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"What is real?", this is a question that dates back to Ancient Greece and is still an ongoing philosophical debate today. Even with no real answers, humans being humans have found a way around it. For conversation's sake, the "real" things are the ones perceived by the 5 senses and everything else by the people surrounding you. Define your version of real with its slang terms below.
Slang Words for Real (in Alphabetical Order)
Authentic
Meaning:
(Adjective) Genuinely made.
Example: Wayne’s new kicks are authentic. He ordered it on the official website.
Bona Fide
Meaning:
(Adjective) A Latin phrase with continued use that means a person certified of who they claim to be.
Example: Liam is a bona fide employee of the company after 6 months of training.
Call a Spade a Spade
Meaning:
(Idiom) To plainly and clearly describe things as they are.
Example: Your big sister’s beautiful eyes make her pretty. Your disproportionate face makes you ugly. Let’s just call a spade a spade.
Dinkum
Meaning:
(Adjective) An Australian slang for an honest person or thing.
Example: That dinkum news article shed light on the perspectives surrounding the issue.
Get Real
Meaning:
(Verb) To reveal one’s honest opinions and sentiments.
Example: Let’s get real: did you steal the money or not?
Honest to Goodness
Meaning:
(Expression) An affectionate phrase that convinces someone of another’s honesty.
Example: Honest to goodness, I did not take the money. I didn’t even know where Mom’s purse was.
In the Flesh
Meaning:
(Idiom) A truth verified because it is visible.
Example: The grandmother had tears in her eyes as she greeted her granddaughter's boyfriend in the flesh. She always thought he was made up.
Legit
Meaning:
(Adjective) A shortened slang for “legitimate”, legit products are not fake items.
Example: Not everyone can have legit Birkin bags.
Out and Out
Meaning:
(Adjective) An undeniable absolute state of a thing or person.
Example: Lina’s waacking dance was out and out a fine execution of every move.
Real Deal
Meaning:
(Idiom) To perceive someone or something to be on the supreme level.
Example: The moment the amateur wrestler stepped in the ring, Dave knew he would be the real deal years from now.
Realist
Meaning:
(Noun) As opposed to an idealist, a realist just takes things as they are.
Example: Jackson is a realist who does not believe in luck.
Shit Just Got Real
Meaning:
(Expression) A vulgar slang for a situation that got out of hand.
Example: The squad complimented Dana’s horrible singing till she went up the stage to sing in front of an audience. Shit just got real.
Sure Enough
Meaning:
(Expression) A statement that affirms and consoles.
Example: Sure enough, you will be a great architect someday. Diligent efforts can never betray you.
True Blue
Meaning:
(Idiom) To be dedicated to a particular field or interest.
Example: Mark is a true blue Lakers fan.
Wholehearted
Meaning:
(Adjective) To express one’s genuine sincerity.
Example: Tim’s wholehearted love confession was accepted.