no cap

/noʊ kæp/
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A slang phrase that marks a statement as sincere, truthful, or not exaggerated.

Examples

  • He added no cap because the story sounded too wild to believe.
  • That concert was unreal, no cap.
  • I am telling you, no cap, she really won the whole thing.
  • No cap, that was the best pizza I have had all year.
  • No cap, this shortcut saved me an hour.

Similar words

for real
truthfully
seriously
legit
honestly
no lie

Meanings

Usage

Use no cap in relaxed speech, texts, captions, and social media, especially when a claim might sound exaggerated.

Common mistakes

No capped and no caps treat the fixed phrase like an ordinary verb or plural, which sounds unnatural.

Etymology

From African American English slang, where cap can mean a lie or exaggeration. The negative phrase no cap spread from hip-hop usage into wider internet and youth slang in the late 2010s.

FAQ

What does no cap mean?

No cap means that a statement is true, sincere, or not exaggerated.

Is no cap formal?

No cap is slang, so it fits casual speech, texts, captions, and social media rather than formal writing.

Where did no cap come from?

No cap comes from African American English slang, where cap can mean a lie or exaggeration, and it spread widely through hip-hop and internet culture.

Can no cap go at the start of a sentence?

Yes. No cap, this is true and this is true, no cap, are both natural casual placements.

Is no cap the same as for real?

No cap is close to for real, but it carries a newer slang tone tied to hip-hop and internet speech.

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