Is hella formal or informal?

It is informal slang. Avoid it in formal writing, interviews, and academic work.

Can I use hella in British English?

Some people will understand it, but it sounds more American, especially West Coast.

What is the difference between hella and very?

Both show strong meaning, but hella is more casual and slang-like.

Can I say 'hella lot'?

Yes, that is a common phrase in casual speech. It means 'a lot.'

← Dictionary

hella

/ˈhɛl.ə/

IELTSAcademic

adverb

Very; extremely. It is informal slang, especially in American speech, and is common in casual conversation, music, and online writing.

That movie was hella good.
I'm hella tired today.
She is hella smart.

Adinary Nuance

Hella is close to very, really, and super, but it sounds more casual and more youthful. It is much less formal than extremely. Use it in speech or informal writing, not in exams, business emails, or academic essays.

In other languages

Vietnamese: rất
Spanish: muy
Chinese: 非常
Japanese: とても
Korean: 엄청

Etymology

Hella started as a slang intensifier in California English, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. It is often linked to a shortened form of “hell of a,” though its exact origin is not certain.

Common phrases

hella goodhella lothella cutehella fun

Synonyms

very really super extremely

Related words

slang intensifier informal cool

Frequently asked questions

Is hella formal or informal?: It is informal slang. Avoid it in formal writing, interviews, and academic work.
Can I use hella in British English?: Some people will understand it, but it sounds more American, especially West Coast.
What is the difference between hella and very?: Both show strong meaning, but hella is more casual and slang-like.
Can I say 'hella lot'?: Yes, that is a common phrase in casual speech. It means 'a lot.'