If you think learning Croatian is just about mastering the grammar and vocabulary, think again. The real magic—and the real fun—is in the slang. Croatian slang is like a secret code, sprinkled with emotion, history, and just a dash of mischief. Whether you’re visiting Zagreb, hanging out in Split, or trying to impress your Croatian friends in Australia, knowing these expressions will make you sound like a local—and maybe get you a few laughs (or confused looks).
Here’s a playful guide to some of the most classic and colourful Croatian slang phrases. Buckle up!
1. Ajme!
Translation: Oh my! / Oh no!
This phrase is basically the Croatian version of “Oh my God!”, but with a dramatic twist. Bonus points if you throw your hands in the air when you say it.
2. Ma daj!
Translation: Come on! / No way!
Say it with a raised eyebrow and you’ve nailed the Croatian “I don’t believe you” vibe.
3. Fakat – Seriously, dude
Translation: Really / Seriously
Use it when: Someone tells you a story so unbelievable you just need to confirm, Fakat?!
Note: This word is so common, you might catch yourself saying it in your sleep.
4. Šteta
Translation: What a pity / Too bad
Croatian sadness condensed into one little word. Powerful stuff.
5. Brate / Sestro
Translation: Bro / Sis (literally brother / sister)
To express surprise or disbelief:
“Brate, ne mogu vjerovat!”
= Dude, I can’t believe it!
To get someone’s attention:
“Brate, aj mi pomozi.”
= Bro, give me a hand.
To complain or vent:
“Brate, ovaj ispit je bio katastrofa.”
= Man, that exam was a disaster.
Just to sound cool or dramatic
“Brate mili, šta je ovo?”
= Dear bro, what is this nonsense? (very expressive, often sarcastic)
6. Ajd’
Translation: Come on! / Let’s go!
Use it when: It’s time to leave the party or finally convince your friend to try the rakija.
Simple, versatile, and used roughly 500 times per conversation.
7. Ubi’ me
Translation: Literally Kill me — but don’t panic, it’s just an expression of disbelief or embarrassment.
Extreme drama, Croatian style.
8. Legendo!
Translation: Legend!
Use it when: Your friend brings you coffee or finally pays you back.
Guaranteed to earn you a smile or at least an eye-roll.
9. “Nema veze”
– No worries, hakuna matata, whatever
A classic Croatian phrase that basically means “It’s all good,” “Never mind,” or “Let’s pretend that didn’t happen.”
Croatians use this to deal with anything from missed buses to existential dread.
What about when Dalmatian people say “AE” – it’s pure Dalmatian magic.
What does “AE” mean?
Short answer: It can mean literally anything depending on tone, context, facial expression, and how lazy they feel that day.
Here are some possible translations of “AE”:
1. “Yes”
If someone asks:
“Oš’ ić’ na kavu?” (Wanna go for coffee?)
And you hear:
“Ae.”
They mean: “Yes, let’s go.” (Very chill yes, of course.)
2. “No”
If the tone is a bit flat or dismissive:
“Jesi obavio ono?” (Did you do that thing?)
Response:
“Ae…” (with a shrug or sigh)
That might mean: “No, I didn’t, and I don’t want to talk about it.”
3. “Okay / whatever”
When someone just doesn’t care anymore:
“Ajde, vidimo se kasnije.” (Okay, see you later.)
Response:
“Ae.”
Which here is more like: “Sure, whatever, bye.”
4. “I know, right?”
When you’re both annoyed or amazed by something:
“Ovo vrijeme je užas.” (This weather is horrible.)
“Ae.” (Ugh, tell me about it.)
5. “Hurry up!”
Sometimes yelled from a distance, like:
“Aeeee, ajde više!”
Translation: “Come on already!”
So basically:
“AE” = Dalmatian Swiss Army knife of communication.
It’s short, efficient, lazy (in the best Mediterranean way), and emotionally expressive — a perfect symbol of life on the coast.
