Has this ever happened to you?

Your friend asks: "Hey, what's up?"

You answer: "Um, the sky?"

A friend asked how things were going, but how could you guess?

This is real life colloquial language. It is called English slang.

A language that is not taught in ESL classes.

AWESOME

Awesome(adjective) is a popular slang word in English around the world. You will hear it from any person, from a young man to an old man. When to use the word awesome express surprise or admiration. It can be used in a sentence, or as a one-word answer.

Example 1:

• « What did you think of Wolf on Wall Street? What did you think of The Wolf on Wall Street? »
• "It was awesome! I loved it! » (He thinks it's a great movie).

Example 2:

• « I’ll pick you up at 1 pm, okay? I'll pick you up at one o'clock, okay? »
• « Awesome.» (Here the answer shows that you liked the idea and agreed).

Example 3:

• "My friend Dave is an awesome single guy. You guys would be perfect for each other! My friend Dave wonderful bachelor. You would be perfect for each other! »
• “Really? I'd love to meet him. Indeed? I'd like to meet him. »

COOL

Cool(adjective) - like awesome means “wonderful/cool” or “fantastic.” The word also shows that you agreed with the proposal. But it should be remembered that the traditional meaning of the word cool- cool. You need to put it in context to understand what it's all about.

Example 1:

• « How's the weather in Canada these days? What's the weather like in Canada these days? »
• "It's getting cooler. Winter's coming!(Here in the literal meaning that it got colder).

Example 2:

• « What did you think of my new boyfriend? What do you think of my new friend? »
• « I liked him. He seemed like a cool guy!» (He looks handsome).

Example 3:

• « I’m throwing a party next week for my birthday. Do you want to come? I'm throwing a party for my birthday next week. Will you come to congratulate me? »
• « Cool! Sure, I'd love to!»

To be beat

To be beat(adjective). In normal context beat means "to win": Manchester United beat Liverpool (about football teams); or “to beat”: Marko, stop beating your brother. But in slang or spoken English the meaning is completely different. If you hear a friend say “I’m beat“ means very tired or exhausted.

Example 1:

• « Do you want to go out tonight? There’s a cool new rock bar that’s just opened! Do you want to take a walk in the evening? A new one has opened cool rock bar. »
• « Sorry, I can't. I'm beat and I have to wake up early tomorrow. Sorry, I can not. I'm tired and have to get up early tomorrow morning ».

Example 2:

• "Y ou look beat, what have you been doing? You look tired, What did you do? »
• « I’ve been helping my dad in the yard all morning. I helped my dad with housework the whole morning ».

To hang out

To hang out(verb). If they ask where you usually hang out ( where you usually relax), then they want to know where you prefer to spend your free time. And if friends ask, do you want to hang out with us?, this means whether you are free and want to spend time together. When you ask your comrades what they are doing, and they answer - hanging out, which means they are free and not doing anything special.

Example 1:

• « Hey, it's great to see you again. Hey, I'm glad to see you again ».
• « And you. We must hang out sometime. Me too. We have to relax somehow ».
• "I would love that. I'll call you soon. It will be wonderful. I will call you ».

Example 2:

• « Paulo, where do you usually hang out on a Friday night? Paul where you love spend time on Friday evenings? »
• « If I’m not working, usually at the diner across the road from school. If you've already finished work, usually at the diner across from the school ».
• « Cool, I’ve been there a few times. Cool , I've been there several times ».

Example 3:

• « Hi Simon, what are you doing? Hi Simon, what are you doing? »
• « Nothing much, just hanging out with Sally. Nothing special, just chilling with Sally ». The only word you can use here is hanging, without out, and talk : « Nothing much, just hanging with Sally.».

But if the expression is used as a noun, it refers to the place where you spend your free time.

Example 4:

• « Joey, where are you guys? Joe, where are you guys? »
• « We're at our usual hang out. Come down whenever you want! We are in our usual place. Come whenever you want! » (This could mean at their favorite cafe, at the gym, or even at the park).

To chill out

To chill out(verb). Everyone likes it to chill out, which means just relax. As a rule, it is combined with “out”, but can be used without it. If you talk to English speakers, they will definitely understand.

Example 1:

• « Hey Tommy, what are you guys doing? Hey Tommy, what are you guys doing? »
• « We're just chilling (out). Do you want to come round? Just let's relax. Do you want to come? »

Example 2:

• « Sue, what did you do in the weekend? Sue, what did you do this weekend? »
• « Nothing much. We just chilled (out). Nothing special. Just relaxing ».

But if they say you need to chill out, this is bad. They think you are overreacting or worrying about small things.

Example 3:

• « I can’t believe that test we just had. I'm sure I'm going to fail. I can't believe we passed the exam. I was sure I wouldn't give in ».
• « You need to chill out and stop thinking too much. I'm sure you'll be fine. You need calm down, and stop thinking too much. I hope you feel better ».

Wheels

Wheelswheels(noun). We know that there are many objects in the world with wheels: wheels available in a car, motorcycle, bicycle, and even a wheelbarrow. But when someone talks about their wheels, it means they are talking about their car.

Example 1:

• « Hey, can you pick me up at 3? Hey, can you pick me up at 3 o'clock? »
• « Sorry, I can't. I don't have mine wheels at the moment? Sorry, I can not. I'm not on the wave »
• « Why? Why? »
• « I had to take it down to the garage, there’s something wrong with the engine! I had to leave it in the garage because the engine broke down. ».

Example 2:

• « Nice wheels! Great car! »
• « Thanks, it was a birthday present from my dad! Thank you, this was my dad's birthday present! »

To be amped

To be amped(adjective). If you are amped about something, it means you are very excited, or you can’t wait for some event.

Example 1:

• « I can't wait to see Beyonce live! I can’t wait to see Beyoncé perform live!”
• « Me too, I'm amped. Me too. I can't wait anymore ».

It can also mean that you have made up your mind and want something to happen. In this meaning you can replace amped to "pumped". In other words, you are full of adrenaline!

