What does "legit" mean?

1. (legal or valid) legal, official, or following the rules. 2. (genuine or real) real and honest, not a fake. 3. (impressive or high quality) very good or possessing all the qualities you expect. 4. (honestly or truly) honestly, truly, or seriously. 5. (professional theater) serious or professional theater, rather than movies or variety shows.

How do you use "legit"?

Commonly used in spoken English to verify if a business or website is safe. Often placed before a verb or adjective for emphasis.

legit

adj. · adv. · n.

US //ˈɫɛdʒɪt// UK //lədʒˈɪt// le·git

1 legal or valid (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

legal, official, or following the rules.

conforming to laws, rules, or established standards; a shortened form of legitimate.

Example

I checked their website and it looks legit, so I think it is safe to buy from them.

Example

The authorities confirmed that the charity was a legit operation, despite the initial concerns raised by the local press.

Usage

Commonly used in spoken English to verify if a business or website is safe.
- illegal
- dodgy
2 genuine or real (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

real and honest, not a fake.

authentic or genuine in nature; not counterfeit or deceptive.

Example

That is a legit autograph from the singer, not a copy.

Example

He managed to find a legit vintage leather jacket at the thrift store for only twenty dollars.
- fake
- phony

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3 impressive or high quality (adj.)
C1 Advanced Slang

very good or possessing all the qualities you expect.

possessing high quality or excellence; meeting all expectations of a particular standard.

Example

The food at that new burger place is legit.

Example

Her skills on the guitar are legit, showing years of dedicated practice and natural talent.
- excellent
- impressive
- top tier
- mediocre
- poor
4 honestly or truly (adv.)
C1 Advanced Slang

honestly, truly, or seriously.

used as an intensifier to mean 'truly' or 'honestly'; often used to emphasize a surprising fact.

Example

I legit thought the movie was over before the final scene started.

Example

He was legit worried about the exam results, even though he had studied for weeks.

Usage

Often placed before a verb or adjective for emphasis.
5 professional theater (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Informal Theatre

serious or professional theater, rather than movies or variety shows.

referring to professional stage plays with live actors, as opposed to cinema or vaudeville.

Example

She spent years working in the legit before moving to Hollywood.

Example

The actor made his name in the legit, performing Shakespearean leads before transitioning to high-budget television dramas.
- legitimate theater

Origin

Clipping of legitimate or legitimately.