
California is known for its sunny beaches, diverse culture, and innovation in everything from tech to entertainment. But there’s something else that makes the Golden State unique—the language. Californians have a distinct way of speaking that often leaves outsiders scratching their heads. Here are 15 words and phrases Californians use that might confuse anyone not from the area.
Hella

If you’ve ever spent time in Northern California, particularly around the Bay Area, you’ve likely heard the word “hella” thrown around in casual conversation. “Hella” is a versatile adverb meaning “very,” “a lot,” or “extremely.” It’s so ingrained in Northern Californian speech that it’s almost a cultural marker. Someone might say, “That party was hella fun,” or “I’m hella tired today.”
The 101 / The 405

In most of the United States, people refer to highways by their numbers, but in California—especially Southern California—freeways are given special treatment with the addition of “the.” For example, instead of saying, “I’m taking 101 to San Francisco,” a Californian will say, “I’m taking the 101.” This phenomenon can be traced to early radio traffic reports in LA, where adding “the” before a freeway number just stuck.
June Gloom

Visitors to California in the early summer might expect blue skies and warm sunshine every day. Still, coastal areas, especially around Los Angeles and San Diego, often experience a phenomenon known as “June Gloom.” This is when a marine layer—a thick blanket of low clouds—covers the sky during the morning and can stick around until the afternoon.
The Valley

In Southern California, “The Valley” almost always refers to the San Fernando Valley, a sprawling suburban region in Los Angeles County. The Valley became famous in the 1980s thanks to the “Valley Girl” stereotype, which pokes fun at the laid-back, fashion-obsessed teens of the time. Movies like Clueless and songs like “Valley Girl” cemented this reputation.
Gnar / Gnarly

“Gnarly” started as surf slang, referring to intense or difficult waves. Surfers would say things like, “The waves are gnarly today,” meaning the conditions were challenging but exciting. Over time, “gnarly” took on a broader meaning, becoming a way to describe anything extreme or intense, whether it’s positive or negative. You’ll hear people say, “That was a gnarly trick” for something impressive, or “That was a gnarly crash” when something goes wrong.
Sando

In the world of California’s foodie scene, shorthand for certain foods is trendy, and “sando” is a prime example. A sando is simply a sandwich, but calling it that feels a little more chic. It’s not uncommon to see hip cafes or food trucks boasting creative “sandos” on their menus, often featuring local ingredients like avocado, artisanal cheeses, and house-made sauces.
The City

In Northern California, when people say “The City,” they’re almost always referring to San Francisco. It’s a shorthand that San Franciscans and residents of nearby cities like Oakland and Berkeley use regularly. While “the city” could technically apply to any urban center, for those in Northern California, San Francisco is the city. This can be confusing for out-of-towners or people unfamiliar with the area.
In-N-Out

If there’s one thing that unites Californians from all regions, it’s a shared love for In-N-Out Burger. This fast-food chain, founded in Baldwin Park in 1948, has become a cult favorite for its fresh ingredients, made-to-order burgers, and iconic palm tree logo. For Californians, In-N-Out isn’t just another burger joint—it’s a source of pride. The menu is famously simple, but there’s a “secret menu” that regulars know by heart.
The Coast

To most people, the coast refers to any stretch of shoreline. However, in California, “The Coast” often specifically refers to the beautiful coastline along Highway 1, which runs along the Pacific Ocean. This area includes famous destinations like Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and Malibu. Californians often use “The Coast” as shorthand for beach trips, weekend getaways, or even just a picturesque drive.
NorCal / SoCal

The rivalry between Northern California (NorCal) and Southern California (SoCal) is a playful but significant cultural divide in the state. NorCal refers to the northern part of the state, including cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland, while SoCal encompasses Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County.
Laguna

To many outside California, “Laguna” is just another name for a town. However, to Californians, Laguna often refers to Laguna Beach, a picturesque coastal city known for its artistic community and beautiful beaches. Laguna Beach became even more famous in the early 2000s thanks to the reality TV show Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.
The OC

Short for Orange County, “The OC” became a household name thanks to the popular early 2000s TV show The OC. Orange County is a region just south of Los Angeles, home to Disneyland, beautiful beaches, and upscale communities like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. When someone says they’re going to “The OC,” they’re probably talking about enjoying a sunny weekend, catching some waves, or maybe even visiting Disneyland.
Bay Area

Californians rarely refer to the major cities around San Francisco by their names. Instead, they’ll simply say “The Bay Area” or “The Bay.” This region encompasses cities like Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, and, of course, San Francisco. The Bay Area is known for its tech industry, liberal politics, and diverse culture. Locals take pride in their area’s contributions to innovation and social change.
Drought Tolerant

Californians are no strangers to drought, and “drought tolerant” has become part of the state’s everyday language, particularly when it comes to landscaping. Due to California’s frequent water shortages, many residents and businesses have switched to planting drought-tolerant plants that require little to no water. Succulents, cacti, and native grasses are common examples.
California Casual

“California Casual” is more than just a way of dressing—it’s a lifestyle. This phrase describes the relaxed, laid-back fashion style that defines the state. Think flip-flops, jeans, and sunglasses, or flowy dresses and sandals. Californians are known for their casual but stylish approach to clothing, even in settings where others might dress more formally.