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The Most Important Slang Expressions To Know Plus Simple Tips For How to Learn them.

 

Slang is one of the most enjoyable parts of English, yet learning it isn’t always fun. This is largely because it changes often.

But, of course, that’s what makes slang cool – knowing it and using it properly shows that you are in the know. You’re modern; you’re with it. Unfortunately, by the time you learn a new word, it might not be cool anymore!

The best way to keep up with slang is to be immersed in the English language – ideally, you live in the U.S., the U.K., Australia, or another English-speaking country.

Regardless of where you live, however, you can keep up with new expressions by following pop culture closely and taking time each day or week to study it.

Fortunately, learning slang doesn’t have to be boring. Here are four ways to get started!

             The 100 Most Important Slang Words for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

How to Have Fun Learning Slang

1. Listen to Different types of Music

Music is a fantastic way to learn English slang. Pop, rock, Hip-Hop and even country are all great sources. You can find playlists on Spotify and YouTube. If you listen to songs on YouTube, you may also be able to find videos with the lyrics written in English so you can follow along.

An even better way to learn casual expressions with music is to find the lyrics online (just search for the song title with the word lyrics) and look up any words you don’t know in a dictionary. 

2. Seach For Lists Online

There are dozens of lists of English slang online. While reading and memorizing lists is not the most thrilling way of learning a language, you can try to make it a little more interesting by doing things like focusing on one letter a day; for example, Tuesday is b words day.

You could also make flashcards; on one side write the new word and on the other write its definition and one or two examples or synonyms.

Even better, you can simultaneously learn and annoy your friends and family by using English slang with them.

  1. The 60 Most Important Phrasal Verbs for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

3. Use Social Media

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are not only good for sharing photos and connecting with others, but they’re also a slang paradise. Try to follow or become friends with native speakers on social media. Read their status updates and the comments other people leave.

There are also some Instagram accounts specifically for learning slang. If you have Instagram, consider following @slangcards and @californianslang.

4. Watch Television

TV is another great resource for learning slang, and there are some fantastic TV shows out there right now. Check out classic shows like The Simpsons, How I Met Your Mother, Seinfeld, Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and Friends; any sitcom (comedy) or even drama in the last few years will be a good source.

5. Read Books.

Like TV, books, especially fiction are full of common expressions, especially slang, and are easier to learn due to the fact that you read and understand them in their correct context.

Below is a list of some of the most common internationally spoken slang terms. I hope that you find them useful.

  1. The 50 Most Important Idioms for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

Lit

When something is very good, enjoyable, or exciting, you can say it’s “lit”.

Dude, the party last night was lit! Where were you?

Extra

When someone is “extra”, it means they are unnecessarily dramatic, excessive, over the top or a “drama queen”.

She invited the entire school to her birthday. She’s so extra!

Salty

You can say someone is salty when they get upset or angry over something minor.

Nick is so salty since his parents took away his car!

To ghost someone

When you cut off communication with someone you’re no longer interested in.

OMG! Did you hear Cristina ghosted Matt?

To flex

Another way of saying someone is showing off.

Nowadays, teens have started using the slang phrase “weird flex but OK” as a snarky and mocking response to someone bragging about something considered questionable, bizarre or unusual.

– Andrew’s trying to flex with that new no-name smartphone of his.

– Yeah. Like weird flex but OK.

Lowkey & highkey

Lowkey is the opposite of highkey and it can be used as a way of saying that you liked or done something secretly, modestly or quietly.

I lowkey rooted for Danaerys to remain on the iron throne.

Paul is highkey trying to learn Spanish for Elena.

Shook

When someone is shook it means they are shocked or incredibly surprised.

– Did you see?‌ The new season of Lucifer just landed on Netflix!

– OMG‌ I’m shook! I need to watch it ASAP!

Tea

When someone is “spilling the tea”, it means they are gossiping.

What happened at Jessica’s birthday party? Come on, spill the tea!

  1. ADVANCED ENGLISH: The 90 Essential Similies For Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English

To clap back

To respond to another person’s criticism.

Maria is quick to quick to clap back at everyone who says she doesn’t have a nice British accent.

Bye, Felicia

A cold way of dismissing someone.

– You were rude. I’m gonna leave now.

– Bye, Felicia!

Mood

Used to express something that is relatable.

– Ugh! I wish I was in Bora Bora right now.

– Mood!

Hangry

When you are so hungry that you are angry! (probably the most relatable slang word Gen Z taught us).

I’m so hangry right now I could eat five burgers in one sitting!

CLICK THIS LINK FOR 100 OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SLANG WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

  1. ADVANCED ENGLISH: The 100 Metaphoric Expressions Essential For Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.
  3. 200 Essential Words For Achieving a B2 to C2 level of Proficiency in English.

  5. Tips for Learning Vocabulary in Context.
  7. Enhancing Advanced Writing Skills Through the Use of Synonyms
  9. ADVANCED VOCABULARY: Understanding Confusing Pairs.


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