Slang is a vocabulary that is often used in everyday English communication, especially in American English. Equipping yourself with a rich vocabulary of slang will help you communicate better with native speakers, however, to use them, you need to pay attention to some of the following small rules to avoid using them at the wrong time, causing you to fall into embarrassing situations.
Awesome (Adjective)
Awesome is a popular slang word in American English and around the world. You can hear everyone from young to old saying it. When you use Awesome, it means that you think something is amazing or amazing. It can be used as an adjective in a full sentence or stand alone as a short response.
Example 1:
What did you think of 'The Wolf of Wall Street?' What do you think about 'The Wolf of Wall Street'?
It was awesome ! I loved it!” (They thought it was a great movie). It was awesome! I loved it!, (They thought it was a great movie).
Example 2:
I'll pick you up at 1.00 pm, okay ?
Awesome . (Here it shows you're cool with the idea and you agree). Awesome . (Here it shows you're cool with the idea and you agree).
Example 3:
My friend Dave is an awesome single guy. You guys would be perfect for each other !
Really? I'd love to meet him.
Cool (Adjective)
Cool is synonymous with “great” or “fantastic”. It shows that you agree with an idea. Be careful when using this word because its normal meaning is: cool/cool, so you have to listen to the context to understand how it is being used.
Example 1:
How's the weather in Canada these days ?
It 's getting cooler . Winter 's coming! (This is the literal meaning a little cold)
Example 2:
What did you think of my new boyfriend?
I liked him. He seemed like a cool guy! (He seemed like a nice guy) . I like him. He seems like a cool guy! (He seems like a nice guy)
Example 3:
I'm throwing a birthday party next week for my birthday . Do you want to come?
Cool ! Sure, I'd love to! Cool! Sure, I'll come!
Beat (Adjective)
Normally, beat is used as a verb meaning to win ( Liverpool beat Manchester United / Liverpool đánh đánh Manchester United ) or to fight with an opponent ( Marko, stop beating your brother! / Marko, don't beat your brother anymore! ). However, in slang or everyday English , it has completely different meanings. If you hear someone say I'm beat , it means that he or she is very tired or exhausted.
Example 1:
Do you want to go out tonight? There's a cool new rock bar that's just opened .
Sorry, I can't. I'm beat and I have to wake up early tomorrow. Sorry, I ca n't. I'm tired, and I have to wake up early tomorrow.
Example 2:
You look tired, what have you been doing ?
I 've been helping my dad in the yard all morning.
To hang out (Verb)
If someone asks you where you hang out, they want to know where you like to go when you have free time. And if your friends ask you if you want to hang out with them, they want to know if you’re free and want to hang out with them. But what if you ask someone what they’re doing and they say they’re just hanging out? It means they’re free and not doing anything special.
Example 1:
Hey, it 's great to see you again. And you? We must hang out sometime .
I would love that. I'll call you soon.
Example 2:
Paulo, where do you usually hang out on a Friday night?
If I'm not working, usually at the diner across the road from school .
Cool, I've been there a few times. Cool, I've been there a few times.
Example 3:
Hi Simon, what are you doing ?
Nothing much, just hanging out with Sally. (In this case you can just use the word hanging without the out and say “Nothing much, just hanging with Sally.” )
If used as a noun, it means the place where you usually spend your free time.
Example 4:
Joey, where are you, guys? Joey, where are you, guys?
We 're at our usual hang out . Come down whenever you want! (It could mean their favorite café, the gym or even the park).
To Chill Out (Verb)
Everyone loves to “chill out”, but what does it mean? It simply means to relax. It can be used with or without the word “out”, but if you’re talking to an American English speaker, they’ll understand.
Example 1:
Hey Tommy, what are you guys doing ?
We're just chilling (out). Do you want to come round? We're just chilling (out). Do you want to come round?
Example 2:
Sue, what did you do in the weekend?
