Top 45 Slang For Swim – Meaning & Usage

Swim slang is making waves in the language scene, and we’re here to help you navigate the sea of terminology. Whether you’re a casual swimmer or a seasoned pro, our team has rounded up the top phrases and words that will have you speaking the lingo in no time. Dive in and get ready to splash into the world of cool and current swim slang!

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1. Take a dip

This phrase is used to describe going for a swim, usually in a casual or relaxed manner.

For example, “It’s a hot day, let’s take a dip in the lake.”
Someone might suggest, “Why don’t we take a dip in the pool after work?”
A friend might ask, “Want to take a dip in the ocean before we head home?”

2. Splash around

This expression refers to playing or moving around in the water, often with enthusiasm or energy.

For instance, “Let’s go to the beach and splash around in the waves.”
A parent might say to their child, “Have fun and splash around in the kiddie pool.”
Friends might challenge each other, “Who can make the biggest splash around in the pool?”

3. Dip in the pool

This phrase means to quickly swim in a pool, typically for a short period of time.

For example, “I’m just going to take a quick dip in the pool to cool off.”
Someone might say, “I like to dip in the pool before my morning coffee.”
A person might suggest, “Let’s dip in the pool before dinner to relax.”

4. Hit the water

This expression is used to indicate the act of starting to swim, often with enthusiasm or excitement.

For instance, “I can’t wait to hit the water and start swimming.”
A swim coach might say, “Before we begin the training session, let’s hit the water.”
Friends might encourage each other, “Come on, let’s hit the water and have some fun!”

5. Dive in

This phrase means to jump or plunge into the water, usually headfirst.

For example, “I’m going to dive in and swim to the other side of the pool.”
Someone might say, “I love the feeling of diving in and starting my swim.”
A person might challenge their friends, “Who’s brave enough to dive in from the highest diving board?”

6. Paddle around

This phrase is often used to describe a leisurely swim or movement in the water, without any specific goal or direction.

For example, “Let’s just paddle around in the pool and relax.”
A parent might say to their child, “Go ahead and paddle around in the shallow end.”
Someone might suggest, “We can paddle around in the lake and enjoy the scenery.”

7. Make a splash

This phrase is used metaphorically to describe making a big impression or attracting attention, often in a dramatic or noticeable way.

For instance, “She really made a splash with her new fashion line.”
A person might say, “If you want to stand out, you have to make a splash.”
Someone might encourage their friend, “Go ahead and make a splash at the party tonight!”

8. Swim sesh

This phrase is a shortened form of “swimming session” and is often used to refer to a planned or organized time for swimming.

For example, “I’m heading to the pool for a swim sesh after work.”
A person might ask their friend, “Do you want to join me for a swim sesh tomorrow morning?”
Someone might post on social media, “Just had an amazing swim sesh at the beach!”

9. Get wet

This phrase is a colloquial way of saying “go swimming” or “immerse oneself in water”. It can also be used metaphorically to describe getting involved in a particular activity or situation.

For instance, “Let’s get wet and cool off in the pool.”
A person might say, “I love getting wet in the ocean and riding the waves.”
Someone might suggest, “If you’re feeling stressed, go for a swim and get wet.”

10. Float around

This phrase is often used to describe a relaxed and leisurely swim where the person floats on the water’s surface without much movement or effort.

For example, “I like to just float around in the pool and let the water carry me.”
A person might say, “I spent the afternoon floating around in the lake and enjoying the sun.”
Someone might suggest, “Let’s grab some inflatable rafts and float around in the river.”

11. Backstroke it

This phrase is used to describe swimming on your back using the backstroke technique. It means to swim with your back facing the water and using alternating arm movements and a flutter kick.

For example, a swimming coach might say, “Let’s practice the backstroke. Backstroke it!”
During a swimming race, a commentator might say, “She’s doing great, backstroking it all the way.”
A friend might encourage another by saying, “You got this! Just backstroke it to the other side.”

12. Breaststroke it

This phrase is used to describe swimming using the breaststroke technique. It means to swim with your face down in the water, using a frog-like kick and arm movements that start in front of the chest and move out to the sides.

For instance, a swim instructor might say, “Let’s work on your breaststroke. Breaststroke it!”
During a swimming competition, a coach might yell, “Keep your head down and breaststroke it to the finish.”
A swimmer might tell their friend, “I love the breaststroke. It feels like I’m swimming like a frog.”

