West US English: English Vocabulary List

(California, especially Southern California) a traffic alert or warning, typically issued for accidents or major congestion on freeways

"The SigAlert warned of a traffic jam."

"The SigAlert announced that three lanes would be closed for the next two hours due to an overturned truck."

(California) a sarcastic way to say "no," typically in response to an obvious or expected negative

"Yeah, no. That is not happening."

"Yeah, no. That is not happening, so do not even ask me because the answer is no."

a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley

"North Hollywood is a neighborhood in LA."

"North Hollywood was a neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its arts district and residential streets."

the southern part of California, generally including Los Angeles, San Diego, and sometimes Santa Barbara

"Southern California has warm weather."

"Southern California had a Mediterranean climate with mild wet winters and warm dry summers."

the northern half of California, typically north of Monterey County, often associated with the San Francisco Bay Area

"Northern California has giant redwoods."

"Northern California was famous for its redwood forests foggy coastline and wine country."

(California, especially Bay Area) overly excited, energetic, or hyperactive

"The music is hyphy."

"The hyphy crowd jumped and waved their hands in the air to the fast paced Bay Area rap music."

(California, especially Bay Area) used to check if someone understands or agrees with what is being said

"Yadadamean? Do you understand what I mean?"

"Yadadamean? Do you understand what I mean? I feel like I am not explaining this very well."

(Hawaii) a steamed or baked pork bun, often filled with savory ingredients

"Manapua is a popular Hawaiian snack."

"The Hawaiian snack manapua was a steamed bun filled with sweet barbecue pork or other fillings."

(Hawaii) a placeholder word for a person, thing, or idea when the specific name is unknown or unnecessary

"Pass me da kine," he said."

"He asked for da kine at the hardware store and the clerk somehow knew he meant a specific screwdriver."

(Hawaii) food, especially a meal

"The local grindz are delicious."

"The local restaurant served ono grindz or delicious food that kept customers coming back for more."

(Hawaii) used to express agreement, understanding, or acknowledgment

"Shoots! Thanks a lot, my friend."

"Shoots! Thanks a lot, my friend. I really appreciate everything you have done for me today."