Rad

Rad (adjective / US Slang)

(Also heard as: Totally rad, Rad dude, So rad)

Definition:

Rad means excellent, cool or awesome. It is short for “radical”.

Where Rad Comes From:

It comes from “radical”, which skateboarders and surfers in California used for extreme or impressive in the 1970s. It then boomed in 1980s teen culture and films.

How People Actually Use Rad:

Used for anything impressive: “a rad jacket”, “that trick was rad”. Today it often sounds retro or playfully 80s, though some people still use it sincerely.

Is Rad Rude?

Not rude. It is a cheerful, positive word.

Examples in the Wild:

• “That skate park is so rad.”Meaning: That skate park is brilliant.
• “Your jacket is totally rad.”Meaning: Your jacket is really cool.
• “We had a rad weekend at the beach.”Meaning: We had an amazing weekend at the beach.

Similar Slang:

Dope, Stoked, Sick, Cracking

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