Other Words for Cool: Popular Slang From Yesterday and Today

By
, Staff Writer
Updated May 5, 2021
other words for cool slang
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    other words for cool slang
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    Used under Getty Images license

Are you looking for alternatives to the slang term cool? This positive slang word means that something is both very good and popular or fashionable. There are quite a few other words for cool to consider. Whether you're looking for current slang alternatives to cool or you're in search of vintage alternates to the current vernacular, you'll find what you're looking for here.

Latest Slang for Cool

Looking for current slang for cool? These terms are modern slang words that mean cool. They tend to be popular with teens and young people, along with others who keep up with popular culture.

  • bad a**
  • bit**in'
  • chill
  • def
  • dope
  • fire
  • fleek
  • Gucci
  • it's lit
  • killer
  • legit
  • lit
  • on fleek
  • rad
  • savage
  • sic
  • sick
  • sweet
  • the sh**
  • wicked
  • yeet

Current/Recent Slang for Cool

Current slang comes in and out of the vernacular very quickly. Beyond the newest ways to say cool, there are other acceptable options generally considered current, though tweens and young teens might disagree.

  • alright
  • awesome
  • boss
  • copacetic
  • down
  • excellent
  • fab
  • fantabulous
  • first-class
  • first-rate
  • grand
  • hot
  • heavenly
  • keen
  • out-of-sight
  • peachy
  • phat
  • primo
  • radical
  • righteous
  • stellar
  • stupendous
  • top-flight
  • top-notch

Vintage Slang for Cool

Various slang terms have been used as synonyms for cool in past decades. These terms are still used in casual conversation as slang for cool by people who grew up saying them and others who have picked them up along the way.

  • a-ok
  • au courant
  • bang-up
  • boffo
  • crackerjack
  • dandy
  • dynamite
  • hep
  • hip
  • in
  • groovy
  • moc
  • neat
  • neato
  • nifty
  • par excellence
  • peachy keen
  • prime
  • prize
  • swell
  • that's hot
  • totally
  • turned on
  • with it

Slang for a Cool Person

Looking for a slang term or phrase to describe a cool person, such as someone who is particularly popular or admired? Check out the alternatives below to find a term that perfectly fits the individual you wish to describe.

  • alpha
  • babe
  • bro
  • bruh
  • a-lister
  • all that
  • big dog
  • daddio
  • diva
  • dude
  • glitterati
  • head honcho
  • influencer
  • laid back
  • leading lady
  • mack daddy
  • main man
  • muckety-muck
  • pimp
  • queen bee
  • red-hot
  • superstar
  • trendsetter
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Slang for Cool Fashion/Apparel

While standard slang terms can be used to describe fashion items, some other terms are also used to describe cool clothing. Consider the terms below for a creative way to pay someone a compliment on what they're wearing.

  • a la mode
  • all the rage
  • bang
  • chic
  • dapper
  • edgy
  • fashionable
  • fresh
  • fly
  • modish
  • now
  • on-trend
  • posh
  • sharp
  • snatched
  • snappy
  • snazzy
  • spiffy
  • stylin'
  • stylish
  • trendy
  • trendsetting
  • up to date
  • up to the minute
  • voguish

More Formal Words for Cool

While cool is often used as a slang term, sometimes what you really need is a more formal term that expresses the same sentiments. The words below are proper terms that can easily be used as other words for cool.

  • acceptable
  • appropriate
  • captivating
  • cosmopolitan
  • dauntless
  • delightful
  • exceptional
  • exemplary
  • fabulous
  • grand
  • lovely
  • magnificent
  • marvelous
  • outstanding
  • sensational
  • sophisticated
  • splendid
  • superb
  • suitable
  • undaunted
  • wonderful
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Slang Antonyms for Cool

Sometimes considering antonyms — also known as non-examples — of a slang term helps you understand what the word really means. Quite a few proper English words represent the opposite of the slang meaning of cool.

  • awkward
  • basic
  • behind the times
  • cheesy
  • dorky
  • dowdy
  • geeky
  • graceless
  • lame
  • nerdy
  • nervous
  • obsolete
  • old-fashioned
  • old-hat
  • out
  • outdated
  • sad
  • slovenly
  • square
  • tacky
  • uncool
  • unfashionable
  • unhip
  • untrendy
  • wimpy

Learn More About Slang

Looking at all of these other words for cool and how they vary in denotative and connotative meaning can be really fascinating. If this adventure has led you to look for even more information about how informal language develops, take the time to review how slang affects the English language. From there, explore some examples of slang words from the past and today. You'll be on your way to understanding the significance of slang on a much deeper level.