Example 2:

• « I'm so amped for the game tonight! I'm so looking forward to tonight's game! »
• « Yeah, I’m sure you are! You guys need to beat the Sox. Yes, I'm sure of it! You guys need to beat the Sox. ».

Babe

Babe(noun). If you call someone babe, so you think he's attractive. But be careful, you can only use this word when talking to a third party. You can’t directly say that to someone you think babe. Otherwise the person may be offended.

Example 1:

• « What do you think of James’ new girlfriend? What do you think of James' new girlfriend? »
• « Total babe! And you? Very attractive! And you? »
• « Agreed! Agree! »

Example 2:

• « Oh man, Justin Timberlake is such a babe, don't you think? Is Justin Timberlake as attractive as you think? »
• « Not really, he looks like a little boy. I prefer Jonny Depp – now that’s a real man! It's not true, he looks like a little boy. I prefer Johnny Depp - he's a real man! »

Busted

Busted(adjective or verb). If you bust someone was caught doing or saying something inappropriate, or hiding something. The police bust people every day - translated as they catch all the bad guys and fine them or put them in jail.

Example 1:

• « Did you hear that Sam got busted speeding? Did you hear that Sam got caught for speeding? »
• « No, but I’m not surprised. I’m always telling him he needs to drive slower! No, but I'm not surprised. I always told him to drive slower ».

Example 2:

• « There were two kids who were busted cheating in their exams! Two students caught cheating on exams! »
• « Really? What happened? Indeed? What's happened? »
• « I’m not sure, but they’ll definitely be punished. Our school takes cheating really seriously. I don’t know the details, but they were definitely punished. Our school takes cheat sheets really seriously. ».

To have a blast

To have a blast(verb). Common meaning of the word blast stands for big bang, and phrases with it are often seen or heard in the news. For example: Two men have been seriously injured and taken to hospital from a suspected bomb blast — two people were seriously injured and taken to hospital due to a possible bomb explosion. But if the word is used among your friends, it is much more positive and means things are going great or you had a good time and had fun.

Example 1:

• « How was the Jack Johnson concert? How was the Jack Johnson concert? »
• "It was awesome. Everyone had a blast. He was wonderful. Everyone was impressed ».
• « Even John? Even John? »
• « Yeah even John. He was even dancing! Yes, even John. He even danced! »
• « Wow, it must've been good! Wow, that must have been good! »

Example 2:

• « Thanks for inviting me to your party last night, I had a blast. Thanks for inviting me to the party last night. I was happy ».
• « Thanks for coming and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming, I'm glad you liked it ».

To have a crush

To have a crush(on someone) (verb). This is a great feeling, and it means that you are passionate about someone, you like him more than just a friend. And if someone has a crush on you, it's the same thing - he likes you in a more intimate way than friends like.

Example 1:

• « I have the biggest crush on Simon. He's so cute! I like it so Simon. He is so cute! »
• « Isn’t he dating Jenny Parkes? Isn't he dating Jenny Parks? »
• « No, not anymore, apparently they broke up a few weeks ago! Not anymore, they apparently broke up weeks ago! »
• « Cool!»

Instead of saying have a crush, you can just say crushing on- it means the same thing, but is usually used among young people and teenagers.

Example 2:

• « Oooh, you're so crushing on Michael right now! Oh, you really like Michael now! »
• « I am not! We're just friends! No! We're just friends! »
• « Liar! I can tell you like him. You're lying! I can tell you like him ».
• « Is it that obvious? Is it really that noticeable? »

To dump somebody

To dump somebody(verb). If you dump someone, they clearly intend to break the person’s heart. If dump your boyfriend or girlfriend, then ended the romantic relationship. And if you dumped, it means that they no longer want to meet with you - don’t worry, there are still many good people in the world! (And many singles want to date.)

Example 1:

• « What's wrong with Amy? She’s been walking around the campus all day looking sad and like she’s going to start crying anymore. What's wrong with Ami? She wandered around the yard all day sad, and it seemed like she was going to cry. ».
• « Didn't you hear? Alex dumped her last night! Just don’t mention his name at all! Do not you know? Alex asked her last night! Just don’t mention his name in front of her! »
• « Wow, I'm surprised. They always looked so happy together! Wow, I'm surprised. They seemed happy together! »

Example 2:

• « Landon looks so mad! What happened? Landon looks crazy! What's happened? »
• « He and Samantha broke up. He and Samantha broke up ».
• « Oh no, who dumped who? Oh no, and who abandoned whom? »
• "I 'm not sure, but I have a feeling it was Sam! I'm not sure, but I feel like it was Sam! ».

Ex

Ex(noun). Typically, if you hear friends mention their ex, it’s about “ex” boyfriends and girlfriends you stopped dating. But if the word is used with another noun, for example “boss”: ex-boss means former boss.

I met my ex-boss in the supermarket the other day and he asked me to come back and work for him. I’m not going to now I’ve found this awesome new job

I met my ex-boss at the supermarket yesterday and he asked me to come back and work for him again. But I won’t because I’ve already found a great new job.

Example 1:

Geek

Youth English slang is a funny thing.

Geek(noun) is another expression. Depending on the interlocutor, the word will look beautiful or ugly. If you call a person geek, this is a critical, negative characteristic. This means that he studies too much or sits at the computer and communicates little. But if you call an old friend geek, this is a much nicer joke.

Example 1:

• « What do you think of the new girl Amanda? What do you think of the new girl in our group, Amanda? »
• « Not much, she seems like a geek. She spends all her time in the library! She doesn't look much like nerdy. He always sits in the library! »
• « Maybe because she feels lonely. She’s new!” Maybe because she feels lonely. She's new !» (Negative meaning.)

Example 2:

• « Let's go Ted's house party tonight! Everyone's going to be there! Let's go to a party at Ted's house tonight! Everyone will gather there!”
• "I wish I could, but I have to study for my finals! I think I can, but I need to train in preparation for the final match!”
• « Ah, man, you’re such a geek! Eh, friend, you’re a bore!”
• « I know. But if I don’t pass Coach Jones is going to kick me off the team! Right. But if I refuse, the coach will kick me off the basketball team!”

