Slang Words to Sound Like a Native English Speaker

Have you ever heard someone say a party was "lit" or that something was "legit"? Learning and understanding how words are used in a language is a process that can take several years to master, but it's achievable. It's a new skill you can learn to use with your friends, family, or coworkers. However, the combination of vocabulary, grammar, and practice is what makes you progress. That is basically the backbone of the language.

In a previous post, we talked about idioms and phrasal verbs to make your English sound more figurative and less stiff. Expressions such as "when pigs fly" or "once bitten, twice shy" are commonly used by native English speakers. For today's post, we will go beyond idioms and learn another category of language: slang.

Definition of Slang

Slang consists of words used by native speakers in their conversations, and they are considered informal. Slang words are mostly heard by people who know each other well or belong to the same social group. This is why you might not hear slang in a classroom or in formal settings. In addition, you must know the definition of the term you are using so somebody else doesn't get offended. But the good part is that some slang isn’t aimed to offend people. 

There's one important aspect to point out: slang changes over time. Within a couple of years, some expressions or words might not be as frequently used as they once were. Each generation will use specific terms and a few of those words or phrases will pass the test of time. It wouldn't be a surprise to see a list of new slang terms at the end of each year.

When Do You Use Slang?

This question is frequently asked by English learners who wish to communicate like a native speaker. Slang words are commonly used in speech. English speakers use them all the time. There are times when you're going to see or hear slang words in texts, movies, or TV shows. This is because sometimes informal language is used to communicate ideas or make things more entertaining. 

Using slang in your conversations will undoubtedly make you sound like a native speaker, and you'll also understand what people say, especially younger folks. With the Internet, slang has become stronger and more known by other people. Although slang helps you sound more fluent in a language, know that some people may not understand what you are saying because they are not familiar with all terms. It’s best to use slang with your friends or people who will know what you are talking about.      

Examples of Common Slangs in American English

Depending on the situation, you're going to come across slang words or abbreviations. Let's begin with the ones that are commonly heard in conversations:

- Lit: This is a term for something that is really good, awesome, or amazing. "Man, that concert was lit!"

- Dude: This word is used to refer to a guy. "Dude, your performance was epic."

- What's up?: This may be a phrase you have heard before. It's used as a greeting to ask how the other person is doing. "Hey. What's up? I haven’t heard from you."

- Freak out: This phrase is used when someone is surprised, upset, or angry. "My dad will freak out when he sees the dent in the car door."

- Chill out: It's used to ask someone to relax when they seem worried or anxious. "Chill out! You're going to pass your English test!"

- Lousy: A term used to refer to something that is bad or of poor quality. "The customer service support in that store is lousy. I gave them a bad review." 

- Ace: Commonly heard when people talk about their performance on something. It means to succeed. "I aced today's exam! Staying up all night to study was worth it!"

Now, let's take a look at some abbreviations native English speakers regularly use when sending text messages:

- LMK: let me know

Abby: I might not be able to come to your house tonight. 

Jake: Alright, LMK.

- NVM: nevermind

Ria: Can you buy some food from the store? I'm starving!

Pete: Sorry. I’m not going to the grocery store today.

Ria: Ok, NVM.

- FYI: for your information. 

Kyle: FYI, we already got the materials for our presentation since you left the ones we bought at the house.

Examples of Common British English Slang

Do you plan to visit a country where British English is spoken? Well, learning some British slang can help.

- Lad: It's used to refer to a young man. "Your brother is a handsome lad."

- Leg it: This means to run away, especially from trouble. "Let's leg it before someone realizes we broke the window!"

- Dodgy: It's used to refer to something or someone that is unreliable. "Let's cross the street. The lad over there looks dodgy."

- Bloody: We couldn't continue with this list without using this British slang which can mean "very."

 "That is bloody marvelous news!"

- Mate: You might have heard or seen this word used in the sense of a partner, but it has another meaning. As slang, it's used to call someone a friend. It can also be used sarcastically to refer to someone who's being annoying. “We were just fine before you showed up, mate. Leave us alone!" 

- Knackered: A word that means that someone is tired. "I'm absolutely knackered! I can't go with you today."

- Cuppa: This is a word that means a cup of tea. "Fancy a cuppa?"  

- Choffed: This slang term is used to express how proud or pleased a person is. "Thanks for this award. I'm so chuffed!"

Takeaway

Slang can sometimes be a bump in the road for many speakers. However, the correct explanation of each will help you reach a native-like level in a language quickly. Native speakers use slang words every day, so it'd be almost impossible to disregard the terms or not learn them. Whether you learn American or British slang, both are useful as you might bump into speakers of either type of English.