Here are 12 Words You’ll Only Understand if you Hail from Northern California

Hey there, Northern Californians and Bay Area buddies! Get ready to dive into the groovy lexicon of our golden state, where the fog rolls in thick, the avocados are always ripe, and “hella” is practically our official greeting. From navigating BART delays to indulging in In-N-Out cravings, Northern California’s vocabulary is as diverse and vibrant as the communities that call it home. So grab your kale smoothie, hop on your fixie, and let’s explore 10 words that’ll have you feeling like a true NorCal native in no time!

Hella

An adverb used to emphasize a large quantity or degree, commonly heard in Northern California slang, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Fogust

Refers to the foggy weather conditions that often occur in August in Northern California, particularly along the coast and in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Slaps

Really good (typically music)

Kale

Refers to a leafy green vegetable that has become popular in Northern California, known for its health benefits and presence in local cuisine, particularly in dishes like salads and smoothies.

Redwoods

Refers to the giant redwood trees found in Northern California, particularly in the coastal region known as the Redwood Empire, including iconic locations like Muir Woods and Redwood National Park.

BART

Short for Bay Area Rapid Transit, a public transportation system serving the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and surrounding cities, known for its distinctive trains and coverage of the region.

Tech Bro

Guy who works in tech.

Techie

Refers to a person who works in the technology industry, particularly in Silicon Valley, which is located in Northern California and is known as a hub for tech companies and innovation.

Sierra

Refers to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which stretches across Eastern California and into Nevada, known for its stunning scenery, outdoor recreational opportunities, and iconic destinations like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park.

Marin

Refers to Marin County, located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, known for its affluent communities, picturesque landscapes, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

Slaps

A slang term used to describe a song or beat that is really good. For example, “This song slaps!”

Hyphy

Refers to a style of hip-hop music and dance originating from Northern California, particularly the Bay Area, known for its energetic beats and enthusiastic performances.

NorCal

Refers to Northern California