Hungarian, like any other language, is full of colorful slang expressions that you won’t find in your standard language course. However, learning these expressions can give you not only a better understanding of casual conversations but also an insight into Hungarian culture. Here are some Hungarian slang expressions that you might come across, complete with definitions and example sentences:

Menzás
This term refers to anything related to school cafeterias or the type of food served there. It can be used to describe food that is bland or not very appetizing.
A főzelék olyan menzás volt ma ebédre.

Csávó
Equivalent to “dude” or “guy” in English, this is a casual way to refer to a man. It’s informal and typically used among friends.
Nézd azt a csávót, milyen menő cipője van!

Király
This translates to “king,” but when used as slang, it means cool or awesome. It can be used to describe people, situations, or objects.
Ez a koncert teljesen király volt!

Meló
In Hungarian slang, “meló” refers to work or a job. It’s an informal term often used when talking about one’s employment in a casual way.
Nem tudok menni, mert van még melóm.

Zsír
Literally meaning “fat,” this word is used to indicate that something is very good or excellent. It’s a positive descriptor, akin to “cool” or “great.”
A buli tegnap este zsír volt!

Adsz egy cigit?
This phrase means “Can you give me a cigarette?”. It’s a casual request often heard among smokers.
Hey, adsz egy cigit?

Lógok a neten
This phrase translates to “I’m hanging out on the internet.” It’s used when someone is spending time online, often aimlessly browsing.
Csak lógok a neten és nézem a videókat.

Pénztárcabarát
Meaning “wallet-friendly,” this term is used to describe something that is affordable or reasonably priced.
Ez a kávézó nagyon pénztárcabarát.

Csajozik
It’s the act of flirting or hitting on girls. This verb is used when someone is trying to catch the attention of women or is on the lookout for a romantic interest.
Józsi ma este csak csajozik a diszkóban.

Haver
A “haver” is a friend or buddy. This is an informal word commonly used to refer to close friends or pals.
Haver, gyere már ide!

Learning Hungarian slang can be fun and can provide you with a deeper cultural experience. While you’ll want to be mindful of the context in which you use these expressions, integrating them into your vocabulary can help you sound more like a native speaker and navigate social situations with greater ease. Happy learning, or should we say, “legyen menő a magyar tanulásod!”