Top 33 Slang For Surreal – Meaning & Usage

The word “surreal” often leaves us grasping for the right words to truly capture its essence. But fear not, for we at Fluentslang have delved deep into the world of surreal slang to bring you a list that will make navigating this mind-bending territory a breeze. Get ready to expand your vocabulary and explore the linguistic wonders that accompany this captivating realm. Let’s dive in and uncover the hidden gems of surreal slang together!

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1. Trippy

This term is often used to describe something that is visually or mentally intense, often in a psychedelic or surreal way.

For example, “That music video is so trippy, it feels like I’m on another planet.”
A person might say, “I had a trippy experience after taking that new medication.”
Another might describe a painting as, “The artist’s use of colors and patterns creates a trippy effect.”

2. Mind-bending

This term refers to something that is so unusual or extraordinary that it challenges one’s understanding or perception of reality.

For instance, “The plot twist in that movie was mind-bending, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”
A person might say, “I had a mind-bending dream last night, it felt so real.”
Another might describe a piece of artwork as, “The artist’s use of optical illusions creates a mind-bending effect.”

3. Otherworldly

This term is used to describe something that is so extraordinary or strange that it seems to be from another world or beyond the realm of normal experience.

For example, “The landscape in that science fiction movie was so otherworldly, it looked like an alien planet.”
A person might say, “I had an otherworldly encounter during my meditation, I felt like I was floating.”
Another might describe a performance as, “The dancer’s movements were so graceful and otherworldly, it was like watching a celestial being.”

4. Far out

This term is often used to describe something that is unconventional, strange, or out of the ordinary.

For instance, “That fashion style is so far out, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
A person might say, “I had a far out experience at the music festival, there were so many unique performances.”
Another might describe a piece of artwork as, “The artist’s use of unconventional materials creates a far out effect.”

5. Bizarre

This term is used to describe something that is extremely strange, odd, or unconventional.

For example, “The plot of that movie was so bizarre, I couldn’t predict what was going to happen.”
A person might say, “I had a bizarre encounter with a stranger on the street, they were wearing a costume.”
Another might describe a sculpture as, “The artist’s use of distorted shapes and proportions creates a bizarre effect.”

6. Groovy

This term originated in the 1960s counterculture and refers to something that is stylish, trendy, or appealing. It can also be used to describe something that is surreal in a positive way.

For example, “That outfit you’re wearing is really groovy!”
A person might say, “I had a groovy dream last night. It felt so surreal.”
In a conversation about art, someone might comment, “The paintings in that gallery are so groovy and surreal.”

7. Spacey

This term is used to describe someone who appears to be in a dreamlike or disconnected state. It can also be used to describe something that is surreal or otherworldly.

For instance, “She seemed really spacey after staying up all night.”
A person might say, “The movie had a spacey atmosphere that made it feel surreal.”
In a discussion about music, someone might comment, “That song has a spacey vibe to it. It’s like entering a surreal dimension.”

8. Tripped out

This term is used to describe something that is highly surreal, often to the point of being mind-boggling or hallucinatory. It can also refer to the experience of being under the influence of psychedelic drugs.

For example, “The artwork in that exhibit was so tripped out and surreal.”
A person might say, “I had a really tripped out dream last night. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”
In a conversation about movies, someone might comment, “That film is so tripped out. It messes with your mind in a surreal way.”

9. Psychedelic

This term is used to describe something that is characterized by intense colors, patterns, and visual effects. It is often associated with the use of psychedelic drugs and can also refer to a surreal or mind-altering experience.

For instance, “The album cover has a psychedelic design that creates a surreal visual experience.”
A person might say, “I had a psychedelic trip last night. It was like entering a surreal realm.”
In a discussion about art, someone might comment, “The paintings in that exhibition are so psychedelic and surreal.”

10. Unreal

This term is used to describe something that is so extraordinary or surprising that it feels like it could only exist in a dream or fantasy. It can also refer to something that is surreal or hard to believe.

For example, “The view from the top of the mountain was unreal. It felt like I was in a painting.”
A person might say, “I had an unreal experience last night. It was like stepping into a surreal world.”
In a conversation about sports, someone might comment, “That play was unreal. It defied all expectations and seemed almost surreal.”

11. Dope

Dope is a slang term that is used to describe something that is considered cool, excellent, or impressive.

For example, “That new movie is dope!”
A person might say, “I just bought this dope pair of sneakers.”
Another might exclaim, “The concert last night was so dope!”