13. Freestyle it

This phrase is used to describe swimming using the freestyle technique. It means to swim with your face down in the water, using a flutter kick and alternating arm movements.

For example, a swimming instructor might say, “Let’s do some freestyle laps. Freestyle it!”
During a triathlon, a commentator might say, “She’s in the lead, freestyling it with ease.”
A swimmer might encourage their teammate by saying, “You’ve got this! Just freestyle it and give it your all.”

14. Butterfly it

This phrase is used to describe swimming using the butterfly technique. It means to swim with your face down in the water, using a dolphin kick and simultaneous arm movements that come out of the water and then enter again.

For instance, a swim coach might say, “Let’s work on your butterfly stroke. Butterfly it!”
During an Olympic swimming event, a commentator might say, “He’s breaking records, butterflying it to the finish.”
A swimmer might say to their friend, “The butterfly stroke is challenging, but it’s so much fun to butterfly it across the pool.”

15. Doggy paddle

This phrase is used to describe a basic swimming technique where you paddle your hands and kick your feet to stay afloat. It is a playful term often used by beginners or in informal settings.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “Just doggy paddle and have fun in the water.”
During a casual swim with friends, someone might suggest, “Let’s just doggy paddle around and enjoy the sunshine.”
A person learning how to swim might say, “I’m still getting the hang of it, so I’ll just stick to doggy paddling for now.”

16. Go for a swim

This phrase means to engage in the activity of swimming. It implies the act of intentionally entering the water for the purpose of swimming.

For example, “Let’s go for a swim at the beach this afternoon.”
A person might say, “I love going for a swim in the pool on hot summer days.”
Another might ask, “Are you planning to go for a swim in the lake tomorrow?”

17. Wade in

This term refers to walking into water, typically a body of water that is not too deep. It implies a slow and deliberate movement into the water.

For instance, “We waded into the river to cool off.”
A person might say, “I like to wade in up to my waist before starting to swim.”
Another might mention, “The water was shallow, so we waded in rather than diving.”

18. Dive bomb

This phrase is used to describe a specific type of dive where a person jumps into the water from a height and makes a big splash. It implies a forceful and dramatic entry into the water.

For example, “He did a dive bomb off the diving board and made the whole pool shake.”
A person might say, “I love the adrenaline rush of dive bombing into the deep end.”
Another might exclaim, “Watch me dive bomb into the lake from this cliff!”

19. Take a swim

This phrase means to participate in the activity of swimming. It implies a deliberate decision to enter the water and swim.

For instance, “I’m going to take a swim to cool down.”
A person might say, “I usually take a swim in the morning to start my day.”
Another might mention, “Taking a swim in the ocean is so refreshing.”

20. Get in the water

This phrase simply means to enter the water. It implies a general action of getting into the water without specifying the activity or purpose.

For example, “Let’s get in the water and have some fun.”
A person might say, “I always get in the water slowly to adjust to the temperature.”
Another might ask, “Are you planning to get in the water later?”

21. Plunge in

This phrase refers to quickly and enthusiastically jumping into the water.

For example, “After a long hike, we decided to plunge into the cool lake.”
A person might say, “I love to start my day by plunging into the ocean.”
In a conversation about swimming, someone might suggest, “Let’s plunge in and cool off.”

22. Dive into the water

This phrase means to jump into the water with your head leading the way.

For instance, “He dove into the water and swam to the other side of the pool.”
In a discussion about diving techniques, someone might say, “To perform a proper dive, you need to dive into the water at a slight angle.”
A person might exclaim, “I can’t wait to dive into the water and feel the rush!”

23. Splash in the pool

This phrase describes the action of jumping into the pool and creating a large splash.

For example, “The kids love to splash in the pool and soak each other.”
In a conversation about swimming techniques, someone might mention, “When doing cannonballs, make sure to splash in the pool for maximum fun.”
A person might say, “I’m going to splash in the pool and cool off on this hot day.”

24. Glide through the water

This phrase refers to swimming smoothly and effortlessly through the water.

For instance, “She glided through the water like a graceful dolphin.”
In a discussion about swimming techniques, someone might say, “To improve your speed, focus on gliding through the water.”
A person might exclaim, “I love the feeling of gliding through the water and feeling weightless.”

