Popular Slang Terms for Friends: American, British & More

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Fun names to call your friends from around the world
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In English, there are plenty of different ways to refer to your friends, from words like “dude” and “pal” to AAVE terms like “sis” and “bestie.” The terms are typically interchangeable with one another, but there are some that are used by particular dialects or in specific situations. In this article, we explain all the most popular slang terms and how to use them. Read on to find a new name for your best friend!

English Slang for Referring to Friends

  • Dude : A casual, gender-neutral way to informally refer to a friend.
  • Bro : A casual, gender-neutral way to informally refer to a close friend who’s like a brother.
  • Homie : A casual, gender-neutral way to informally refer to someone you’re close to or who’s from your neighborhood.
  • Fam : A casual, gender-neutral way to informally refer to people you share a close, family-like bond with.
  • Pal : A casual way to refer to a person you know or have encountered.
Section 1 of 4:

American English Slang Terms for “Friend”

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  1. 1
    Dude The term “dude” is a casual way to refer to friends. Although it’s mainly used to refer to male friends, “dude” can be used to refer to friends of any gender or sex. For example, if you see a good friend, say something like “Hey dude! It’s good to see you” or “Dude, have you seen my phone?” [1]
    • How to Use: Use “dude” to refer to friends of any gender.
    • Example: “What’s up, dude? How have you been?”
  2. 2
    Bro The English term “bro” is short for “brother” and is used to casually refer to friends. Although it has historically been used to refer to males, “bro” can be used to refer to any gender or sex. For example, if you and a friend are goofing off and they do something that throws you off, say “Bro, you’re tripping !”
    • How to Use: Use “bro” to casually refer to friends in informal situations.
    • Example: “What’s new, bro? We gotta hang out, soon.”
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  3. 3
    Buddy In English, “buddy” is used to refer to a close friend of any gender or sex. It’s more playful and casual than “friend” and is used informally. It’s typically kept to friends and people you’re familiar with, though, as it can come off as disrespectful if used to refer to someone you don’t know. [2]
    • How to Use: Use “buddy” to playfully refer to a close friend.
    • Example: “What’s up, buddy? Long time no see. How have you been?”
  4. 4
    Amigo “Amigo” is a special case, as it’s actually a Spanish term. But, with the U.S.’s strong Latino population, “amigo” has gradually been adopted into the English language. It’s the Spanish term for “friend” and is used to refer to friends in a fun, casual way. For example, if you’re having dinner with a friend, say, “My amigo and I are grabbing a bite to eat tonight.”
    • How to Use: Use “amigo” to refer to friends in a fun, casual way.
    • Example: “My amigo and I are hanging out later. I’m excited to see him!”
    • If you’re referring to a female friend, use “amiga” instead.
  5. 5
    Pal “Pal” is a staple in most English-speaking countries, mainly used between men of all ages. It’s a casual way to refer to friends or people you’re fairly familiar with. For example, if you were talking about one of your friends, you’d say, “That’s my pal” or “My pal and I just hung out.” [3]
    • How to Use: Use “pal” to refer to friends and those you know somewhat well.
    • Example: “What’s up, pal? How’s life been treating you?”
    • It’s best to reserve “pal” for people you’re familiar with, as it can come off as belittling if used to refer to someone you don’t know.
  6. 6
    BFF Short for “best friends forever,” “BFF” is used to refer to your best friends or very close friends. It is mainly used by women to describe other female friends, but it can be used by any gender. Casually use “BFF” in place of “my best friend” or “bestie.” For example, say something like “Hey BFF, what’s the move for tonight?” or “My BFF and I just went to the movies.” [4]
    • How to Use: Use “BFF” to refer to your best friends, especially if they’re women.
    • Example: “Hey BFF! Wanna go to a concert this weekend?”
  7. 7
    Partner Using “partner” to refer to a friend is a bit old-fashioned, but it’s still used in the United States, particularly among those into cowboys and westerns. Popularized by the TV show, The Lone Ranger , “partner” often refers to a friend who’s ready to take on anything with you. For example, you’d say “Let’s crush this project, partner,” if you were working on a project with a friend you know is smart and goal-driven. [5]
    • How to Use: Use partner to refer to a friend who’s ready to take on anything with you.
    • Example: “Let’s do this, partner!”
    • Partner is also used to refer to your romantic partner. It’s not out of the ordinary to hear someone call their significant other “partner,” as it’s a gender-neutral phrase.
  8. 8
    Peeps “Peeps” is short for “people” and is an informal way to refer to a group of people. It is mostly used in casual conversations between friends. For example, if you were talking about plans you were making with your friends, you’d say something like “I’m going out tonight with my peeps, but we’re still figuring out the plans.” [6]
    • How to Use: Use “peeps” to refer to a group of people.
    • Example: “Who are those peeps down the street?”
  9. 9
    Wingman The term “wingman” is only used to refer to a friend who is supporting you in some way, like helping you get closer to a romantic interest or putting in a good word for you at a job. For example, if a friend approaches someone who was looking at you from across the room and tells them how great you are, you’d call them a “wingman.” [7]
    • How to Use: Use “wingman” to refer to friends who support you in an activity or romantic endeavor.
    • Example: “He was my wingman. He saw how much I was looking at her and convinced her I was worth talking to.”
  10. 10
    Main man/Main chick “Main man” and “main chick” are used to refer to close male and female friends, respectively. Aside from close friends, the terms can be used to refer to significant, important people who are admired for their work or the way they carry themselves. For example, if someone you admire at work just completed a successful project, say something like “That’s the main man! He just crushed this project.”
    • How to Use: Use “main man” and “main chick” to refer to someone you admire or are close to.
    • Example: “My main man! How are you doing?”
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Section 2 of 4:

