peak (UK)

In UK street slang, “peak” means bad, unlucky or unfortunate. “That’s peak” is like saying “that’s rough.” Confusingly, a newer, more global use means the exact opposite: “peak” as in the best, as in “this album is peak.”

What does peak mean?

There are two separate meanings, and context decides which one someone means:

• Peak = bad (UK): In London slang, if something is peak, it is unfortunate or a bit of a disaster. Missing the last train is peak. Getting a parking ticket is peak. Often you will hear “that’s long and peak” for something tedious and annoying.
• Peak = excellent (wider internet): Online, especially among younger people, “peak” means something is at its absolute best. “Peak fiction” or “this show is peak” is high praise.

How to use it

• “They cancelled the match after we got there. Peak.”
• “Lost my phone on the bus, that’s peak.”
• “The finale was actually peak, I cried.”
• “Season one is peak. Season two, not so much.”

How to tell which one it is

If the speaker sounds annoyed or sympathetic, and it is a British street-slang context, peak probably means bad. If someone is hyping a film, game, album or meme, it almost certainly means great. When in doubt, the reaction around it gives it away.

Related terms

• bare: in UK slang, lots of
• gassed: really excited
• peng: attractive or really good
• innit: “isn’t it”
• ate: did something amazingly well

See more terms like this in our British slang dictionary.