12. Wacky

Wacky is a slang term that is used to describe something that is crazy, eccentric, or unconventional in a humorous or amusing way.

For instance, “He has a wacky sense of humor.”
A person might say, “I saw the wackiest outfit at the party.”
Another might describe a performance as “a wacky and entertaining show.”

13. Spaced out

Spaced out is a slang term that is used to describe someone who is in a dreamlike or disconnected state, often due to being under the influence of drugs or experiencing a surreal or otherworldly feeling.

For example, “After taking that medication, I felt spaced out.”
A person might say, “I had a spaced out moment and forgot what I was doing.”
Another might describe a surreal experience as “feeling completely spaced out.”

14. Mind-altering

Mind-altering is a slang term that is used to describe something that causes a change in perception or consciousness, often in a surreal or psychedelic way.

For instance, “That art exhibit was mind-altering.”
A person might say, “I had a mind-altering experience while meditating.”
Another might describe a surreal movie as “a mind-altering journey.”

15. Freakish

Freakish is a slang term that is used to describe something that is bizarre, abnormal, or strange in a way that is both fascinating and unsettling.

For example, “The circus had a freakish performance.”
A person might say, “I saw a freakish creature in the woods.”
Another might describe a surreal event as “a freakish occurrence.”

16. Crazytown

Used to describe a situation or event that is beyond normal or rational. It implies a level of insanity or absurdity.

For example, “The party last night was crazytown! There were people dancing on the ceiling.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe what happened at work today. It was straight up crazytown.”
In a discussion about a strange movie, someone might comment, “That film was pure crazytown from start to finish.”

17. Bonkers

Used to describe something that is extremely strange or unbelievable. It suggests a sense of madness or irrationality.

For instance, “The ending of that book was absolutely bonkers.”
A person might exclaim, “I just saw the most bonkers street performer. He was juggling chainsaws while riding a unicycle!”
In a conversation about a bizarre news story, someone might say, “Did you hear about the guy who built a house out of marshmallows? That’s bonkers!”

18. Loony tunes

Derived from the name of the cartoon series “Looney Tunes,” this phrase is used to describe something that is wild, wacky, or nonsensical.

For example, “The party last night was like a scene out of Looney Tunes. There were people running around in animal costumes.”
A person might say, “I can’t believe the loony tunes ideas my boss comes up with.”
In a discussion about a surreal painting, someone might comment, “The artist’s use of color and imagery creates a truly loony tunes experience.”

19. Kooky

Refers to something or someone who is slightly strange, eccentric, or unconventional in a charming or endearing way.

For instance, “She has a kooky sense of fashion. She always wears mismatched socks.”
A person might say, “I love visiting that kooky little café. They serve drinks in teacups.”
In a conversation about an unconventional artist, someone might comment, “His kooky sculptures are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

20. Zany

Describes something that is unconventional, offbeat, or eccentric in a humorous or amusing way.

For example, “The comedian’s zany antics had the audience in stitches.”
A person might say, “I went to a zany circus show last night. There were acrobats riding unicycles while juggling flaming torches.”
In a discussion about a comedy movie, someone might comment, “The film was filled with zany characters and hilarious situations.”

21. Nuts

This slang term is used to describe something that is extremely strange or unbelievable. It can also be used to express surprise or disbelief.

For example, “That movie was nuts! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”
In a conversation about a bizarre event, someone might say, “It’s nuts that something like that could happen.”
If someone tells you an incredible story, you might respond with, “No way, that’s nuts!”

22. Gonzo

This term is often used to describe something that is outlandish, eccentric, or unconventional. It can also refer to a style of journalism that is characterized by its subjective and immersive approach.

For instance, “The fashion show had a gonzo theme, with wild and outrageous designs.”
In discussing a unique piece of art, someone might say, “The artist’s style is totally gonzo.”
A person describing a strange experience might say, “I had a gonzo night where everything just seemed surreal.”

23. Oddball

This term is used to describe someone who is strange, eccentric, or unconventional. It can also be used to describe something that is unusual or out of the ordinary.

For example, “He’s a total oddball, always doing things that nobody else would think of.”
In a conversation about a peculiar object, someone might say, “Check out this oddball thing I found.”
If someone tells you about a strange encounter, you might respond with, “That’s definitely an oddball situation.”

24. Dystopian

This term is used to describe a society or world that is characterized by oppression, suffering, or a lack of freedom. It often refers to a fictional setting that is bleak, dark, and oppressive.

