Welcome to the neon-drenched, chrome-plated world of cyberpunk slang, choom. If you have ever played Cyberpunk 2077, read a William Gibson novel, or just wanted to sound like a streetwise merc from the dark future, you have come to the right place. Cyberpunk slang is a gritty, vibrant mix of tech jargon, street smarts, and a healthy dose of cynicism. It is the language of the underdogβthe edgerunners, netrunners, and solos who live on the edge of society in a world dominated by megacorporations .
Understanding this slang is essential for truly immersing yourself in the cyberpunk genre. It is not just about cool words; it is about understanding the culture, the technology, and the desperation that defines the genre . Whether you are looking to navigate the mean streets of Night City or just want to impress your friends at the next gaming session, this guide will have you speaking like a true cyberpunk in no time. So, grab your iron, slot a chip, and let’s delta into the world of cyberpunk slang!
π§ Core Vocabulary: The Absolute Essentials
π Choom/Choomba/Choombatta
Choom or Choomba is the most essential word in the cyberpunk vocabulary. It is a term of endearment and camaraderie, meaning buddy, friend, or pal . Think of it as the cyberpunk equivalent of “dude” or “bro.” You can use it to address anyone you consider an ally. For example, “How’s it going, choom?” means “How’s it going, friend?” . The word originates from neo-African-American slang and is a staple of street talk, conveying a sense of trust and solidarity . You might also hear “choombatta” used in the same way .
π» Gonk
Calling someone a gonk is a great way to start a fight. It is a derogatory term for an idiot, a fool, or someone who is clueless . If someone is making a stupid mistake, you might say, “Don’t be a gonk,” or “That gonk just walked right into a trap.” While it is primarily an insult, like many slang terms, it can sometimes be used affectionately between close friends, similar to calling someone a “dumbass” in a playful way .
π Preem
Preem is a term of high praise, meaning top-shelf, excellent, or the best of the best . It is what you say when you are impressed by someone’s skill, chrome, or gear. For example, “That’s a preem piece of iron you got there,” or “He’s a preem netrunner.” The word conveys a sense of quality and status in a world where top-tier equipment can mean the difference between life and death .
β Nova
Nova is another term for something that is great, awesome, or stellar . It is similar to saying “cool” or “dope” in modern slang . While “preem” often refers to quality, “nova” can be used more broadly to describe a situation, an event, or a person. “That party was nova!” or “You got the job? Nova!”
πͺ Eddies (EDs)
Eddies is the primary currency in the cyberpunk world, short for Eurodollars (EDs) . It is the universal coin of the realm, used to pay for everything from guns and chrome to information and a warm place to sleep. If you are getting paid for a job, you are getting paid in eddies. “This gig pays 10,000 eddies.” You might also hear it shortened to “eds” or referred to as “scratch” or “jack” .
π Flatline
To flatline means to die, or to kill someone . It is a clinical, cold term that reflects how cheap life is in the cyberpunk future. If a merc gets “flatlined,” they are dead, usually in a violent and unceremonious way. Similarly, a fixer might tell you, “If you screw this up, you’ll get flatlined.” The term comes from the literal flatlining of a heart monitor, signifying death.
π Delta
To delta means to leave, and it is almost always used in a context of urgency or danger . You delta out when the cops show up, you delta when a job goes sideways, you delta when you need to make a quick escape. It is not a casual goodbye; it is a tactical retreat. “We gotta delta, now!” The term originates from the Greek letter delta (Ξ), which represents change or a difference.
π» Tech, Chrome, and Cyberware
𧬠Chrome / Chromed
Chrome is the slang term for cyberwareβthe mechanical and electronic implants that enhance the human body . It can refer to anything from simple optical implants to full-body conversions. If someone is “chromed up” or “chromed,” it means they have a lot of cyberware, often visible, like metallic arms or glowing eyes . As one character might say, “That is some serious chrome, choom,” indicating they are impressed by the level of augmentation .
π€ ‘Borg
A ‘borg is someone who has undergone a full-body cyborg conversion, becoming more machine than human . This is the highest and most extreme level of cybernetic augmentation. Characters like Adam Smasher from Cyberpunk 2077 are prime examples of a ‘borg. It is a shortened form of “cyborg.” You might hear someone described as a “full ‘borg conversion.”
π Cyberdeck (or Deck)
A cyberdeck, or simply a “deck,” is the primary tool of a netrunner . It is a device that allows a netrunner to interface directly with the Net and hack into various systems. For a netrunner, their cyberdeck is their most prized possession, as it provides the RAM and programs needed to breach data fortresses and take control of enemy cyberware.
π§ Netrunner
A netrunner is a hacker, but a very specific kind . They are individuals who use their cyberdecks to “jack into” the Net and navigate it in a virtual space. Their job is to breach security systems, steal data, and control electronic infrastructure. They are the wizards of the digital world, and their skills are invaluable in a high-tech society. A “deckhead” is another term for a netrunner .
π©Ί Ripperdoc
A ripperdoc is a street surgeon who specializes in installing and modifying cyberware . They are often unlicensed and operate in the shadows, working on mercenaries and edgerunners who can’t afford or don’t want to go to a legitimate clinic. A good ripperdoc is invaluable, as they can “chrome you up” with the latest tech, but a bad one might leave you flatlined on the operating table. In Night City, Doc Vik is a prime example of a skilled ripperdoc.
