A Brief Guide to Oakland-English

Dating someone from Oakland can be a challenge even if you're a native English speaker, let alone if English is not your first language.

That's why I'm here: to ensure your survival in the ever increasing likelihood of dating an Oaklandian.

People in Oakland don't use English the way we do, definitely not the way it was taught in English classes. There's a very special way of orating, unique to the Bay Area of the United States, with a lot of the slang originating in Oakland, California, which is completely foreign for normal people.

Oakland is, however, home for a lot - or a number of, a few - likable and otherwise healthy people, so there can be value in knowing what's going on should you ever visit Oakland.

Hella

The most obvious one. Everything is hella this, hella that, hella, hella, hella. The word hella has actually made its way to ordinary English use, and a lot of people don't even know that it originates from Oakland. It even got its own entry in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2002. Originally, hella just meant a hell of a lot of something, but more modern use has all but abandoned the original meaning, and it can be both used and heard as a filler word regarding pretty much anything. The most common use for it still in the place of "very" and "really".

Example: I missed you hella.

So, in English this means you've done something right in your relationship.

When she says she hates you hella, you might want to roll her a joint.

Hyphy

Something that's more foreign to people outside of Bay Area. Hyphy basically means hyperactive, usually in reference to partying of some sort. The hyphy movement is a recognized time period in the Bay Area, which is largely associated to musical artists such as E-40, mac Dre, and a lot of other musical acts you've never heard of, but better get familiar with.

Example: Imma get hyphy tonight.

This is the part of the relationship where you really weigh in on whether or not the love you share is worth the godawful music she's about to drag you to listen to live.

Your choice.

Giggin'

Related to the above, when she says she 'bout to giggin', you're dating a dancer. Dancing. It means dancing. But, just like hella, it can also mean just about anything that just has to do with having a good time.

Example: Hella hung over, went giggin' last night.

She's probably seeing someone else.

Outta pocket

Us normal folks would probably read this is "paying it from my own pocket", but Oaklandians are not like you and me. In the Bay Area, this roughly translates to doing something stupid and/or ridiculous.

Example: Drank too much and things got outta pocket.

She's definitely seeing someone else.

Cutty

I am actually not sure of the origins of this word, but cutty basically means shady, or sketchy.

Example: Ya look hella cutty.

You should probably do something with your hair if you still wish to pursue this relationship. Also, remember: cops are always cutty. If not, Oaklandians will soon ostracize you.

Slaps

When a song that an Oaklandian is listening to is very good, it slaps. When she goes to giggin' to something that slaps, she's really enjoying getting hyphy to great music.

Example: Put on something that slaps.

It doesn't mean hit her, it means you put on a house playlist from Soundcloud.

Fasho

This is vital to your survival in the Oakland environment.

Fasho doesn't have a definite meaning, but it can be, and is, used in place of, but not limited to, "okay", "sure", "you're welcome". People in Oakland never use these normal everyday phrases, but instead replace all of them, and a multitude of others, with fasho.

Example: Slaps fasho.

This song that we are currently in the process of listening to is definitely very good, with very little to no room for doubt rergarding that statement.

You should just agree, easily done by simply replying with your own fasho.

Coo

Oaklandians spend most of their time smoking weed on the couch. As a result of this, they can find it extremely difficult to find the productivity required to finish full words. Coo is a direct result this, as it is simply a shortened version of cool. The L is cut out so that it leaves more time for smoking weed.

Example: Coo.

She's not feeling productive today, so you should not bother her, and think of something to do on your own.

Fucks with

Also very important when maintaining your relationship. It's paramount that you understand that fucks with has nothing to do with the act of sexual intercourse; it is simply a way of saying you have a very close personal relationship with someone. Confusing to a non-Oakland native, everyday normal thing for Oaklandians.

Example: Saw Tom last night, I really fucks with him.

Tom is not a threat to you; he's likely just a friendzoned BFF, and nothing sexual is at play here. Just make sure she doesn't go giggin' to something that hella slaps with Tom. Then there is a potential problem. But other than that, you're fine.

Yadadamean

The best for last. Yadadamean is "short" for "you know what I mean?" This is also a really old one, and may not see as much use these days, but you can run into it, and it can leave you puzzled if you're not prepared. I believe it first got used by rapper Keak Da Sneak in his song by the same name, and Oaklandians, especially the white girls, thought it was just so awesome that it stuck. When someone asks you whether or not yadadamean, if you understood and registered the basic concept of what he or she was saying, you can reply by saying "yadada", which conveys your understanding of whatever it was that she was bringing to your attention.

Example: Ghost ridin', yadadamean?

Even if you're completely sure what it was that she was saying, odds are you're best served by simply replying "yadada". It's the safest bet to prevent arguments.

There are many, many more, but in the interest of simplicity it's better not to go into the really hardcore stuff since this is just a basic guide to get you started.

You're welcome.