African American Vernacular English Slang for “Friend”

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  1. 1
    Homie “Homie” is an AAVE term used to refer to a close friend or someone from your neighborhood or hometown. It derives from the term “homeboy,” which was used in the same way. To use homie, casually incorporate it into your sentences in the place of words like “dude” or “bro.” For example, say something like “What’s up, homie?” or “What’s good, homie?” [8]
    • How to Use: Use “homie” to refer to close friends or people from your hometown or current neighborhood.
    • Example: “Yo homie, what you been on?”
  2. 2
    Homegirl The AAVE term “homegirl” is used to casually refer to close female friends. It is typically used by female friends for female friends, but has recently been adopted by other genders to refer to female friends. Use it in place of terms like “bro” and “dude.” For example, say something like “My homegirl just got her license. We outside!!!”
    • How to Use: Use “homegirl” to casually refer to close female friends. [9]
    • Example: “My homegirls heard I was going through it, and they pulled up to lift my spirits.”
  3. 3
    Slime The AAVE term “slime” originates from Atlanta and is used to refer to close friends whom you trust and are extremely close to. For example, if you’re talking about a close friend that you’d do anything for, say something along the lines of “That’s my slime. I’d do anything for him. No question.”
    • How to Use: Use “slime” to refer to close, trusted friends.
    • Example: “What’s good, slime? We linking this weekend?”
  4. 4
    Pookie “ Pookie ” is a playful term of endearment that’s historically been used to refer to romantic interests or people you hold love for. Recently, though, this loving term has expanded from romantic interests and those you love to close friends and people you’ve been friends with for a long time. For example, say “Hey, pookie” when greeting close friends. [10]
    • How to Use: Use “pookie” to refer to close friends, romantic interests, and/or people you love.
    • Example: “Pookie and I just went to San Diego for the weekend. It was our first vacation together!”
  5. 5
    Cat “Cat” is an older AAVE term that is used to refer to friends or people you know with an essence of swagger to them. The term was most popular in the 20th century, being used by folks to describe men who were cool and stylish. So, if you want to catch some of your American friends off guard by referring to them in a cool, old-fashioned way, say “You’re one cool cat.” [11]
    • How to Use: Use “cat” to refer to friends or people you’re familiar with who are cool and fashionable.
    • Example: “That’s one cool cat.”
  6. 6
    Sis/Sister “Sis” and “sister” are used to refer to women you’re close to (and no, they don’t have to be your actual sister). They are casual terms used between friends in informal conversations. For example, you may hear phrases like “Okay, sis” and “Clock that tea, sis” when you’re listening to casual conversations between friends.
    • How to Use: Use “sis” or “sister” to refer to close female friends.
    • Example: “Okay, pop off, sis!”
  7. 7
    Gang Historically used to refer to criminal groups who use illicit means to make their money, “gang” has gradually shifted into a term used to informally refer to your group of friends. So, if you need a more casual phrase to talk about your friends, say something like “Me and the gang” and “My gang.”
    • How to Use: Use “gang” to refer to a group of close friends.
    • Example: “The gang’s hitting the mall tonight. We about to cop some new drip.”
    • Gang can also be used to refer to an individual. For example, you’d say something like “Come on, gang,” to a friend when you’re getting ready to go somewhere.
  8. 8
    My boy Like “bro” and “dude,” “my boy” is a slang term that is used to refer to your male friends. It’s typically reserved for people you have a fairly strong relationship with, but it can also be used for people you aren’t too close with, but take a liking to. For example, if you’ve partied with a guy a few times and had fun every time, say “My boy! Good to see you again” the next time you guys see each other. [12]
    • How to Use: Use “my boy” to refer to a close male friend or a male you’ve taken a liking to.
    • Example: “What’s good, my boy? What we getting into?”
  9. 9
    Bestie “Bestie” is a short AAVE term for “best friend.” It’s typically used by women, but it can be used by anyone and for anyone, as long as the person you’re referring to is your best friend. For example, if you and a best friend are having lunch later, say something like “My bestie’s coming out for lunch.” If you want to emphasize how excited you are, add “I’m really excited. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my bestie.” [13]
    • How to Use: Use “bestie” to refer to your best friend.
    • Example: “Hey, bestie. Are you doing anything later? I’d love to hang out.”
  10. 10
    Fam “Fam” is an AAVE term that’s used to refer to people who you’re close to, but aren’t related to. Derived from “family,” this term tends to denote a deep relationship between the one who’s using it and the one who’s being referred to, akin to a familial connection. To use the term in that context, say something like “Good to see you, fam,” to a close, trusted friend the next time you see each other. [14]
    • How to Use: Use “fam” to refer to people with whom you have a close, family-like connection.
    • Example: “What’s good, fam? Good to see you!”
    • Fam isn’t restricted to people you’re close to. Although it’s mainly used to refer to those you have a deep connection with, it can also be used interchangeably with words like “bro,” “dude,” and “homie.”
  11. 11
    Cuz Short for “cousin,” the term “cuz” is used to greet someone you’re relatively familiar and friendly with. It can also be used to refer to your actual cousin. In some parts of the U.S., like California, “cuz” is used like “bro,” “dude,” and “homie,” as it can refer to anyone. To use “cuz,” say something like “What’s up, cuz?” or “What you been up to, cuz?” [15]
    • How to Use: Use “cuz” to greet and refer to someone you’re friendly with (or your actual cousin).
    • Example: “How you living, cuz?”
  12. 12
    My dawg “My dawg” is used to refer to close friends. Like “homie,” it’s a casual way to refer to your friends in informal conversation. For example, if you were describing a good friend to someone, you’d say, “My dawg’s dope. He’s been chasing his dreams and accomplishing goals as he does. Super upstanding guy.” [16]
    • How to Use: Use “my dawg” to casually refer to a close friend.
    • Example: “My dawg just pulled up and said we’re going out, so of course I’m going out!”
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Section 3 of 4:

