- Used informally to express strong agreement with a statement someone has just made, implying that the statement is true, insightful, and resonates deeply, as if it were a sermon or a profound truth.
Explanation
Origin
- Directly references the act of preaching in a religious context, specifically the call-and-response tradition in some Christian churches (particularly Black churches in the US) where the congregation might call out Preach! or Amen! to affirm the pastor's words.
- Adopted into African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and then spread into wider internet slang and youth culture from the late 20th/early 21st century onwards.
- Using it implies the speaker's statement is so true and relatable it deserves to be 'preached' to others.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Say it louder for the people in the back (Online expression with similar meaning)
- This. (Online comment signifying strong agreement with the post above)
- I co-sign that (Agreeing with/endorsing a statement)
- True dat (AAVE origin)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong agreement):
- Damn straight
- Fuck yeah / Hell yeah (More general enthusiasm/agreement)
- You're goddamn right
Milder/Standard:
- I completely agree.
- That's exactly right.
- Well said.
- Hear, hear! (More formal, traditional British English)
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Very common in online communication (social media comments, forums) and casual conversation, especially among younger people.
- Might sound out of place or overly casual in formal or professional settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might only know the literal religious meaning and be confused by its secular, informal use as agreement.
- Explain the cultural borrowing from religious call-and-response and AAVE.
Examples
- Person A: I'm so tired of people being fake on social media. Person B: Preach!
- Person A: We really need better public transportation in this city. Person B: Seriously, preach.
- (Online comment on a relatable post): PREACH 🙌
Dialogue
Sarah: It's ridiculous that we still get paid less for the same work.
Chloe: Preach, sister! It's 2024, this shouldn't even be a conversation anymore.
Sarah: Exactly! We need to keep fighting for equality.
Social Media Examples
- (Tweet): Stop apologizing for taking up space. (Reply): Preach! 👏
- (Comment on an Instagram post about mental health): Prioritizing rest isn't lazy, it's necessary. -> Commenter: PREACH. So important.
- (In a group chat): Friend A: I just want snacks and a nap. Friend B: Preach.
Response Patterns
- The person whose statement was affirmed usually nods, smiles, or continues their point, feeling validated.
- Others might echo the sentiment (Exactly!, I know, right?).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone responds with Preach:
- The original speaker might elaborate on their point, encouraged by the agreement. (Right? And another thing...)
- The person who said Preach might add their own supporting experience or thought. (It's like...)
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response to someone else's statement.
Intonation
- Often said with emphasis and agreement, sometimes with a slight drawl or upward inflection. PREACH! or PREEAACH.
Generation Differences
- Strongly associated with Millennials and Gen Z, particularly those active online. May be less common or understood by older generations unfamiliar with its slang usage.
Regional Variations
- Originated in AAVE in the US, spread globally via internet culture.