Skip to main content
An abbreviation of 'radical'--a term made popular by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Still primarily used by people on the West Coast who find words like 'cool', 'awesome', and 'tight' to be tired and overused; 'rad' is generally considered to be a much higher praise than the aforementioned superlatives. Also used as a general expression of awe.
"Those are some rad shoes."
"Oh, RAD."
Rad by Prettykitty July 26, 2003
Related Words
Rad Radiohead Radical radio Radish RADAR radhika radu radtastic radge
really cool, but in a more subtle way. as opposed to extreme or awesome. one of the highest compliments you can give someone. being rad is like being cool without having to work for it. it's like a natural coolness.
she seems quiet at frist, but she's actually pretty rad when you get to know her.

these pro skaters have it all wrong, it should be less extreme and more rad, like it was back in the day.
rad by electric jim August 15, 2004
Abbreviation of 'radical', used to imply something different and interesting (i.e. a break from what is boring and ordinary).
'Fancy a pizza with 10 toppings?'
'That's rad, man!'
Rad by Flaze3 May 19, 2009
Something that is really "cool", abreviation for the word radical.
Dang your outfits very rad today.
rad by 92rediculous January 21, 2017
It is rare to use. It's a cool slang word from the 1970s/80s. It means "awesome", "exceptional", "cool". It's something American surfers or skateboarders would say.
Rad by Thomas said January 29, 2020
awesome; cool usually surfer slang
surfer guy just nailed a wave

"dude that wave was so rad!"
rad by big booty. June 1, 2006