Banger

What Does Banger Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Banger means "something great, cool, or impressive," "old car," and "sausage."

Something great, cool, or impressive

On social media and chat forums, "banger" is a slang term used to describe anything that is exceptionally good, cool, or impressive. It is most commonly used to refer to a song or piece of music that is particularly energetic, catchy, or exciting. "Banger" is often used in genres like hip-hop, EDM, pop, and rock. When someone refers to a song as a "banger," they are usually implying that it's a high-energy track that gets people excited or makes them want to dance.

Cal: What do you think of my new bag?
Al: It's a banger!

Toni: What's your favorite party song?
Jo: It's gotta be the Beastie Boys "Fight for Your Right." It's a banger!

Old Car

In British slang, "banger" can also refer to an old or dilapidated car. The term likely derives from the noise such a car might make - clanging or "banging" - due to its poor condition. Despite their age or wear, bangers can be endearing to their owners, often reflecting a sense of nostalgia or resilience.

Sam: Your car is a disgrace. Why don't you get a new one?
Lee: I don't care. It may be an old banger, but it's cheap to run.

Sausage

"Banger" is also a British term for a type of sausage traditionally made with pork meat, bread crumbs, and spices. The name "banger" originated during World War II, when sausages would sizzle and pop when being cooked, due to water and filler content, hence they were "bangers". They're a staple in the classic "bangers and mash" (sausage and mashed potato) dish.

Image for Banger

When I write Banger, I mean this:

Banger is most commonly used to refer to a great song.

Summary of Key Points for the First Definition

"Something great, cool, or impressive" is, by far, the most common meaning for Banger when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

Banger
Definition:	Something great, cool, or impressive
Type:	Word
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Second Definition

"Old Car" is another common definition for Banger.

Banger
Definition:	Old Car
Type:	Word
Guessability:	3: Guessable
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Summary of Key Points for the Third Definition

"Sausage" is yet another common definition for Banger.

Banger
Definition:	Sausage
Type:	Word
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Banger

Whether used with the meaning "something great, cool, or impressive," "old car," or "sausage," banger is a slang term. Slang is informal language that consists of words, phrases, and uses of language that are often restricted to a specific context or a particular group of users. Slang is not typically used in formal or professional settings.