I heard this slang word for the first time the other day from my grandson about a gift I gave him. The exact words were: “That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Baller.” I’m assuming this is the equivalent of ‘cool’, but I guess I’m finally an old coot (Completely Out Of Touch ).
You got it, more or less. It translates to “you’re the best.” So it would be:
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about. [Guy who is the best].”
A baller is someone who is living large or has scored some cash.
The term originated as street slang for a good ball player (usually basketball) who made it big. It eventually came to be associated with success and the ostentatious displays of wealth that followed. Both the acts of performing well and displaying the rewards of success–i.e., living the luxurious life–are referred to as ballin’. Coming from your grandson, it just meant “cool” and was targeted at the gift, not you–i.e., this gift is baller.
in my opinion, you’re only an old coot when you refuse to be interested in new slang and modern vernacular. The very fact that you came online and asked others what it meant means that you are still young at heart.
Now put baller to good use! Next time your grandson does something nice for you call him a baller.
By modern rap video standards, being a baller must not pay very well.
Baller: n. 1. One who possesses characteristics similar to a professional basketball player.
I always figured the term meant a person rich enough to do 8-balls of coke on a regular basis. Same meaning, different origin. I don’t have a cite, though.
I’ve heard it a few times said like that- I’m pretty sure he’s not referring to you as the “baller”, but the situation. Sort of like “killer”
ie, Wow, this is just what I wanted- KILLer!
Whatever happened to “bonnie wad”?
Which is a quote from this 1997 hit:
Well, I refer to his younger brother as a ‘bawler’, but it’s not because he’s baller.
Thank you! That’s the song I was trying so hard to think of when I dug up Puff Daddy.