You’re walking out of the gym, hair a mess, face red, slightly dying — and your Lithuanian friend looks at you and says, 
“Tu žvėris.” 
You pause. 
Did they just… call you a beast? 

Yes. 
And that, my friend, is a compliment. 

Wait, what? 

Welcome to the world of Lithuanian slang, where being called an animal isn’t offensive, and words mean something totally different depending on the tone, timing, and who’s saying them. 

“Žvėris” literally means “beast” or “wild animal.” But in modern spoken Lithuanian, especially among younger people, it’s a way of saying: 
“You’re amazing.” 
“You crushed it.” 
“You’re a legend.” 
Depending on the context, it can also mean you’re scary-good at something. Like, too good. Unfairly good. 

So no, your friend isn’t calling you a hairy, drooling forest creature. They’re saying you’re unstoppable. You’re a beast, in the best possible way. 

How it’s actually used 

Here are a few real-life scenarios where žvėris comes out to play: 

• You finish your presentation in perfect Lithuanian: 
  “Oho, tu žvėris!” = “Wow, you crushed it!” 
  

• You carry five grocery bags up five flights of stairs: 
  “Tu rimtai žvėris.” = “You’re seriously a machine.” 
  

• You show off your cooking skills at a dorm dinner: 
  “Šitas patiekalas – žvėris.” = “This dish is wild!” (in a good way) 
  

It’s also used to describe intense situations. A wild party? A massive storm? A brutal exam? 
That’s also žvėris. 

So yes, the word is a bit of a shapeshifter. But always with high energy, intensity, and respect. 

Other expressions that don’t translate (but totally slay) 

Lithuanian slang is full of expressions that make little sense if you translate them word-for-word — but once you get the vibe, they’re irresistible. Here are a few more to toss into your language-learning backpack: 

“Ne kažką” 

Literally: not much, or not great. This one’s a go-to for anything that’s just... meh. 

It’s short. It’s blunt. It’s the perfect low-energy reply when things didn’t go your way — or just weren’t worth talking about. 

• “Kaip tau tas filmas vakar?” 
  – “Ne kažką.” = “Meh. Not great.” 
  

• “Kaip tavo pica?” 
  – “Ne kažką.” = “Meh” 

Once you pick it up, it’ll become your new favorite way to throw gentle shade. 

“Stogas nuvažiavo” 

Literally: The roof has driven off. 
Meaning: “That’s crazy,” “I’m losing my mind,” or “That’s next-level intense.” 

“Po to koncerto man visiškai stogas nuvažiavo.” = “That concert blew my mind.” 

“Ne prie ko” 

Literally: Not near anything. 
Used to describe something that’s totally irrelevant, off-topic, or just doesn’t belong. 

• Someone starts talking about homework during a party? 
  “Nu čia visai ne prie ko.” = “That’s so random right now.” 
  

“Tiesiog wow” 

This one actually translates — “Just wow.” But it’s all about how you say it. Drawn out, slightly sarcastic, or genuinely impressed — it works in a bunch of tones. 

• “Jis per vieną naktį parašė tą rašto darbą.” 
  – “Tiesiog… wow.” 
  

You’ll hear it everywhere. You’ll start saying it without even noticing. 

Why learning slang matters 

Sure, you can survive in Lithuania with textbook phrases like "Kur yra stotis?" or "Aš esu studentas." But to really connect with locals, you need to hear how people actually talk. 
That’s where slang sneaks in — it’s casual, playful, and full of personality. 

Plus, mastering even one or two local expressions makes a huge difference. People notice. They smile. They start treating you less like a tourist and more like part of the scene. 

It’s a small way to say, “I see you. I’m trying.” And trust me — Lithuanians appreciate the effort. 

Where to start? Try saying this: 

“Tu žvėris, kad skaitai šitą straipsnį!” 
(You’re a beast for reading this article!) 

Sound good? Then keep that momentum going. 

If you're already in the A2 Lithuanian course, there’s a whole section on spoken language, including how to describe people, moments, and reactions like a native. It’s where grammar meets street smarts. 

And if you're still at A1 — that’s cool too. But be warned: once you learn žvėris, you won’t stop using it. 

Final tip: Mind the tone 

Just like in English, slang depends on how well you know someone and where you are. Don’t go calling your university professor žvėris after they post your grades. Unless you really want to test their sense of humor. 

But among friends, classmates, roommates, and language buddies? 
Say it loud. Say it proud. Because if they’re awesome… they deserve to hear it. 

Have you learned even more slang in Lithuanian? Don’t be shy to share it in the comments below! 

Truly yours, 

Karolina, OLS Community Manager – Lithuanian