“No cap” is one of the more common slang terms thrown around by Gen Z, so it’s no surprise that you’ve heard of it. But if you don’t know what it means yet, you’ve come to just the place…
In this article, we’ll cover what it means and how the phrase originated. Then we’ll cover how you can use the phrase through the use of a few handy examples. Let’s get straight to it.
What does the slang term “no cap“ mean?
Simply put, the slang term “no cap“ just means “no lie” or “no kidding”. It’s just a way of expressing that you’re telling the truth and are not joking around. It’s a particularly handy phrase for people who like to joke around a lot, or deliberately wind people up, so you know when they’re actually telling you the truth and not exaggerating.
What’s the origin of the slang term “no cap”?
While the precise origin of the term “no cap” is not known, we do know how it was popularised. The term comes from hip hop culture and the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) in the United States.
The phrase “No cap” is derived from the slang term “capping,” which means lying or exaggerating, which is a slang word that has been around since the early 1900s. The opposite of capping is “No cap,” and it indicates that someone isn’t lying or exaggerating.
How the phrase “no cap” was popularised
The term “No Cap” was first popularized by the American rapper Lil Baby in his 2018 song titled “No Cap.” It really gained traction and by the year 2020 the phrase was everywhere on social media, partly in thanks to its use by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Cardi B.
How you can use the phrase “no cap” featuring examples
Here are some examples of the slang “no cap” being used in different contexts for better understanding:
- I didn’t leave the office until 9pm last night. No cap.
- I had to pull an all nighter to get that essay in on time. No cap.
- Pizza Express has the best pizza in the UK. No cap.
- Nandos has the best chicken anywhere. No cap man.
- Are you serious? No cap?
Similar and synonymous words and phrases
There are several words and phrases that can often be used in place of “no cap”. Here are some examples:
- No kidding
- No word of a lie
- Truth
- I’m telling the truth
- I’’m telling you straight
- For real
- I swear
- No joke
- I’m not even exaggerating
- No word of a lie
- Honestly
- Honest to God
Final word
So, to summarise the slang term “no cap” just means “no lie” or “no kidding”. The term comes from hip hop culture and was popularised first through Lil Baby in his 2018 song titled “No Cap.”
If you’re concerned the people you’re talking with might not know what you mean by “no cap” then there are many similar and synonymous words that can be used in its place.