(A joke, and a good playful meaning).

To be hooked

To be hooked on something (verb). If you hooked on something or just hooked, it means you’re passionate, you can’t get enough. You can be hooked on chocolate, basketball, a popular TV program, or dangerous things, for example smoking (which, by the way, is not at all cool!).

Example 1:

• « What did you think about the new sitcom with James Franco? What do you think about another series with James Franco? »
• « Loved it. I'm hooked already! I love this actor. I'm already hooked! »

Example 2:

• « I miss George! I lost George! »
• « George's your ex. You're hooked on him and it’s not healthy. It's time to move on! George is your ex. You crazy on it, which is unhealthy. We must move forward! »

The next word from English slang is looker

Looker(noun). If they say that you looker, you should definitely be happy - they give you a worthy compliment and tell you that you look great.

They probably won't tell you this personally, but you can learn about it from other people.

Example 1:

• « That Marni girl is a real looker don't you think? This girl Marnie really cool, How do you think? »
• « She’s a nice girl but not my type! She's a beautiful girl, but I personally don't like her! »

Example 2:

• « Have you seen the new history professor yet? Have you seen the new history teacher yet? »
• « No, but I hear he’s a real looker! No, but I heard he really super!»
• "Y ou hear right. No! This is true! »

To be in

To be in(adjective). You're probably familiar in as a preposition "in". This is one of the first words you learned in language lessons. For example, he boy’s in the house, my pencil is in my pencil case — boy in the house, pencil in pencil case. But the word can be used in a completely different, slang meaning - it means to be fashionable or branded. Things, which in now they may not in a month later - because fashion changes quickly!

Example 1:

• « Jordan, why do you keep listening to that music? It's awful! Jordan, why do you keep listening to this music? She's disgusting! »
• « Mom, you don’t know anything. It's the in thing now! Mom, you don't know what's going on. This music in fashion Now! »

Example 2:

• « So, what's in at the moment? So what is trending now?»
• « Seriously Dad? Seriously, dad? »
• « Yeah, come on I wanna know what’s cool and what’s not! Yes, tell me, I want to know what’s cool and what’s not! ».

To be sick

To be sick(adjective). Coughing and sneezing... sick not as a clinic patient. If a friend said it was a holiday sick, that was for real cool, awesome, or simply the best. Then the word approaches in meaning to awesome. But you'll probably only hear such English slang from youngsters, or vacationers on the ocean in California!

Example 1:

• « When are you going to Hawaii? When are you going to Hawaii? »
• « Next week! Have you been? A week later! Have you been to the Hawaiian Islands? »
• "Y eah, a few times, it’s sick! Yes, several times, it's wonderful there! »

Example 2:

• « You missed a sick party last night! You missed it great party last night! »
• « Oh, man, I knew I should have gone! Eh, I had to leave! »

Epic fail

Epicfail(noun). Word epic means “huge”, and you are already familiar with the meaning fail. Combine a couple of words and you get “a huge flaw”, “a complete miss” or “a complete disaster”. The expression is used when something does not work out as expected and emphasizes the importance of a failed outcome.

Example 1:

• « The school basketball team lost the game by 30 points, can you believe it? The school basketball team lost by 40 points, can you believe it? »
• « Yeah, epic fail! Yes, complete failure!»

Example 2:

• « Did you get your test marks back? Have you received your exam results?
• « Yeah, it was an epic fail and I have to redo the classes again next semester! Yes, complete failure, and I had to go through the whole semester all over again! »
• « Oh too bad, I’m sorry! Too bad, I'm sorry! »

To be ripped is another slang expression.

To be ripped(adjective). In normal everyday English ripped means "torn". You can rip your jeans or a piece of paper, but the meaning is different in the jargon. If a man is ripped(usually this is said about men or boys, although not necessarily), this means he has big muscles and strong bodies. Probably because he works out in the gym, or he is a professional athlete.

Example 1:

• « Dude, you're so ripped! What's your secret? Dude, yes you are jock! How did you do it? »
• « Gym two hours a day! Gym for two hours every day! »

Example 2:

• « Have you seen Martin lately? Have you seen Martin? »
• « No, why? No, what? »
• « He’s done something to himself! Not totally ripped! He did something to himself. He perfectly pumped!»
• « What? No way! He used to be so overweight! Incredible! He was always fat! ».

Dunno

Dunno(verb). Simply dunno means "I don't know." This way you can respond faster, with less effort. This expression is common among young people. But be careful and think about who you can say this to. If you tell your boss or a senior person, it will be rude. To be sure, speak only to people your own age or younger, sometimes to subordinates.

Example 1:

« Where's Jane? She's supposed to be here by now. Where's Jane? She was going to be here now ».

« Dunno, she's always late! Don't know, she's always late! »

Example 2:

« What are you doing for Spring Break? What do you think about spring break? »

« Dunno, I was thinking Mexico again. You? Don't know, I was planning to visit Mexico again. And you? »

« Dunno yet! I don't know yet »

Loser

Loser(noun). There are winners and losers in a game, but if your friend is talking about someone loser, he was not defeated in a card game or in a sports competition. He or she is simply not loved for his or her actions and behavior.

Example 1:

• « Ray is such a loser for breaking up with Rebecca. Ray Jonah because of the breakup with Rebecca ».
• « Yeah, I know, he’s never going to find a girl as good as her! Yes, I know, he will never meet such a cool girl like her again! »

Example 2:

• « Victor's turning into a real loser these days. Victor has become a real loser ».
• « Why? Why? »
• « I dunno but he’s turned really arrogant since he’s gone to college! I don't know, but he's been really defiant since he started studying! »

Rip off

Rip off(noun). To be ripped off(verb). If you come across a regular T-shirt that costs $80, you'll be shocked, right? Such a T-shirt - rip off, which means too expensive. And if the person you rips off means he is deceiving and asking for more money than you should pay. For example, tourists often ripped off from the locals, because they want to make money, and visitors are not aware of local prices.