Nothing much . We just chilled (out).
However, if someone tells you that you need to “chill out,” it’s not a positive thing. It means they think you’re overreacting or getting stressed about silly little things.
Example 3:
I can't believe that test we just had. I'm sure I'm going to fail. I ca n't believe that test we just had. I'm sure I'm going to fail.
You need to chill out and stop thinking too much. I'm sure you'll be fine .
Wheel (Noun)
We know that there are many things that have wheels: a car, a motorbike, a bicycle, and even a wheelbarrow. However, if you hear someone talking about their wheels, they are actually talking about their vehicle.
Example 1:
Hey, can you pick me up at 3.00 pm?
Sorry, I can't. I don't have my wheels at the moment. Sorry, I can't. I don't have a car at the moment.
Why? Why?
I had to take it down to the garage, there 's something wrong with the engine!
Example 2:
Nice wheels! Nice car!
Thanks , it was a birthday present from my dad!
Amped (Adjective)
If you feel “amped” about something, it means you are extremely excited and eager about it.
Example 1:
I can't wait to see Beyonce live! I can't wait to see Beyonce live!
Me too, I'm amped. Me too, extremely excited.
It can also mean that you are really determined and you want something to happen. In this sense, you can also replace “amped” with “pumped”. Or you can use the phrase “I'm full of adrenalin” with the same meaning.
Example 2:
I 'm so amped for the game tonight!
Yeah, I'm sure you are! You guys need to beat the Sox. Yeah, I'm sure you are ! You guys need to beat the Sox.
Babe (Noun)
If you call someone “babe”, it means you think they are hot and sexy. Be careful though, you should only use this word to talk about other people and not to a child as it can be offensive.
Example 1:
What do you think of James' new girlfriend?
Total babe! And you? Totally hot! What do you think?
Agreed! Agreed!
Example 2:
Oh man, Justin Timberlake is such a babe, don't you think ?
Not really, he looks like a little boy. I prefer Johnny Depp— now that's a real man!
Bust (Verb) / Busty (Adjective)
If you “bust” someone, you make them do something they shouldn’t do, say, or hide. And “bust” means “to arrest.”
Example 1:
Did you hear that Sam got busted speeding?
No, but I'm not surprised. I'm always telling him he needs to drive slower! No, but I'm not surprised. I'm always telling him he needs to drive slower!
Example 2:
There were two kids who were busted cheating in their exams!
Really? What happened? Really? What happened?
I 'm not sure, but they 'll definitely be punished. Our school takes cheating really seriously.
Làm thế nào để nói tiếng Anh thật tự tin? - sách hướng dẫn miễn phí - Mọi thứ bạn cần để giúp con mình tự tin khi nói tiếng Anh
Tải sách hướng dẫn
To Have a Blast (Verb)
The normal definition of the word “blast” refers to a big explosion and it is a phrase that we often see or hear in the news, for example two men were seriously injured and taken to hospital after a suspected bomb explosion. But if you use this word while talking to your friends it is much more positive and means something was great or you had a great time and fun.
Example 1:
How was the Jack Johnson concert?
It was awesome . Everyone had a blast. It was awesome. Everyone had a blast.
Even John? Even John?
Yeah even John. He was even dancing! Yeah even John. He was even dancing!
Wow, it must've been good! Wow, it must've been good!
Example 2:
Thanks for inviting me to your party last night, I had a blast. Thanks for coming and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for coming and I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for inviting me to the party last night, I had a great time.
To Crush [on somebody] (Verb)
Having a crush on someone is a great feeling and it means that you are attracted to someone and want them to be more than just your friend. And if someone has a crush on you, it also means that they have feelings for you.
Example 1:
I have the biggest crush on Simon. He's so cute !
Isn't he dating Jenny Parkes ?
No, not anymore, apparently they broke up a few weeks ago!
Cool! That's interesting!
