What does legit mean?
“Legit” is an informal shortened form of “legitimate.” It describes something that is lawful, genuine, valid, or reasonable, as in “a legit reason” or “a legit concern.” In the sense of “real” or “authentic,” it is especially common in casual speech, social media, and discussion of entertainment, sports, fashion, and popular culture. The expression may sound approving but can also be used casually to confirm that someone or something seems proper or credible. Although “legit” can mean lawful, it is broader than “legal”: something may be legal without being reasonable, genuine, or acceptable, for example. The shorter form gives the formal adjective a direct, conversational tone, while “legitimate” is more suitable for academic, legal, and official writing. As a noun, “legit” is less common and refers to a person or thing considered authentic or proper.
Lawful, valid, genuine, reasonable, or otherwise regarded as proper.
"That is a legit explanation for the delay."
Informal; use “legitimate” or “valid” in formal writing.
A person or thing considered legitimate, authentic, or credible.
"After years of proving himself, he was finally recognized as a legit."
Less common than the adjective and chiefly used in informal contexts.
Informal and relatively uncommon; usually used when referring to people or organizations regarded as legitimate or authentic.
"Several of the performers had already established themselves as legit."
“Legit” is the four-letter shortcut for a famously formal word: “legitimate.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does legit come from?
“Legit” is a clipping of “legitimate,” which comes from Latin legitimus, meaning “lawful” or “valid,” and is related to lex, the Latin word for “law.” The shortened form developed as informal usage and became particularly established in conversational English. Its longer relatives include “legitimacy,” “legitimize,” and “legitimation.”
Related word forms
How legit is actually used
This is informal and conversational. It is especially common in speech and informal writing; “legitimate” or “valid” is preferred in formal and professional contexts.
Easily confused with legit
“Legal” means permitted or recognized under the law, whereas “legit” can also mean genuine, valid, or reasonable.