IYKYK: 20 Essential Slang Terms from the Music Scene

The music scene has its own dictionary—full of hilarious, random, and oddly perfect words that just make sense. Over time, this lingo has evolved and spread across countries and cultures, from the UK to Australia to the US. Somehow, we’ve all met in the middle with these phrases, picking them up from SoundCloud edits, YouTube sets, comment sections under track releases, and word of mouth.

These words and phrases make us laugh, help us communicate, and perfectly capture those indescribable moments only the dance music world understands. It’s one of the few things that unites us as a global scene. If you know, you know. They might sound confusing at first, but once explained, they become part of your vocabulary.

This lingo ties us together, whether we’re on the dance floor or zombie scrolling through our feeds. We’ve put together a list of 20 terms in alphabetical order—some funny, some eyebrow raisers, and all 100% relatable. Let’s dive in and see what we were able to put together.

Belter - Typically used to describe a really good track—a doozy of a song that gives you that stank face look. You’ll often see this under SoundCloud drops or in group chats when sharing a must-hear song.

Used in a sentence: "Guys, listen to the belter Chase & Status just put out!"

Choon - Any song or track that instantly earns top-tier status in your book.

Used in a sentence: Music Sounds Better With You by Stardust? CHOON!

Chune-arita - It’s like “choon,” but with a cuter, zestier twist. Often sounds better coming out of a British or Aussie persons’ mouth. It’s the kind of word that makes a great track sound even better just by saying it.

Used in a sentence: "Mate, this song is an absolute chune-arita. Crank it up!"

Frothing - To be fully amped. The more formal use of the word frothen (pronounced froth’n), originating from Western Australia’s surfing community. It’s since made its way into the music scene, and can be used to describe being stoked about a set you just played over the weekend, hyped for an upcoming gig, or even to call a track a frother—a proper tune.

Used in a sentence: "Steady frothin’ from the sick one we had this past weekend.”

“Bring in the Charmin Ultra Strong - absolutely frothing to be opening up for Sharon Brown at Superior Ingredients this weekend!"

"She showed me a frother of a track. Proper melt-in-your-mouth stuff."

Gatekeep - Used to describe the act of holding something back or not sharing, especially when it comes to a song or playlist. It’s often done out of stubbornness or the desire to keep something special and lowkey.

Used in a sentence: "Can you stop gatekeeping your playlist?" "Why do you gatekeep your playlists? It’s not that deep."

Geeked - To be utterly incapacitated with laughter or ridiculously excited about something. It’s the perfect way to describe a moment that was so funny it left you in tears or a situation that had you hyped beyond belief.

Used in a sentence: Person A: How many espresso martinis did you spill on yourself at Space last night?

Person B: Dude, like four.

Person A: That had me geeked all night!

Lekker - In the music scene, it’s been adopted to describe a sick track or a moment that hits different. You’ll spot it in timestamp comments under a banging tech house minimal set, on Instagram teasers for unreleased tracks, or reels of DJs playing a massive venue with CO2 cannons firing off.

Used in a sentence: "Slide 3—lekker!" "53:04—lekker! What’s the ID on this?"

Marinate - To stay in one spot with absolutely no intention of leaving because the vibe or music is just that good. It’s the ultimate compliment to a set or venue—when you’re so locked in, there’s no need to wander.

Used in a sentence: "We marinated at Amnesia for 9 hours in the front left during the closing party."

Melt - A versatile term in the music scene with different meanings depending on the context. It’s often used to describe a track with a “wet” sound—think liquid DnB or a slow-tempo wubby bassline that just oozes into your eardrums. On the other hand, it can also describe your state at a set when the music is so good you’re completely rooted in place, melting into the sound and transcending into another dimension of high vibrations.

Used in a sentence: "Listen to the track Rezz teased on her story—an absolute melt."

"I couldn’t move from Cypress End, I was melting from sunrise to sunset."

