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Russian Immigrants Slang

Have you ever wondered about Russian immigrants slang words or phrases?    There is literally a ton of Russian immigrants slang.  When the various countries that used to make up the then U.S.S.R. (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) broke apart, there came a dialect that soon became known as Russian immigrants slang.  It is a melting pot of colloquialism native to those countries that once upon a time made up Russia.

Learning Russian Slang

To an untrained ear and a closed mind, Russian slang would probably not be of interest.  However with the influx of Russian immigrants residing in America and other countries, it may be of interest to at least be familiar with the slang of the ethnic group. If nothing else, you may be able to pick up keywords should you ever find yourself in the midst of a Russian section of town or even in a Russian-speaking country.

Some the slang terms listed may be considered as rude or inconsiderate by traditional American standards, however this is simply meant to give information. If you decide to do extra research, then you may notice that many of words listed may not be in the Russian dictionary. You may, however, find much of it on Internet websites referred to as modern Russian slang. It is important to note that there is a difference between traditional Russian slang, and modern Russian Internet slang. However, both are of interest.

As you read the slang terms it is advised that you use common sense and good judgment prior to uttering any of the slang in a public place. Much of the slang native to the Russian language and culture is rather derogatory and can be seen as an expletive. Use caution. The words listed below are listed in their English version regarding spelling and definition. For the Russian spelling of the word, you should go on the Internet and visit the Russian-English Slang Dictionary.

Examples of Russian Immigrants Slang

  • Amerikosy – Look close at the spelling of the word and you could probably guess that it has something to do with America. The word actually means “citizen of the United States.”
  • Amurik – Do not get this confused with the first definition above. This particular word means “a person convicted of the rape of a minor.”
  • Zagnut – If you hear this word (which is probably pronounced different from how it is spelled) you may want to be cautious. This word means “to con or exaggerate.”
  • Zadrota – If someone calls you by this name, it is not a compliment. This word is the Russian slang for the word “idiot or moron.”
  • Tibrit’ – Listen closely then run to safety if you hear this word.  It means “to steal.”
  • Torcok – This word refers to a drug addict.
  • Tocit’ – If you are hungry then this is the word to use because it means “to eat.”
  • Obaldenny – Finally a word of praise! This word means “awesome, brilliant or great.”
  • Otlivat’ – If ever you see or hear this word it simply means to “take a leak.”
  • Otlipat’ – Much different from the above mentioned word, this word refers to having a hangover.
  • Havka – Once again if you find yourself hungry then you will want to use this word that simply means food.
  • Hrusty – You would not know by the looks of the word alone that it actually means “money” or “bills.” The literal translation is “crackling ones” however this word means “money” amongst Russians.
  • Jablofon – If you hear this word in passing you will know that it means “apple phone.”

You will find that most of the words listed above are written in their native Russian script in the Russian Slang dictionary. If ever you have the chance to peruse the Russian Slang Dictionary, you will notice that there are a plethora of derogatory words. Many of which could not be listed here due to the severity of the curse word.

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