π« Lifestyle and Culture
π Edgerunner
An edgerunner is a cyberpunk, a mercenary who lives on the edge of society . They are the outlaws, the rebels, the ones who reject the corporate-controlled world and make their own way. Edgerunners take on dangerous jobs, using their skills, chrome, and wits to survive. It is a lifestyle that embodies the core tenets of the genre: high tech, low life. To be an edgerunner is to live dangerously.
π΅οΈ Fixer
A fixer is a key figure in the shadow economy, acting as a middleman between clients and edgerunners . They have the connections to find you a job, get you supplies, or just point you in the right direction. A fixer is a source of information and opportunity, and they take a cut of the profit for their services. You don’t mess with a fixer’s reputation, or you might find yourself without any work at all.
π‘οΈ Solo
A solo is a hired gun or mercenary who specializes in combat . They are the muscle, the ones who handle the violence. A solo can be a bodyguard, an assassin, or just someone who is very, very good at killing. They are often the frontline operators on a dangerous job, using their skills and chrome to neutralize threats .
π€ Input / Output
Input and Output are slang terms for a romantic partner . In the original Cyberpunk games, “input” was a term for a girlfriend (the “taker”), and “output” was for a boyfriend (the “giver”) . However, by the time of Cyberpunk 2077, the meanings had shifted . The specific meaning can vary, but it is always a personal, intimate term for someone you’re involved with. For example, “She’s my input,” means “She’s my girlfriend.”
π Joytoy
A joytoy is a sex worker . It is a straightforward, somewhat crude term that reflects the dehumanizing nature of the cyberpunk world. Joytoys are often augmented with cyberware and can be found in various establishments catering to pleasure.
π° Screamsheet
A screamsheet is a newspaper . It is the primary source of news in the cyberpunk world, though it is often sensationalist and biased. The term plays on the idea of screaming headlines. If you want to know what is happening in the city, you check the screamsheets.
π Food, Drink, and Everyday Life
π₯« Kibble
Kibble is a mass-produced, highly processed food that is a staple of the cyberpunk diet . It is cheap and nutritious but tastes like “dried dog food” . It represents the low quality of life for the masses, where even basic sustenance is synthetic and unappealing. If you are eating kibble, you are probably not living the high life.
π§ͺ ‘Dorph
‘Dorph is short for synthetic endorphin, a designer drug that provides a rush and increases healing . It is a common combat drug used by mercenaries and boostergangs. A user might inject ‘dorph to push through pain or get an edge in a fight, but it is highly addictive and can lead to “dorphhead” junkies .
πͺ Colmado
A colmado is a term from the Dominican Republic that has found its way into cyberpunk slang (especially in Cyberpunk 2077) to mean a corner store or a local bodega . It is a place where you can pick up essentials, from snacks to ammo, and get a bit of local gossip.
π Conclusion
Learning cyberpunk slang is your key to unlocking a deeper, more authentic experience of the genre. It is more than just a collection of fun words; it is a reflection of the world’s culture, technology, and attitudes . From calling your choom for a gig to warning a gonk about a flatline, these terms are the lifeblood of the streets.
So, next time you fire up a cyberpunk game, dive into a novel, or create your own shadowrunner character, don’t be afraid to use the lingo. You will be surprised how quickly it helps you sound like a true edgerunner. Now, get out there, watch your back, and remember, in the cyberpunk world, trust is a luxury you can rarely afford.
β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
β What does “choom” mean in cyberpunk slang? π¬
“Choom” is the most essential word in cyberpunk slang, meaning “buddy,” “friend,” or “pal.” It is a term of endearment and camaraderie, similar to “dude” or “bro” in modern slang. You’ll also hear variations like “choomba” or “choombatta” .
π§ What is a “netrunner”? π₯οΈ
A netrunner is a specialized hacker who uses a cyberdeck to interface directly with the Net and navigate it in a virtual space . They are the digital wizards of the cyberpunk world, capable of breaching security systems, stealing data, and taking control of enemy cyberware and infrastructure.
π° What are “eddies”? π΅
“Eddies” is the primary currency in the cyberpunk universe, short for Eurodollars (EDs) . It is used to pay for everything from weapons and cyberware to information and services. You might also hear it referred to as “scratch” or “jack” .
π©Ί What is a “ripperdoc”? π₯
A ripperdoc is a street surgeon who specializes in installing and maintaining cyberware . They often operate in the shadows, serving mercenaries and edgerunners who don’t want to use legitimate medical facilities. A good ripperdoc is invaluable, but a bad one can be deadly .
π€ What does “gonk” mean? π΅
“Gonk” is a derogatory term for an idiot, fool, or someone who is clueless . It is used to call out someone’s stupidity or a bad decision. While primarily an insult, it can sometimes be used playfully between close friends .
π What is the difference between “preem” and “nova”? β
Both are terms of praise, but they are used slightly differently. “Preem” means top-shelf, excellent, or the best quality . “Nova” is more like “cool” or “awesome” and can be used to describe situations, events, or people . For example, “That’s a preem gun” vs. “That party was nova!”
π What does “flatline” mean? πͺ¦
“Flatline” means to die, or to kill someone . It is a cold, clinical term that reflects how cheap life is in the cyberpunk future. If a merc gets “flatlined,” it means they were killed, usually in a violent way.
π What does “delta” mean? π
“Delta” means to leave, and it is almost always used in a context of urgency or danger . You delta when the cops show up, or when a job goes sideways. It is a tactical retreat, not a casual goodbye.
Kenneth Green is a writer at Namevity who shares creative ideas for game names, team names, and unique names. He focuses on helping readers find memorable and inspiring names for their profiles, teams, and projects.