Mint - An expression used by New Yorkers or the British, meaning "good." In the scene, it’s used to give an A+ or a thumbs up to a solid track or even to confirm plans in a group chat. Think of it as a stamp of approval or agreement.

Used in a sentence: Person A: "Try not to air this song out. I want to gatekeep it for as long as I can before everyone plays it out and I start hating it." Person B: "Mint. Thank you and will do."

Off a Mad/Sick One - A phrase used to describe being on a revolutionary bender, having an insane amount of fun, or just being absolutely overjoyed and living your best life. It’s the go-to way to sum up those unforgettable and stellar moments.

Used in a sentence: Person A: "I haven’t heard from you in three days. Are you okay?"

Person B: "Yeah, I’ve been off a sick one since I touched down in Ibiza."

Person A: "Did you run into James last night by chance?" Person B: "Yeah, I saw him at the techno tent briefly—he looked like he was off a mad one!"

Pinger - Another term for a banging track. It’s used to describe a song that delivers the goods every time.

Used in a sentence: "Stussy was playing pinger after pinger last night. That man does not miss."

Rinsing - Used to describe a DJ who’s playing top-notch tracks with high energy and unmatched crowd control. It’s when the DJ is slinging tunes left and right, keeping the atmosphere electric from start to finish.

Used in a sentence: "Jamie Jones was rinsing the decks last night—absolute heaters from start to finish. The crowd couldn’t get enough!"

Ripper - An Australian term used to describe what was (or is expected to be) an amazing time. It’s also used to compliment a standout track.

Used in a sentence: "We’re going to Factory Town for elrow during Art Basel. It’s going to be a ripper." Person A: "Where did you find this ripper?" Person B: "On Bandcamp."

Sliding - Typical slang for saying you’re coming over or on your way, but in the music scene, it’s used to describe someone crushing their set. A DJ who’s got perfect crowd control, nailing every transition, and keeping the vibes high on the dance floor.

Used in a sentence: "Not sure whose playing right now, but he's sliding!"

"Everyone was shazaming her music last night because she was sliding on aux at the pre-game, and now her head’s all big, so she won’t answer my texts."

Tree Wook - Wooks are the shoeless, carefree souls of the festival scene, usually rocking fractal-patterned clothing, a trusty pashmina, and an aura of pure kindness. A tree wook takes it a step further, deeply connected to nature and grounded in spiritual vibes—hence the “tree” part of the name. They might bump into you at a bass show but will sincerely apologize, fan you down, offer a glove show, and make sure you’re okay.

Tree wooks thrive on deep, heartfelt conversations and often have otherworldly stories to share. They’re not as polished at a show as the house crowd, but that’s what makes them so awesome—and some of the most fun and genuine people to throw down with.

Used in a sentence: "I went to Lost Lands for the first time this year and met a tree wook who told me he was a hybrid—werewolf and human."

Tweaking - Usually not used in a positive or fun way. It typically means feeling disassociated, anxious, or out of sorts—when the vibes are off, and you’re not having the best time.

Used in a sentence: "Can we step out of the crowd and get some air? I’m tweaking out right now."

Turbo - Going full throttle with something, pushing it to the limit with no intention of slowing down. It’s all about having an absolute blast and living life at full speed—until the wheels fall off.

Used in a sentence: "I just completed 75 Hard, so I’ll be going full turbo for Miami Music Week. No ifs, ands, or buts."

Weapon - A term used for a track that never fails to get the crowd roaring. A go-to tune that DJs keep in their back pocket for big moments. Usually has a fat kick to it that ignites a lethal groove on the dance floor.

Used in a sentence: Person A: "What song is your secret weapon?" Person B: "Sandstorm - Darude."

Wook Flu - The inevitable post-festival sickness that hits after coming off a sick one, caused by lack of sleep, dehydration, and a weakened immune system. Symptoms include red eyes, dry mouth, decreased verbal engagement (grunts become your main language), absent-mindedness, and a hangover so violent it feels personal.

Used in a sentence: "I had to miss work on Monday. I had the wook flu."