Example 1:

• « I’m not going to the J-Lo concert anymore. I won't go to his concerts anymore ».
• « Why not? Why? »
• « The tickets are way too expensive. They're $250 each. Tickets are too expensive. They're $250 ».
• « Oooh, that's such a rip off! Who can afford that these days? Oh this is it divorce! Who can stand it? »

Example 2:

• « How much did you buy your wheels for bro? How much did you buy for car for your brother? »
• “$2000!”
• « Dude, you were so ripped off. This car’s worth only half of that! Dude, you got scammed. This car is only half price! »

Results

So, you have become familiar with the American slang (English slang)- a few of the most common phrases that you will probably hear from your English-speaking friends. But be careful where and when to use them. Slang is used mainly among friends and acquaintances (in the family too). It would be a shame if you weren't hired for a job because of your interview slang. will happen epic fail!

Learning slang and other random phrases in English can be very difficult at first. This is a universal problem. Books and formal training courses may not be helpful. So, why not learn from Bart Simpson and other funny characters?

Sometimes American slang words don't make sense in your native language. This is why it is important to know how words are used.

This article is an adaptation of material from the resource - www.fluentu.com

» 20 Essential American Slang Words for English Learners

Our topic today is somewhat frivolous; there will be no rules or tedious tables in it. Let's talk about that special form of language or profanity called slang. In any language there are terms that are not in textbooks, decent books and films.

It has been proven that jargon has existed and exists at any time, is constantly changing and is closely related to the social or age group where it is used. This is most often a youth language, since it is young people who isolate themselves from the world of adults and create their own world, with their own laws and even language. But very quickly such words break out beyond the youth group and become ubiquitous.

Our task today is to understand the peculiarities of the modern English language and whether we need to know youth slang at all, isn’t it enough just to know grammar and spoken language? We do not recommend bragging about your knowledge of these words to strangers, you may be misunderstood

Slang is not fashion, but a product of life

If so many studies on youth slang and dictionaries have been published today, does that mean someone still needs it? Or maybe, if it is necessary, then only for young people?

Judge for yourself: you move among young people, for example, you teach English at school. But there is no understanding between you and the students, everything is limited to questions and answers, your irritability and the ridicule of the schoolchildren. Maybe they won’t stick a piece of paper with an offensive inscription to your back or put buttons on your chair, but you still periodically hear incomprehensible words thrown after you, and sometimes even chuckles, right? And this makes you even more angry, fills you with suspicion and misanthropy.

Well, what if, instead of taking offense, you suddenly one day inserted some slang word into a dialogue with a student, or simply reacted correctly to their “Albanian”, making it clear that you know it? Can you imagine how quiet it would be in the classroom and how the schoolchildren would respect you? This does not mean that you will allow familiarity and will continue to pour out these words, forgetting about the subject (what kind of teacher are you then?) But students will definitely stop considering you an “old galosh.”

Historical reference:

As you know, even A. S. Pushkin used slang, and in comparison with him, any “English” slang will seem like baby talk.

N. G. Pomyalovsky, in the book “Essays on the Bursa,” spoke about the use of slang... in the theological seminary of St. Petersburg in the century before last. Here are the words used by future clergy:

• bursa - seminary
• fund - treat
• fiducia - enterprise
• kulya - comrade
• shram kulya is a good friend

Of course, today such words are deeply archaic.

Youth slang is constantly changing and is closely related to the history and cultural characteristics of the country. It often arises where there is a youth protest movement against something.

The main sources of our youth slang

The main language sources of American slang: American slang

• immigrants
• beatniks, tramps, hippies
• drug addicts, criminal world
• army, navy
• business
• students, schoolchildren, teenagers
• jazz and contemporary music
• sports (American football, baseball, etc.)
• Hollywood movies

As you can see, the origins of modern Russian slang and English are somewhat different. Our slang can be called more cultural; it is mixed with proverbs and verbal puns. I really liked these “alterations”:

• God once sent a piece of cheese to Voronezh...
• Posner is better than never!
• We were born to make Kafka come true!

Believe me, if we were raised on the “great” and “mighty”, and the origins of our swearing begin with Pushkin’s poetry itself, then are we really not able to overcome English slang?

Grammatical features of English slang

You can immediately feel the differences between English grammar and spoken language when you arrive in an English-speaking country. Such abbreviations can be considered elements of slang:

• gonna - going to
• wanna - want to
• Ama - I'm
• Yep, ye - yes
• Dis - this
• U - you
• Dunno - don't know
• Cause - because

And many words can have both ordinary and slang meanings. For example, these words:

• cool - cool, fresh - cool, cool
• to bless you - bless you - be healthy (after sneezing)

In this article you will not see familiar grammatical rules on how to correctly compose a slang expression. Slang has no grammar; it is a kind of denial of all grammatical norms. And yet, you must write and use the slang dialect correctly if you have already decided on it, otherwise you risk using a word with a completely different meaning and ending up in a situation that is funny or not so good for you.

When you write and speak, be careful!

Surprisingly, sometimes just one letter can change the meaning of a word in a language. So, adding the letter -s to an innocent particle - as(how) turns a particle into an insult

For comparison: if to the Russian particle - How add one letter, then you get something too :-), not so terrible, really, but similar in meaning.

So when you write, be careful! One letter can ruin everything. Also, if you speak slowly, and even whistle on the letter -s, it is better to avoid turns where this particle -as is present.

Another tip: when describing someone’s appearance in English, also look first at a modern slang dictionary, remember how to make basic sentences, as well as the cartoon “ Who will praise me the most?

Remember? Girl, you have these big eyes (big eyes)- Beautiful, is not it? Further - big ears(big ears) - well, that’s all right. But to say it in English in a tongue twister (and without any -have/has) big mouth(big mouth) is fraught, because bigmouth they mean: Chatterbox, yap.

And we will speak better Russian! - you decide, and again you won’t guess. This will not save you from the need to know some elements of local youth slang, since some Russian words are similar to English curse words. For example, never say “bananas” loudly on the street if you are in America: bananas translated psycho!

Under no circumstances should you brag in an English youth campaign that you learned the language from the famous, world-famous Bonk textbook. You will cause massive laughter, because bonk— they have one well-known obscene word.