25. Swim with the current

This phrase means to swim in the same direction as the current, making it easier to move.

For example, “It’s easier to swim with the current than against it.”
In a conversation about open water swimming, someone might suggest, “If you’re feeling tired, try to swim with the current to conserve energy.”
A person might say, “I always try to swim with the current to make my swim more enjoyable.”

26. Paddle

This refers to a swimming technique where the swimmer uses only their hands to propel themselves through the water. It is often used for training purposes or as a warm-up exercise.

For instance, a swim coach might say, “Let’s start with some paddle drills to work on your arm strength.”
During a swimming race, a commentator might mention, “The swimmer is using a paddle technique to conserve energy.”
A swimmer might say, “I like to do some paddle laps before starting my regular workout.”

27. Skinny-dip

This term refers to swimming without any clothing on. It is often associated with swimming in natural bodies of water or private settings where clothing is optional.

For example, a group of friends might plan to go skinny-dipping in a secluded lake.
A person might say, “I’ve always wanted to skinny-dip in the ocean under the moonlight.”
In a conversation about unique experiences, someone might share, “I once skinny-dipped in a hot spring in Iceland.”

28. Backstroke

This is a swimming stroke where the swimmer lies on their back and moves their arms and legs in a coordinated motion to propel themselves through the water.

For instance, a swim instructor might say, “Let’s practice the backstroke today.”
During a swimming competition, a commentator might mention, “The swimmer has a strong backstroke technique.”
A swimmer might say, “I prefer the backstroke because I can see where I’m going.”

29. Breaststroke

This is a swimming stroke where the swimmer moves their arms in a circular motion while kicking their legs in a frog-like motion. It is one of the most common swimming strokes.

For example, a swim coach might say, “Let’s work on your breaststroke technique.”
During a swimming race, a commentator might mention, “The swimmer has a powerful breaststroke kick.”
A person might say, “I find the breaststroke to be the most relaxing swimming stroke.”

30. Freestyle

This is a swimming stroke where the swimmer alternates their arms in a windmill-like motion while kicking their legs. It is the fastest and most commonly used stroke in competitive swimming.

For instance, a swim instructor might say, “Let’s work on your freestyle technique.”
During a swimming competition, a commentator might mention, “The swimmer has a smooth and efficient freestyle.”
A swimmer might say, “I love the feeling of gliding through the water while doing the freestyle.”

31. Butterfly

The butterfly stroke is a swimming technique characterized by simultaneous arm movement and a dolphin kick. It is often referred to as the “fly” stroke due to the resemblance of a butterfly’s wings flapping.

For example, a swim coach might say, “Today we’ll be focusing on improving your butterfly technique.”
A swimmer might ask, “Do you have any tips for mastering the fly stroke?”
During a competition, a commentator might say, “Look at that swimmer’s smooth fly technique!”

32. Lap swimming

Lap swimming refers to the act of swimming continuously for a certain distance or number of laps. It is a popular form of exercise and can be done in a pool, lake, or ocean.

For instance, someone might say, “I try to go lap swimming at least three times a week.”
A swimmer might ask, “How many laps do you usually swim during a session?”
A fitness enthusiast might recommend, “If you want to burn calories, try incorporating lap swimming into your workout routine.”

33. Float

Floating is the act of staying on the surface of the water without sinking. It can be done by using various techniques, such as lying on your back or using a flotation device.

For example, a swimming instructor might say, “Let’s practice floating on our backs today.”
A swimmer might ask, “How can I improve my ability to float in the water?”
During a swimming lesson, a child might exclaim, “Look, Mom! I can float all by myself!”

34. Cannonball

A cannonball is a playful and fun way to enter the water by jumping in with your knees tucked to your chest and arms wrapped around your legs. It creates a big splash and is often done for entertainment or to cool off.

For instance, someone might say, “Let’s have a cannonball contest and see who can make the biggest splash!”
A group of friends might shout, “Cannonball!” before jumping into the pool together.
A swimmer might exclaim, “I love doing cannonballs on hot summer days!”

35. Surf

Surfing is a water sport where individuals ride on the face of a breaking wave using a surfboard. It involves balancing, paddling, and maneuvering on the wave to maintain control and perform tricks.

