stay positive and make the best of every situation.”
A motivational speaker might encourage their audience by saying, “Remember, success comes to those who have the ability to make the best of every situation.”
A life coach might teach their clients strategies for making the best of every situation they encounter.

29. Making everyone proud

This phrase signifies achieving success in a way that not only brings personal satisfaction but also makes those around you proud and impressed.

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “You’ve worked so hard, and you’re making everyone proud.”
A teacher might praise a student by saying, “You’re excelling academically and making everyone proud with your achievements.”
A boss might congratulate an employee by saying, “Your dedication and hard work are making everyone proud. Keep it up!”

30. Raking in the dough

This phrase is a colloquial way of expressing financial success, particularly when it comes to making a large sum of money.

For example, a successful entrepreneur might say, “I started my own business, and now I’m raking in the dough.”
A salesperson might boast, “With my sales skills, I’m raking in the dough and living a comfortable life.”
A financial advisor might offer tips on wealth accumulation by saying, “If you want to start raking in the dough, you need to invest wisely and take calculated risks.”

31. Slaying the competition

This phrase refers to achieving success by surpassing or outperforming others in a competitive environment. It implies that the person or entity is excelling and achieving their goals at the expense of their competitors.

For example, a business owner might say, “Our new marketing strategy is slaying the competition.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “Our team is slaying the competition this season.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Don’t just compete, slay the competition and become the best.”

32. Crushing goals

This phrase means to accomplish or achieve goals with exceptional success or effectiveness. It implies that the person is not just meeting their goals, but surpassing them in a remarkable way.

For instance, a student might say, “I’m crushing my academic goals this semester.”
In a work setting, a colleague might say, “She’s been crushing her sales goals every month.”
A fitness enthusiast might say, “I’m crushing my fitness goals and getting stronger every day.”

33. Running the show

This phrase means to be in charge or in control of a situation or event. It implies that the person is the one making decisions, directing others, and taking charge.

For example, a project manager might say, “I’m running the show and making sure everything goes smoothly.”
In a family setting, a parent might say, “I’m running the show and keeping everything organized.”
A team leader might say, “I’m running the show and ensuring our team achieves our objectives.”

34. Bossing up

This phrase means to take charge, show leadership, and achieve success. It implies that the person is stepping up and becoming a boss or a leader in their field or area of expertise.

For instance, a young entrepreneur might say, “I’m bossing up and starting my own business.”
In a career context, a professional might say, “I’m bossing up and taking on more responsibilities.”
A motivational speaker might say, “Don’t wait for success, boss up and create your own path.”

35. Killing the hustle

This phrase means to achieve great success and excel in one’s efforts or pursuits. It implies that the person is not just working hard, but also achieving significant results and making a mark.

For example, a musician might say, “I’m killing the hustle and making a name for myself in the industry.”
In a business context, an entrepreneur might say, “We’re killing the hustle and expanding our reach.”
A student might say, “I’m killing the hustle and getting straight A’s in all my classes.”