“Capping” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on January 4, 2025 by Isabella Claire

What does the slang term “capping” mean? One of the typical pastimes in this generation is to go online, to somehow relax and get revived. Chances are, you will come across some slangs that are beyond your grasp. In this article, we will discuss one of those slang terms to help you better understand.

“Capping” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Capping” is a slang term that means lying or not being truthful. It is often used in informal conversations, particularly in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and popular culture.
"Capping" MeaningPin
“Capping” Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Capping Meaning

What Does “Capping” Mean?

It is a term used if someone’s statement is not truthful, half-truth, or conceitedly assertive. Capping merely means ‘lying” or delivering false information or statement. It can also mean that someone is boasting or bragging about something.

Origin of the Slang

Contrary to common belief, the slang word is not because it can be dated back as early as the 1900s. It is a term used to provide a scornful or insulting remark on an untruthful statement. The slang developed from the root word “cap,” which means “top cover” or “upper limit.” A half-truth statement can be the same as putting a lid or cover on, for example, in a jar. It covers a little information by not presenting the complete fact to mislead the listener to form a biased or false conclusion.

We can also make use of the slang in a slightly different context. Like “cap” also means an upper limit placed on purchases that is a term commonly used, especially in the government sector. In the context “capping,” means that the statement presented is greater than it is.

Usage of this Term

1. Accusing Someone of Lying

  • “You said you ran a marathon? You’re capping!”
    (Calling someone out for exaggerating or lying.)

2. Denying a Lie

  • “I’m not capping, I really saw her at the store.”
    (Insisting that you’re telling the truth.)

3. Reacting to Something Unbelievable

  • “Bruh, that’s cap!”
    (Expressing disbelief or calling a statement false.)

4. Playfully Teasing

  • “You said you can dunk? That’s cap, bro.”
    (Jokingly doubting someone’s abilities or claims.)

5. Asserting Honesty with “No Cap”

  • “I’ve never been so excited, no cap!”
    (Emphasizing truthfulness.)

6. In Social Media or Memes

  • “This deal is too good to be true. Cap?”
    (Questioning the authenticity of a claim or situation.)

Other Meanings

The term can take on a variety of meanings depending on the context. Capping can mean that someone is lying, not entirely telling the truth, or exaggerating statements.

Related Terms to Capping

  • BS-ing – Short for “bullshitting,” meaning to lie or talk nonsense.
  • Talking smack – Speaking dishonestly or boasting.
  • Gaslighting – Manipulating someone into doubting their reality (a more serious form of deception).
  • Bluffing – Pretending to do or know something when you don’t.
  • Spinning – Twisting the truth to fit a narrative.
  • Overhyping – Making something seem more important or exciting than it actually is.

Other Ways to Say the Term

  • No Cap – Means “no lie” or “I’m serious.”
  • Lying – The straightforward term for not telling the truth.
  • Fronting – Pretending to be something you’re not.
  • Flexing – Showing off or exaggerating to impress others.
  • Faking – Acting in a way that’s not genuine.
  • Fibbing – A softer way of saying someone is lying.
  • Exaggerating – Stretching the truth or making something seem bigger than it is.

“Capping” Examples

Conversation Examples

Conversation Example 1:

  • Person 1: I just benched 300 pounds at the gym today.
  • Person 2: Capping, bro! I saw you struggling with 150 last week.

Conversation Example 2:

  • Person 1: I met a celebrity at the mall, and they asked for my autograph.
  • Person 2: Come on, Lisa, stop capping. You always make up stories like this.

Sentence Examples

  • Stop capping, we all know you didn’t actually finish the project on time.
  • She said she owns a mansion, but I think she’s capping.
  • If you’re capping about those concert tickets, I’m going to be so mad.
  • He’s always capping about how much money he makes—it’s getting old.
  • You said you could run faster than me? Bro, you’re capping.
  • I wasn’t capping when I told you I saw a celebrity at the coffee shop!
  • Everyone knew he was capping when he claimed he could dunk a basketball.
Latest posts by Isabella Claire (see all)