Definition
A distinctive feeling, atmosphere, or emotional quality that someone or something gives off; the subjective impression or mood one perceives. In contemporary slang, it's used to describe intuitive feelings about people, places, or situations without requiring explicit justification.
Example Usage
The party had great vibes—everyone was relaxed, the music was perfect, and people were genuinely enjoying themselves.
Origin
Short for 'vibrations,' popularized in 1960s counterculture and adopted into mainstream usage by the 1990s-2000s.
Fun Fact
'Vibes' became ubiquitous in Gen-Z and millennial slang, often appearing as 'vibe check' (assessing someone's emotional state or attitude).
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “Vibes” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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