15 Greek Slang Words You Need To Know

Welcome back to the slang series that aims to help you navigate countries a little more easily, but also feel and speak like a local. This time I’m taking you to the beautiful, mythological and sunny Greece, where you can expect not only thousand of islands, but also a spirit of generosity, tinged with delicious food and incomparable culture.

Ready to dive into the birthplace of the Olympic Games and explore its wonders? Here are my 15 favorite Greek slang words!

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Useful and popular slang words/expressions

A different alphabet with a particular phonetic that I can’t even read, that’s what awaited me when I landed in Greece. Of course, and as I always like to be prepared (at least a little), I had done my research in advance and practiced a few words that I thought would be the most useful for understanding my environment as well as making myself understood a little.

It’s true that if you’re visiting the more touristy places, you won’t really have a problem communicating in English, but if you want to go off the beaten track or just want to observe the local way of life and better understand the culture, here’s my little crash course in Greek.

And remember that making even a slight effort (hello, thank you…) in the language of the country you’re visiting will always be deeply appreciated by the locals, so why not make your experience more authentic, more immersive and more enjoyable?

1. Ya

Let’s start with the basics and a word that will always break the ice wherever you are in the world, namely a simple “hello”. Ya is actually the shortened version of yassas and you can use it when greeting someone.

Fun fact: it was pretty weird for me to even think of using “Ya” since I was learning Korean at the time and the word can mean many different things, but just so you know, the interjection is rather considered rude, especially if you intend to use it towards an older person.

2. Éla

This one, I’m 99% sure you’ll hear it at least once when you’re wandering the streets of Greece, as it literally means a lot of things, depending on the context. The most widespread meaning is probably “Hey! Come on!”, but you can also hear it when a Greek answers the phone, when someone asks a question…

A 3-letter word with multiple meanings!

3. Ti leei?

An informal way of asking your Greek friend “how’s it going?” or “what’s up?”.

4. Paidi mou

Literally translated as “my child”, it has since evolved to express concern or affection to your friends too!

5. Aragma

If you’ve ever visited the country or spent time on one of the Greek islands, you’ve probably seen how the locals embrace every opportunity to relax at a cafe or a park, for example. Perhaps that’s why they even have a word for their love of this activity also called: “chilling”. I for one couldn’t agree more with this lifestyle. What about you? Would you like to chill and enjoy life’s small pleasures?

6. ΣΚ

The time of the week everyone looks forward to: the “weekend”. Abbreviated form of Savatokíriako, which includes both Saturday (Σάββατο) and Sunday (Κυριακή), two letters are enough to convey the best moment of the whole week!

7. Siga ta lahana

Or slowly the cabbage, which has nothing to do with the vegetable, is kind of a sarcastic retort you’ll like to use against someone who’s just said something as boring as a cabbage (if that makes any sense) or just uninteresting.

8. Efharisto

Hello and “thank you” are the two most important words you should always keep in mind when traveling. Not only will you feel closer to the locals, but you’ll also make their day, believe me!

9. Yamas

Visiting the local brewery or having fun with a few Greek friends in the local bar? Well, get ready to clink your glasses and say “Yamas” or “Cheers”!

10. Póso káni?

Strolling through the markets and something catches your eye, and you’re dying to buy it, but there’s no price tag? In that case, you can use “Póso káni?” to ask “how much is it?”.

11. Kaseri

Of course, before you even think about buying anything, you should check whether you have “kaseri” or “money” on you!

12. Filakia

Translating to “little kisses”, it’s similar to ending a message with xoxo, for example, but don’t forget that this one should only be used with close relatives or friends, as you wouldn’t want to send mixed signals, would you?

Filia means “friendship”, by the way!

13. Entaxi

No, you’re not ordering a taxi with this word, you’re simply saying it’s “okay”, “alright”. “Ola Kala” is also another way of saying “everything’s fine!”

14. Gamato

If you want to say that something is “freaking awesome”, this is the word you use!

Swear word

15. Malaka

Let’s end this post with “malaka”: a rather famous word among our Greek friends. Originally used as an insult to call someone “stupid”, today it’s used in a variety of less offensive contexts, between friends for example and translates as “dude” or “man”.

However, I’d still advise you only use it with people you’re really close to!

And that’s it for the Greek version of the slang series!

What about you? Have you heard any other words or expressions on your travels?
Or do you have any weird and funny slang words from your own country? If so, don’t hesitate to post them in the comments section!

Off to Portugal soon? Here’s the Portuguese version!