Useful information for departing travelers

But in English there are also slang words that sound similar to Russian ones:

• bastard - illegitimate, bastard
• gaga - dumbfounded, eccentric
• tits - breasts

There are also words that have migrated to us from English slang and do not require translation:

• baby - baby
• cop - cop, policeman
• fake - to tease, to fool
• cash down - money on a barrel
• zero cool - super, cool

Here are some more relatively harmless words and phrases of modern English slang:

The British and Americans often do not understand each other

It is necessary to distinguish between English and American slang. Some words and phrases mean one thing in England, but something completely different in America. There are many funny stories about how people get into trouble by not using local terms correctly.
Slang? Chief. The British are generally extremely polite people, and usually, if they use slang, you can guess what they mean by the meaning. It's funny because Americans, even the word sorry doesn't always mean an apology. If an Englishman apologizes to you thousands of times for every little thing, then don’t expect the same from an American. They are quite simple people in communication and are not used to mannerisms, so if you suddenly hear that they say sorry to you, then do not rush to rejoice: it is quite possible that you have violated something, and there is a policeman in front of you

Here are the meanings of some words:

Here are some funny examples.

In order to learn how to speak youth slang, you need to learn the most common words and expressions from a slang or jargon dictionary, and hear their pronunciation live. Do not use dubious “samizdat” with dishonest translation when works of famous linguists have been published on this topic. Yes, yes, it would seem, some kind of jargon, but to qualify it, scientists were involved.

I think you are convinced: in order to know and use youth slang terms, you need to be a literate person. This is not a contradiction. If you decide to first learn English slang, and only then grammar, you will look ridiculous and funny: you know, you don’t know anything, but you swear like a shoemaker. It is unlikely that you will command respect even among young people. For them, this is their lifestyle, but for you, it’s clownery and trying to “get on” with the young people. You also need to master slang masterfully. Therefore, first the grammar, and only then leave the youth slang for a snack.

There is nothing worse than when a non-native speaker tries to speak slang. For what?

This can be funny at best, annoying at worst.

You need to master slang in the same way as other speech styles, and even more important is to know when and with whom to use it.

Avoid using harsh vulgar words when you can find similar but softer expressions. Remember that swearing and slang are two different things, and today the use of overt swearing is a sign of bad taste.

Today slang is used both in politics and art. You don’t have to go far: almost every American film today contains slang expressions, and the famous animated series “South Park” has broken all records for the amount of obscene language. In the stands, in newspapers, on TV, they don’t mince words either. Today, Americans themselves are protesting against such an abundance of dirty speech in their lives.

So, what have we learned about English slang:

• this is an important part of the language and you need to know it
• it should be used only as needed and preference should be given to non-rigid forms
• priority should be on the side of grammar (first learn the language itself, and only then slang)
• English and American slang are different
• it should be taught using modern dictionaries of youth slang, and not from dubious sources.

4 Votes: 3,75 out of 5)

Those who are at the conversational stage of learning a language often wonder if they need to know English slang. The answer is positive, since the correct use of such words significantly expands your understanding of foreign interlocutors. The first thing you need to understand before starting to study this topic: slang in English is not necessarily profanity, but also words that are used by people belonging to a certain profession or group: students, schoolchildren, computer scientists, musicians, etc.

Social variety of speech

In order to delve deeper into the study of language jargon, it is necessary to identify its main sources. Youth slang in the English language was formed mainly due to immigrants, music, business, the criminal world, computerization, among informal social groups and teenagers.

The composition of such expressions does not have any grammatical rules. English slang denies the norms familiar to the language. Nevertheless, it is necessary to know exactly how and in what situations one or another word should be used. Incorrect use of jargon can cause laughter, bewilderment, or even offense to the interlocutor.

The grammatical side of jargon

The tourist will instantly feel the difference between the live speech of native speakers and the standard rules from school textbooks. Abbreviations of some words and expressions are also considered elements of slang speech.

Let's look at a few illustrative examples:
. going to turns into gonna;
. want (want) - wanna;
. I’m (I am) - ama;
. yes (yes) - yep (American version);
. don’t know (I don’t know) - dunno;
. because (because) - cause (also serves as an independent word, which is translated into Russian as “reason”);
. betcha - to argue;
. dammit (short for damn it) - damn it;
. dreamboat - a beautiful person;
. gimme (American version of give me) - “give it to me.”

There are words that have both a standard meaning and a slang one. For example, the expression bless you - “bless you” has acquired the additional meaning of “be healthy”, which is used after sneezing. The well-known adjective cool (fresh, cool), which is now also translated by the words “cool”, “cool”.

Business communication has its own grammatical abbreviations, most of which we know from school:
. Mr. - Mister;
. Mrs. - Mrs.
. Dr - doctor;
. etc - and so on;
. e. g. - For example.

English slang in correspondence

At every step in online communication, various abbreviations are used in writing slang expressions. Let's look at a few colloquial acronyms:

U (you) - you, you.

Lol (Laughing out loud) - the Russian equivalent can be considered the phrase “laughing out loud”. This abbreviation will add a touch of playfulness and lightheartedness to your message. To replace Lol, there is ROFL, which means that the interlocutor is literally “rolling on the floor because of laughter.”

The combination of letters BRB (be back soon) is used in cases where you are forced to go somewhere and will not be able to answer at this time.

G2G (got to go) is a good way to end a conversation before leaving the chat.

Instead of writing a rather long in my opinion, you can briefly write IMO and continue writing your opinion.

Differences between English and American slang

The biggest misconception among Russian speakers is that people from Britain easily understand Americans. This is not true, since certain words have different meanings among these two peoples.

In this regard, it is easier to communicate with the British. Most of them are very and can literally apologize a hundred times for an everyday trifle or for something that they didn’t even do. But if you are in America and hear the word sorry behind you, do not rush to get excited: maybe there is a policeman behind you who is ready to issue a fine for some offense.

