American slang words #.12. Vibe Check This phrase is more than just asking someone how they're feeling; it's about assessing the overall atmosphere or energy of a situation. It looks like this phrase started as one of the New York slang words but nowadays it's everywhere. This is one of the common slang words you can use whether you're entering a room or starting a conversation, a vibe check ensures you're on the same wavelength as the other English speakers around you.