For example, a surfer might say, “I can’t wait to go surfing this weekend.”
A beginner might ask, “What’s the best way to learn how to surf?”
During a surfing competition, a commentator might say, “That was an impressive surf maneuver by the athlete!”

36. Snorkel

A snorkel is a tube that allows swimmers to breathe while their face is submerged in water. It is used for snorkeling, which involves swimming on the surface of the water while wearing a mask and snorkel to observe underwater life.

For example, “I love snorkeling in the clear waters of the Caribbean.”
A travel blogger might write, “Don’t forget to pack your snorkel for your beach vacation.”
A swimmer might ask, “Does anyone know where I can buy a good snorkel for my upcoming snorkeling trip?”

37. Scuba dive

Scuba diving is a form of underwater diving where divers use a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus to breathe underwater. It allows divers to explore the underwater world and observe marine life up close.

For instance, “I’m planning to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef.”
A diving instructor might say, “Scuba diving is an incredible way to connect with the ocean.”
A travel magazine might recommend, “If you’re a fan of marine life, scuba diving should be on your bucket list.”

38. Swim cap

A swim cap is a tight-fitting cap made of latex, silicone, or other materials that swimmers wear to cover their hair while swimming. It helps reduce drag in the water and protect the hair from chlorine and other chemicals.

For example, “I always wear a swim cap to keep my hair dry.”
A competitive swimmer might say, “A swim cap is essential for reducing resistance in the water.”
A swim coach might advise, “Make sure to put on your swim cap before getting in the pool.”

39. Swim trunks

Swim trunks are loose-fitting shorts that are worn for swimming or other water activities. They are typically made of quick-drying materials such as nylon or polyester.

For instance, “I bought a new pair of swim trunks for my beach vacation.”
A beachgoer might say, “I prefer wearing swim trunks over speedos.”
A fashion blogger might write, “Swim trunks come in a variety of patterns and styles, perfect for expressing your personal style at the beach.”

40. Swim goggles

Swim goggles are protective eyewear worn by swimmers to protect their eyes from chlorine, saltwater, and other irritants in the water. They also enhance underwater vision and allow swimmers to see clearly while swimming.

For example, “I always wear swim goggles to protect my eyes from the chlorine.”
A competitive swimmer might say, “Swim goggles are essential for improving visibility during races.”
A parent might advise their child, “Don’t forget to pack your swim goggles for swim practice.”

41. Swim fins

Swim fins, also known as flippers, are rubber or plastic devices worn on the feet during swimming to provide additional propulsion and improve speed and efficiency in the water.

For instance, “I need to buy a new pair of swim fins for my upcoming snorkeling trip.”
A swimmer might say, “Using swim fins during training helps strengthen my leg muscles.”
A scuba diver might comment, “Swim fins are essential for maneuvering underwater.”

42. Swim meet

A swim meet is a competitive event where swimmers from different teams come together to compete in various swimming events.

For example, “I’m excited to participate in the swim meet this weekend.”
A swimmer might say, “I achieved a personal best time in the 100-meter freestyle at the swim meet.”
A coach might announce, “We have a swim meet next Saturday, so make sure to attend practice.”

43. Swim coach

A swim coach is a trained professional who provides guidance, instruction, and support to swimmers in order to improve their technique, endurance, and overall performance in the water.

For instance, “My swim coach helped me perfect my butterfly stroke.”
A swimmer might say, “I couldn’t have achieved my goals without the guidance of my swim coach.”
A coach might advise, “To improve your speed, listen to your swim coach’s feedback and practice regularly.”

44. Swim team

A swim team is a group of individuals who train together and compete as a team in swimming events and meets.

For example, “I’m proud to be a member of the local swim team.”
A swimmer might say, “Being on a swim team has taught me the value of teamwork and perseverance.”
A coach might announce, “The swim team has a practice session tomorrow morning at 6 am.”

45. Swim lesson

A swim lesson is a structured session where individuals, typically beginners or those looking to improve their swimming skills, receive instruction and guidance on swimming techniques and water safety.

For instance, “I signed up for swim lessons to overcome my fear of water.”
A parent might say, “Enrolling my child in swim lessons is essential for their safety around water.”
A swimming instructor might explain, “During swim lessons, we focus on building confidence and teaching proper breathing techniques.”