Instead of saying “have a crush”, you can also say “crushing on”, which means the same thing but it is often used for younger generations and teenagers.
Example 2:
Oooh, you're so crushing on Michael right now! Oooh, you're so crushing on Michael right now!
I am not ! We're just friends! No! We're just friends!
Liar! I can tell you like him.
Is it that obvious ?
To Dump [somebody] (Verb)
If you “dump” someone, it means you kick him/her. If you “dump” your lover, it means you end a romantic relationship between the two of you for some reason. And if you get “dumped,” it means you’ve been dumped.
Example 1:
What's wrong with Amy? She's been walking around campus all day looking sad and like she's going to start crying any minute.
Didn't you hear? Alex dumped her last night! Just don't mention his name at all! Didn't you know? Alex dumped her last night! Don't ever mention his name again!
Wow, I'm surprised. They always looked so happy together! Wow, I'm surprised. They always looked so happy together!
Example 2:
Landon looks so mad! What happened? Landon looks so mad! What happened?
He and Samantha broke up .
Oh no, who dumped who? Oh no, who dumped who?
I 'm not sure, but I have a feeling it was Sam!
Ex (Noun)
Usually if you hear a friend mention their “ex,” they are referring to their ex. But if you put it with another noun, such as “ex boss,” it means your ex-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.”
Example 1:
Who was that guy you were talking to before?
Oh Cam? He's my ex! Oh Cam? He's my ex!
And you're still friends?
Kind of , we only broke up because he moved to LA.
Example 2:
My ex always sends me messages on Facebook. I wish she'd stop, it's really annoying !
Tell her, or just delete as your friend !
Geek (noun)
Depending on how you use it, this word can be either a good or a bad thing! If you call someone a “greek,” you’re saying they’re a nerd in a negative sense, meaning they study too much or spend too much time on the computer and not much time socializing. But if you call your friend a “greek,” it can be a more playful way.
Example 1:
What do you think of the new girl Amanda ?
Not much, she seems like a geek. She spends all her time in the library!
Maybe because she feels lonely . She's new! (Mean and negative meaning). Maybe because she feels lonely. She's new! (Mean and negative meaning).
Example 2:
Let's go Ted's house party tonight! Everyone's going to be there !
I wish I could, but I have to study for my finals !
Ah, man, you're such a geek! Ah, man, you're such a geek!
I know. But if I don't pass Coach Jones is going to kick me off the team! (Fun and more playful meaning) .
Hooked [on Something] (Adjective)
If you are “hooked on something” or “just hooked” on something, it means you are addicted to something and you can’t get enough of it. You could be addicted to chocolate, basketball, a new TV show, or something more dangerous like smoking.
Example 1:
What did you think about the new sitcom with James Franco?
Loved it. I'm hooked already! Loved it. I'm crazy about it!
Example 2:
I miss George! I miss George
George's your ex. You're hooked on him and it's not healthy. It's time to move on!
Looker (Noun)
If someone tells you that you are a “Looker”, you should definitely feel flattered. They are giving you great compliments and saying that they think you are beautiful or handsome. They may never say it to you directly but you may hear it from others.
Example 1:
That Marni girl is a real looker don't you think ?
She's a nice girl but not my type! She's okay, but not my type!
Example 2:
Have you seen the new history professor yet?
No, but I hear he 's a real looker!
You hear right. He is! You heard right!
In (Adjective)
You probably already know the meaning of “in” as a preposition. It’s one of the first things you probably learned in your English class, for example: The boy is in the house, my pencil is in the pencil case . But it can also be used to mean something completely different, it means what’s fashionable or trendy at the moment. What’s in now might not be in a month. Why? Because trends change.
Example 1:
Jordan, why do you keep listening to that music? It's awful! Jordan, why do you keep listening to that music? It's so boring!
Mom, you don't know anything. It's totally in right now! Mom, you don't know anything. It's totally in right now!
