No biggie

[0047] Word

🎲 Cool beans
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • A very informal expression primarily meaning I agree, Okay, Understood, or That's true.
  • Can also be used as a standalone acknowledgement or greeting in some contexts.

Origin

  • Originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture, likely in the 1980s.
  • Shortened form of Word up, which itself expressed agreement or acknowledgement.
  • Conveys affirmation and understanding within the community.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • (Agreement): True, Right, Yeah, Okay, Got it, I hear you, True dat.
  • (Acknowledgement): Okay, Gotcha, Understood.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal (Often AAVE/Hip-Hop influenced):

  • Word up. (The longer original form)
  • True dat. (Also AAVE origin, confirms truth)
  • Bet. (Means Okay, Sure, Definitely)
  • Aight. (Short for Alright)
  • I feel you. / I feel that. (Expresses empathy and agreement)
  • Preach. (Used online/in speech when someone states a strong, agreeable opinion)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Fuckin' A. (Strong agreement)
  • Damn right. (Strong agreement)

Milder/Standard:

  • I agree.
  • Okay.
  • Understood.
  • That's true.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Very Informal.
  • Primarily used among peers, friends, and within cultural groups familiar with the term.
  • Avoid in professional, formal, or academic settings. Using it inappropriately can sound awkward or like cultural appropriation.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The biggest warning is misuse by those outside the cultural context, which can seem inauthentic or disrespectful.
  • Non-native speakers might confuse it with the literal meaning of word (a unit of language).

Examples

  • Person A: This pizza is amazing. Person B: Word.
  • Person A: We meeting at 8? Person B: Word.
  • Person A: It's way too hot today. Person B: Word.

Dialogue

Jay: Man, that exam was tough.

Kay: Word. I barely finished the last section.

Jay: Seriously. Need to chill now.

Kay: Word.

Social Media Examples

  • Reply to a tweet stating an opinion: Word. Couldn't have said it better myself.
  • Comment on an Instagram post: This view is sick. -> Word.
  • Chat: A: Movie at 9? B: Word.

Response Patterns

  • Often, no verbal response is needed; it serves as an end point or acknowledgement.
  • Sometimes followed by a nod or continuation of the previous topic.
  • If used as a greeting (Word.), the response might be a similar greeting (Yo, What's up, or Word.).

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After acknowledging agreement (Word.):

  • The conversation often moves to the next point.
  • Someone might elaborate slightly on the point of agreement (Word, especially the crust.).

After acknowledging understanding (Word.):

  • The person giving instructions or information might confirm (Cool.) or simply proceed.

Conversation Starter

  • Rarely.
  • Can occasionally be used as a very informal greeting (Word.) among certain groups, but primarily a response.

Intonation

  • Typically said as a single, short, declarative statement.
  • Falling intonation. Word.
  • Can sometimes have a slight upward inflection if used as a question (Word?) meaning Really? or Seriously?.

Generation Differences

  • Strongly associated with generations influenced by hip-hop culture (Gen X, Millennials, some Gen Z).
  • Less common among older generations (Baby Boomers and older).

Regional Variations

  • Originated in the US (specifically urban centers) but spread globally through music and media.
  • Usage frequency can vary significantly based on social circles.
No biggie
🎲 Cool beans