Top 32 Slang For Unheard Of – Meaning & Usage

Unheard of slang terms are like hidden gems in the vast landscape of language. While some may be unfamiliar to many, they hold a certain charm and uniqueness that sets them apart. Join us as we uncover and explore some of the most intriguing and lesser-known slang terms that are sure to pique your curiosity and expand your linguistic repertoire. Get ready to dive into a world of words that are truly one-of-a-kind!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Under the radar

This phrase refers to something that is happening or existing without attracting attention or being noticed. It can be used to describe situations, events, or people.

For example, “The new indie film flew under the radar and became a surprise hit.”
In a discussion about music, someone might say, “This band has been flying under the radar, but they’re really talented.”
A journalist might write, “The scandal went under the radar until an anonymous source leaked the information.”

2. Off the grid

This phrase describes someone or something that is disconnected from the usual systems or networks, often referring to living without modern amenities or technology.

For instance, “They decided to go off the grid and live in a remote cabin in the woods.”
In a conversation about travel, someone might say, “I want to find a place where I can be completely off the grid.”
A person discussing their lifestyle choices might say, “I prefer living off the grid because it allows me to be self-sufficient.”

3. Flying under the radar

Similar to “under the radar,” this phrase refers to something that is happening or existing without attracting attention or being noticed. It implies a sense of stealth or secrecy.

For example, “The spy was able to complete the mission by flying under the radar.”
In a discussion about job promotions, someone might say, “I’ve been working hard, but I feel like I’m flying under the radar.”
A student might say, “I prefer flying under the radar in class and avoiding unnecessary attention.”

4. Out of left field

This phrase describes something that comes as a surprise or is unexpected. It often refers to ideas, actions, or events that are unconventional or unconventional.

For instance, “Her sudden resignation came out of left field and shocked everyone.”
In a discussion about sports, someone might say, “The team’s victory was completely out of left field.”
A friend might say, “I never saw that coming. It really came out of left field.”

5. Off the beaten path

This phrase describes something that is not on the usual or popular route. It often refers to places, experiences, or ideas that are less known or explored.

For example, “They decided to take a vacation off the beaten path and explore a remote island.”
In a conversation about hiking, someone might say, “I love finding trails that are off the beaten path.”
A traveler might recommend, “If you want to experience the local culture, go off the beaten path and explore the smaller towns.”

6. Below the surface

This phrase refers to something that is not immediately apparent or easily noticed. It suggests that there is more to a situation or person than meets the eye.

For example, “There is a lot going on below the surface of that calm exterior.”
In a discussion about a complex issue, someone might say, “Let’s explore what’s happening below the surface.”
A therapist might encourage a patient to “dig deeper and uncover what lies below the surface.”

7. Under wraps

This slang phrase means to keep something hidden or secret, often to build suspense or create surprise.

For instance, “The details of the new project are still under wraps.”
A filmmaker might say, “We’re keeping the plot twists under wraps to preserve the element of surprise.”
In a conversation about a surprise party, someone might ask, “Are the plans still under wraps?”

8. Behind the scenes

This term refers to the work or activities that happen behind the scenes, away from public attention or scrutiny.

For example, “The behind-the-scenes team worked tirelessly to make the event a success.”
In a discussion about filmmaking, someone might say, “The behind-the-scenes footage provides a glimpse into the production process.”
A journalist might investigate the behind-the-scenes dealings of a political campaign.

9. Under the table

This slang phrase refers to activities that are conducted in a clandestine or unauthorized manner, often involving bribery or illegal transactions.

For instance, “He was paid under the table to avoid taxes.”
In a discussion about corruption, someone might say, “Under-the-table deals undermine the integrity of the system.”
A person might confess, “I received money under the table for doing a favor.”

10. Behind closed doors

This phrase suggests that something is happening away from the public eye, typically in a private setting or without public knowledge.

For example, “The negotiations took place behind closed doors.”
In a discussion about government decision-making, someone might say, “We need transparency, not decisions made behind closed doors.”
A therapist might say, “What happens behind closed doors in therapy sessions is confidential.”