British Slang Terms for “Friend”

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  1. 1
    Mate In the U.K., “mate” is used to refer to a friend. Informally, the term is also used to refer to a man. For example, if you’re talking about a friend, you’d say something along the lines of “That’s one of my best mates,” but if you’re referring to a man, you’d say something like “You alright, mate?” [17]
    • How to Use: Use “mate” to refer to a friend or informally refer to a man.
    • Example: “What’s up, mate?”
  2. 2
    Bruv “Bruv” is the U.K. equivalent of “bro,” being used to refer to a friend. It’s typically kept between male friends who are close (or even actual brothers). To use “bruv,” casually incorporate it into informal conversations when you’re talking to a guy friend. For example, say something like “How are you, bruv? Been a long time.” [18]
    • How to Use: Use “bruv” to refer to a male friend or brother.
    • Example: “Come on, bruv, we’re going to be late!”
  3. 3
    Mandem Originally from the Caribbean and adopted by the British, “ mandem ” is a term that’s used to informally refer to a group of men. Short for “man and them,” this term is often used in casual conversation when talking about a group of men you know, your personal group of friends, or men entirely. For example, if a group of guys is walking down your street, say something like “Mandem coming down the block.” [19]
    • How to Use: Use “mandem” to refer to a group of men.
    • Example: “Mandem pulled up to the shop super late.”
  4. 4
    Lad Like “bud” and “buddy,” “lad” is an informal term that’s used to casually refer to others. It’s primarily used to refer to a boy or young man, but “lad” can also be used to refer to someone you’re friendly with. For example, you’d say something like “That’s one funny lad” when describing your funny friend. [20]
    • How to Use: Use “lad” to casually refer to others you’re friendly with, as well as young men.
    • Example: “Good to see you again, lad. How’s school been going?”
  5. 5
    Chum In the U.K., “chum” is a casual term that’s used when talking about a friend. “Chum” is gender neutral and can be used to refer to a friend of any level, from the friend you see every other month to the one you get coffee with every Tuesday. For example, you’d say something like “Good to see you again, old chum,” or “Can’t wait for coffee next week, chum.” [21]
    • How to Use: Use “chum” to casually refer to a friend.
    • Example: “What’s new, old chum?”
  6. 6
    Bloke “Bloke” is a U.K. term that’s used to informally refer to a man. It’s casually used between male friends, whether it’s to refer to one another or talk about another guy who isn’t in your friend group. For example, you may hear something like “Look at that bloke over there,” when conversing with British friends. [22]
    • How to Use: Use “bloke” to informally refer to a man.
    • Example: “Some friendly blokes showed us around Bristol.”
  7. 7
    Mucker “Mucker” is an informal way to refer to a close friend. It’s used in both Britain and Ireland when talking about your friends, and isn’t limited to a particular gender. To use “mucker,” say something like “Good to see you, mucker!” [23]
    • How to Use: Use “mucker” to refer to close friends.
    • Example: “I’ve been looking forward to hanging out, mucker! It’s been so long.”
  8. 8
    Roadman In the U.K., “ roadman ” is used to refer to a person who lives their life on the streets, typically sustaining themselves through illegal activities. As the term has gotten more popular, though, “roadman” has begun to evolve to informally refer to friends, especially those who are cool and strong. [24]
    • How to Use: Use “roadman” to refer to cool friends or people who get up to no good.
    • Example: “Dude’s a roadman. He’s constantly peddling some new product.”
  9. 9
    Ace “Ace” is used to describe something excellent or outstanding, but it isn’t limited to just things. You can also use “ace” to describe your friends or people you admire. To do so, you’d say something like “Man, dude’s my ace. We’ve been close for years, and he’s never once let me down.” [25]
    • How to Use: Use “ace” to describe a trusted, close friend who is excellent or outstanding.
    • Example: “That’s my ace. We’ve been close for decades.”
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Section 4 of 4:

