vibes

Everyday

1. (informal, slang) Vibes are the feelings or mood that a place, person, song or situation gives you: good vibes, bad vibes, cosy vibes. tree →
2. (slang) «Vibes» on its own or «it's a vibe» means something feels good or cool. tree →
3. (slang) «Vibing» means relaxing and enjoying the mood. tree →
4. (music) Vibes is a short name for the vibraphone, a metal xylophone-like instrument. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday young people's talk it describes atmosphere; in English lessons pupils learn that «vibes» is informal, and in formal writing they would say «atmosphere», «mood» or «impression». Phrases: «good vibes», «bad vibes», «weird vibes», «give off vibes», «it's a vibe», «vibe check».

Examples

• This café has really cosy vibes. tree →
• I got bad vibes from that dark alley, so we went another way. tree →
• Fairy lights and music? It's a vibe! tree →
• We were just vibing to music in my room. tree →
• The new teacher gives off friendly vibes. tree →
• «Vibe check: how's everyone feeling?» tree →
• In a story, write «the house felt creepy» rather than «the house had creepy vibes». tree →

Note

Informal; plural «vibes», singular «a vibe». Short for «vibrations». Trust bad vibes when you feel unsafe and tell an adult. Use «atmosphere» or «mood» in formal writing.