What does “far out” mean?
“Far out” is a laid-back, retro slang expression that basically means “cool,” “awesome,” or “that’s amazing.” It took off in US counterculture in the 1960s and 70s, especially in surfer, hippie, and psychedelic scenes. Today, it still pops up to hype something impressive or surprising, often with a playful throwback vibe.
Depending on tone, it can also mean “that’s unusual” or “that’s wild,” pointing to something that’s unconventional or unexpected. Context and delivery do the heavy lifting here: said with a grin, it’s praise; said flatly, it can lean into “that’s weird.”
Friend: We scored last-minute tickets to the show.
You: Far out!
Core meanings at a glance
- Positive hype: “That’s awesome!”
- Delighted surprise: “No way—that’s incredible.”
- Unconventional/quirky: “That’s pretty out there.”
How people use it now
While it’s retro, “far out” hasn’t vanished. You’ll see it in nostalgic captions, chill group chats, and comments when someone reveals a surprising skill, visual, or idea. It often adds a sunny, West Coast, or boho undertone to your reaction.
- As an exclamation: “Far out!”
- As a compliment: “That concept is far out—in the best way.”
- As playful surprise: “You built that in a weekend? Far out.”
- As light sarcasm (tone matters): “Oh, far out…” when something is bizarre or inconvenient.
Creator posts a kaleidoscopic edit.
Comment: Far out visuals. Subscribed.
Tone and nuance
“Far out” carries an easygoing, friendly energy. It reads nostalgic—think vinyl, vintage tees, and road trips—so it can feel more expressive than a plain “cool.” If you want to sound upbeat and a little quirky, it hits the mark. But because it’s retro, using it constantly can sound like a bit.
- Casual only: Best for DMs, group chats, captions, and voice notes.
- Nostalgic flavor: Signals a throwback, surfer, or artsy vibe.
- Delivery counts: Enthusiastic tone = praise; flat tone = “that’s odd.”
Common variations and related phrases
- “That’s far out” (statement, gentle emphasis)
- “So far out” (extra emphasis)
- “Far-out” as an adjective before a noun: “a far-out idea,” “a far-out print”
- Related cousins: “wild,” “trippy,” “out there,” “mind-blowing,” “insane” (context-sensitive)
Quick grammar tip: When used right before a noun, hyphenate it—“far-out concept.” Otherwise, keep it open: “That concept is far out.”
When not to use it
- Formal or high-stakes settings: Skip it in resumes, investor emails, medical updates, or serious news. It can come off flippant.
- When clarity matters: If your audience might not know retro slang, choose a clearer word like “great,” “impressive,” or “unusual.”
- Mocking or sensitive contexts: Don’t use “far out” to trivialize someone’s culture, beliefs, or lived experiences.
Real-world examples
- Text: “You nailed that solo—far out.”
- Group chat: “Weekend plan: desert skies + vinyl. Far out?”
- Comment: “Far out fit. The color blocking slaps.”
- DM: “You 3D-printed a guitar? Far out, send clips.”
- Caption: “New drop, same trippy palette. Far out energy only.”
Online usage tips
- Pair with emojis for tone: “Far out! 🌈✨” reads celebratory.
- Use sparingly: It lands harder as a signature flourish, not every sentence.
- Echo the vibe: Works great alongside retro visuals, psychedelic edits, or surf/skate content.
Why it’s (still) trending
Language cycles. Nostalgia waves keep reviving retro slang, and “far out” thrives where surprise meets style—music edits, fashion reels, design reveals, and maker culture. It feels personal and warm, especially when “cool” feels too generic.
Bottom line
Use “far out” when you want an upbeat, slightly throwback way to praise something impressive or delightfully offbeat. Keep it casual, read the room, and lean into the vibe. When you need crisp clarity or professional polish, swap it for straightforward language.
Style it up
Love the retro energy? Check out Wahup’s internet-culture apparel to match your slang with fits that hit the same far-out vibe.
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