17 Hilarious Sayings You’ll Only Hear in California

California is known for its beaches, tech startups, Hollywood, and chill vibes—but it also has its own unique way of talking. Whether you’re hanging out in SoCal or driving through NorCal, you’ll hear some phrases that’ll make you laugh, scratch your head, or just say, “That’s so California!” From surfer slang to tech talk, here are 17 hilarious sayings you’ll only hear in the Golden State.

1. “Hella” Everything

Used mainly in Northern California, “hella” means “a lot” or “very.”
Example: “That burrito was hella good!”

2. “The 405 is a parking lot”

Angelenos always refer to freeways with “the” in front. And traffic jokes? Non-stop.
Example: “I spent two hours on the 405 just going five miles.”

3. “Let’s hike Runyon”

This means more of a selfie session than a workout.
Runyon Canyon in LA is where celebs and influencers “hike” (a.k.a. walk slowly and take pictures).

4. “Is it gluten-free?”

In California, every food conversation eventually turns into a wellness check.
Gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, vegan—you name it.

5. “I live in NorCal, not SoCal”

Californians are super proud of where they live.
There’s a friendly rivalry between Northern and Southern California—and they don’t mix them up!

6. “I’ll Venmo you”

Nobody carries cash. Even for splitting a taco, it’s “Just Venmo me.”

7. “It’s earthquake weather”

Even though earthquakes don’t follow weather patterns, Californians swear they can “feel it coming.”

8. “That’s fire, bro!”

“Fire” means awesome. Whether it’s food, fashion, or music—if it’s great, it’s fire.

9. “The vibes are off”

Californians take “vibes” seriously. If the energy feels weird, it’s time to leave.

10. “Let’s hit In-N-Out”

This is the go-to fast food chain for late-night cravings, road trips, or just because it’s Tuesday.

11. “It’s low-key cold today”

When it drops below 20°C (68°F), Californians will bring out the hoodies and act like it’s freezing.

12. “We need the rain”

Any time it rains in California, you’ll hear this. Droughts are common, so even drizzle is a big deal.

13. “What’s your sign?”

Astrology is practically a second language. It’s not unusual to hear this right after “Hi.”

14. “I can’t, I have yoga”

Schedules revolve around wellness routines like yoga, pilates, or sound baths.

15. “Tech bro alert!”

Used jokingly when someone shows up in a Patagonia vest and talks about crypto, AI, or startups—especially in the Bay Area.

16. “It’s giving Malibu”

If something looks boujee, beachy, or effortlessly cool, it’s “giving Malibu.”

17. “I can’t even…”

This phrase means you’re speechless—in a good or bad way. Californians use it for drama, humor, or when they’re just done.

California isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. And the way people talk reflects that perfectly. From “hella” to “fire,” these sayings are more than just funny—they’re part of the local culture.

So whether you’re a native, a transplant, or just visiting, now you know how to speak Californian. Just don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle and good vibes.

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