Top 10 Greek Slang Words & Phrases

You’re about to touch down in Greece, ready for sun, study abroad, history, and enough gyros to last a lifetime – only to realize the locals are dropping words you’ve never heard before. Greek slang terms are everywhere, and if you want to keep up (or at least not look completely clueless at a café), learning a few key phrases is a must. 

These Greek slang words will have you fitting right in – whether you're ordering a freddo espresso, navigating the bustling streets of Athens, or just trying to keep up with the locals' fast-paced banter. 

Top 5 Greek Slang Words 

Greek slang is the secret to sounding like you’ve lived in Greece forever. These five words will have you speaking with confidence and style while you study abroad in Athens. 

Read More: EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: ATHENS  

Greek Slang Word #1: Φίλος (Fílos) 

Meaning: "Buddy" or "Friend" 

Used to refer to your closest homie, the one you’d always call for a chill hangout. 

Example: "Πάμε για καφέ, φίλος!" (Páme gia kafé, fílos!) – "Let’s grab coffee, buddy!" 

Greek Slang Word #2: Ρε (Re) 

Meaning: "Hey" or "Yo" 

A casual way to get someone's attention – think of it like calling out to your friend in a laid-back, familiar tone.  

Example: "Ρε, τι κάνεις;" (Re, ti káneis?) – "Yo, what’s up?" 

Greek Slang Word #3: Μάγκας (Mágkas) 

Meaning: "Cool guy" or "Tough guy" 

It’s that friend who’s always got their act together or someone who's got major street cred. 

Example: "Αυτός ο τύπος είναι μάγκας!" (Aftós o típós eínai mángkas!) – "That guy’s a legend!" 

Greek Slang Word #4: Χαλαρός (Chalarós) 

Meaning: "Chill" or "Relaxed"  

Perfect for when you're just vibing or telling someone to take it easy. 

Example: "Όλα καλά, είμαι χαλαρός!" (Óla kalá, eímai chalarós!) – "All good, I’m just chilling!" 

Greek Slang Word #5: Κουλ (Koul) 

Meaning: "Cool" 

A borrowed word from English, but it’s commonly used in Greek to describe something or someone that’s legit. 

Example: "Αυτή η ταινία ήταν κουλ!" (Aftí i tainía ítan koul!) – "That movie was cool!" 

Read More: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Europe for College Students  

Top 5 Greek Slang Phrases 

Now that you’ve got some key Greek slang words under your belt, it’s time to level up with some phrases! 

Greek Slang Phrase #1: “Τι κάνεις ρε;” (Ti kaneis re?) 

Meaning: "What’s up?" / "What are you doing?" 

Use this casual greeting to ask how someone is doing or to check in on a friend. 

Example: “Τι κάνεις ρε, πού είσαι;” – “What’s up, where are you?” 

Greek Slang Phrase #2: “Είσαι γαμάτος/η!” (Eisai gamatos/i!) 

Meaning: “You’re awesome!” 

A great way to tell someone they’re cool or doing something great. 

Example: “Αυτή η μπλούζα είναι τέλεια, είσαι γαμάτος!” – “That shirt is amazing, you’re awesome!” 

Greek Slang Phrase #3: “Κόψε τη φάση!” (Kopse ti fasi!) 

Meaning: “Cut it out!” / “Stop that!” 

Used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or to calm down. 

Example: “Κόψε τη φάση, δεν είναι αστείο!” – “Cut it out, it’s not funny!” 

Greek Slang Phrase #4: “Αχ, αυτή η ζωή!” (Ah, afti i zoi!) 

Meaning: “Ah, this life!” 

A phrase used when you’re frustrated, tired, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. 

Example: “Αχ, αυτή η ζωή, πάντα κάτι συμβαίνει.” – “Ah, this life, something’s always happening.” 

Read More: How to Study Abroad in Europe: 3 Steps 

Greek Slang Phrase #5: “Δεν υπάρχει!” (Den yparchei!) 

Meaning: “No way!” / “That’s unbelievable!” 

A phrase used to express surprise or disbelief, often when you’re impressed. 

Example: “Δεν υπάρχει, έκανες όλο αυτό μόνος/η σου;” – “No way, you did all that by yourself?”  

Explore CIEE Greece Programs 

When you study abroad in Athens with CIEE Study Abroad, you’ll immerse yourself in ancient history, modern Greek culture, and stunning Mediterranean views – all while earning credits in one of the world’s most iconic cities. 

Check out some of our amazing programs in Athens: 

• Semester Global Internship: Spend 12 weeks interning abroad full-time (30 hours/week) and earning academic credit while experiencing the vibrant culture of Athens, Greece.
• Summer Global Internship: Spend 8 weeks of your summer interning abroad (approximately 30-40 hours/week) and earning academic credit.
• Ecology + Sustainability: Explore Athens through a local lens as you tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges during your semester abroad.
• Engineering, Technology + Sciences: Designed for STEM majors, enroll in engineering, technology, and science courses that align with your degree.
• Open Campus Block: Customize your study abroad journey with up to two six-week blocks in Athens (or up to 2 additional locations) to build your dream program.
• Semester in Athens: Spend a semester in Greece’s vibrant cultural and historical capital – Athens – where you'll take courses in a variety of academic subjects.
• Summer Intern + Study Abroad: Spend 6 weeks of your summer interning abroad part-time (15-20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while immersing yourself in the breathtaking ancient landmarks of Greece.
• Business + Culture: Spend a full semester in Athens exploring Greek culture, taking business and elective courses, and gaining real-world experience with an optional internship.
• Semester Intern + Study Abroad: Spend 12 weeks interning abroad part-time (20 hours/week) and earning academic credit while exploring all Athens has offer. 

Take Your Studies to Greece 

Greece has it all – stunning landscapes, rich history, and a culture that welcomes you like family. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, indulging in mouthwatering Greek food, or picking up local slang, studying abroad in Greece is an experience you won’t forget.  

Let’s go! 

EXPLORE GREECE STUDY ABROAD