Hey, my friends! Or should I say, What up my peeps!?! ...which is North American slang for hi, how are you my friends?
I'm sure as you advance in your language learning journey, you have begun to notice different uses of words and phrases that are perhaps incorrect (ain't = isn't), sound funny (whassup? = how are you?), or just weird (That's sic! = That's very cool). This strange language within the English language is called Slang.
I'm also sure that not too long ago many English teachers' heads would have exploded at the thought of their students learning and using English slang.
So, what is Slang? Have you asked yourself these questions: Is it only something that native speakers can use? As an English language learner can I use slang too? Can slang be offensive? Should I bother learning slang?
The answer to these questions are:
No, slang isn't only for native speakers.
Yes, you can use slang too as an English language learner.
Yes, it can be offensive so you must be mindful about what you use (more about this below).
As to the last question, yes, you should learn slang because it is everywhere, and you cannot avoid it. Being familiar with commonly used terms will definitely increase your overall understanding of the language and your fluency in social settings.
So on that note, let's get to it and look into the details around the phenomenon known as slang.
Slang Defined & Examples
So, what exactly is slang? Let's look at a few official definitions:
Cambridge dictionary defines slang as
very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people.
Meriem-Webster dictionary defines slang as
an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech
So, in short, slang is:
very informal phrases or vocabulary,
sometimes used by particular groups, or between people of the same social group,
usually used in speech rather than written communications,
not standard,
usually used amongst people who know each other well.
As a language learner, I'm sure you've definitely heard, and have probably used some English slang like:
cool (adj.) fashionable, or attractive | "Those shoes are cool!"
chill-out (v.) to relax or calm down | "We chilled out this weekend, it was great."
no worries (phrase) don't worry or that's alright | "You forgot to call me yesterday but no worries!"
what's up? (phrase) hi, how are you? | "Hey Sanja, what's up!? I haven't seen you all week!"
Those examples are all widely used, and for the most part, very universal. I would even classify them as generic in the sense that they are used regularly across social and cultural groups.
Other examples of common slang include:
I feel you
(phrase North American)
I feel you is a way to say that you understand what someone is saying, and also that you understand how they feel. It is a way to communicate that you sympathize with someone's story.
Example
A: Man, it is so hard these days with COVID, I really miss my family and haven't seen them in a while.
B: I feel you (=I totally understand you and I'm sorry that you feel that way).
Sic / Dope / Mad wicked/ Lit
(adj. North American)
All three of these adjectives are used to say that something or someone is very cool, in style, or great fun.
Examples
Her skateboarding skills are dope!
or
She's got mad wicked skateboarding skills!
or
Her skateboarding skills are lit!
*mad wicked is very east coast, Boston :)
Ace
(adj. British)
A very useful phrase in the British slang category, when you want to say something is really great, you can say, that's ace!
Example
A: I got a new job and the salary is much higher!
B: That's ace! Cheers!
Shady
(adj. North American)
If someone or something is shady it means that there is something dishonest, doubtful, or unclear about them.
You know those online shops that have several bad reviews - it's because they are usually shady!
Example
My landlord was really shady, he tried to avoid giving us our rental deposit back for no reason!
Sucks
(v. International)
If something sucks, that means it's unpleasant or not nice. You can use this term for an event, a thing, or even a person.
Examples
I lost my wallet while on vacation; that sucked!
My boss always yells at me, he sucks!
Gutted
(adj. British)
This is a good one to describe your feelings when something doesn't work out in the way that you would like. Feeling gutted means that you are feeling disappointed, heartbroken, or even sad about something.
Example
England didn't win the recent football match against Italy, I was absolutely gutted!
Limitations & Advice
Some slang words are regional and/or are used by people who are a part of the same social circle. So there may be times when you hear a word and aren't sure if it is something you can use; this is where I would advise caution.
If you're not sure what something means, ask. Don't be afraid of asking by whom the phrase or word is usually used. I would also suggest asking a native speaker because they may be better positioned to understand the cultural nuances of certain words.
Another piece of guidance would be to avoid using any slang that refers to a person's race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation - generally, such terms are more likely to fall in the slur category of words rather than acceptable slang. A slur is a word that is used to cause harm or insult; and we don't want that....right?
So the next time you hear an English song on the radio and catch a phrase that doesn't sound right, ask around, or look it up! Make the effort to understand it, you will be better off for it.
Follow us on Instagram for regular information on different slang and other useful English language functions! Also, don't hesitate to comment below if you have a question about a particular word you have encountered, and that you are unsure about.
We're here to help you become a better, more confident (and informed) English communicator!
Until next time .....peace out (goodbye)!
Words in this post
offensive (adj.) causing someone to feel resentful, upset, or annoyed.
mindful (adj.) being conscious or aware of something
bother (v.) take the time or make the effort to do something
get to it (phrase) to start doing a task
phenomenon (adj.) a very interesting or remarkable thing or person
generic (adj.) not specific, or not belonging to a specific class or group
regional (adj.) relating to or having characteristics of a specific region
nuance (n.) a subtle difference in meaning, shade, color, expression, or sound
slur (n.) words or phrases that are likely to insult or offend someone or a group of people
to encounter (v.) to face or experience something unexpectedly
extravagant (adj.) lacking restraint in spending money or using resources
facetious (adj.) treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant
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