define lit
Daniel Johnston
Updated on May 30, 2026
Lit has been used as slang for over a century, but it used to be slang for “drunk.” Now, “lit” has taken on a new slang meaning describing something that is “exciting or excellent.” Update: This meaning was added in January 2021.
Is it lit or lit?
Light’ Has Two Past Tense Forms: ‘Lit’ and ‘Lighted’ Both words are correct. Light is one of those rare English words that has two acceptable past-tense forms.
Is Lit still cool?
Still, as the term changed in meaning to indicate that something is exciting, fresh or worthwhile, as when used in a phrase like “Come on down to the party, it’s lit!” usage propelled the term up our list in 2017 to first place where it remained for three solid years until early 2019.
Who started saying lit?
One of its earliest uses was on Nas “The Message” in 1996. While “lit” mentions in hip-hop remained relatively low in the early 2000s, it started spiking in the 2010s, with rappers like A$AP Rocky and especially Travis Scott peppering the term into many of their songs.
What does it mean to be lit up?
lit up (comparative more lit up, superlative most lit up) illuminated. (slang) exhilarated, excited; showing signs of emotion quotations ▼ (slang) Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, intoxicated, buzzed.
What is light as a verb?
Definition of light (Entry 3 of 6) intransitive verb. 1 : to become light : brighten —usually used with up her face lit up. 2 : to take fire. 3 : to ignite something (such as a cigarette) —often used with up.
Do you lite or light a fire?
Always use lite. Language is changing, and lite is the new, more phonetic way to spell light. Choose either spelling, so long as you are consistent—they’re interchangeable forms of the same word.
Does lit mean angry?
I was lit!” This means that I was very angry in that particular situation. Since there are at least three current meanings to the term, most people avoid it by saying similar things. They may feel that a word like lit is too vague because it carries more than one meaning.
Why does Lit mean good?
It first meant “intoxicated,” perhaps because one’s appearance or behavior was perceived as lit (or “lighted up”) when they were under the influence. By 1999, the term was evolving to mean “excellent” (cf., hot or cool).
Does lit mean legit?
Lit. A word that is short for legit.
What is the new word for lit?
Lit remains popular, while replaced as #1r by Yeet and (probably temporarily) by “Ok Boomer.” A brand new term on this years’ list “Fire” which means something really good/amazing/hot might further degrade “Lit” which has a somewhat similar meaning.
What does light up the night mean?
To brighten or illuminate something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between “light” and “up.” Fireworks are lighting up the night sky.
What does lit a candle mean?
Lighting a candle for someone indicates one’s intention to say a prayer for another person and the candle symbolizes that prayer.