Example 2:
So, what's in at the moment? What's hot now?
Seriously Dad? Are you serious?
Yeah, come on I wanna know what's cool and what's not! Yeah, come on, I wanna know what's cool and what's not!
Sick (Adjective)
If your best friend says “the party was sick”, it means he thought it was cool and fun. In this case, it means the same thing as “awesome”, however, you’ll probably only hear this expression from young people, and maybe surfers in California!
Example 1:
When are you going to Hawaii?
Next week! Have you been? Next week! Have you been?
Yeah, a few times, it's sick! A few times, it's awesome!
Example 2:
You missed a sick party last night !
Oh, man, I knew I should have gone! Oh, man, I knew I should have gone!
Epic fail (Noun)
The word “epic” means huge and you also know the word “fail”. When you put these two words together, it means a huge failure/disaster. You would use this noun when something doesn’t happen as expected and it is used to exaggerate the idea of a failure or something going wrong.
Example 1:
The school basketball team lost the game by 30 points, can you believe it?
Yeah, epic fail! That's right, a miserable fail!
Example 2:
Did you get your test marks back ?
Yeah, it was an epic fail and I have to redo the classes again next semester!
Oh too bad, I'm sorry! Oh too bad, I'm sorry! (for asking)
Ripped (Adjective)
In normal English, “ripped” means “torn”. You might “rip” a pair of jeans or a piece of paper, but in slang it doesn’t mean that. If someone is described as “ripped” (usually a man, but not always), it means they have muscles and a great body, probably because they have worked hard at the gym or participated in sports.
Example 1:
Dude, you're so ripped! What's your secret?” Dude, you're so ripped! What's your secret?
Gym two hours a day! Gym two hours a day!
Example 2:
Have you seen Martin lately?
No, why? No, what's up?
He's done something to himself! He's totally ripped!
What? No way! He used to be so overweight! What? No way! He used to be so fat!
Dunno
Simply put, “dunno” means “I don't know”. It is a quicker and lazier way of saying it and is very popular among young people. However, be careful who you use it with, if you say it to someone in a higher position than you, it can be considered rude. So to be safe, only use it with people your age or younger.
Example 1:
Where's Jane? She's supposed to be here by now .
Dunno, she's always late! Dunno, she's always late!
Example 2:
What are you doing for Spring Break ?
Dunno, I was thinking Mexico again. You? I don't know, I was thinking Mexico again. You?
Dunno yet! Don't know yet!
Loser (Noun)
In a game, we always have winners and losers, but if you hear your friend calling someone a “loser”, it does not mean that person lost a game or a competition but it means that your friend does not like him because of his personality or behavior.
Example 1:
Ray is such a loser for breaking up with Rebecca.
Yeah, I know, he's never going to find a girl as good as her!
Example 2:
Victor's turning into a real loser these days .
Why? Why?
I dunno but he's turned really arrogant since he's gone to college !
Rip-off (Noun) / To Rip Off (Verb)
If you saw a simple t-shirt for $80, you would be shocked, right? That t-shirt is a “rip-off,” meaning it’s way too expensive for what it is. And if someone “rips you off,” they are overcharging you. For example, tourists often get “ripped off” by locals because they don’t know what the local prices are like.
Example 1:
I 'm not going to the J-Lo concert anymore.
Why not? Why not?
The tickets are way too expensive. They're $250 each. The tickets are way too expensive. $250 each.
Oooh, that's such a rip-off! Who can afford that these days? Oooh, that's such a rip-off! Who can afford that these days?
Example 2:
How much did you buy your wheels for bro ?
$2000! 2000 dollars!
Dude, you were so ripped off. This car 's worth only half of that!
These are the most common British-American slang phrases that you might hear from your native English-speaking friends, but be careful when using them. Slang is mainly used with friends, relatives (family),... and it would be embarrassing if you failed a job interview because you used slang in the interview, it would be an “epic fail”!