11. Hush-hush

This term refers to something that is kept quiet or not openly discussed. It implies that the information is meant to be kept hidden or unknown.

For example, “The details of the operation are hush-hush, only known to a select few.”
A person might say, “I can’t tell you what happened, it’s all very hush-hush.”
A news article might state, “The celebrity wedding was kept hush-hush, with no details leaked to the media.”

12. In the shadows

This phrase suggests something or someone that is not easily seen or recognized. It can imply secrecy or being out of the public eye.

For instance, “The criminal operated in the shadows, leaving no trace behind.”
A person might say, “Many important decisions are made in the shadows of the boardroom.”
A journalist might write, “The truth about the politician’s actions was hidden in the shadows, away from public scrutiny.”

13. Behind the curtain

This phrase refers to something that is not visible or known to the public. It implies that there is something happening behind the scenes or behind closed doors.

For example, “The real power lies behind the curtain, pulling the strings.”
A person might say, “You never know what goes on behind the curtain of a successful business.”
A news report might state, “The negotiations were happening behind the curtain, away from the prying eyes of the media.”

14. Under the carpet

This phrase suggests hiding or covering up something, often negative or embarrassing, in order to avoid dealing with it or facing the consequences.

For instance, “The company swept the issue under the carpet, hoping it would be forgotten.”
A person might say, “They can’t keep sweeping their problems under the carpet forever.”
A news article might state, “The scandal was initially brushed under the carpet, but eventually came to light.”

15. Behind the veil

This phrase implies that something is kept hidden or not easily accessible. It can refer to information, motives, or actions that are not readily apparent.

For example, “The true intentions of the organization were behind the veil, known only to a select few.”
A person might say, “We need to look beyond what’s visible and uncover what’s behind the veil.”
A journalist might write, “The corruption scandal revealed the dark secrets hidden behind the veil of power.”

16. In the dark

This phrase is used to describe someone who is unaware or uninformed about a particular situation or topic.

For example, “I’m sorry, I’m in the dark about what happened.”
A person might say, “I can’t help you with that, I’m as much in the dark as you are.”
In a conversation about a recent news event, someone might admit, “I’ve been in the dark about the whole situation, I need to catch up.”

17. Behind the eight ball

This phrase is used to describe someone who is in a difficult or disadvantaged position, often due to circumstances beyond their control.

For instance, “Ever since losing my job, I’ve been behind the eight ball.”
In a discussion about financial struggles, someone might say, “I feel like I’m constantly behind the eight ball, trying to catch up.”
A person might admit, “I’ve been behind the eight ball with my schoolwork, I need to start studying more.”

18. Below the radar

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that is unnoticed or undetected, often intentionally.

For example, “He prefers to stay below the radar and avoid attention.”
In a conversation about a secret project, someone might say, “We need to keep this below the radar until we’re ready to reveal it.”
A person might admit, “I’ve been working below the radar on this project, but it’s starting to get noticed.”

19. Off the record

This phrase is used to indicate that the information being shared is not intended for official publication or attribution.

For instance, “Can we talk off the record?”.
In a discussion about a sensitive topic, a source might say, “I can give you some background information, but it’s off the record.”
A journalist might assure a source, “Don’t worry, this conversation is off the record.”

20. In the woodwork

This phrase is used to describe something or someone that emerges or appears unexpectedly or suddenly, often after being hidden or unnoticed.

For example, “Once the news broke, critics came out of the woodwork.”
In a conversation about unexpected support, someone might say, “People I hadn’t heard from in years started coming out of the woodwork to offer help.”
A person might admit, “I didn’t realize how many issues were lurking in the woodwork until I started addressing them.”

21. Out of sight

This phrase is used to describe something that is incredible or hard to believe. It often refers to something that is not commonly known or heard of.

For example, “Did you hear about that new restaurant? The food there is out of sight!”
A person might say, “I just found this amazing artist on Spotify. Their music is out of sight.”
Someone might describe a unique travel destination as “out of sight” because it is not well-known.

