California may be the land of Hollywood, surfboards, and endless sunshine, but if you think we all talk like extras in a ’90s surfer movie, think again. With a state this big, our slang is as diverse as our terrain—ranging from the beach to the mountains to the traffic jam you’ve been stuck in for the past 45 minutes. So if you want to sound like a true Californian (and not a confused tourist asking where the nearest In-N-Out is), here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
1. “Hella”
Translation: Very, extremely, a lot. If you’re in NorCal, this is a staple of your vocabulary. If you’re in SoCal, saying this will immediately expose you as an outsider.
2. “The 405 was a nightmare.”
Translation: Traffic was so bad I questioned my life choices. If a Californian is late, they’ll blame traffic. And you know what? They’re probably not lying.
3. “I’m down for a hike.”
Translation: This could mean a scenic walk or an intense mountain climb. Always ask for clarification before committing—you might end up on a “casual” 10-mile trek with someone who thinks running up hills is fun.
4. “June Gloom”
Translation: The grayest, most misleading month of the year. Tourists come expecting perfect summer weather, but instead, they get weeks of cloudy skies. Welcome to coastal California.
5. “It’s earthquake weather.”
Translation: This makes no scientific sense, but we say it anyway. If it’s oddly warm and still, someone will claim an earthquake is coming. Is it true? Who knows, but we like to pretend we have some kind of warning system.
6. “I don’t do the valley.”
Translation: That’s too far, and I’m not dealing with the heat and traffic. Whether they mean the San Fernando Valley, Silicon Valley, or any place that requires crossing multiple freeways, it’s a hard pass.
7. “Let’s hit In-N-Out.”
Translation: We’re getting burgers, and you don’t have a choice. If you’re from California, this isn’t just fast food—it’s an institution. And yes, we’re judging you if you don’t get Animal Style.
8. “Dude.”
Translation: A noun, verb, adjective, and entire sentence. Used for excitement, disappointment, agreement, warning—pretty much anything. The tone of voice changes everything.
9. “We need the rain.”
Translation: We’re in a drought… again. It could be pouring for five days straight, but someone will still remind you that the state desperately needs more rain. And they’re probably right.
10. “Yeah, I surf.”
Translation: I may or may not actually surf. Some Californians actually shred waves, while others just like the vibe. If they won’t wake up before 10 a.m., they’re probably lying.
11. “I’ll take the PCH.”
Translation: I’m choosing scenic views over getting anywhere on time. The Pacific Coast Highway is stunning but slow, and only locals know when it’s actually a good idea to take it. Spoiler: It rarely is…