San Francisco and the whole Bay Area (beyond the 415) has no shortage of slang words. So, what happens when San Franciscans leave our cozy area? They may face some confusing conversations because many of these phrases and slang words make little or no sense outside the San Francisco Bay Area. Here are 8 of our favorites, words that you’ll totally understand if you’re from San Francisco.
- Karl
Mark Gunn/Flickr Karl the Fog is San Francisco’s great marine layer. What other city names their fog? And then often refers to the fog by name?! Karl’s importance is recognized by most locals. When Karl is out, the sun is gone and the city is in its chilly, natural habitat.
- The 415
925*18/Flickr The area code for San Francisco, 415 is often used as another nickname for the city. For example: Always bring a jacket when you’re out in the 415.
- The City
Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr Bay Area residents know there’s only one City. That City is San Francisco. No ifs, ands, or buts.
- Tech Bro
Torbakhopper/Flickr In a tech-savvy city, your bound to run across a tech bro—half techie, half jock. A lot of people like to blame the tech bros for driving up the rent prices.
- Slaps
Steve Rhodes/Flickr Slaps are fun, upbeat songs from the Bay Area, but used more generally as a term for any wonderful song. The crowd at this concert is definitely enjoying some slaps.
- Hella
Gwen/Flickr Hella originated in the San Francisco Bay Area, but has since spread to become slang among all of Northern California and beyond. In fact, hella was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2002.
- June Gloom
Omar Barcena/Flickr June gloom describes the foggy nature of San Francisco summers. Mid-spring and fall in the city are usually sunny and enjoyable, but by June Karl the Fog rolls in, hiding the sun for weeks on end.
- Burners
Marco Sanchez/Flickr If you’re in Fog City or the Bay Area, a Burner is someone who regularly participates in Burning Man. The term is not derisive, but often misunderstood.
Did we miss a word? Let us know in the comments. If you’re curious, here are 11 Things You Have To Do Before You’re An Official San Franciscan.
Mark Gunn/Flickr
Karl the Fog is San Francisco’s great marine layer. What other city names their fog? And then often refers to the fog by name?! Karl’s importance is recognized by most locals. When Karl is out, the sun is gone and the city is in its chilly, natural habitat.
925*18/Flickr
The area code for San Francisco, 415 is often used as another nickname for the city. For example: Always bring a jacket when you’re out in the 415.
Mobilus In Mobili/Flickr
Bay Area residents know there’s only one City. That City is San Francisco. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Torbakhopper/Flickr
In a tech-savvy city, your bound to run across a tech bro—half techie, half jock. A lot of people like to blame the tech bros for driving up the rent prices.
Steve Rhodes/Flickr
Slaps are fun, upbeat songs from the Bay Area, but used more generally as a term for any wonderful song. The crowd at this concert is definitely enjoying some slaps.
Gwen/Flickr
Hella originated in the San Francisco Bay Area, but has since spread to become slang among all of Northern California and beyond. In fact, hella was even added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2002.
Omar Barcena/Flickr
June gloom describes the foggy nature of San Francisco summers. Mid-spring and fall in the city are usually sunny and enjoyable, but by June Karl the Fog rolls in, hiding the sun for weeks on end.
Marco Sanchez/Flickr
If you’re in Fog City or the Bay Area, a Burner is someone who regularly participates in Burning Man. The term is not derisive, but often misunderstood.
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