Trill Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on November 14, 2024 by Isabella Claire

The reference covers the meaning and usage of the slang term “trill.” You will explore what “trill” means and see how it’s used in conversation. The reference includes examples of conversations, related terms, and synonyms to help you understand the term better.

Additionally, it looks into other meanings of “trill.” Whether you’re curious about language or just want to expand your vocabulary, this reference is a valuable resource.

Trill Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • In slang, trill is a combination of true and real, often used to describe someone or something authentic, genuine, or down-to-earth. It originated in hip-hop culture and conveys respect for people or things that keep it “real” and honest. For example, you might say, “She’s so trill; she always tells it like it is.”
What Does Trill Mean?
What Does Trill Mean? – Created by 7ESL

What Does Trill Mean?

“Trill” is slang for “true and real.” It’s often used to describe someone or something that is authentic or genuine.

When calling someone ‘trill’ you are calling them real. The meaning behind the term is, to be a down to earth type person. Being truly honest is being a ‘trill’ person. If you call someone ‘trill’ you are saying you have respect for them.

Origin of Trill

The slang term trill originated in Southern U.S. hip-hop culture, particularly in Texas, in the 1990s. It is believed to have emerged from a blend of the words true and real, reflecting authenticity and honesty. The Texas rap group UGK (Underground Kingz), consisting of Bun B and Pimp C, popularized the term in their music. UGK and other artists in the Southern hip-hop scene frequently used trill to describe people or things that stayed “true” and “real” to themselves or their roots. The word has since become more widespread, symbolizing credibility and respect in various contexts.

Usage of Trill

Here are some examples of how trill can be used in everyday language:

Describing a person’s character:

  • “She’s one of the truest friends I know, always has my back—she’s trill.”

Referring to authenticity:

  • “That artist keeps it trill; his music is straight from the heart.”

In a compliment for being genuine:

  • “You’re so trill for being honest about how you feel.”

Praising someone for loyalty or realness:

  • “He’s been trill since day one, never pretends to be someone he’s not.”

In these contexts, trill is used as an expression of respect for someone’s genuine nature or honesty.

Other Meanings of Trill

The word “trill” has other different meanings depending on the context.

  1. One meaning is a musical ornament where two adjacent notes are rapidly alternated.
  2. Another meaning is a high-pitched, quavering birdcall made by certain birds.
  3. In phonetics, “trill” refers to a consonant sound made by rapidly vibrating the tongue against the roof of the mouth, as in the Spanish “rr.”
  4. “Trill” is also the stage name of a rapper and music producer from the southern United States, known for his work with the group UGK.
  5. Lastly, “trill” can refer to a type of vibration characterized by a rapid back-and-forth motion in mechanical engineering.

Related Terms to Trill

  • Real – Used to describe someone genuine or straightforward.
  • True – Similar to trill, it means honest, loyal, or authentic.
  • Keep it 100 – Means to stay honest, genuine, and authentic.
  • No Cap – A phrase meaning no lies or exaggeration, often used to affirm honesty.
  • Legit – Short for legitimate, meaning real or authentic.
  • OG – Stands for Original Gangster, often used to refer to someone respected for being authentic and experienced.
  • Down – Used to describe someone who is loyal or truly supportive.
  • Solid – Means reliable, trustworthy, and consistent in one’s authenticity.
  • Ride or Die – Refers to someone who is loyal and supportive through thick and thin.

Synonyms of “Trill”

Trill as a slang word for “true and real.”

  1. Authentic
  2. Genuine
  3. Legit
  4. Honest
  5. Solid
  6. Sincere
  7. True-to-life
  8. Valid
  9. Bonafide
  10. Unadulterated
  11. Raw
  12. Undiluted
  13. Pure
  14. Real-deal
  15. Straightforward.

There are several other ways to say “trill” depending on the context:

  1. Vibrato: a rapid, slight variation in pitch that adds expressiveness to a musical performance.
  2. Tremolo: a rapid repetition of a single note or rapid alternation between two or more notes.
  3. Warble: a quavering or wavering sound, often produced by a bird’s song.
  4. Roll: a rapid succession of notes played on a percussion instrument, such as a snare drum or timpani.
  5. Flutter: a rapid and repeated movement or vibration, often used to describe a fast trill on a wind instrument.
  6. Shake: a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, often used in vocal music.
  7. Quaver: a rapid trill or vibrato, often used in classical music.
  8. Waver: a slight fluctuation in pitch or volume, often used to describe a tremulous or unsteady sound.

“Trill” Examples

All the ways this online slang term gets used.

Example 1

  • Guy 1: Hey how you guys been?
  • Guy 2: Good
  • Girl: Very good, no complaints.
  • Guy 2: How about you man?
  • Guy 1: Just keeping it trill.

Here we have a conversation between friends who haven’t seen each other in a while and after being asked one explains he has been keeping it ‘trill’ another way of saying ‘keeping it real’.

Example 2

  • Guy 1: This party is awesome!
  • Girl 1: I know right!
  • Girl 2: Yeah but I have work tomorrow.
  • Guy 2: Me too.
  • Girl 1: Bummer.
  • Guy 1: You sure you guys can’t stay longer?
  • Girl 2: No sorry.
  • Guy 2: Yeah I’m out, keep it trill guys.

While leaving a party a guy tells his friends to keep it ‘trill’ as a way of saying, ‘keep it real and have a nice night’.

Example 3

  • Girl: Wow look at him work.
  • Guy: Yeah I know it isn’t even his house.
  • Girl: Really? So why is he fixing the roof? She hire him?
  • Guy: He wasn’t hired, he is just helping the old lady that lives there out.
  • Girl: How awesome.
  • Guy: Yeah he is trill.

Here you have a guy and girl watching another guy work on someone’s house just to be helpful. The guy working on the house is considered to be very kind and helpful making the two watching him have respect for his character and call him ‘trill’.

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