Let's look at the meanings of some expressions:

Ass for an Englishman means an ordinary donkey, for an American it is a “fifth point” and a word that can be used to call a bad person;

Pissed - in the USA this word is used to describe a dissatisfied person, and in Britain it is used to describe a drunk person;

To shag in America means the verb “to dance,” but if you try to ask a girl to dance with its help in England, the consequences can be the most unexpected;

Bloody is used by Americans in the literal sense - bloody, but in Britain it is most often meant as “damned”, “damn”;

The verb to table smth in English means “to discuss,” but if you say this in America, your interlocutors will understand that you want to postpone the conversation for another time.

English slang, phrases and words of which are an important component of any language, is necessary to know, because you risk not understanding half of the conversation with your foreign interlocutor. Without knowledge of the speech itself, the use of jargon is unacceptable, since illiteracy does not contribute to a person joining a particular company.

It is important to remember that youth slang is not a dictionary of obscene expressions, but the style of certain social groups. Using unscrupulous “samizdat” with a dubious translation is highly discouraged. In the modern world, there are a large number of dictionaries created by famous linguists that will become faithful assistants to anyone who wants to learn English slang.

Let it be known to everyone that British slang is a separate niche in the English language, developing and transforming and moving from city to city year after year, just like the English language itself. While American slang has become universal with the influx of various TV shows, films and other media filling the screens of the majority of the world's population, there is still so much interesting stuff hiding under the surface of British slang, and if you dig a little deeper, you might find the real ones for yourself. jewelry.

So, if you are interested in what good Britons and bloody bastards use in everyday speech and you are going to replenish your thick vocabulary with buzzwords, or, finally, you are simply ready to hit your loved ones with the English cannon of pathos, then you will definitely like this article. Oi! Don't say you know it. Just check it!

50 English slang expressions

• Mate. Friend, old man, buddy, sidekick, bro - take your pick. One of the most commonly used terms used by the British when referring to male persons for whom there are feelings of sympathy or affection. For example, when you are communicating with a close friend. Easily replaces American buddy, pal or dude. Good job, mate! - Great job, old man! or Alright, mate? - Order, friend?

• Bugger all. In short, this translates as “nothing.” Or, more culturally, nothing at all. The British often use these 2 words if they want to add a touch of vulgarity to their speech. I've had bugger all to all day. - I was nothing to do all day. In simple terms - I’ve had nothing to do all day.

• Knackered. And this term is used by the Britons to express fatigue ( tiredness) and exhaustion ( exhaustion), in any situation. Often replaces the word “exhausted”. Of course, it is recommended to use it among friends:) I am absolutely knackered after a hard day at work. - I fully exhausted after a hard day at work.

• Gutted. This word in England is one of the saddest on the list: (To be gutted about a current situation means to be completely depressed ( devastated) and inconsolably saddened ( saddened). His gf broke up with him. He's absolutely gutted these days. - His girlfriend broke up with him. He is completely crushed the other day.

• Gobsmacked. It's like Godsmack, but not. A truly British expression denoting a state of shock or extreme surprise, beyond the bounds of probability. The expression, as some Englishmen believe, came from the word “gob” (British mouth), and from the shocked countenance, from -because someone hit her hard. I was gobsmacked when she told me she was pregnant with triplets. - I I was shocked, when she announced to me that she was pregnant with triplets.

• Cock Up. By no means, this is not a “cock up” or even the consequences of Viagra. The meaning of this term is quite far from anything vulgar, and means a mistake, a failure of huge, even epic volumes. The papers sent out to the students were all in the wrong language — it’s a real cock up! - The documents sent to students were in the wrong language - this complete failure! or I cocked up the orders for table # 4. - I messed up with the orders for the fourth table. Of course, we all understand which American expression replaces “cocked up” in this sentence. Yes, the “F” word is there.

• Blinding. In fact, this does not refer to actual blindness or anything that would cause a person to lose sight. The English slang meaning here is quite positive. Blinding means magnificent, amazing or even excellent. That tackle from the Spanish player was blinding! - This tackle by the Spanish player was awesome!

• Lost The Plot. Here, in principle, you can guess this way. “Lost the plot”, it seems, the words speak for themselves. But don't rush. In a more outdated meaning, the expression can mean a state of anger and/or anger due to some failure. In general, this is said when describing the actions of a person who behaves irrationally/unreasonably and/or outrageously. For example, When my mother-in-law saw the mess I’d made, she lost the plot. - When my mother-in-law saw the mess I made, she went crazy.

• Cheers. It is said not only over a toast or when saying goodbye. In British slang, cheers also means the good old “thank you” or “thanks”. For example, Cheers for getting me that drink, Steve. - Thank you, that brought me a drink, Steve. You can also add I appreciate it! - I appreciate it. Or you don’t have to add it. In the eyes of the British, you will not fall without this phrase.

• Ace. Not only does it mean an ace, but it also means something brilliant or magnificent. It can also mean an action when you have coped with something or passed something perfectly ( passed with flying colors). I think I aced that exam. - I think I passed that exam with flying colors.

• Damp Squib. When something goes wrong “on all fronts.” Comes from the word squib- firecrackers, and their properties to misfire when they get wet or damp. The party was a bit of a damp squib because only Richard turned up. - There was a party not so hot because only Richard came.

• All To Pot. It's like a dinosaur among the expressions of British slang, but nevertheless, it is still not petrified and moves. Means to lose control and fail. For example, The birthday party went all to pot when the clown showed up drunk and everyone was sick from that cheap cake. - The party has begun " merge”, when the clown appeared drunk on it and everyone began to feel sick from the cheap cake.

• The Bee's Knees. Besides being the name of a popular cocktail made from gin, lemon and honey, it's also a pretty cute expression that can be used with or without sarcasm. It exists to describe someone or something that you think extremely highly of. For example, She thinks Barry's the bee's knees. - She thinks it's Barry the world has come together.

• Chunder. It’s not a very melodic word (like thunder), and its meaning is the same. It means “to throw up,” in the sense of throwing up stuff or just feeling nauseous. Chunder is almost always used in reference to drunken nights out in clubs or other places of entertainment, and when someone is very sick and throwing up. I had a bad pizza last night after too many drinks and chundered in the street. - I ate bad pizza yesterday after I had too much alcohol, and I threw up on the street.