For instance, “The novel depicts a dystopian future where the government controls every aspect of people’s lives.”
In discussing a movie with a dark and oppressive setting, someone might say, “It’s a dystopian film that explores themes of power and control.”
A person describing a disturbing trend in society might say, “It feels like we’re heading towards a dystopian reality.”

25. Uncanny

This term is used to describe something that is strange or unsettling in a way that is difficult to explain or understand. It can also refer to something that closely resembles or imitates something else.

For example, “The uncanny resemblance between the two actors was unsettling.”
In a discussion about a strange coincidence, someone might say, “It’s uncanny how similar our experiences have been.”
If someone tells you about a bizarre occurrence, you might respond with, “That’s truly uncanny!”

26. Enigmatic

Enigmatic refers to something that is mysterious or puzzling in nature. It is often used to describe something that is difficult to understand or explain.

For example, a person might say, “The ending of that movie was so enigmatic, I still don’t know what happened.”
In a discussion about a puzzling situation, someone might comment, “It’s all very enigmatic, and I can’t figure out the truth.”
A reviewer might describe a book as, “An enigmatic story that keeps readers guessing until the very end.”

27. Twilight zone

The term “Twilight zone” is used to describe a situation or experience that is strange or surreal. It references the popular television show “The Twilight Zone,” which often featured bizarre and otherworldly stories.

For instance, if someone finds themselves in a strange and unexplainable situation, they might say, “I feel like I’ve entered the Twilight zone.”
In a discussion about a mind-bending movie, a person might comment, “The plot was so twisted, it felt like being in the Twilight zone.”
A writer might describe a dream sequence in a story as, “A trip into the Twilight zone of the character’s subconscious.”

28. Acid trip

An acid trip refers to a hallucinatory experience caused by taking psychedelic drugs such as LSD. It is often used to describe a surreal and mind-altering experience.

For example, someone who has taken LSD might say, “That acid trip was like being in a whole other world.”
In a conversation about mind-expanding substances, a person might mention, “I had the most intense acid trip of my life last weekend.”
A writer might describe a vivid and surreal scene in a story as, “A mind-bending acid trip through the character’s imagination.”

29. Fantastical

Fantastical refers to something that is imaginative, extraordinary, or out of the ordinary. It often implies a sense of magic or wonder.

For instance, a person might describe a fairytale as, “A fantastical story filled with mythical creatures and enchanting adventures.”
In a discussion about a visually stunning film, someone might say, “The movie created a fantastical world that captivated the audience.”
A reviewer might describe a book as, “A whimsical and fantastical tale that transports readers to a different realm.”

30. Magical realism

Magical realism is a genre of literature or art that combines elements of fantasy or magic with the real world. It often blurs the line between reality and imagination.

For example, a person might describe a novel as, “A masterful work of magical realism that weaves fantastical elements into everyday life.”
In a discussion about a movie with surreal elements, someone might comment, “The film beautifully blends magical realism with a grounded story.”
A writer might describe their own work as, “A collection of short stories that explores the boundaries of magical realism and reality.”

31. Esoteric

Esoteric refers to something that is difficult to understand or is intended for a select few who have specialized knowledge. It often describes concepts or ideas that are not widely known or easily accessible.

For example, a person might say, “The esoteric teachings of this ancient philosophy are only understood by a few.”
In a discussion about art, someone might comment, “The meaning behind this painting is quite esoteric and requires deep analysis.”
A writer might describe a novel as, “Filled with esoteric references and symbolism, this book challenges the reader’s understanding.”

32. Kafkaesque

Kafkaesque refers to situations or experiences that are reminiscent of the works of Franz Kafka, characterized by a sense of absurdity, confusion, and the dehumanizing nature of bureaucracy.

For instance, someone might say, “The endless paperwork and contradictory instructions made the whole process feel kafkaesque.”
In a discussion about government bureaucracy, a person might comment, “Navigating the kafkaesque system can be incredibly frustrating.”
A film reviewer might describe a movie as, “This dark comedy captures the kafkaesque nature of modern society.”

33. Absurd

Absurd refers to something that is completely unreasonable or illogical, often to the point of being comical or ridiculous. It describes situations, actions, or statements that defy common sense or rationality.

For example, a person might say, “The absurdity of the situation left everyone speechless.”
In a discussion about comedy, someone might comment, “This comedian’s jokes are so absurd, they always catch me off guard.”
A writer might describe a book as, “An absurd tale filled with outrageous characters and unpredictable plot twists.”