This list includes 30 Slang words that start with I, from “i feel you” to “ivories”. They span quick internet phrases, regional jargon, and playful metaphors common in everyday speech and creative writing. Use this list for writing, editing, learning idiomatic speech, or checking casual usage.
Slang words that start with I are informal terms beginning with the letter I and used across speech, music, and online communities. Many entered popular use through songs, films, or viral posts, with examples like “ivories” appearing in jazz and pop lyrics.
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Meaning, Region, Register, Example, and Source.
Word: The slang term or phrase as it appears, so you can spot it in writing and conversation.
Meaning: A concise explanation of how the term is used and what nuance it adds to conversation.
Region: Tells you where the slang is commonly used, so you know its geographic or community spread.
Register: Notes whether the term is informal, pejorative, playful, or dated so you can judge appropriateness.
Example: A brief sentence showing natural use, so you can hear tone and see how to use it.
Source: Notes where the term was observed or when it surfaced, so you can assess how current it is.
Slang words that start with I
| Word | Part of speech | Region/Register | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ice | noun | US slang, AAVE | Diamonds, jewelry, or methamphetamine. |
| iced out | adjective | US slang, AAVE | Covered in diamonds or expensive jewelry. |
| ick | noun | Online slang, Gen Z | A sudden feeling of repulsion or disgust toward a romantic interest. |
| icky | adjective | General informal | Unpleasant, disgusting, or distasteful. |
| idjit | noun | US informal, playful | A deliberately colloquial or rustic spelling of ‘idiot’. |
| idiot box | noun | General informal, dated | A television set. |
| iffy | adjective | General informal | Doubtful, uncertain, or of questionable quality. |
| ig | noun | Online slang | Short for Instagram. |
| igg | verb | AAVE, online slang | To ignore someone. |
| i feel you | phrase | General informal | I understand and empathize with what you are saying. |
| i hear you | phrase | General informal | I understand your point of view and acknowledge it. |
| i‘m dead | phrase | Online slang, hyperbole | An exaggerated reaction to something extremely funny. |
| i‘m good | phrase | US informal | A polite way of saying “no, thank you” or “I don’t need anything”. |
| i‘m out | phrase | General informal | I am leaving now. |
| in | adjective | General informal, dated | Fashionable, popular, or trendy. |
| in cahoots | phrase | General informal | In conspiracy or partnership with someone, usually for a dishonest purpose. |
| in the bag | phrase | General informal | Certain to be won, secured, or achieved. |
| in the doghouse | phrase | General informal | In a state of disgrace or disfavour with someone. |
| in the loop | phrase | General informal | Part of a group that is kept informed about something. |
| in the zone | phrase | General informal | In a state of deep, focused concentration. |
| ink | noun | General informal | Tattoos. |
| innit | interjection | UK slang | A contraction of “isn’t it?”, used as a general tag question. |
| intro | noun | General informal | A common shortening of ‘introduction’. |
| iron | noun | US slang, AAVE | A handgun. |
| irl | adverb | Online slang | In real life. |
| ish | adjective, adverb | General informal | Approximately, somewhat, or kind of. |
| it’s a look | phrase | Fashion slang, online | A distinctive, intentional, and often fashionable style or appearance. |
| it’s a vibe | phrase | Online slang, Gen Z | It has a good, specific, or noticeable atmosphere or feeling. |
| it’s giving | phrase | Gen Z slang, AAVE | It has the essence, vibe, or characteristics of something specified. |
| ivories | noun | General informal, dated | Teeth or piano keys. |
Descriptions
ice
Popularized in hip-hop culture to describe flashy, expensive jewelry. “He spent his whole advance on new ice for his chain.” Source: Green’s Dictionary of Slang.
iced out
Describes a person or object lavishly adorned with gems. “Her watch was completely iced out for the awards show.” This term follows the slang use of ‘ice’ for diamonds.
ick
The ‘ick’ is a popular dating term for a specific turn-off that ruins attraction. “I got the ick when I saw him trip over nothing.” Popularized on social media.
icky
A common, slightly childish word for something that makes you feel gross. “This food has a really icky texture.” Attested since the 1930s.
idjit
Often used affectionately or to imitate a regional accent, less harsh than ‘idiot’. “Get over here, you old idjit!” Popularized in various media, including the show *Supernatural*.
idiot box
A term from the mid-20th century, when television was seen as a passive, mind-numbing activity. “My dad still calls the TV the idiot box.”
iffy
A useful word for when you’re not sure about something. “The weather looks a bit iffy for a picnic.” In use since the 1930s.
ig
Used conversationally as a standalone noun for the social media platform. “Did you see the photos I posted on IG?” An abbreviation that now functions as a word.
igg
A clipped form of ‘ignore’, used to describe snubbing or disregarding a person. “Don’t igg me when I’m talking to you.” Source: Green’s Dictionary of Slang.
i feel you
A common way to show solidarity and emotional understanding. “You’re tired of all the meetings? I feel you.” Used widely in conversational English.
i hear you
Similar to ‘I feel you’ but can be less emotional and more of an acknowledgement. “I hear you, but I still think we should wait.”
i‘m dead
Used to express that you’re laughing so hard, it’s as if you’ve died. “When she told that joke, I’m dead.” Popular on social media.
i‘m good
This phrase can cause confusion, as it can also mean “I am well.” “Want another drink? Nah, I’m good.”
i‘m out
A casual and abrupt way to announce one’s departure. “Alright everyone, it’s late. I’m out.”
in
Used to describe whatever is currently in style. “That style of coat is the ‘in’ thing this season.” Popular in the mid-to-late 20th century but still understood.
in cahoots
A folksy-sounding phrase for being in league with another person. “The two of them were definitely in cahoots to steal the prize.”
in the bag
An expression of confidence that a successful outcome is guaranteed. “With a 20-point lead, the championship is in the bag.”
in the doghouse
Typically used when someone has annoyed a partner, friend, or parent. “I forgot our anniversary, so I’m really in the doghouse.”
in the loop
Often used in workplace or social settings to mean being privy to information. “Make sure to keep me in the loop on this project.”
in the zone
Originating from sports, it now describes intense focus in any activity. “She was in the zone and finished the entire report in an hour.”
ink
A colloquial term for tattoo work, referring to the ink used in the process. “He’s planning on getting some new ink next month.”
innit
A hallmark of modern British English, often used at the end of a sentence for emphasis or agreement. “That was a great film, innit?”
intro
Used in many contexts, from music to essays to social situations. “The intro to that song is iconic.”
iron
A classic slang term for a firearm, often found in crime fiction and hip-hop lyrics. “The detective found the iron tucked under the mattress.” Source: OED.
irl
An acronym used to distinguish between online activities and the physical world. “We’ve been friends online for years but are finally meeting irl.”
ish
Can be appended to words (e.g., ‘five-ish’) or used alone to express ambiguity. “Are you ready? Ish.” In use since the early 20th century.
it’s a look
Used to approve of someone’s bold or well-thought-out outfit or style. “A neon green suit? It’s a look, and I love it.”
it’s a vibe
A very popular phrase to describe the general mood or aesthetic of a place or situation. “This coffee shop has great music and lighting, it’s a vibe.”
it’s giving
A versatile phrase used to describe the impression something makes. “Her outfit is giving 90s movie star.” Popularized on social media and in ballroom culture.
ivories
A classic, somewhat old-fashioned slang term for teeth. “He had a big smile, showing off all his ivories.” The phrase “tickle the ivories” means to play the piano.