What Does the Slang Word “Clutch” Mean?

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Examples and usage for "clutch," “coming in clutch,” and “so clutch”

Co-authored by Jenna Jean Davis and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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Clutch Slang Meanings & Uses

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Clutch Slang Origins

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Alternative Meanings

You’re chilling with a friend when they say, “Clutch.” Huh? What does that even mean? “Clutch” is a slang term that means something is great, excellent, or awesome. Keep reading to learn where this fun slang word comes from and what it can mean in any situation.

What does “clutch” mean?

“Clutch” is a slang term that describes something that's done well. In other words, it's “awesome,” “great,” or “intense.” The term is most often used to describe high-stakes situations in sports and gaming.

Section 1 of 3:

Clutch Slang Meanings & Uses

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“Clutch” describes something awesome or cool. If someone says, “That’s so clutch!” they’re saying, “That’s so cool!” It's a compliment similar to a clap on the back or a round of applause.^{[1]
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Research source} If you think something is totally epic, express your excitement or admiration with the word “clutch.” Simply say it when you’d normally say terms like “awesome,” “cool,” or “great.”
- “She got two clutch goals. Pretty iconic.”
- “I found leftover pizza #clutch”
- “This is a clutch album, bro.”
- “Travis Kelce is clutch.”
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“Clutch” refers to something that’s useful or effective. “Clutch” can be used interchangeably with words like “useful” and “great” online. If something or someone is note-worthy or efficient, excitement and astonishment can be expressed with this word or the phrase “come in clutch.” Try using “clutch” to say something is helpful or handy.
- “I can be pretty great. I’m clutch like that.”
- “My mom always comes in clutch when I’m sick. She always knows how to help.”
- “Finding money in an old bag? #clutch”
- “Dude, that last play was clutch!”
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“In clutch” can be an idiom for high-stakes situations. The phrase “in clutch” or “in the clutch” defines an intense or high-pressure scenario. More often than not, this usage is reserved for sports or video commentary.^{[2]
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Research source} Use this slang phrase to say that a moment or memory is intense, high-strung, or nerve-wracking. Think of the “clutch” as the tensest moment of a game (similarly to the climax of a movie or novel).
- “He scored a goal in the clutch.”
- “We wouldn’t have won the game without her. She knew just what to do in the clutch.”
- “The game was tied. I just had to stay calm and focus, even in the clutch.”
- “She was on the free point line in the clutch. I don’t know how she didn’t buckle under the pressure!”

Section 2 of 3:

Clutch Slang Origins

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The slang usage of “clutch” became popular in sports commentary. In sports, “clutch” is a noun that expresses excellence in intense or high-pressure moments (especially game-turning situations).^{[3]
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Research source} This usage of the slang term is believed to date all the way back to the 1920s.
- For example, look at how Bobby Brown described Johnny Mize’s career with the Yankees in 1949: “Mize was an extremely valuable guy on our team, because he was such a dangerous hitter, especially in the clutch.”^{[4]
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- Similarly, Mize said in a 1949 interview, “Don’t forget to keep saying you are going to get hit. Don’t forget when you are hitting in the clutch, not to let the situation become too big for you.”^{[5]
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The slang term exceeded sports sometime in the 1980s and became a common phrase used to describe anything excellent or successful.^{[6]
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Research source} For instance, many people would claim their favorite celebrity as “clutch” because they desire to be like them.
Video gamers started using the term as a verb to describe winning a game or tournament under pressure.^{[7]
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Research source} For example, a gamer may say, “Clutching is the best part of the game. No lie.” This usage would later evolve into the phrase “in the clutch” or “in clutch” across gaming and sport communities.

Section 3 of 3:

Other Clutch Definitions

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To “clutch” something is to hold it firmly. “Clutch” is often used as a verb in English to describe the act of taking or trying to take hold of something tightly. This usage of the word is often used in fearful or painful situations.^{[8]
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- “She clutched her brother’s hand as they rode up the roller coaster.”
- “Clutching his test to his chest, he prayed he’d pass.”
- “The woman collapsed, clutching her stomach with both hands.”
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A clutch is a small handbag. A miniature handbag you can hold in one hand is known as a clutch. These accessories can have a small strap or be strapless and are often carried to cocktail parties or semi-formal or formal events.
- “Do you have a clutch I can borrow? I need something that matches my red dress.”
- “At the Golden Globes, Jennifer Lopez rocked a form-fitting yellow dress with an elegant train and bedazzled clutch.”
- “I’m looking for a clutch that’s large enough to hold my phone but isn’t too bulky.”
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A clutch is a pedal in a vehicle with a manual transmission. The third pedal in a manual shift car is called a clutch and must be pressed to change gears.^{[9]
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Research source} Not all cars have clutches; only those that require you to shift the gears yourself (i.e. a stick shift).
- “Push down on the clutch to change gears.”
- “Take it slow and hit the clutch. Then, put the car in gear.”
- “Is there something wrong with the clutch? I can’t put the car in park.”