What does “No cap” mean?
The phrase "no cap" means 'not lying' or 'being completely serious.' When someone uses "no cap", they are emphasizing the truthfulness of what they're saying, similar to saying 'I'm not lying' or 'I'm being completely serious.'
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
I won the lottery, no cap!
Example
She's the best singer in the world, no cap.
Example
His story may sound unbelievable, but no cap, it's true.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Sharing surprising or unbelievable facts
I won the lottery, no cap!
She's the best singer in the world, no cap.
- 2Emphasizing the truthfulness of a statement
His story may sound unbelievable, but no cap, it's true.
I'm telling you, no cap, I saw a ghost last night.
- 3Confirming authenticity or personal experiences
I met the president, no cap!
I've been to Paris, no cap.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
"No cap" is a slang expression that originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and has become popular in modern culture. It gained popularity through social media, music, and online communication platforms.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
While "no cap" is often part of a sentence, it can also stand alone for emphasis. For instance, if someone tells you something unbelievable, you might simply respond with "No cap!" to convey your agreement.
Is the phrase offensive?
"No cap" is not offensive in itself. It's a slang term used to emphasize truthfulness.
Audience for the phrase
"No cap" is typically used by younger generations, especially millennials and Gen Z. People familiar with modern slang, social media, and internet culture are more likely to use and understand it.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
"No cap" is widely used across English-speaking regions. It has gained popularity beyond those boundaries due to the widespread influence of social media and hip-hop culture.