• Taking The Piss. Given the British love for ridicule and satire always and everywhere, taking the piss is one of the most popular expressions in British slang. As you may have guessed, it means to ridicule, parody, or simply be sarcastic or even mocking about something. The guys on TV last night were taking the piss out of the government again. - The guys on TV made fun of the government again last night.

• Fortnight. And how would you translate this? The British have this convenient expression, which includes 2 whole weeks at once, or half a month. It's much cooler to say fortnight than two weeks, isn't it? Sounds the same! I'm going away for a fortnight to Egypt for my summer vacation. - I'll go to Egypt for 2 weeks on your summer vacation.

• Brass Monkeys. A rather strange and little-known slang term in England for extremely (bloody) cold weather. “What do copper monkeys have to do with it?” - you ask. In fact, the phrase comes from the expression “it’s cold enough to freeze the balls of a brass monkey.” In general, it means they have a bronze monument to a monkey there and weather in which even she can freeze something off. You need to wear a coat today, it’s brass monkeys outside. - You should wear a coat today, outside cold as hell.

• Scrummy. One of the charming British terms on the list, used to describe something delicious and mouth-watering ( mouth-wateringly good). Mrs. Walker's cherry pie was absolutely scrummy. I had three pieces. - Mrs. Walker's cherry pie was just incomparable. I ate three pieces. By the way, cherry pie, in turn, translates as “easy money” or something easily accessible and attractive.

• Kerfuffle. Another, again, quite used, although slightly outdated, slang term describing a fight ( skirmish), a fight or dispute caused by a difference of opinion. I had a right kerfuffle with my mate this morning over politics. - My friends and I had one just like that kipezh on politics this morning.

• Skive. It is said that when someone wanted to feign illness so as not to go to work and the attempt failed. Mostly used in relation to schoolchildren who do not want to go to school, or dissatisfied office workers trying to pull off a scam with an unplanned vacation ( sick day- day of sick leave). He tried to skive for work but got caught by his manager. - He tried jump, but was caught by his manager. And now we call him “Mr. Bum Deal” - And now we call him “Mr. Bad Luck.”

In the video below there are a couple more slang words for general development.

• Hampsteads- teeth. This is all.

• Hunky-Dory. Such a nice slang-snack that means that the situation is in perfect order, everything is cool or just normal. If your boss, for example, decided to inquire about business over the phone, then you can safely “shoot” something like Ueah, everything’s hunky-dory at the office, Boss. - Yes, in the office everything in a bunch, Boss. And hang up. Of course, you will be promoted immediately after this.

• Tosh. Quite an apt term if used skillfully. Means nonsense, nonsense, nonsense, I get along or just wildness. Americans would say crap or polite rubbish, but here only tosh rules. Funny word. You can, for example, go to London, go into the first pub you come across and immediately attract attention by telling someone: That’s a load of tosh about what happened last night! - It's all complete nonsense, about what happened last night! or Don't talk tosh! - Don't bother nonsense. Everyone will immediately understand that jokes with you are bad and will want to be friends with you. The main thing is to speak confidently and clearly.

• Argy-bargy[,ɑ:rdʒi "bɑ:rdʒi] - dispute or fierce skirmish. I’m not interested in getting into an argy-bargy over it. - I'm not interested start an argument because of this.
• Bang to rights- equivalent to " dead to rights" Take him red-handed, press him against the wall, grab him by the gills, catch him in the act. Police caught Jim bang to rights outside the bookie's. - Police caught Jim's at the crime scene outside the bookmaker's office.
• Bants- abridged version " banter" It means good-naturedly joking, joking with friends or just acquaintances, exchanging jokes. I'm going to Nando's for some bants with the lads. - I'm going to Nando's (cafe) " yell" with boys.
• Cuppa = « cup of" Usually translated as "cup of tea". But the word “tea” is not really needed here. Unless it's a cup of coffee, of course. In general, you need to clarify whether it is a cuppa of coffee or a cuppa of something else. Would you like a cuppa? - I'd love one. I'll get the kettle on. - Want to tea? - Yes with pleasure. I'll put the kettle on.
• Chuffed- to be very pleased about something. Be beside yourself with joy or pleasure, so much so that you puff. Reginald was chuffed about the football match. - Reginald I was very pleased football match.
• Conk- hit your nose or head. One more thing you can say bonk. Also translated as “fall asleep” or “pass out” ( conk out). He conked his head on the doorframe on his way out. - He hit my head on the door frame when leaving.
• Corker- something or someone is cooler than others. A man with a great sense of humor, smart and interesting in all respects. This can be said about both a person and a machine, for example. Great job, Jim. You're a real corker. - Great job, Jim. You hammer.
• Doofer- an object without a name. This thing. Such a thing as. What's her name? Well, this is the very thing... It is used instead of any forgotten name of some thing. Synonyms: thing, thingamajig, whatchamacallit. What is that doofer? - What's this? gizmo?

• Fence- a trafficker who deals in stolen goods or trades in stolen goods. Take this watch to the fence and see what you can get. - Take these “boilers” to the distributor and find out what you can get for it.
• Hard cheese- bad luck (bad luck), a bad deed or a deplorable situation.
  The British also use this expression to tell someone “It’s your problem!”, showing that it doesn’t concern them and they don’t feel sorry for the victim.
• Ivories["aɪv(ə)rɪs] - teeth, piano keys (used to be made of ivory) or simply products made of ivory (for example, dice or billiard balls). He sure knows how to tickle the ivories. - He really “fumbles” like play the piano.
• Knees up- fun informal party; drinking party On the night their exam results came out, they went down to the pub for a knees up. - On the night when the results of their exams became known, they went to the pub for drinking party.
• Lag- a prisoner who has served a long term in prison or a long prison sentence. The old lag can’t find a job so he sits at the pub and drinks. -Old convict can't find a job, so he hangs out in the pub and drinks.
• Laughing gear- verbatim laughing apparatus, laughing device. This, as you guessed, is nothing more than a very ordinary mouth. Shut your laughing gear, Reginald. - Close yours mouth, Reginald.

