This list includes 15 Slang words that start with Q that start with Q, from “quack” to “quisling”. Many entries are colloquial or regionally marked, useful for writers, learners, and content creators.

Slang words that start with Q are informal terms beginning with the letter Q, often playful, pejorative, or niche. For example, “quack” long labeled fraudulent doctors and has broad cultural recognition.

Below you’ll find the table with Word, Meaning, Region, Register, Example, and Notes.

Word: The slang term itself, shown so you can quickly spot the exact form and spelling.

Meaning: A concise definition that tells you how the term is used in everyday speech.

Region: Indicates where the slang is commonly used so you can judge local relevance and tone.

Register: Shows formality and connotation so you know whether to use the term in speech or writing.

Example: A short sentence demonstrating natural usage, helping you see context and quick applicability.

Notes: Brief background, age, or variant information, giving extra context without lengthy explanation.

Slang words that start with Q

WordMeaningRegionRegister
queerNon-heterosexual; also odd or nonnormative; reclaimed slurGlobalReclaimed/pejorative
queenAffectionate/pejorative term for flamboyant or dominant personGlobalInformal/affectionate/pejorative
quidOne British pound (slang for currency)UKInformal
quids inFinancially ahead or profitingUKInformal/idiomatic
quickieA brief sexual encounter; something done quicklyGlobalInformal/vulgar
quarantiniNovelty cocktail made/consumed during quarantineGlobalPlayful/neologism
quiet quittingDoing only assigned work; no extra effort at jobGlobal (esp. US)Informal/trending
quiet firingEmployer strategy of sidelining workers to prompt exitGlobalInformal/trending/pejorative
quiffA raised front section of hair; stylish hairdoUK/AUSInformal/style term
quackFraudulent doctor or charlatan; bogus expertGlobalPejorative/informal
queerbaitingMedia tactic implying queer romance without confirmationGlobalCritical/media slang
quareVery odd; Hiberno-English variant of “queer/very”Ireland (Hiberno-English)Dialectal/colloquial
quadQuadrangle (campus area) or quadriceps muscle (gym slang)US/GlobalInformal/collegiate/gym
quidsPlural of quid; informal money referenceUKInformal
quislingTraitor or collaborator; pejorative political insultGlobalPejorative/historical

Descriptions

queer
Historically a slur, now reclaimed by many LGBTQ+ people; can be an identity word or insult depending on context. Example: “They identify as queer.”
queen
Used in gay/drag culture and pop slang for admired or exaggeratedly dramatic people. Example: “Werk, queen!” or “He’s such a queen.”
quid
Common UK slang for GBP. Example: “That costs ten quid.”
quids in
Idiom meaning to be in profit or to benefit financially. Example: “Sell now and you’re quids in.”
quickie
Casual slang for a short sexual encounter or rapid task. Example: “We had a quickie.” / “Just a quickie meeting.”
quarantini
COVID-era playful portmanteau for a quarantine cocktail. Example: “Mix a quarantini and relax.”
quiet quitting
Workplace slang for disengaging by doing bare minimum, trending on social media. Example: “Quiet quitting is all over LinkedIn.”
quiet firing
Employer practice where responsibilities are reduced to encourage employees to leave. Example: “They accused HR of quiet firing.”
quiff
Informal term for a pompadour-like hairstyle, common in UK/AUS. Example: “He slicked back his quiff.”
quack
Pejorative slang for someone pretending to have medical or professional expertise. Example: “Don’t trust that quack.”
queerbaiting
Criticism in fandom/media studies: hinting at queer content to attract viewers without actual representation. Example: “Fans called the show out for queerbaiting.”
quare
Irish dialectal slang meaning “very” or “strange”; common in some regional speech. Example: “He’s a quare fellow.”
quad
Campus slang for central lawn or gym slang for thigh muscles. Example: “Meet at the quad.” / “My quads are killing me.”
quids
Common plural usage referring to multiple pounds. Example: “I lost a few quids.”
quisling
From Vidkun Quisling; used informally as harsh insult for collaborators or traitors. Example: “They called him a quisling.”
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