Jamaican Slang Terms for “Friend”

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  1. 1
    Bredren “Bredren” is a Jamaican slang term that’s used to refer to a close friend or companion. It typically denotes a strong, deep connection between two people. For example, if you were talking about your best friend, you’d say something like “That’s my bredren. We go way back.” [26]
    • How to Use: Use “bredren” to refer to close friends and companions.
    • Example: “ Wagwan bredren?”
  2. 2
    Parri “Parri” is a Jamaican slang term that’s used to refer to a close friend, similar to “bestie.” The term is gender-neutral and can be used to refer to any friend, as long as you two are close. For example, to refer to your childhood best friend, say something like “Mi and mi parri go way back. We been tight since grade school.” [27]
    • How to Use: Use “parri” to refer to a close friend.
    • Example: “Mi parri’s gonna be mi best man at the wedding.”
  3. 3
    Sistren Like “bredren,” “sistren” is used to refer to a close friend who’s like family, but it’s restricted to female friends. For example, if your best female friend is coming to town for the weekend, say something like “My sistren’s coming back home this weekend. We’ve already made plans to see each other!” [28]
    • How to Use: Use “sistren” to refer to a female friend who you’re close to, like a sister.
    • Example: “Mi sistren! I missed ya!!”
  4. 4
    Bredda Like “bredren,” “bredda” is used to refer to close friends whom you often consider brothers. For example, if your guy best friend just flew into town for the weekend, say something like “My bredda just touched down. I’ve gotta link with him before he leaves town” to express how close you two are. [29]
    • How to Use: Use “bredda” to refer to a close friend who’s like a brother.
    • Example: “Good to see you again, bredda!”
  5. 5
    Mi G “Mi G” is a Jamaican slang term that is used to refer to a friend you respect and admire. The “g” is short for “general,” serving as a title of respect that you’d give to an army general. To use “mi G,” say something like “Mi G, what’s good with ya?” [30]
    • How to Use: Use “mi G” to refer to someone you respect and admire.
    • Example: “Mi G, what you been up to?”
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      Warnings

      • Avoid using these slang terms with people who are in a higher social position than you. For example, don’t call your boss or landlord “bro” or “dude.”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dude
      2. ↑ https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/buddy
      3. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pal
      4. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/BFF
      5. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/partner#google_vignette https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/partner
      6. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peeps
      7. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/wingman
      8. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/homie
      9. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homegirl
      1. ↑ https://www.thehistoryofenglish.com/pookie
      2. ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/satocenter/langnet/definitions/aave.html
      3. ↑ https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=my+boy
      4. ↑ https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/AAVE-Dismantling+Standard+American+English.pdf
      5. ↑ https://axis.org/blog/is-it-gen-z-slang-or-aave/
      6. ↑ https://www.etymonline.com/word/cuz
      7. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dawg
      8. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/essential-british-english/mate
      9. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/british-slang-words/
      10. ↑ https://www.oed.com/dictionary/mandem_n?tl=true
      11. ↑ https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/lad
      12. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/chum
      13. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloke
      14. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/mucker
      15. ↑ https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/roadman
      16. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/e/british-slang-words/
      17. ↑ https://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/5-cool-ways-to-say-friend-like-a-jamaican
      18. ↑ https://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/5-cool-ways-to-say-friend-like-a-jamaican
      19. ↑ https://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/5-cool-ways-to-say-friend-like-a-jamaican
      20. ↑ https://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/5-cool-ways-to-say-friend-like-a-jamaican
      21. ↑ https://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/5-cool-ways-to-say-friend-like-a-jamaican

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