• Marbles- intelligence, intelligence, ingenuity, balls (those in the head, which are sometimes “for the rollers”). Have you lost your marbles? - You crazy?
• Miffed- upset or offended; offended; beside myself. It was so stupid when Taylor Swift was miffed at Amy Poehler and Tina Fey making fun of her. - It was so stupid when Taylor Swift offended at Aimee and Tina, who made fun of her.
• Minted- to be in abundance, i.e. with the money. Bieber can buy whatever car he wants. He's minted. - Bieber can buy any car he wants. He at bubble.
• Paddy["pædɪ] - a fit of anger, rage, or a shortened name for "Patrick", or an insult for the Irish. Don’t throw a paddy about your team losing. - Not get mad because of his team's loss.
• Penny-dreadful- a low-grade adventure novel or magazine in a cheap edition, tabloid. I read about alien abductions in the penny-dreadful. - I read about alien abductions in tabloid.
• Plonk- cheap wine (especially red) or the same port wine. Girls, a new episode of the Bachelorette is on tonight. I"ll print out the rules of the drinking game, you bring the plonk. - Girls, tonight there’s a new episode of The Bachelorette. I'll print out the rules of the game (with drinking), and you bring wine.
• Rozzer["rɔzə] - policeman, cop. Oi mate, how"s the fockin" business going? -
  - It"s bloody fockin" impossible with the fockin" rozzers on me fockin" back! - Hey bro, how's your fucking business going? - It's just fucking impossible, with these fucking cops, which bother me.
• Rumpy-pumpy- sex, “shura-mury”, “shpil-vili”.

• Sherbets- a foaming, carbonated sweet drink or powdered sweets. However, inviting someone to the pub for a couple of sorbets (powder for making drinks) does not mean inviting them to eat or drink sweets. In fact, this means “drinking foamy beer,” that is, beer. Perhaps the word got lost because of the beer foam. Do you fancy a few sherbets after work tonight? - Do not want pull a couple of foam after work in the evening? Ask someone " Do you fancy? this, as you understand, means “Are you willing?” For example: Fancy a fuck? - Maybe we can hook up?
• Skint- broke, penniless. Sorry, I can’t join you this time. I'm skint. - Sorry, I can’t join you. I bankrupt.
• Wag off- waste time, or skip. I had nothing to do but wag off at work. - I had nothing left to do but fool around At work.
• Warts and all- equivalent to “as is”; despite the shortcomings. Alright, I'll keep you, wars and all. - Ok, I'll leave you despite the shortcomings.
• Wazzock["wazək] - idiot, klutz. A person who urinates, vomits and masturbates at the same time. Something like this:(

That's it now. You are ready! You can safely go to England and make friends right on the streets. We hope that the article was useful and fun for you. Stay on top of things and don't let anything go wrong.

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

English slang is mainly spread by teenagers, as in any country and in any other language. So, if we want to keep up with the times, our task is to listen to teenage jargon.

Not all dictionaries offer translations of these buzzwords. However, they often slip into stories, movies, social networks and other media.

Where can you hear English slang?

Technology helps spread new trends in language, especially when it comes to teen slang. You would have to spend a lot of time talking to teenagers to understand all the new English slang.

And then, you have to be very lucky to hear this slang in the conversation of teenagers, since they do not talk like that with adults, most of them would die of embarrassment if adults spoke like that to them.

Popularity -ism This is explained by the fact that people like to invent new words to add humorous notes to their speech. For example, if your friend Sarah always uses the same expression when she's happy, you could call that expression "Sarah-ism".

Connected to each other by social networks, teenagers are quickly spreading their slang around the world. They are always at the forefront, language and jargon are no exception. A language cannot move forward without culture and without teenagers who are just completely - on point(simply perfect) broadcast English slang around the globe.

Below are some examples of the best slang expressions used by teens in both conversations and text messages. More words can be found on the website Urbandictionary.com.

So, English slang used by teenagers in 2016.

On Point

This slang expression means something well made, of high quality, impeccable. The expression may come from the ballet word for standing "on pointe", or on the tips of your toes.

On Fleek

Just like the previous one, this term is another way to describe something very close to perfection, especially, of course, in the eyes of teenagers. You can also use fleekin or fleeking .

Basic

This adjective is used to describe something typical, ordinary, or ordinary. Suitable for describing the appearance of girls and women.

Obvi

Maybe once in a store you heard teenagers talking and thought: “can they really speak English?” Well yes, it is! And “obvi”, which you didn’t understand, is a lazy option from obviously.

Turnt

This expression can be used as a verb and as an adjective. Turn up used as a verb. Turnt it is an adjective form. This means being intoxicated after using drugs or alcohol. Of course, this is not a guide to action, but knowing when people talk about it can be useful.

Bye Felicia

Probably the least polite teen slang term of the year. When someone says they are leaving and you don't care at all, their name becomes Felicia . Where it came from is unknown. It is also used when someone wants to get rid of someone who is annoying them.

TVN

The English slang discussed above is used mainly in conversations. There are just as many abbreviations used when sending text messages. One of them tbh - “to be honest” (Honestly) . Similar expression - "to be fair" , which means in fairness.

Bae

This term can mean a compound from the first letters " before anyone else " (before anyone else), but it could also just be a shortened version of the word babe (chit). You can call your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse this way.

Slay

If you have succeeded in something incredibly amazing, you have earned the term. This means being the best of the best. If you are the best, you slay . If you did something really well, then you slid . Other similar terms − killed it, badass.

You can hear slay many, many times in Beyoncé's newest hit "Formation."

Zero Chill

It would be nice to never hear this expression addressed to you. It means that you did something uncool or not very popular.

You can see that there is a connection between teenage slang and modern life. According to the site noslang.com Internet slang and acronyms like LOL were created as an attempt to save effort on keystrokes.

New English slang comes from a variety of sources, including bulletin boards, forums, chat rooms, email, and text messaging. Teenagers tend to speak coded language. But to us their jargon became more obvi than before we are now on fleek, language learning experts.

Michelle Suzanne Snyder