What is Slang Language? | Standard English vs Slang & Popular Slang Words
The term "Standard English" refers to a definite level of excellence — a specific degree of quality in the language. On the other hand, slang is a type of very informal, often unconventional language that exists outside the boundaries of standard English. Let's explore what slang really is and learn some commonly used slang words and phrases.
What Exactly is Slang?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, slang is defined as "words and phrases in common colloquial use" that are generally considered, in some or all of their senses, to be outside the range of standard English. In fact, slang can be described as a sort of vagabond language — always roaming on the outskirts of legitimate speech.
- Slang is often personal in origin; personality and environment play a big role in its creation.
- It arises from sudden excitement or peculiar situations that prompt the use of odd expressions.
- The meaning of a slang word is usually very different from its literal meaning — only those familiar with the context can understand it.
- Slang is informal and mostly used in speech by particular groups of people.
Example of Slang in Action
Consider the substitution of nut for head. If you are not familiar with this slang, you wouldn't know that "nut" can mean "head". Similarly, if Tom is a very fat boy, John might call him a "round pig" — a slang expression that is actually abusive. (Remember, never use such language to hurt anyone.)
Modern Slang Words & Phrases
Here is a list of common modern slang expressions along with their meanings. (Some of these are more popular in American English, but many are used worldwide.)
| Slang | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guy | Man, boy, or person |
| Dude | A man or person |
| Tie the knot | To get married |
| What's up? | What are you doing? / How are you? |
| My bad | My mistake |
| Hot | Attractive |
| Ex | Former relationship (e.g., She is John's ex-girlfriend) |
| Couch potato | A lazy person |
| Chicken | Coward |
| Chick | A girl or young woman |
| Got fired | Lost job |
| Idiot box | The television |
| Airhead | A foolish or stupid person |
| Gig | Job or work |
| Croak | To die |
| Cheesy | Cheap, outdated |
| Peanuts | Very little money |
| Zero | An unimportant person (e.g., Tom is a zero in his family) |
| Raw | New and inexperienced |
| Pro | Professional |
| Pad | A place to live, someone's home |
| Jam | Trouble |
| In | Fashionable |
| Hooker | Prostitute |
| Cool | Good, excellent, superb |
| Get it | Understand |
| Guts | Courage |
| Pop | Hit |
| Salty | Angry or bitter about something |
| Low key | Quietly, secretly; or slightly |
| High key | Openly, obviously |
| Fox | Very attractive person |
| To the max | Maximum |
| Screw up | To make a mistake |
| Cooler | Jail |
| Cool down | Calm down |
| Quick buck | Easy money |
| Foxy | Sexy |
| Go | Try |
| Loser | Annoying and useless person |
| Mega | Large |
| Mickey Mouse | Something that doesn't make sense |
Popular American Slang Words & Phrases
Here are some additional slang expressions that are especially common in American English:
| A blast | A very fun event or an enjoyable experience |
| Hang out | To spend time with others |
| Ace | To pass an exam or test easily |
| Grand | Thousand dollars |
| Couch potato | A lazy person (same as above, widely used in the US) |
| Crash | To fall asleep abruptly or to stay somewhere for the night |
| Down-to-earth | Normal, simple, and friendly |
| A buck | A dollar |
| Wheels | A car (e.g., "I don't have wheels") |
| A blast | A very exciting and enjoyable experience |
📌 Points to Note
English is a language just like your mother tongue. The key is simple:
- Listen and Speak, Read and Write, Learn and Practice — that's it. Always remember, practice makes us fit to achieve what we really want.
Don't Believe in Quantity, Believe in Quality. | Being unique is better than being perfect. | Don't Just Do It Well — Do It Brilliantly!
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