American dating slang
Think 90s slang is dead? As if!
Welcome back to Relationship English. I’m Shameem, and together with Emma from the USA, we’re breaking down one of the most iconic movies for real American dating English: Clueless (1995).
You hear these words everywhere — on dating shows, in TikToks, in DMs, and when people flirt from Los Angeles to New York. If you want to understand how Americans actually talk about love and dating, you need these 12 words.
Let’s dive in.
The 12 Words You Need to Know
- As if! – The sassiest “no way”
Cher’s signature line. It’s not just “no,” it’s “no way, that’s never happening” with attitude.
Example: “He thinks he can just ghost me and come back? As if!” - Crush / Crushing – The sweet, nervous stage
That feeling before you’re officially dating. Everyone still says this.
Example: “I’ve been crushing on the barista at the Seattle coffee shop for weeks.” - Whatever – It’s all about the TONE
It can be rude, dismissive, flirty, or funny. The tone is everything.
Rude: “Whatever.” [eye roll]
Flirty: “Whatever, you love me.” [smile] - Like – How to sound natural, not like a robot
Americans use “like” as a filler to buy time and sound casual. It’s not bad grammar, it’s natural rhythm.
Example: “I was like, are you serious? And he was like, totally.” - Totally / Totally buggin’ – For 100% emotion
“Totally” means absolutely. “Totally buggin'” means you’re freaking out, confused, or overwhelmed.
Example: “He totally forgot our date. I’m totally buggin’.” - A Betty & A Baldwin – The vintage hottie compliments
From the movie: A Betty is a gorgeous girl, a Baldwin is a handsome guy (after the Baldwin brothers).
Example: “Did you see the new guy in Miami Beach? He’s such a Baldwin.” - Player – The word that will save you from heartbreak
A player flirts with everyone and isn’t serious about anyone. Red flag alert.
Example: “He told three girls at the New York bar he was single. He’s a total player.” - To be all over someone – When it’s OBVIOUS
When someone can’t stop touching, flirting, or looking at you.
Example: “At the party, she was all over him. It was so obvious they like each other.” - Makeover vs. Make out – Don’t mix these up!
This is a classic mistake for English learners.
Makeover = changing your look, clothes, hair.
Make out = to kiss passionately.
Example: “She got a makeover for the date, and they ended up making out.” - Going with / Going out / Ex – How to say you’re taken
Americans rarely say “we are in a relationship.” We say:
“We’re going out.” / “We’re going with each other.”
And when it ends: “That’s my ex.” - Dump / Break up – How Americans really talk about breakups
“Break up” is neutral. “Dump” is harsh — you ended it and the other person is hurt.
Example: “Did you hear? She dumped him over text.” - Hottie – Everyone’s favorite compliment
Still the #1 casual compliment from Texas diners to Montana coffee shops. Simple, flirty, and friendly.
Example: “The server at the diner is a total hottie.”
Your Turn: Let’s Debate
This is where American culture gets interesting. Do YOU think saying “as if!” or “whatever!” is rude, or is it just fun and flirty between friends?
Drop your answer in the comments below and tell us what state or country you’re watching from — from California to Maine, and all the way to Dhaka!
What’s Next?
Next week on Relationship English, we’re breaking down To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) and teaching you how to say “I like-like you” like a real American teen without sounding cringe.
If this helped you, subscribe to the channel and hit the bell.
Fair Use Disclaimer: This post is for English education purposes. All movie clips, images, and audio from Clueless (1995) are used under Fair Use for commentary, teaching, and criticism as allowed under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. All rights belong to Paramount Pictures. This channel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Paramount Pictures.