Slovenian, a language as melodic as the Alpine breeze, has its fair share of slang that’ll make you sound less like a textbook and more like someone who actually enjoys a good chat. Whether you’re trying to impress locals or just want to add some flair to your vocabulary, these 12 slang terms are your golden ticket.
1. Fensi
Fensi
/ˈfɛnsi/“Fancy”
Used to describe something or someone overly posh or pretentious. If your friend starts ordering avocado toast with gold flakes, you might roll your eyes and mutter, 'Kak fensi!'
2. Šmorn
Šmorn
/ʃmɔrn/“Mess”
A glorious mess, usually of the culinary variety. Picture a pancake that’s more scrambled than flipped - that’s a šmorn. Also works metaphorically for life disasters.
3. Cmok
Cmok
/tsmɔk/“Kiss”
The sound of a kiss, but also the act itself. Deploy this when someone’s being overly affectionate or when you’re teasing a friend about their latest romantic escapade.
4. Fuka
Fuka
/ˈfuka/“Blizzard”
Literally a blizzard, but slangily, it’s chaos. If your weekend plans involve three parties, a hike, and a family dinner, that’s a proper fuka.
5. Šiht
Šiht
/ʃíːxt/“Job”
Work, but with a groan attached. 'Kakšen šiht!' translates to 'What a job!' and is best said while slumping into a chair after a long day.
6. Pofukano
Pofukano
/pɔfuˈkanɔ/“Messed up”
When something’s gone horribly wrong. Burnt dinner? Pofukano. Missed the bus? Pofukano. It’s the Swiss Army knife of Slovenian complaints.
7. Špas
Špas
/ʃpas/“Fun”
Fun, but with a cheeky twist. If someone’s laughing at your expense, they’re having špas. If you’re laughing at theirs, well, that’s špas too.
8. Cmer
Cmer
/tsmɛr/“Whiner”
Someone who complains incessantly. The person who moans about the weather, the coffee, and the Wi-Fi speed all in one breath? Total cmer.
9. Fletna
Fletna
/ˈflɛtna/“Flat”
A flat or apartment, but with a cosy, lived-in vibe. 'Pridi na fletno!' means 'Come over to my place!' - usually implying snacks and zero formality.
10. Šminker
Šminker
/ˈʃminkɛr/“Make-up”
Make-up, but with a playful twist. If someone’s wearing enough eyeliner to rival a racoon, you might tease, 'Mal preveč šminkerja, ne?'
11. Cvok
Cvok
/tsvɔk/“Nutcase”
A harmless lunatic. That friend who suggests hiking at 3 AM? Lovable cvok. The guy arguing with pigeons? Also a cvok.
12. Špricer
Špricer
/ˈʃprit͡sɛr/“Spritzer”
Wine mixed with sparkling water, but also a metaphor for something diluted. If your coffee’s weak, you might sigh, 'To je pa res špricer.'
Slang is the salt of language - it’s what makes conversations flavourful. Use these terms wisely, and you’ll soon sound like a local, or at least like someone who’s trying very hard to.
For more linguistic quirks, check out our guide to untranslatable Slovenian words or why Slovenian is a gateway language for Central Europe.