22. In the backwoods

This expression is used to describe a location that is far away or difficult to access. It often refers to a rural or isolated area.

For instance, “My grandparents live in a small cabin in the backwoods of Maine.”
A person might say, “I went camping last weekend and found a beautiful waterfall in the backwoods.”
Someone might describe a secluded hiking trail as “in the backwoods” because it is not well-known.

23. In the backwater

This phrase is used to describe a place that is isolated or lacking in modern amenities. It often refers to a rural or underdeveloped area.

For example, “The village is located in the backwater of the country, with limited access to electricity and clean water.”
A person might say, “I grew up in a small town in the backwater of the state, where everyone knows each other.”
Someone might describe a remote island as “in the backwater” because it is not easily accessible.

24. In the boondocks

This expression is used to describe a location that is far away from urban areas or civilization. It often refers to a rural or isolated area.

For instance, “My grandparents live in a farmhouse in the boondocks of Texas.”
A person might say, “I went on a road trip and found a charming little town in the boondocks.”
Someone might describe a secluded camping spot as “in the boondocks” because it is off the beaten path.

25. In the sticks

This phrase is used to describe a location that is far away from cities or urban areas. It often refers to a rural or isolated area.

For example, “The cabin is located deep in the sticks, surrounded by forests and wildlife.”
A person might say, “I grew up in a small town in the sticks, where everyone knows each other.”
Someone might describe a remote farmhouse as “in the sticks” because it is far from civilization.

26. Off the beaten track

This phrase refers to something that is not commonly known or experienced. It suggests going off the usual path or exploring something different.

For example, “During our vacation, we decided to go off the beaten track and explore the hidden gems of the city.”
A traveler might say, “I love finding off the beaten track destinations that are not crowded with tourists.”
Someone might describe a unique restaurant by saying, “It’s a little off the beaten track, but the food is amazing.”

27. Out of the blue

This phrase describes something that happens suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning or prior indication.

For instance, “He called me out of the blue after not speaking for years.”
A person might say, “I received an out of the blue job offer today.”
Someone might describe a random act of kindness by saying, “A stranger gave me a gift out of the blue.”

28. Out of the ordinary

This phrase refers to something that is not typical or ordinary. It suggests something that deviates from the usual or expected.

For example, “She wore an outfit that was completely out of the ordinary.”
A person might say, “Our vacation was out of the ordinary because we went skydiving.”
Someone might describe a unique talent by saying, “His ability to solve complex math problems in his head is out of the ordinary.”

29. Out of the picture

This phrase describes someone or something that is no longer part of a situation or no longer relevant or important.

For instance, “After the breakup, he was completely out of the picture.”
A person might say, “Once the new manager took over, the old team members were out of the picture.”
Someone might describe a change in a company’s structure by saying, “With the new reorganization, the old department is out of the picture.”

30. Off the cuff

This phrase describes something that is done or said without preparation or planning. It suggests a spontaneous or improvised action.

For example, “He gave an off the cuff speech at the event.”
A person might say, “I came up with that idea off the cuff.”
Someone might describe a quick response to a question by saying, “I answered off the cuff without thinking too much.”

31. Out of the question

This phrase means that something is not possible or not allowed. It is often used to reject a suggestion or request.

For example, if someone asks, “Can I borrow your car for the weekend?” you might respond, “Sorry, that’s out of the question.”
In a discussion about budget cuts, someone might say, “Reducing funding for education is out of the question.”
A parent might tell their child, “Going to the party without adult supervision is out of the question.”

32. Off the hook

This phrase means that someone is no longer in trouble or no longer responsible for something.

For instance, if someone is accused of a crime but is later proven innocent, they can say, “I’m off the hook.”
In a conversation about a missed deadline, someone might say, “Luckily, my boss let me off the hook this time.”
A person might tell their friend, “I’ll cover for you so you can go to the party and be off the hook with your parents.”