legit
As an adverb before a verb, meaning genuinely or actually.
“I legit cannot” insists the inability is real.
slang term explained
Legit
Genuine, or as an adverb, actually — used to insist a claim is true.
legit
The short answer
What does Legit mean?
Legit is a clipping of legitimate. As an adjective it means genuine or worthwhile; as an adverb it works like “literally,” inserted before a claim to insist the speaker is not exaggerating.
Background
Where it comes from
The clipping is old and comes from criminal and business slang, where legitimate meant lawful. Its adverbial use — “I legit forgot” — is a more recent development and is now the more common of the two online.
In conversation
How to use it
As an adjective it vouches for something. As an adverb it does the job “literally” used to do before that word was worn out by the same treatment.
Read the spelling in context
Forms people confuse
legitimate
The full word, which stays formal and mostly legal or commercial.
A legitimate business and a legit restaurant are different registers entirely.
legitness
A rare noun form, almost always jokey.
Used for effect rather than because the noun was needed.
Realistic examples
Legit in a sentence
“The bakery is legit, go early.”
“I legit forgot the meeting existed.”
“Legit the best thing I have eaten this year.”
Tone & nuance
What it communicates
Casual and emphatic. Common enough to be near-invisible, which is why it works as a sincerity marker where a stronger word would draw attention.
Common questions
Legit FAQ
What does Legit mean?
Legit is a clipping of legitimate. As an adjective it means genuine or worthwhile; as an adverb it works like “literally,” inserted before a claim to insist the speaker is not exaggerating.
Where did Legit come from?
The clipping is old and comes from criminal and business slang, where legitimate meant lawful. Its adverbial use — “I legit forgot” — is a more recent development and is now the more common of the two online.
How do you use Legit in a sentence?
As an adjective it vouches for something. As an adverb it does the job “literally” used to do before that word was worn out by the same treatment. For example: “The bakery is legit, go early.”
Is Legit safe to use at work?
Casual and emphatic. Common enough to be near-invisible, which is why it works as a sincerity marker where a stronger word would draw attention. A slang term like this belongs in casual conversation. In support replies, documentation or anything a stranger may read later, write the plain meaning instead so nobody has to already be in on the reference.
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