The word "can" has a few distinct definitions depending on how it's used.
In slang, "cans" most commonly refers to headphones or breasts. However, the exact meaning shifts depending on the phrase or context.
A "checkout girl" is an informal and somewhat dated term for a female cashier or clerk who works at a supermarket, grocery, or retail store checkout counter.
The word "can" primarily functions as a modal verb indicating ability, possibility, or permission. It is also used as a noun to describe a sealed metal container.
In slang, "can" has a few different meanings depending on how it's used:
As a modal verb, "can" primarily means ability (having the skill, power, or means to do something) or permission (being allowed to do something).
Gen Z has a vast vocabulary of slang, but one of the most popular is rizz. Derived from "charisma", it refers to someone’s charm, flirting ability, or skill in smooth-talking someone.
"Can" has several meanings depending on how it's used. It is most commonly used as a modal verb to express ability or permission, but it also functions as a noun (a container) and an informal verb (to fire or cancel).
CAN is most commonly known as the standard 3-letter abbreviation for Canada. Depending on the context, it can also stand for other official terms:
In American football, "can" is a verbal signal (or audible) used by a quarterback at the line of scrimmage to cancel the original play called in the huddle and switch to a backup play (usually a run).
The 🥵 (Hot Face) emoji primarily means feeling extremely hot, sweaty, or overheated due to high temperatures or exertion. In casual texting and slang, it is also widely used to express that someone or something is physically attractive or "sexy".
"I fw you" is a slang abbreviation for "I f*ck with you". It means the person respects you, supports you, or enjoys your company. Depending on context, it can act as a compliment on your style, a sign of a strong friendship, or subtle flirting.
A coat check girl (or hat check girl) is a female attendant who works in the coatroom of a theater, restaurant, club, or event venue. Her job is to temporarily store guests' coats, bags, or umbrellas, give the guest a numbered claim ticket, and return the correct items when the guest leaves.
Slang terms for breasts vary widely depending on the context, culture, and level of formality. These terms generally fall into a few linguistic categories:
In slang, "pulling a girl" means to successfully attract, charm, or seduce a woman into a romantic or sexual encounter. It is synonymous with "picking up" someone and is frequently used in casual or dating contexts to describe a successful interaction.
"The can" is American slang for jail or prison, originating in the late 19th or early 20th century, likely referring to the cramped, sealed nature of a cell, similar to a tin can. It is often used interchangeably with other slang terms like "the joint" or "the pokey" to mean a locked-down, container-like space.
Definition. A "can of corn" is a routine fly ball hit to an outfielder.
Whether number 69 is allowed depends entirely on the specific code of football being played:
A tomato can, or simply can, is a fighter in individual combat sports with comparatively poor or diminished skills who may be considered an easy opponent to defeat, or a "guaranteed win." Fights with tomato cans can be arranged to inflate the win total of a professional fighter.
Controller Area Network (CAN) Protocol Overview. Updated May 5, 2026.
The word can is one of the most versatile words in the English language. Depending on how it is used in a sentence, it means one of the following:
In computing, CAN primarily refers to one of two concepts depending on whether you are working with networks or hardware:
The most common formal synonym for "can" when expressing ability is "be able to".
There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun cab, one of which is labelled obsolete. See 'Meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
To replace "can also be" in a sentence, use Power Thesaurus and Merriam-Webster to find the best fit for your context. The most fitting synonyms depend on whether you are describing options, similarities, or formal relationships.