Updated: July 2026
Slang is part of nearly every conversation, and Croatian is no exception. It is an essential part of the language and a way to speak more casually with friends, family, or people met along the way while traveling. Learning a bit of Croatian slang helps conversations feel more natural, and it tends to earn an appreciative chuckle from locals who notice the effort. Having already covered the basics with a phrases guide, this list goes a step further into the words Croatians actually use day to day. Give a few of these a try on the next trip.
Croatian Slang Words to Know
Ajde / Hajde · come on
Ajme · wow, oh, oh my god, ouch
Bariti · seduce, kiss
Birc · cafe, bar
Bok / Pozdrav / Zbogom / Adijo · hi
Brate · brother, dude
Bravo · bravo
Brijem · I think, I believe
Bulja · head
Bura · northern wind in Croatia
Buraz · brother, very close friend
Cimnuti · short phone call, no answer
Cmok · kiss
Cugati · to drink alcohol
Ćakula · to have a conversation
Čekaj · wait
Čin-Čin · ding dong
Čovječe · man, astonishment
Debela · girlfriend, partner
Dišpet · despite
Đe si · where are you
Džabe · cheap
Evala · great, good job
Faca · someone important
Fakat · really, for real, truly
Fjaka · state of bliss
Fora · something cool
Frajer · dude, hunk
Frka · panic
Fuj · eww
Gušt · simple pleasure
Huncut · bastard
Hura / Jupi · hooray, yay
Infišan · crazy in love
Iš · go away
Jao / Joj / Au · ouch
Jazavac · outcast
Jebiga · f*ck it, oh well
Kako da ne · of course not
Klopa · food
Klošar · village drunk
Konačno · finally
Kužiti · to understand
K vragu / Dovraga · damn it / damn
Ljubavi · my love
Lova / Pare · money
Ludilo · awesome
Mačka · pretty woman
Ma daj · oh come on
Molim te · please
Moskar · hand fan
Murja · police
Naravno · of course
Nema problema · no problem
Nema šanse · no way
Njami / Njam / Mmm · yummy
Nonvelendo · unintentionally
O Bože · oh god
Opa / Op · wow
Oprosti · I’m sorry
Pičiti · to go
Pobogu · for heaven’s sake
Pomalo · take it easy
Redikul · foolish person
Stari / Stara · Dad / Mum
Stoj / Stop / Stani · stop, freeze
Šatrovački · slang, street language
Šmeker · player, confident dude
Šora · fight
Šotobraco · hand in hand
Šugati · suck-up, brown-noser
Tekma · sports match
Tip / Lik · guy
Upomoć · help
U redu / Dobro · ok, alright
Užanca ·cultural customs
Uživaj · enjoy
Vapor · large ship
Viksa · holiday home
Zamisli · big deal, who cares
Ziher · for sure, definitely
Živjeli · cheers, to life
Visit this website for help with pronunciation.
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Language has a way of turning a trip into something more personal, and Croatian slang is no exception. A single word dropped into the right moment can turn a transaction into a conversation, and a conversation into a memory.
— izzy
Additional information on travel in Croatia:
- Basic Croatian Phrases for Travelers
- Discover Split’s Top Beaches
- Dubrovnik Cable Car
- Zlatni Rat Beach
- Bakra – Best Pizza in Split
- Croatian Pearls of Wisdom
- Gelato Bar Bella · Best Ice Cream in Trogir
- Fun Facts About Croatia
- Croatian Slang
- One Day in Split
- Korčula for a Day
- Black Pepper in Hvar
- What to Know About Sailing Croatia
- Mljet National Park
- Exploring the Stunning Croatian Coast on a Luxury Cruise
- Bllue Cave