Fresh

Fresh describes something as brand new or clean, often about a person's style, like a notable outfit. People, especially those among younger generations, frequently use it in casual conversations in person, in messages, and online as a compliment to a person's ability to look sharp, polished, and even ahead of the curve regarding a trend.

The term gained popularity in hip-hop culture during the 1980s and 1990s, when people often used it to describe new, clean, or well-maintained clothing, mainly urban fashion. Since then, "fresh" has also become a way to label something as "cool," although the two terms are not always interchangeable. Additionally, people may use the "brand new" meaning of "fresh" to describe music, ideas, or even experiences.

Fresh describes someone who is cocky, disrespectful, or overly bold, often in a way that challenges authority. This meaning dates back to the early to mid-20th century and was commonly used by older generations to call out younger people who were acting smart-mouthed or rude. For example, if a teenager talks back to an elder or tries to act too confident, they might be told, "Don't get fresh with me!" The term carries a sense of playful rebellion but can also imply genuine disrespect, depending on the context.

This version of fresh was especially popular in 1950s and 1960s American slang, often appearing in movies, TV shows, and everyday speech. While it's not as widely used today, older generations may still use it to call out cheeky or bold behavior.

In some cases, the term has blended with its more modern meaning of cool or brand new, but when used in phrases like "getting fresh," it still retains its original meaning of acting cocky or out of line. Therefore, it's essential to understand the context in which someone uses the term to better understand it's intended meaning.